I need help with my illness
Hello Fatima; I’m currently 18 and am an Asian female. Last year, i discovered I have PCOS and ever since then my life has gone downhill. almost my PCOS is mild and i only experience hair loss, it has really been getting to me. Especially since i come from a culture where hair is so important to your femininity. Although I’m aware that this may come off as vain and that there are bigger problems in the world, my significant PCOS hair loss has taken over my life and jumpstarted my depression. for months i’ve come to so many GPs and doctors and tried so many medications but nothing’s worked to allievate my issues. i’ve prayed for months for Allah to take my problems away but it only worsens. i do not want to lose my faith in Allah as it is all i have, but it is so hard when my illness remains and worsens. what do i do? how do i have sabr when i’ve been in the same position for months? when will it end?
i’ve also recently learnt that infertility is almost a effect of PCOS and although i’m not having a child rn, ik this problem will sadden me in the future. any advice would be appreciated
As Salaam Alaikum Dear Sister,
I am so sorry for what you are going through, and want you to know that your feelings are valid and don’t need to be minimized.
Although outside my scope, from my personal experience, there are options for women who are diagnosed with PCOS and fertility. You are entitled to your emotions and feelings. Whether your reaction is shocked, relief, sadness, anger, or any combination of those emotions, accept your feelings. According to this article: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29648599/, people with PCOS are about 3 times more likely to experience depression and anxiety than people without PCOS; the reasons for this are still unclear. Some research indicates people with PCOS who experience anxiety or depression may have lower levels of serotonin, this is the chemical messenger in the nervous system that is associated with positive happy feelings, and plays an important role in depression and anxiety.
Medications and other therapies may be helpful for improving symptoms of depression or anxiety. Seek a therapist in your area to help work through the feelings you are experiencing.
Consider talking to your physician regarding medications that can help with the symptoms of PCOS.
Activities like running, yoga, or walking can help with both anxiety and depression, as they help release serotonin.
Prayer, meditation and dhikr can also help with mood. Create a bond with Allah- “And your Lord says, “Call upon Me; I will respond to you.” 40:60. Remember Allah is near when you need Him. “And when My servants ask you concerning Me- indeed I am near. I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he calls upon Me. So let them respond to Me and believe in Me that they may be guided.” 2:186
Also, if you haven’t already done so, I would recommend talking to your physician regarding the hair loss and explore different remedies. I would also suggest talking to your OBGYN regarding fertility and exploring your options there.
May Allah swt make it easier for you and give you sukoon and sabr as you move through this.
Sincerely,
Your sister in Islam,
“Fatima X”
