The Real Deal About - Let's Talk About It

When US actress Keke Palmer took to Instagram to share her struggles with polycystic ovarian syndrome or PCOS, it helped bring to the forefront what many women, including Black and Asian women, face on a daily basis.

In a move that has been applauded by many, Keke Palmer showed her followers her bare skin with pimples and acne scars uncovered. After explaining that she had suffered from severe acne most of her life, she finally got confirmation of what she believed the problem to be - PCOS. 

Unfortunately Keke Palmer was not able to find a diagnosis for a long time. Doctor’s just did not understand, or perhaps chose not to understand her condition. Which lead us to question why this is? It took Keke researching her own symptoms and taking her findings to a doctor for her to finally get diagnosed, and quite frankly – it’s just not good enough. So what is PCOS and why is it less diagnosed in Black and Asian women? 

To get a better understanding of PCOS, we spoke to Dermatologist, Dr Mary Sommerlad who explains PCOS as ‘a hormonal condition where the ovaries produce an excessive amount of androgens. “The "polycystic" bit describes the increased number of follicles that surround the immature eggs in the ovary,” she explained. “Polycysts means many cysts however the name is a bit of a misnomer as there are not actual cysts rather than egg follicles.”

PCOS is a lifelong condition which can manifest itself in many ways. These symptoms include thinning hair, skin tags, irregular menstrual cycles or no periods at all, Hirsutism (excessive hair growth on the face, chest or other areas), as well as many other serious  issues such as obesity, high blood pressure and endometrial cancer. 

What Exactly Is PCOS?

According to Dr Sommerlad, PCOS can occur in any woman of any ethnic background. “The condition is poorly understood and thought to be a combination of genetics and lifestyle,” she says. “Sometimes it can run in families. There is a complex interplay between hormones, namely Androgens like DHEA, LH and Insulin. Obesity is important in up to 40% (but not all) women with PCOS and it is thought the fat cells trigger an increase in Insulin which in turn increases the release of androgens from the Ovaries.”

As PCOS does not discriminate, it must be the case that any lack of diagnosis among Black and Asian women stems from a lack of understanding among medical professionals. Often it is the case that assumptions are made about the lifestyles of Black and Asian women by Doctor's which in turn leads to misdiagnosis, and they are often told to treat symptoms through weightless or a change in diet.

Whilst these changes can help, they are not the answer for most and many continue to see these symptoms develop. Not only does this impact a person’s physical health, but it can also have a major impact on the mental health of many black and Asian women. 

So if you recognise any of the symptoms discussed above it’s important to take action. As Dr Sommerlad states, “There is no reason for Doctors not to recognise PCOS in Black and Asian women. This condition can affect anyone of reproductive age. The importance is empowering women to self- advocate. If you or someone you know has symptoms, encourage your GP to investigate for PCOS. This includes blood tests for Androgen levels, scanning the ovaries and taking a history.’”