The Unwanted Guest

Your body is a temple—a sacred home that deserves care, respect, and attention. The food you eat, the amount of sleep you get, the water you drink, and even the stress you allow into your life all play a role in how this temple functions. Like any home, it requires balance and maintenance to thrive. And when your body speaks, whether through subtle whispers or loud cries, it’s vital to listen. Ignoring the signs can lead to more than just discomfort.

Growing up, I always felt like something was off, but I couldn’t put my finger on it. My guests/visitors (reference to periods) were irregular from the start—sometimes they’d come, other times, months would go by and there were no guests. When they did show up, the cramps were unbearable. I’d ask my friends about their periods, and they seemed to have a routine, predictable cycle.

Mine felt like a mystery.

As I grew older, other issues started to pop up. My skin began breaking out severely, way more than any typical teenage acne. I noticed hair growing in places it shouldn’t —and it was humiliating. I was also gaining weight in ways that didn’t make sense. I watched what I ate, but the scale kept going towards the wrong direction. I remember a lot of instances when I would stand in front of the mirror, staring at my reflection, feeling frustrated and defeated, wondering why my body seemed so out of control. It was in the shape of an apple whereas I desired an hour glass one. Have you guys seen Rihanna in the red dress on Oceans 8? Talk about body goals.

By my 20s, things only got worse. My moods would often swing wildly from one extreme to another. Some days I felt so down and irritable, and I didn’t understand why. I began to withdraw, feeling ashamed of how I looked and felt. I tried talking to doctors, but most dismissed my concerns as stress or just normal changes. In my hearts of hearts, I knew something wasn’t right.

One night, after hours of searching for answers online, (sawa bas...On TikTok) I came across Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). The more I read, the more the symptoms sounded familiar: irregular periods, unexplained weight gain, acne, excess hair. Everything seemed to fit. But I still didn’t have a diagnosis.

Two months ago, I decided to seek a specialist. After an ultrasound, I was officially diagnosed with PCOS. The confirmation felt like a bittersweet victory—finally, there was a reason for what I had been going through. It all made sense. But at the same time, I was filled with questions. What would this mean for my health? My future?

I learned that PCOS can affect fertility, making it harder to conceive. It also messes with your hormones, leading to mood swings and heightened risks for things like diabetes and heart disease. But what I also learned was that while there’s no “cure,” there are ways to manage PCOS and live a full, healthy life.

If you think you might have PCOS or know someone who’s struggling with these symptoms, don’t ignore it. Early diagnosis can help manage it better. There are ways to take control:

• Diet and Exercise: Maintaining a healthy weight is important, even though it can be more challenging with PCOS. A balanced diet and regular exercise can help regulate your hormones and insulin levels.
• Medication: Doctors can prescribe medications to help regulate periods, reduce acne, or manage insulin levels.
• Emotional Support: PCOS doesn’t just affect your body; it affects your mental health too. Support from loved ones and professionals can make a world of difference in navigating the emotional ups and downs.

For those who have partners with PCOS, it’s important to understand that this condition comes with real challenges, both physical and emotional. Which means you cant use that looking-like-a-subchief joke on your woman. Unless she is okay with it and does not take it personally. Your role is to offer patience, compassion, and encouragement. Educate yourself about the condition and be a supportive presence.

As we mark PCOS Awareness Month, it's important to shine a light on this often misunderstood condition. Whether you’ve been diagnosed or are just beginning to notice the signs, know that you're not alone. PCOS affects millions of women worldwide, yet it remains under-discussed. This month is a reminder to listen to your body, seek the right support, and spread awareness. By sharing our stories and knowledge, we can help others recognize the symptoms and take control of their health.

Vanity Jamboree # 012

If You Could Only Keep One—Hair or Eyebrows?

Imagine you’ve been summoned to a high council of cosmic beings. They inform you that you can only keep either your hair or your eyebrows. The catch? Whichever one you don’t choose will vanish from your face forever.

Now, let the absurdity begin:

The Eyebrow Argument: Without eyebrows, how will you express shock when an avocado costs 60 shillings? Eyebrows are essential for communicating judgment without saying a word. Plus, those makeup tutorials on Instagram are 50% about brow shaping!

The Hair Defenders: But wait—what about the power of the hair flip? How will you dramatically toss your head when someone asks for your opinion? Hair is the crown you wear every day, and the wind-in-your-hair feeling is practically therapeutic.

Would you rock a bald head with majestic brows or go full eyebrow-less chic with luxurious locks? There’s no right answer… but plenty of eyebrow-raising possibilities!