Unveiling the Silent Struggle: Three Lesser-Known Conditions Impacting Women's Health

In the vast landscape of women's health, there exists a realm often masked from the spotlight, where silent struggles persist unchecked. Despite strides toward gender equality and medical advancements, certain conditions affecting women remain clouded in misconception and oversight. From Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) to Menopause, these conditions silently affect countless lives, often ignored and misunderstood. Lack of research and awareness perpetuates the cycle of ignorance and suffering.

As we navigate the complexities of modern life, the solution lies not in the hallowed halls of academia or the corridors of pharmaceutical giants but in the collective voice of awareness.

Let’s dive into three such conditions that challenge women every day: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), and Menopause(a natural process)

1. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder affecting individuals with ovaries, primarily those of reproductive age. The condition affects an estimated 8–13% of women of reproductive age, and up to 70% of cases are undiagnosed.

Polycystic ovary syndrome is diagnosed by the presence of at least two out of the following:

Irregular Menstrual Cycles: Individuals with PCOS often experience infrequent, irregular, or prolonged menstrual periods. This irregularity can be due to the lack of ovulation, which prevents the shedding of the uterine lining.
Excess Androgen Levels: Elevated levels of androgens (male hormones such as testosterone) can lead to physical signs such as hirsutism (excessive hair growth on the face and body), acne, and male-pattern baldness.
Polycystic Ovaries: Many individuals with PCOS have enlarged ovaries containing multiple small fluid-filled sacs or follicles. These follicles may be unable to regularly release eggs, thus leading to anovulation.

Some women start seeing symptoms around the time of their first period. Others only discover they have PCOS after they’ve gained a lot of weight or they’ve had trouble getting pregnant.

The most common PCOS symptoms are:

Irregular Periods
Heavy bleeding
Hair thinning
Pelvic Pain
Acne
Weight gain(especially in the belly)
Darkened skin (under your breasts or arms, or on your neck)
Ovarian cysts(These sacs are actually follicles, each one containing an immature egg.)
Mood changes(mood swings and feelings of anxiety or depression)

While there is no cure for PCOS, treatment focuses on managing symptoms and reducing the risk of complications. Most common management advice is:

Dietary Changes : Focus on a balanced diet rich in whole grains, lean proteins, healthy fats, fruits, and vegetables. Choose foods that have a low glycemic index to help manage blood sugar levels since insulin resistance is common in PCOS, increasing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Regular Exercise: Engage in regular physical activity. This can help decrease insulin resistance and thus decrease androgen levels.

Weight management: Not all people who have PCOS are overweight, but many are and losing weight can help to get hormone levels back to normal. A combination of diet and exercise can help with this.

Reducing Stress and Getting proper rest : These two factors are important to manage PCOS because they can disrupt hormone levels and worsen symptoms. One can use stress management techniques to help in reducing stress.

Medication : Certain medications can help to improve symptoms but you should consult a doctor to understand what's best for you

Regular check-ups and monitoring is important for effective management of PCOS.

2. Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is a severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) that involves significant emotional and physical symptoms that disrupt daily life. While PMS symptoms are common and usually mild, PMDD symptoms are more intense and debilitating.

To diagnose PMDD, your doctor will look for five or more PMDD symptoms, including one mood-related symptom. Your doctor will rule out or diagnose other conditions such as anxiety, depression or reproductive disorders.

Symptoms include:

Emotional and Behavioral Symptoms:

Severe mood swings
Irritability or anger
Depressed mood or feelings of hopelessness
Anxiety or tension
Extreme sensitivity to rejection or criticism
Difficulty concentrating
Changes in sleep patterns (insomnia or excessive sleepiness)
Changes in appetite (overeating or specific food cravings)
Decreased interest in usual activities

Physical Symptoms:

Breast tenderness or swelling
Headaches
Joint or muscle pain
Bloating
Weight gain
Fatigue
Gastrointestinal symptoms (such as nausea or diarrhea)

PMS and PMDD are different in several ways like :

Feelings of depression and anxiety could be much more severe in PMDD. One might even have suicidal thoughts.
PMS symptoms could be uncomfortable but usually do not interfere with daily activities. PMDD Symptoms significantly impair daily activities, work, and relationships.
PMS can often be managed with lifestyle changes and over-the-counter medications. PMDD requires a combination of lifestyle changes, prescription medications, and possibly therapy.

Treatment and Management of PMDD:

Treatment depends on how mild or severe the condition is.
Lifestyle changes like regular exercise, balanced det, sleep routine and stress management help to improve symptoms
Medications like antidepressants and hormonal treatments help but one should approach a doctor to guide them through treatment and before starting any medication
Regular checkups and consultations are important for treatment and management

3. Menopause

Menopause is a natural biological process that marks the end of a woman's reproductive years. It typically occurs in women between the ages of 45 and 55, although it can happen earlier or later. Menopause is diagnosed after 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period.

Stages of Menopause:

1. Perimenopause - This transitional period can start several years before menopause. During this time, the ovaries gradually produce less estrogen. In the last 1 to 2 years of this stage, estrogen levels fall faster. Symptoms can begin to appear, and menstrual cycles become irregular.

2. Menopause - This stage is marked by the cessation of menstruation for 12 months. The ovaries stop releasing eggs, and the production of estrogen and progesterone decreases significantly.

3. Postmenopause - This stage follows menopause and continues for the rest of a woman's life. Symptoms like hot flashes may ease for many women, but health risks related to low estrogen, such as osteoporosis, can increase.

Symptoms of Menopause include:

Hot flashes: Sudden feelings of warmth, often accompanied by sweating.
Night sweats : Hot flashes that occur during sleep, leading to excessive sweating.
Irregular periods
Insomnia
Mood changes (mood swings, irritability, anxiety, depression)
Vaginal dryness
Breast tenderness
Worsening of PMS
Weight gain
Thinning hair

Management of Menopause:

Lifestyle changes like a balanced diet, regular exercise, weight management, meditation and proper rest can help manage menopause
Certain hormonal and non-hormonal treatments are available that one can be guided through with the help of a doctor and a proper treatment plan can be framed for the individual and varies from person to person.

All of these conditions affect an individuals mental and physical health. It is important to create an environment where individuals undergoing through such conditions feel comfortable and understood. It is essential to be patient and sympathetic. Many a times, people going through these conditions can have a poor body image of themselves, low self-esteem and avoid social interactions. We should help them to feel confident and acknowledge their feelings. We should promote self-compassion and support them.

By illuminating these lesser-known conditions, we empower women to reclaim agency over their health and well-being. It is through education, advocacy, and unwavering solidarity that we can dismantle the barriers to progress and forge a path toward a future where every woman's voice is heard and her health valued.

Sources:

Image credits: