Kenyan Woman With PCOS Bravely Embraces Hairy Chest, Says People See Her As A Witch

• A Kenyan woman is fearlessly breaking barriers by sharing her journey with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and embracing her unique identity as a woman with chest hair
• Despite facing judgments and being labelled as a witch, Ivvah Wanggy stands strong, aiming to raise awareness and empower other women facing similar challenges
• Wanggy is a courageous mother of two who has experienced firsthand the hardships that come with PCOS, a hormonal imbalance condition affecting many women worldwide

In a society where misconceptions and stigmas surrounding medical conditions often persist, Ivvah Wanggy is fearlessly breaking barriers by sharing her journey with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).

Women with hairy chests

Wanggy, a courageous mother of two from Kenya, has embraced her unique identity as a woman with hair on her chest and facial hair.

Despite facing judgments and being labelled as a witch, she stands strong, aiming to raise awareness and empower other women facing similar challenges.

As Wanggy openly shares her experiences with TUKO.co.ke, she hopes to dispel myths and provide support to others dealing with low self-esteem due to societal pressures.

"I really need many people to know about this condition. The society is in darkness, not knowing women grow chest hairs too," Ivvah stated with determination.

What is PCOS?

Her viral video while breastfeeding sparked both empathy and shock, revealing the lack of awareness surrounding PCOS.

According to medical professionals, PCOS can be accompanied by fibroids and infertility due to higher levels of male hormones, particularly testosterone.

While there is no permanent cure, hormonal imbalances can be managed.

"I went through a lot of stigma, but I thank God I am a strong woman now," she added, reflecting on the challenges she faced during her teenage years.

She was told she would never be able to have children due to her hairy condition. Sadly, the misconceptions surrounding hairy women have not ceased.

Ivvah disclosed,

"There are myths that hairy women, when they get married, their husbands may die, some see us as witches, some confuse me with intersex gender."

Kenyan woman determined to overturn myths about PCOS

However, her journey to motherhood has proved that these myths are unfounded.

"Even now, people tell me that when I get married, my husband will die, or I will never have kids. But I don't get hurt because I already have kids and a husband," she said, firmly debunking the unfounded beliefs.

Ex-partners never knew she had hairy chest

Her unwavering faith in herself and her husband's support has been instrumental in her journey of self-acceptance.

Initially, Ivvah concealed her condition, even from her ex-partners, as it was challenging to face the judgment. However, when she met her current husband, she decided to be open about it.

"He has never said any negativity about it, and when I asked him, he said he has no problem with it," Ivvah shared, highlighting the importance of acceptance and understanding in relationships.

Despite the adversity she has faced, Ivvah is determined to spread awareness about PCOS, women's health, and self-love.

Her story has touched the hearts of many, encouraging others to embrace their uniqueness and redefine beauty standards.

As she continues to inspire countless women across Kenya and beyond, Wanggy stands as a beacon of hope and empowerment, proving that a strong spirit can overcome even the harshest of judgments.

Medics perspective on PCOS

Prof Rafique Parkar of Kenya Laparoscopic Surgery Services told TUKO.co.ke, PCOS is a prevalent hormonal disorder among women of reproductive age.

It is characterised by irregular periods and symptoms like scalp hair loss, acne, and increased body hair growth due to high male hormone levels.

Approximately 10% of women may have PCOS, with varying degrees of severity, and it often goes undiagnosed as symptoms can be subtle.

Two-thirds of women with irregular menstrual cycles may have underlying PCOS.

The disorder presents a spectrum of severity, from mild cases with few apparent symptoms to severe forms with irregular cycles and hormonal/metabolic imbalances.

Early detection and awareness are crucial for proper management.

Symptoms of PCOS

PCOS is a complex condition that can manifest differently in women. While some experience symptoms soon after menstruation begins, others may only show signs later in life, often triggered by significant weight gain.

The disorder's symptoms vary and may include irregular or absent menstrual periods, urinary and faecal incontinence, excess body hair, thinning hair or hair loss (alopecia) and acne.

It may also include enlarged ovaries with numerous cysts, infertility, obesity, and sleep apnea with snoring or gasping for breath during sleep.

Early recognition and timely intervention are crucial for managing PCOS and its impact on women's health and well-being.

Having polycystic ovaries does not automatically mean a person has PCOS.

A proper diagnosis of PCOS requires the presence of at least two out of three specific symptoms: irregular or absent periods, high levels of male hormones, and polycystic ovaries (enlarged ovaries containing follicles).

Treatment for PCOS

To confirm the diagnosis, healthcare professionals may conduct various tests, including checking insulin and sugar levels, conducting blood tests to assess hormone levels, and performing a pelvic ultrasound to examine the ovaries for cysts and assess the uterine lining's thickness.

A comprehensive evaluation is essential to accurately diagnose PCOS and provide appropriate management and treatment.

PCOS treatment focuses on managing symptoms and preventing long-term complications.

Treatment varies based on individual symptoms and may involve regulating menstrual cycles through medicine, addressing excess hair growth, and addressing infertility concerns.

Untreated PCOS can lead to serious health issues like diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

KLASS in Kenya offers a comprehensive approach, including lifestyle modifications, hormonal medications, and minimally invasive surgery as a last resort.

Man vows to stick by wife despite complicated health

TUKO.co.ke previously reported when Joseph Omondi married his wife Naomi Musyoki in 1995, he knew what he was signing up for - that he would love her in good times and in bad times till death does them part.

The couple of 25 years were leading a normal happy life until Naomi first visited the hospital in 2001 after a year of excessive bleeding.

Speaking to TUKO.co.ke, Naomi said she was diagnosed with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome which is a hormonal disorder common among women of reproductive age.

Naomi underwent her first Laparoscopic ovarian drilling at Agha Khan Hospital to rectify the condition in 2001, but the bleeding continued, this time even worse.