Balancing the Effects of this Hormonal Imbalance
May 14, 2021
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome or PCOS is an endocrine and reproductive disorder in which the ovaries produce abnormal amounts of androgens that are crucial to growth and reproduction in both men and women. Ang mga kababaihan na may ganitong kondisyon ay karaniwang nakararanas ng prolonged menstrual period habang ang iba naman ay may infrequent or even no menstrual period for months. Irregular menstruation affects ovulation and the women experiencing this may go through difficulties in conceiving a baby. Normally, women release an egg every month, ilang araw matapos ang kanyang buwanang menstrual period. With PCOS, nahihirapan ang eggs na magdevelop properly, causing the ovaries not to release eggs regularly.
In the Philippines, around 4.5 million Filipinas have PCOS. Although there is no cure for this yet, the symptoms can be managed. Some medications that OB-GYNEs prescribe to PCOS patients to regulate menstruation are contraceptive pills, Metformin for improving insulin resistance, Clomiphene for ovulation induction, and Eflornithine to inhibit hair growth. It is always best to consult a doctor upon noticing excess body hair on the face, chest, stomach and back, thinning of hair or baldness, weight gain in the abdomen area, irregular or light periods and acne or oily skin. Self-medication is highly discouraged.
“My sister has PCOS. Akala namin normal lang yung pag-gain niya ng weight since lahat kami sa family medyo malulusog. Pero nung sinabi niya sa amin na minsan 4 months siyang hindi nagkaka-period and na-notice din namin yung acne na hindi nawawala kahit anong facial treatment ang irecommend namin, dun na kami nagduda. So, nung nagpa-check up nga siya sa OB-GYNE, naconfirm na may PCOS siya. She was prescribed to take contraceptive pills para maregulate yung period niya.” - Minnie, 43.
“I was diagnosed with PCOS in 2009. That time, kaka-propose pa lang sakin ng boyfriend ko [who is now my husband]. Takot na takot ako kasi sabi friends and family ko hindi raw ako magkakaanak. Nakiusap talaga ako sa OB ko na gawin niya lahat para ma-preggy ako, kahit isang anak lang okay na kami. Few months after I got married, nabuntis ako agad. Ngayon, may 3 kids na kami. Kaya, yung iba na may PCOS din tulad ko, huwag kayong matakot. Magpa-consult and get advice from your doctor.” - Mina, 39.
Because of infertility issues in people with PCOS, karamihan sa kanila ay nagkakaroon ng anxiety, depression at pagkawala ng interes sa sex. Others feel insecure about their weight and skin conditions habang ang iba naman ay nagkakaroon ng mood swings at emotional instability. Hindi biro ang pagkakaroon ng ganitong kondisyon. Some women are not able to cope well with its effects that they even seek professional help.
As COVID-19 cases continue to surge and new variants are being discovered, it was revealed that women with PCOS are at 30% risk of contracting the virus. A recent study conducted by the University of Birmingham in England tells that ‘women with PCOS have an increased risk of cardiometabolic disease, such as type 2 diabetes, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and high blood pressure, all of which have been identified as risk factors for COVID-19.’
Each woman’s experience of PCOS is unique and will vary across the course of her life. It is important that treatment be implemented to target specific needs at any particular time. Hindi naman lahat ng babaeng may PCOS ay nagkakaroon ng acne o nadadagdagan ang timbang. Ngunit mahalaga pa rin na lagi itong mabantayan upang hindi lumala or magkaroon ng long-term complications gaya ng diabetes o ovarian cancer.
PCOS can happen at any age after puberty that’s why it’s essential to always be ready and equipped with proper health protection that will help lessen financial worries against the high cost of hospitalization. A good healthcare insurance plan can also save from out-of-pocket medical expenses in case one is diagnosed with PCOS or any other illnesses.
Paramount Direct’s Hospital Income Benefit Plan, intended for 20 to 64 years old, covers hospital confinements due to any illnesses or injuries. What makes this product unique is that it covers pre-existing conditions after two years of continuous coverage.
Huwag hintaying magkasakit bago pahalagahan ang sarili at kalusugan. Future-proof yourself for as low as P69* per month for individual coverage. Visit www.paramountdirect.com now and apply online.
*Based on insurance age of 20 and Plan 500, individual coverage.
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