Rochelle Lewis, a woman living with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), is on a mission to change the name of the condition. PCOS affects over 170 million women worldwide, making it one of the most common endocrine disorders among women of childbearing age. Despite its prevalence, many women with PCOS struggle with low self-esteem and body image issues due to the condition's stigma.
Lewis, who has been living with PCOS for over a decade, believes that renaming the condition could help reduce its stigma and encourage more women to speak out about their experiences. 'If we can change the name, we can change the narrative,' she says. 'I want to make PCOS a condition that people talk about openly, without fear of judgment.'
According to the charity PCOS Awareness Association, women with PCOS are at a higher risk of developing conditions such as insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. They also face challenges with fertility and pregnancy. By changing the name of the condition, Lewis hopes to raise awareness and encourage more women to seek medical help and support.
The campaign to rename PCOS is gaining momentum, with many women sharing their stories and experiences on social media using the hashtag #RenamePCOS. Lewis is working with healthcare professionals, charities, and patient groups to raise awareness about the condition and its impact on women's lives.