Pokimane Opens Up About PCOS Diagnosis, Urges Fans to Seek Medical Advice
3 min read
screenshot via YT@justtrishpodcast
Twitch streamer Imane ‘Pokimane’ Anys has opened up about her polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) diagnosis during a podcast episode with YouTuber Trisha Paytas, encouraging viewers to seek medical advice if they experience symptoms associated with the condition.
Pokimane, the most-followed woman on Twitch, shared her PCOS diagnosis on May 28, 2024. PCOS is a hormonal disorder that results from the ovaries producing an excessive amount of androgens, which are male hormones typically present in women in small amounts. This condition can lead to irregular periods, acne, excessive hair growth, and even infertility.
Pokimane reveals she was diagnosed with PCOS (Polycystic ovary syndrome). 😲
— DramaAlert (@DramaAlert) May 29, 2024
"My first entire year, when I was 18-19 I didn't get my period once" pic.twitter.com/EM6xVYXaBv
Anys revealed that she has struggled with irregular periods her entire life. Despite consulting doctors for years, it wasn’t until her mid-twenties, nearly a year ago, that she received a definitive diagnosis. “I’ve had irregular periods my whole life, and I’ve been talking to doctors about it my whole life. It’s crazy to me that it was only until literally my mid-twenties that a doctor actually could say, ‘Oh, it’s because you have PCOS,’” she explained.
She described her symptoms as being “hormonally sensitive” and noted that her periods would stop if she didn’t take meticulous care of her body. Reflecting on her early adulthood, she shared, “My first year of engineering, when I was 18-19, I didn’t get my period once.”
Despite her doctors’ suggestions to use birth control pills to regulate her periods with hormones, Pokimane expressed a desire to manage her condition naturally and understand her body’s workings better. “I wanted to be able to regulate my period naturally and understand what was going on with my body,” she said.
It took Anys a year from her diagnosis to publicly discuss it, admitting she felt ashamed and worried about potential judgment from her audience of over 9 million viewers. However, she emphasized the importance of raising awareness about the condition. “I didn’t wanna talk about my diagnosis for a little while because, I think anytime you’re diagnosed with something, there’s a bit of shame or feeling like, ‘Oh, is something wrong with me?’ or, ‘Are people gonna judge me?’ But at this point, people need to know. So many more people have PCOS than they even know.”
She urged her followers to get checked if they experience irregular periods, stressing the significance of early diagnosis and treatment. “If you have irregular periods at all, please get checked,” she implored.
Pokimane isn’t the first prominent female streamer to speak openly about health issues. In 2023, fellow Twitch star Amouranth revealed her diagnosis of late-stage ovarian failure, which led to her early entry into perimenopause. This condition temporarily halted her participation in a boxing event and required her to undergo daily injections for nearly two weeks. Fortunately, Amouranth has since returned to her regular streaming activities.
Understanding PCOS is crucial as it affects up to 13% of women during their reproductive years, yet around 70% of those affected remain undiagnosed. By sharing her story, Pokimane hopes to shed light on this common yet underdiagnosed condition and encourage others to seek medical help.
Shivam Kumar
Hi, I'm Shivam Kumar. I'm pursuing Journalism honors from the IP University. I love the skill of writing and looking forward to learn more of it. Also I love traveling and experiencing new things every day....
