Dear Letena,
I am a 25-year-old woman reaching out because I am experiencing changes in my body that I can no longer ignore or stay silent about.
For the past year, I have been gaining weight even though my eating habits have not changed significantly. No matter how hard I try, losing the extra weight feels almost impossible. At the same time, my monthly periods have become irregular. Sometimes I skip a month, while other times they come late and are unusually heavy.
I have also noticed an increase in hair growth on my face, chin, and stomach, while the hair on my scalp has started thinning. These changes have been very difficult for me, especially since I grew up in a family surrounded by men. Without a sister or mother figure to confide in, I often feel isolated when it comes to talking about what is happening to my body.
My partner has noticed these changes too. He tries to be supportive, but he is also concerned about my constant fatigue, mood swings, and acne breakouts. These symptoms have affected my confidence, and at times I feel embarrassed in front of him. It is difficult to explain that these issues are not something I can easily control.
After doing some reading, I came across information about Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). Many of my symptoms; weight gain, irregular periods, excess hair growth, acne, and thinning hair seem to match what women with PCOS often experience. However, I have never spoken to a health professional, so I do not know for sure if this is what I am dealing with.
I am writing to Letena Ethiopia because I believe you provide a safe space for young women like me who cannot openly discuss reproductive health within their families. I want to understand what is happening to my body, learn what steps I can take to manage these changes, and protect my future fertility.
Writer: Hermon Israel
English
Amharic