By: Ama Joycelyn Tseyiboe
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), remains one of the most common hormonal conditions affecting women in Ghana, with symptoms often first noticed in their 20s and 30s, according to Dr. Isaac Tettey Secorm an obstetrician-gynecologist at Greater Accra Regional Hospital.
Speaking on GTV’s Breakfast Show on November 26, 2025, Dr. Tettey Secorm explained that many women first seek medical help due to irregular menstrual cycles, sometimes going months or even a year without periods. “When women begin to understand their bodies around 24 years old, they tend to become self-reliant and ask questions, which often brings them to the hospital,” he said.
While PCOS cannot be cured, Dr. Tettey Secorm emphasized that it is manageable. Key strategies include regulating male hormone levels, controlling weight, improving diet, and seeking medical intervention. “Obesity contributes to higher male hormone levels, which can worsen PCOS. Weight loss through lifestyle changes, including diet and exercise, can make a significant difference,” he explained.
Dr. Tettey highlighted common treatments, including contraceptive pills to regulate menstrual cycles and reduce male hormone effects, and metformin, a diabetes medication that helps manage insulin-related hormonal imbalance often seen in PCOS patients.
Lifestyle adjustments were also emphasized as critical. Exercise, such as skipping rope, can reduce excess hormones, regulate ovulation, and even improve fertility, he noted. “I recently had a patient who struggled to conceive for years. Simple weight loss through exercise restored her ovulation, and she became pregnant,” he shared.
While PCOS may be associated with mood swings, Dr. Tettey cautioned that this alone cannot diagnose the condition. Partners can, however, notice certain changes, such as unexplained weight gain or irregular menstruation, as potential warning signs.
In conclusion, he urged women not to panic if diagnosed with PCOS. “It’s very common, about one or two women out of ten may have it. With proper management, most women can achieve their desired family size and live healthy lives. However, it’s a lifelong metabolic condition, so early medical intervention is important to prevent complications such as diabetes and heart disease.”
