For years, Anna Haotanto, founder of femtech start-up Zora Health, experienced irregular periods and weight gain. At the time, she assumed these were common issues for women. However, after undergoing egg freezing at 34, her periods stopped for six months, which she found unusual. She gained 8kg in four months and faced issues like hormonal acne, fatigue, and brain fog.
Despite brushing these off as stress-related, Haotanto, now 40, realized something was wrong. Her diagnosis in 2019 revealed she had polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a common hormonal disorder affecting women of reproductive age.
“Mentally, it was exhausting. PCOS made me feel out of control and question my goals for the future. Could I have a family when I was ready? Would my body cooperate?” Haotanto says.
PCOS affects about 15% of women globally, making it one of the most common endocrine disorders in women of reproductive age, according to Professor Yong Eu Leong from the National University Hospital (NUH).
In the US and Europe, between 6% and 20% of women are affected by PCOS, depending on diagnosis criteria, says Dr. Veronique Viardot-Foucault, senior consultant at KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH).
Celebrities like Victoria Beckham, Emma Thompson, Daisy Ridley, and Bebe Rexha have publicly shared their experiences with PCOS, helping raise awareness. In Singapore, influencers such as Mongchin Yeoh, Sahur Saleim, and Preeti Nair have also opened up about their diagnoses.
PCOS symptoms vary but typically involve hormonal imbalances and metabolic dysfunction. These can include irregular periods, excessive hair growth, acne, weight gain, and difficulty conceiving. However, the root cause of PCOS remains unknown, and there is currently no cure.
Subtypes and Symptoms
Recent research has identified two main subtypes of PCOS. The reproductive subtype, most common among Chinese women in Singapore, leads to irregular periods without excessive weight gain or high male hormone levels. Many women with this subtype have a high egg reserve and can conceive with fertility treatments.
The metabolic subtype is more common in women of Indian or Caucasian descent. These women often experience weight gain, higher male hormone levels, and insulin resistance, increasing their risk of diabetes and other health issues. They may struggle with fertility and face higher pregnancy complications.
At KKH’s PCOS clinic, an increasing number of teenage patients have been diagnosed with irregular periods. However, they are too young for a standard transvaginal ultrasound. If there are no other symptoms, doctors typically monitor them until they reach reproductive maturity. A 2023 study by Professor Yong suggested simplifying the diagnostic criteria to allow earlier treatment without waiting for invasive testing.
Lifestyle and Treatment
Lifestyle changes, including a healthy diet and regular exercise, should be prioritized for managing PCOS. Dr. Viardot-Foucault explains that losing 5-10% of body weight can restore ovulation, regulate menstrual cycles, improve fertility, and reduce long-term risks like diabetes.
Medical treatments include birth control pills to regulate cycles, anti-androgenic medications to reduce hair growth, and fertility treatments for those seeking pregnancy.
Women’s Empowerment in Managing PCOS
While medical science has advanced, women with PCOS often find they must advocate for their own health. Maya Kale, 30, was diagnosed with PCOS at age 15. Despite being prescribed birth control to regulate her periods, she later realized the medication only masked the symptoms, rather than addressing the root cause.
Frustrated with the side effects, Kale explored natural remedies and lifestyle changes that helped her manage her PCOS. Her journey led to the creation of Moom Health, a supplement brand focused on women’s health. Her symptoms improved, and she now emphasizes the importance of taking charge of one’s health.
Valery Tan, 28, was diagnosed with PCOS after years of unexplained weight fluctuations and sugar cravings. She struggled to find a doctor who understood her condition but now manages her symptoms through exercise and self-care. She encourages others to recognize that PCOS symptoms are not moral failings but signs of a hormonal imbalance.
Taking Control
For women like Haotanto, Kale, and Tan, the key to managing PCOS lies in understanding their bodies, making lifestyle changes, and advocating for better healthcare. As Haotanto says, “PCOS doesn’t define your worth, femininity, or future. Learn about your body, track your symptoms, and don’t stop asking questions until you feel seen.”
This is part of a series focusing on women’s health.
Stephanie Yeo is a senior correspondent at The Straits Times’ Life section.
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