Across Nigeria, women with PCOS are speaking up about the little things that make them feel seen, heard, and less alone.

September is PCOS Awareness Month and awareness is powerful. It leads to earlier diagnosis, better care, and prevents long-term complications like diabetes, infertility, and heart disease in women with PCOS. 

Tears welled up in her eyes. Not tears of fear or frustration this time, but tears of disbelief , joy and relief. After all the pills, the injections, the failed cycles, the unsolicited advice, the awkward family gatherings filled with side glances and questions, this was her moment. “I’m pregnant,” she whispered to herself, still not fully believing it.

Like many Nigerian women living with PCOS, getting diagnosed was just the beginning. The real struggle began with decoding what it all meant and knowing what next to do after PCOS diagnosis.

If you’ve just left the doctor’s office with more questions than answers, you’re not alone. Whether you’re feeling confused, relieved, or even scared, every emotion is valid. The good news?  You can absolutely thrive with PCOS and the steps you take next can help you move from uncertainty to empowerment.

When Lara was 23, she thought her irregular periods and stubborn acne were just from stress, especially Lagos stress. But when she started spotting for weeks non-stop, noticing unusual hair growth on her chin and couldn’t lose weight no matter what diet or gym plan she tried, she sensed something was wrong.