A Voice for the Overlooked

In the first chapter of our compelling series, "Unheard. Unserved. Maritime Women’s Health In Crisis," we delve into the heart-wrenching story of Brooke Sears, a New Brunswick woman who faced a two-year odyssey just to receive a diagnosis for polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).

Fighting for Her Health

Brooke has repeatedly found herself in the frustrating position of having to advocate for her own health. With symptoms of PCOS manifesting as severe acne, irregular periods, unwanted hair growth, and persistent weight management issues, her journey has been nothing short of exhausting. "I felt like a failure all the time," she revealed, struggling to grasp why her body didn’t respond as expected.

The Impact of Bias

Growing up in New Brunswick, Brooke endured bullying related to her weight and experienced rampant dismissal from healthcare professionals. "It’s infuriating," she expressed. "There’s always been a significant delay in treatment, coupled with a tendency to push concerns aside." As part of the Glooscap First Nation, she felt the need to downplay her biracial identity to be taken seriously. "Indigenous women are often overlooked in healthcare," she noted, recognizing the complicated intersection of race and respect in medical settings.

A Glimmer of Hope

In her early twenties, Brooke was finally referred for PCOS testing in Nova Scotia, igniting a flicker of hope. However, her visit to an OBGYN turned disheartening when the doctor fixated on Brooke's weight and dismissed her meticulously detailed lifestyle and diet regimen. "She insinuated that I must be doing something wrong," Brooke recounted, frustrated by the dismissive nature of her care.

Navigating Healthcare Obstacles

After numerous setbacks, including a lost blood panel that was vital for her diagnosis, Brooke was handed a low-carb bread recipe and sent on her way, leaving her feeling devastated. Medical experts point out that ignoring women's pleas for help when dealing with weight loss and PCOS can lead to severe health risks. "Untreated, PCOS can result in type 2 diabetes and other serious conditions," warned Julie Kane, a nurse practitioner.

The Treatment Quandary

Experts assert that effectively managing PCOS requires a multi-faceted approach. Hormonal treatments, such as progesterone, can significantly help mitigate symptoms. Kane emphasizes that many healthcare providers overlook progesterone as a viable option, focusing instead on hormones found in birth control that may not address the core issues.

A Call for Change

Two years after her initial struggles, Brooke finally received her official PCOS diagnosis. However, the fixation on her weight by local doctors contributed to disordered eating patterns, compounding her challenges. With research suggesting that approximately 1 in 10 women suffer from PCOS—many undiagnosed—this highlights the systemic failures within healthcare.

A Broken System

Women like Brooke are often left to fend for themselves in a landscape where they must advocate for their own health. "Your symptoms are dismissed as mere inconveniences," she lamented. Tackling PCOS isn't just about hormonal imbalance; it's a complex interplay of metabolic issues, needing a healthcare response that remains woefully inadequate in many parts of the Maritime regions and beyond.

Conclusion: A Path Forward

As Brooke's story illustrates, there is a dire need for increased awareness and education about women's health issues like PCOS, particularly in eastern Canada where healthcare falls short. Each day, countless women find themselves unheard and unserved, but perhaps by sharing these stories, change can finally take root.