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Is Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) hurting your career?

27th August 2024

PCOS remains one of the most common endocrine disorders to affect women in the reproductive age group. In addition to this, as per WHO, nearly 70% of people with PCOS are undiagnosed. This means many women are living and working with tiredness and exhaustion without even knowing why. The ripple effects of this condition can touch every part of your life, including your professional journey. 

A study published in early 2024, looked into exactly this and the findings are not fun. They looked at 1000 women who were diagnosed with PCOS and evaluated the impact of PCOS on their work lives. Here is what they found - more than half of the participants missed work due to PCOS, showing how much this condition can really interfere with your jobs. Additionally, 72% of women said PCOS hurt their work quality, and over 50% felt it held back their career growth.

How does PCOS affect productivity at work:

a. Physical Symptoms

PCOS brings a host of physical symptoms that can interfere with your daily work life. You might experience chronic persistent fatigue, depression, anxiety or irregular menstrual cycles, all of which can disrupt your focus and energy levels. These symptoms can often mean you need more frequent breaks or even days off from work, which can impact your productivity and reliability at work​.

b. Mental Health Challenges

Women suffering from PCOS are at a higher risk of having depression, anxiety and perceived stress. In addition to this brain fog is a common symptom, making it harder to concentrate, make decisions, and stay on top of your tasks. These mental health disorders can sap your motivation and efficiency, creating additional hurdles in your career​.

c. Medical Appointments

Managing PCOS might require several visits to your healthcare provider. These appointments can disrupt your work schedule and add stress as you juggle your professional responsibilities and health needs. The ongoing nature of these medical commitments means you’re continually struggling to balance work with essential health needs.

d. Emotional and Social Stress

Visible symptoms like weight gain, acne, and excess hair growth can significantly impact your self-esteem and confidence. The social anxiety and emotional stress from managing these symptoms can affect your professional interactions and hinder your career progression. It’s about more than the physical symptoms; it’s also about how they can make you feel in your skin, at your workplace​.

How to Manage PCOS at Work:

a. Seeking support

Connecting with others who understand what you’re going through can be incredibly empowering. Joining support groups, whether online or in-person, can provide you with practical advice and emotional encouragement. These communities can help you feel less isolated and more equipped to handle your symptoms.

b. Lifestyle Modifications

Simple lifestyle changes can have a big impact on managing PCOS. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and stress management techniques like yoga or meditation can help alleviate your symptoms. These healthy habits can improve your overall well-being, making it easier to stay productive and focused at work​.

c. Open Communication

Don’t be afraid to talk to your employer and friends about your condition. Open communication can lead to better understanding and accommodations, such as flexible work hours or the ability to work from home when needed. Creating an environment where you can manage your health without compromising your job is crucial​

d. Professional Help

Getting the right professional help with a holistic approach can help you manage your symptoms more effectively, improving your productivity and job satisfaction. Regular tracking of your hormones and biomarkers can ensure you’re on the right track and making the most of your treatment options​

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is PCOS?

PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) is a metabolic and hormonal disorder that affects women of reproductive age. It can lead to symptoms like irregular menstrual periods, excess hair growth, acne and infertility.

How does PCOS affect work productivity?

The exact way in which PCOS affects productivity may be different for everyone. Some of the common ways are through symptoms like fatigue, chronic pain, mental health issues, and the need for frequent medical appointments.

Can lifestyle changes help manage PCOS symptoms?

Yes, lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, a balanced diet, and stress management can significantly improve PCOS symptoms and overall well-being.

Are there treatments available for PCOS?

Yes, there are various treatments available, including hormonal therapies, medications, and mental health counselling, which can help manage symptoms effectively.

How Ferteve Can help:

With our Convenient at-home fertility and hormone tests, actionable insights and holistic ecosystem of doctors. Ferteve is designed to help you make informed decisions and take action confidently. .

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