Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder that affects many women around the world.
Celebrities are not left out from this disorder and thankfully, they have used their platforms to bravely share their personal struggles with PCOS, shedding light on the physical, emotional, and mental challenges they’ve faced.
These celebrities while creating awareness have offered hope and inspiration to women battling similar challenges.
Here are five Nigerian celebrities who have opened up about their journey with PCOS.
Stephanie Coker
It is safe to say TV presenter and filmmaker Stephanie Coker part of those who have been the most vocal about her battle with PCOS.
In an interview with Chude Jideonwo, Coker revealed how PCOS disrupted her life, explaining that she didn’t menstruate for an entire year, which eventually led her to pursue In Vitro Fertilization (IVF).
She described her condition as life-threatening, recounting a harrowing experience where she ended up in a wheelchair, vomiting blood.
Despite successfully conceiving her first child, Ariella, through IVF, Coker faced another emotional blow when her second IVF attempt failed. The rejection and despair she felt at that time were overwhelming, and she even contemplated stepping in front of a moving car. “I felt like the child didn’t like me. It didn’t stay,” she confessed.
Coker’s vulnerability has made her an advocate for PCOS awareness, and she used her platform to release the documentary Where The Heck is My Period?, which talks about the experiences of Nigerian women living with PCOS.
Her strength and openness have empowered many others facing the same struggles.
Adesua Etomi-Wellington
Nollywood actress, Adesua Etomi-Wellington, along with her husband Banky W, in 2021 shared their deeply personal struggle with infertility at their church, Waterbrook Church in Lagos.
For over two and a half years, the couple faced constant disappointment while trying to conceive.
Adesua in the video that later went viral recounted the pain of seeing her period month after month, while simultaneously enduring cruel online trolling and rumours about her fertility.
After several failed natural attempts, the couple turned to IVF. Their first IVF cycle brought them hope, as Adesua became pregnant with twins, only for the devastating news to come that neither baby had a heartbeat. Despite enduring three failed IVF procedures and being diagnosed with PCOS, Adesua did not give up.
She would later give up on IVF, but then, went on to conceive naturally and gave birth to her son, Hazaiah, in February 2021.
Her tumultuous journey have inspired many women dealing with infertility and PCOS.
Etinosa Idemudia
Actress Etinosa Idemudia has also shared her personal journey with infertility and PCOS. In an emotional Instagram post, she spoke about the years of pain and shame she endured before finally conceiving her daughter.
Despite facing blame from her husband’s family, she discovered that her struggles were linked to PCOS, a condition that made conceiving difficult.
After seven long years of trying to get pregnant, Idemudia finally received her miracle. She described her pregnancy as high-risk and revealed that she had been two months pregnant before she even realized it. Throughout her journey, she relied on faith and eventually learned to relax and trust the process.
Her story serves as a reminder to women to remain hopeful, no matter how challenging the journey may seem.
Juliana Olayode
Popular Nigerian actress Juliana Olayode has also constantly opened up about her struggles with PCOS and other health challenges.
In a YouTube video, Olayode revealed that she bled continuously for four months due to PCOS and was simultaneously battling psoriasis, a chronic skin condition.
Olayode made a bold decision to stop her medications and take control of her health through prayer, faith, and lifestyle changes.
She spoke about how she combined spiritual practices with healthier eating habits to finally overcome her health challenges. “The majority of the health issues we have are because of the things we consume,” she said in the video.
Her inspiring journey tell us that self-care, resilience, and belief in one’s ability to heal even in the face of daunting health issues is absolutely important.
Maraji
Comedian and content creator Maraji opened up about her experience with PCOS in a vlog on YouTube where she discussed her fears surrounding conception.
In her usual candid style, Maraji shared how PCOS complicated her pregnancy journey, including her concerns about miscarriage.
Maraji in the video acknowledged the uncertainty and challenges that PCOS brings allowing fans to connect with her on a deeper level.
With these Nigerian celebrities bravely opening up about their struggles with PCOS, their stories serve as a powerful reminder that no one is alone in this battle, and with the right support and awareness, women living with PCOS can find hope and healing.
