A woman recently shared her challenging journey to receiving a diagnosis for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) after being dismissed by medical professionals due to her body mass index (BMI). Seven years ago, she approached her general practitioner, concerned about missing her period for six months, and inquired whether it could be PCOS. Despite experiencing classic symptoms including irregular periods, acne, thin hair, and mood changes, her doctor insisted that she “definitely didn’t have it,” claiming that all individuals with PCOS are of higher weight.
PCOS is one of the most prevalent endocrine disorders affecting women of reproductive age, with estimates suggesting it impacts between 6 and 13 percent of this population. Yet, misconceptions surrounding the condition persist, particularly relating to weight.
The woman faced a five-year wait for an accurate diagnosis. During this time, she consulted another doctor, sought referrals, and ultimately arranged for an internal ultrasound. The moment the technician informed her that her ovaries were polycystic evoked a mix of relief and distress. “I cried when the technician rolled the wand around and said, ‘vaginal walls, normal. Cervix, normal,’ then stopped when he got to my ovaries,” she recounted.
Following the diagnosis, she was inundated with referrals to weight loss programs, receiving glossy pamphlets filled with images of fresh produce and a call from a publicly funded health coach who inquired about her diabetes risk and whether she exercised regularly. While healthy eating can alleviate some PCOS symptoms, no one examined her actual dietary habits. At that time, she was underweight, contradicting the prevalent notion that a higher BMI is necessary for a PCOS diagnosis.
Helena Teede, an endocrinologist and professor of women’s health at Monash University, emphasized the need to disconnect weight from the condition. “As a society, we have blamed and stigmatised higher weight without recognising that it is driven by our environment, our food policies and socioeconomic factors,” she explained. “It is not an individual or personal failure if someone does have higher weight and PCOS.”
By the time she was diagnosed in her early 30s, the woman began considering her reproductive options, as PCOS can complicate natural conception. She opted to freeze her eggs. When discussing her diagnosis difficulties with a doctor at the IVF clinic, the physician responded with laughter, referring to her as “skinny PCOS.” This comment left her feeling uncomfortable and exposed, a reminder of the stigma surrounding body image and health.
The journey to understanding PCOS highlights significant gaps in medical knowledge and awareness. The stigma attached to weight can hinder timely diagnoses, leaving many women struggling for years without appropriate care. Moving forward, increasing awareness around the realities of PCOS and its symptoms, regardless of body size, is crucial for improving the lives of those affected.
The woman’s experience serves as a poignant reminder of the need for sensitivity and understanding in medical practices, particularly regarding conditions like PCOS that are often misunderstood or misrepresented.
