Written by
Emma Matthews
Gang, we’re so proud to introduce you to Alicia Basoda, the newest Hormona Ambassador to boot. Alicia will be sharing her inspiring story and personal experience with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, AKA PCOS, and shedding light on a hormone health issue that affects a significant number of women.
Here’s a stat you may not have heard before. Approximately one in 10 women of childbearing age live with PCOS. That’s a huge number of women, making it a staggeringly widespread condition.
Generally speaking, PCOS is characterized by a hormonal imbalance and metabolic issues that have far-reaching effects on both your overall health and your appearance. From ovarian cysts to hair growth and beyond, its results are often highly visible. Furthermore, PCOS is recognized as a common and treatable cause of infertility, adding additional layers of complexity and challenges for those affected.
Alicia’s health journey began at the age of 14, as she grappled with the bewildering changes that accompanied the start of her periods. As she says, “There were so many changes that I didn’t understand. For example, I started getting hair all over my body, unfortunately, so much that I was bullied. I was called names like “ape” and even “witch.”
As you can imagine, the rapid onset of hair growth and the subsequent bullying had a profound impact on Alicia.
Recognizing the need for understanding and support, Alicia embarked on a quest for answers to her symptoms. That journey lead her to a diagnosis of PCOS three years later. “At that time, I didn’t think much about my hormones or that something could be wrong with me.
“It wasn’t until I turned 17 that I became aware that not all girls experience as many cysts, acne, or increased hair growth as I did. That’s when I decided to see a gynecologist to investigate. It turned out that I had fluid-filled cysts around my ovaries, in other words, PCOS.”
Following that diagnosis, Alicia experienced firsthand how little information and support there was for women living with PCOS. Now 26, she’s committed to raising awareness, providing valuable insights, and offering hope to others on a similar path.
As an ambassador for Hormona, Alicia will play a pivotal role in empowering women with PCOS. By sharing her battles and triumphs, she hopes to build a community that offers solace, understanding, and practical support. Her experiences will also help bridge the gap between the medical community and those affected by PCOS. And that will help ensure that no woman feels alone on her journey. Because that’s something she knows a lot about.
“Since receiving my diagnosis, no doctor has been able to provide me with anything other than the advice to maintain a healthy weight. I just have to live with symptoms such as acne, mood swings, extreme fatigue, bloating, and even infertility. That’s why I am incredibly grateful to be part of Hormona. I can share my personal experiences and struggles. But I can also provide information so that no one has to feel alone with their PCOS. Together, we can fight the uncertainty!”
We’d love you to join us in celebrating Alicia Basoda’s courage, resilience, and commitment to making a positive difference. Together, let’s raise our voices, destigmatize PCOS, and work towards a future where every woman with PCOS can find the resources and support necessary to lead a fulfilled and empowered life!
Disclaimer: This website does not provide medical advice. The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images, and other material contained on this website is for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new healthcare regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
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Dr Singh is the Medical Director of the Indiana Sleep Center. His research and clinical practice focuses on the myriad of sleep.
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