As a woman or someone living with women, what do you know about Poly-cystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)?

Well, this condition is a hormonal disorder which affects 1 in 10 women of childbearing age and causes hormonal imbalance and metabolism problems, affecting their overall health and appearance. September is usually PCOS awareness month.

Those women who have opened up on having PCOS, like Kenyan artiste Wendy Kimani, say that it is NOT an easy journey.

So, what are some of the red flags to look out for in order to determine this condition?

First of all, when monthly periods start getting irregular, meaning that there are months that can pass without one seeing their menses, it really shouldn’t be a celebration to one not having to deal with mood swings and menstrual cramps.

Secondly, when a woman suddenly starts to add weight, it really should be a red flag too.

Thirdly, mental health! In their early 20s, women go through a lot of hard firsts. The first breakup, university stress and decision fatigue, like what they want to do in life…A lot. But when this dark fog starts to slowly cover them, whereby all of a sudden, they are sadder than they are happy…and then the sadness comes over them and it destroys them, it’s another red flag.

Fourth, hair on women’s chin; The itty bitty hairs. This can be the most embarrassing of them all. Some women have the 1 or 2 or 5 hairs but when they start multiplying, this shouldn’t be ignored. This is the time when a woman should see a doctor because she might be insulin resistant.

After being put on medication and contraceptives to regulate her periods, Wendy explains that she saw a positive change and was more than excited.  When her drugs ran out, however, she says her condition reoccurred and she made the decision to regulate her PCOS through her diet.