PCOS is a Serious Challenge: Sasha Ottey

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, PCOS, impacts 1 in 10 women of childbearing age and symptoms can include ovulatory issues and infertility. So, PCOS is common and disruptive, but the good news is that with appropriate care PCOS can be managed.

The first obstacle to managing PCOS is understanding the various symptoms and receiving a diagnosis. PCOS can come with a wide array of symptoms:

• Hair loss
• Acne, darkening of the skin, skin tags
• Pelvic pain, irregular periods
• Headaches, feelings of anxiety and depression
• Excess hair growth on the face
• Trouble sleeping
• Weight gain
• Infertility

For more info check out this PCOS infographic.

These symptoms can be caused by other conditions and everyone with PCOS experience the same symptoms, so it can be extremely difficult to get a diagnosis. The best thing for someone who’s exhibiting some of these symptoms is to talk to their doctor. The biggest challenge is, many people don’t ask because they don’t know what PCOS is.

This is why awareness about PCOS is so crucial. September is PCOS Awareness Month, and to help spread awareness we have created a special three-part series featuring PCOS experts, health specialists, and a fertility patient who built her family despite her diagnosis. This episode features Dr. Kimberly Thompson, from IVFMD, who breaks down everything you need to know about PCOS and Sasha Ottey, founder of PCOS Challenge, the National Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Association.

Dr. Thompson will walk us through what PCOS is, what it means for fertility, and how to help women with PCOS build the family of their dreams. Sasha will share her personal experience with PCOS, how she was diagnosed, and how she started the PCOS Challenge. We’ll learn about PCOS Challenge’s mission, gain an understanding of how to contribute to PCOS Challenge, and hear about some exciting upcoming events like the Rise to the Challenge Gala.

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