Karishma Ramdev shares her experience with PCOS
Chatsworth beauty Karishma Ramdev is opening up about her struggle with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Former Miss South Africa finalist Karishma Ramdev is spreading awareness about a disorder many women battle with.
Karishma, who is a qualified medical doctor, says she learned that she had polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) about a year ago.
The 27-year-old became concerned when her period became irregular for three months. She also experienced weight gain and tiredness.
Karishma says she is sharing her journey after learning how common PCOS is.
"It was actually so alarming to know how many of you reached out and told me you suffer from the exact same thing. I feel as a medical doctor it is important for me to not only spread awareness but also empathise with all of the PCOS sisters out there," she said.
According to Mayoclinic, the hormonal disorder can cause "infrequent or prolonged menstrual periods".
"The ovaries may develop numerous small collections of fluid (follicles) and fail to regularly release eggs," the website states.
PCOS can sometimes cause complications such as infertility, miscarriage, and gestational diabetes.
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Karishma says she sought medical help to deal with the disorder.
"My journey started with going to a gynaecologist when I did not see my period for three months. He did an ultrasound on me and identified that both ovaries have a string of pearls known as cysts."
She also learned that there are three zones in PCOS:
- White zone: you have polycystic ovaries with no symptoms or issues whatsoever.
- Black zone: you have many PCOS symptoms such as hirsutism, male facial hair, hair loss, absence of menstruation, etc.
- Grey zone: absence of periods, PCOS, but not as many symptoms.
Karishma says she is in the grey zone, but with the help of her gynae started getting a regular period again. She has also embarked on a weight loss journey to lose some of the kilograms she gained due to the condition.
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The past year has thrown Karishma a few curve balls, but she had more highs than lows.
Her boyfriend of two years, John Mouton, proposed during her birthday trip to Egypt earlier this year.
"Once in a millennium. I can’t wait to spend the rest of forever with you Mouton! Thank you for choosing me," she wrote on Instagram.
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The couple also became first-time home owners in March.
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Main image credit: Instagram/@karishma_ramdev