By Molly O’Reilly

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can affect a woman’s health in more ways than one.  

As more people are becoming aware of PCOS as a disorder women experience, there is more questions to answer as we discover female health continues to be more complex. 

For instance, there are four categories of PCOS. Healthcare professionals try to avoid diagnosis until a person’s menstrual cycle has become regular or fully formed.  

PCOS is characterised by irregular periods, high testosterone levels and ovarian cysts. The average age of diagnosis is around your late 20s.  

However, there is not a long-lasting solution to help with PCOS.  Different life occurrences can alter the symptoms of the syndrome, such as childbirth, excessive exercise and stress.  

Shirley McQuaid, who works with Dublin Well Woman Centre as a medical director, spoke about PCOS in Ireland and attitudes to female health in Ireland. 

“PCOS involves certain changes to the cycle,” she said.  “If someone has very irregular periods, then it’s worth looking at whether or not that is due to polycystic ovary syndrome.”  

Laoise Cruise, now 23 years old, spoke to The City.ie about her experience of getting diagnosed with PCOS at the age of 15, which is very unusual. 

“It was like I had given birth because I had stitches, and I couldn’t stand up straight,” said Cruise. 

In March 2016, Cruise thought she was getting her period for the first time. In reality, a cyst that was sitting and killing her ovary was causing her to bleed. After experiencing side effects such as extreme bloating, tiredness and intense cramps, Cruise went to her doctor and had to have surgery. 

“It was basically the size of a melon is what I was told – they told me this is so strange for a 15-year-old.”  

However, due to the size of the cyst, one of Cruise’s ovaries also had to be removed.  

“It has affected my life completely – 50% of my chance of fertility gone,” she said. 

Cruise also spoke about the lack of services provided during this time at 15 years old. 

“I had my surgery in a general hospital, but it was under my insurance. Then I had to go privately for nearly a year after to go see the same surgeon that took out my ovary [in their private practice]” 

“I wish it was more accessible; I’m hoping there will be more PCOS specialists in the future, who are more accessible for women who are younger.” 

The process of getting diagnosed can be a stressful experience. 

Katlyn Connolly, who is 22 years old, is currently on the journey of being diagnosed with PCOS.  

“I started looking for help and advice on my female health around 14 months ago and since then I have been referred and sent to person after person,” said Connolly. 

“I feel If I had backed myself up and was confident in my knowledge 14 months ago, I might be on a very different journey now. I am thankful that people are now talking about female health and fertility. It’s lovely to hear other people’s stories and tips and tricks regarding these issues.” 

Female health issues continue to be a complex issue. 

In terms of the long-standing ways of managing PCOS, McQuaid said there unfortunately isn’t one. 

“There are a few things to manage PCOS but there isn’t a pill that they can take long term to deal with PCOS. It’s just as life events happen, we can help along the way with various things.”  

Despite an enduring question over how serious female healthcare is taken within the Irish healthcare system, McQuaid said the introduction of the free conception has been a positive change. 

“In the past a lot of women just were on the pill simply because that what was all available for them or they couldn’t afford to use coils and implants. But now they’ve got a huge choice,” she said.  

Although there has been a positive progression for female healthcare in Ireland there is still a long way to go as many women continue to go undiagnosed.  

“It’s not just four letters it’s your life,” said Cruise.