What is PCOS?

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Hi Healthier Woman, welcome back! Today, I want to start off by sharing a little story about myself. As you all know, my name is Uloma. I was diagnosed with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) in 2021, a few months after I moved to Canada from South Korea.

Growing up, I always hated that time of the month—the cramps, the blood, the unease, and the constant checking to see if I was stained. I just didn’t like it. So when I started noticing that I missed my periods some months, I honestly didn’t care much about it. In fact, I felt relieved because I hadn’t started having sex, had no vaginal itching or signs of infection, so I didn’t think it was a big deal.

Fast forward to when I moved to Korea—the gaps between my periods grew longer. I could go three months without seeing my period, and that’s when I started getting worried. It became worse when, on the months I did get my period, I would bleed for three weeks straight—heavy bleeding!

At this point, I visited several hospitals and women’s clinics, but they had no clear idea of what was going on, or maybe I just didn’t fully understand because of the language barrier.

In 2021, when I moved to Canada, the bleeding continued. My doctor sent me for tests and asked me to wait for the results. Meanwhile, I started feeling lightheaded, and one night, I became so dizzy that I had to rush to the ER. My whole body was soaked in blood, I felt weak, and I was a mess! They prescribed some medication to stop the bleeding and sent me home. A few days later, when my test results came in, my family doctor diagnosed me with PCOS.

But there was no information—no explanation of what PCOS was, how I got it, if there was a cure, how to take care of myself, or what the journey would be like. The only thing they told me was that it wasn’t life-threatening.

So, what is PCOS?





PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) is a common hormonal disorder that affects women of reproductive age. It is characterized by irregular or absent menstrual cycles, excessive androgen levels (which can lead to acne and excess hair growth), and ovarian cysts. Some common symptoms include:

  • Irregular or absent periods

  • Excess facial and body hair (hirsutism)

  • Acne or oily skin

  • Weight gain or difficulty losing weight

  • Thinning hair or hair loss

  • Insulin resistance (which can lead to type 2 diabetes)

  • Difficulty getting pregnant

The exact cause of PCOS is unknown, but factors like genetics, insulin resistance, and inflammation are believed to play a role. Although there is no cure, PCOS can be managed with lifestyle changes, medication, and proper healthcare support.

If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, it’s important to seek medical advice. Educating yourself about PCOS is key to managing it effectively.

For more information on PCOS, check out these resources:

Let’s continue this conversation in the comments—have you been diagnosed with PCOS? What has your experience been like?

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