Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is an intersex variation common among individuals who were AFAB (or are otherwise CTF) in which the ovaries produce an excessive amount of androgens (hyperandrogenism.) This variation can be caused by excess insulin, low-grade inflammation, and may be hereditary. Those with PCOS have numerous small cysts (fluid-filled sacs) that form in the ovaries.[1]
Symptoms of PCOS include infertility, irregular menstruation, excess body hair, oily skin, acne, small pieces of excess skin on the neck/armpits, weight gain, and dark/thick skin patches on the neck/armpits/breasts.[2]
Someone with PCOS is at risk of experiencing/having liver inflammation, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, abnormal uterine bleeding, cancer of the uterine lining, miscarriages, premature birth, pregnancy-influenced high blood pressure, sleep apnea, depression, anxiety, and eating disorders.[3]
Flag
The first two PCOS flags were coined by Tumblr user aestheticlgbtq on December 20th of 2020. Teal was used as it is a color commonly associated with PCOS awareness and represents community and healing, while the circle represents wholeness and encourages a lack of shame over ones body and appearance. Purple represents ambiguity between wolffian and müllerian, while white represents how PCOS can affect any gender.[4]
The third PCOS flag was coined by Wiki user Ayyowazzupking on September 9th of 2021. It has no confirmed meaning.[5]
References
- ↑ https://patient.info/doctor/polycystic-ovary-syndrome-pro
- ↑ https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/polycystic-ovary-syndrome-pcos#:~:text=Polycystic%20ovary%20syndrome%20(PCOS)%20is,that%20form%20in%20the%20ovaries.
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pcos/symptoms-causes/syc-20353439
- ↑ https://aestheticlgbtq.tumblr.com/post/638041361200906240/proposed-pcos-pride-flag-i-view-pcos-as-being-a
- ↑ https://lgbta.wikia.org/wiki/PCOS?commentId=4400000000000196712