Lalla Hirayama's PCOS journey: how embracing health struggles led to self-acceptance
Image: Lalla Hirayama/ Instagram
Lalla Hirayama, a name synonymous with South African entertainment, has long been a fixture in the media industry.
But beyond the glitz and glamour, she has been open about her battles, most recently, her health struggles. In 2024, she shared an emotional Instagram post detailing her diagnosis of Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia (CIN III), a precancerous condition affecting the cervix.
This revelation, alongside her ongoing Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) journey, has sparked an important conversation about women's health, routine screenings, and self-care.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a term that has gained increased recognition in recent years, partly due to the openness of influential women like Hirayama, who have chosen to share their deeply personal experiences.
Research indicates that PCOS affects an estimated 8-13% of women globally, making it one of the most common hormonal disorders in women of childbearing age.
In South Africa, the condition is no stranger, with many women navigating its challenges in silence due to stigma or lack of awareness.
What is PCOS?
Mayo Clinic describes PCOS as a hormonal disorder that primarily affects women of reproductive age. Its exact cause remains unknown, but genetics, insulin resistance, and lifestyle factors are believed to play significant roles.
Women with PCOS often experience irregular menstrual cycles, elevated androgen (male hormone) levels, and multiple cysts on their ovaries, though not all women with PCOS have visible ovarian cysts.
Symptoms and manifestations
PCOS is not a one-size-fits-all condition; symptoms can vary widely from person to person. Here are some of the most common ways it manifests: Irregular periods: Missed, infrequent, or heavy periods are often a hallmark of PCOS.
Excessive hair growth: Known as hirsutism, this can occur on the face, chest, and back.
Weight gain: Many women with PCOS struggle with weight management, particularly around the abdomen.
Acne and oily skin: Hormonal imbalances can lead to persistent skin issues.
Hair thinning: Hair loss or thinning on the scalp is another common concern.
Cysts on ovaries: Although not always present, multiple small cysts can form on the ovaries.
Fatigue and mood changes: PCOS can cause anxiety, depression, or general low energy.
In her Instagram post, Hirayama reflects on many of these symptoms.
'My PCOS symptoms have significantly improved, while I've gained a bit of weight ... now happily sitting at 60kg from a previous 52-54kg, I believe this is a healthy shift for my body.
"About 4 months ago, I had my breast implants removed, which has greatly alleviated my fatigue issues & my anxiety. I find myself spending less time in the gym and more time enjoying walks with my horses and dogs, which has positively impacted my nervous system.
"I have also been good at taking my supplements.'
PCOS affects an estimated 8-13% of women globally, making it one of the most common hormonal disorders in women of childbearing age.
Image: Sora Shimazaki/pexels
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Citizen
an hour ago
- The Citizen
Caring for your pelvic floor is a guy thing, too.
An expert said focused physiotherapy can play a big part in recovery. Pelvic floor dysfunction is not just a women's health issue. It's a guy thing, too, and for many men, it is the cause of pain, embarrassment, and an unwanted segue from normal life. It can mean challenges in the bedroom, a surprise and unwanted bit of leakage with a sneeze and a cough or a slow, exhausting recovery after prostate surgery. Pelvic floor physiotherapy has traditionally been an environment for or at least a treatment for women. Dr Lisa Kaestner, a urologist at Netcare Christiaan Barnard Memorial Hospital, said that it is helpful for post-prostatectomy incontinence, sexual dysfunction, and pelvic pain in men. But it's not really at the top of any man's health-awareness chart. 'There's a lack of awareness and not enough pelvic floor physiotherapists comfortable treating men,' she said. 'And rehab like this is not well funded in most South African healthcare settings, which makes it a personal expense many cannot afford.' This is probably why many guys say nothing, do nothing, and just suffer in silence. Men stay silent John De Klerk, a physiotherapist with a special interest in pelvic rehabilitation, said the entire concept has roots in women's medicine. 'Pelvic floor exercises, commonly known as Kegels, were initially developed for women by Dr Arnold Kegel,' he said. 'The research focused on women's reproductive health, especially for incontinence during and after pregnancy.' The same principles have been found effective for men with certain pelvic dysfunctions. But that does not mean the conversation is easy. 'To speak about a problem in a sensitive and private area, it must be brought out from the darkness of ambiguity,' De Klerk said. There is no single symptom that exclusively points to the challenge. Kaestner said it can range from incontinence to sexual issues and chronic pelvic pain. 'The back, the prostate, the pelvis, the pelvic floor are not separate entities,' she said. 'They are interrelated; even bowel function is part of the equation.' De Klerk unpacked it more. 'Overactive pelvic floor symptoms include difficulty initiating urination or defecation and pain during sexual function,' he said. 'Underactive symptoms relate to incontinence and excess flatulence. Then there's uncoordinated pelvic floors, which involve timing and control issues.' ALSO READ: Why Gen Z fears phones Men recovering from prostate surgery are particularly vulnerable, Kaestner said 'Pelvic floor physiotherapy can speed up recovery to continence after radical prostatectomy,' she said. Physiotherapy helps fix male pelvic floor issues De Klerk said focused physiotherapy can play a big part in recovery. 'Physiotherapy aims to improve modifiable factors of recovery,' he said. 'That includes urinary control, pain management, and longer-term erectile function recovery.' It is not just about exercise, though, he noted. 'We clear up misconceptions, explain the process, modify lifestyle factors like alcohol and caffeine use, and tailor a plan unique to each person,' he said. 'Training involves strengthening neural pathways to form new habits. In plain English, to prepare men in bracing the pelvis in times of need with better timing than Cheslin Kolbe in a World Cup kick-charge-down.' It remains a sensitive topic, though, and a reluctance to seek help is endemic. 'Pelvic floor physiotherapy is awkward and uncomfortable because it is incredibly intrusive,' said Kaestner. 'The key is to explain why it's needed and how it helps. Many men just need someone to open the door slightly. If they want to talk, they'll take that gap.' De Klerk agreed. 'Fewer men are embarrassed as much as they are afraid of the unknown,' he said. 'We meet them where they are, reassure them, and give them control of the process. The patient is in the driver's seat. We just navigate.' It's not just about doing Kegels. 'It starts with consent and a conversation,' said De Klerk. But don't do this at home, yourself, he warned the guys. Hypertonicity, or over-tightening, can occur. 'More men are trying to self-diagnose with apps and online videos,' he said. 'That can lead to more harm than help. Knowledge is not wisdom. A breadknife and a scalpel both cut, but one is made for the job.' Impacts sexual health Sexual health is, of course, a big driver for men to finally take some action. It's also a big taboo courtesy of society. Kaestner said that she found men do want to talk about stuff, but they do not always receive a safe space wherein to do so. As for the first step, De Klerk suggested a visit to a physio, GP or urologist. 'It is a great place to start. In the right clinical setting, pelvic rehab is a practical and evidence-based service. And don't be afraid, because there is hope, and there is no shame.' NOW READ: Feeling fine? Think again – Why annual check-ups are a must.
eNCA
2 hours ago
- eNCA
Beating for a great cause
JOHANNESBURG - Every year, thousands of South African children are born with life-threatening heart defects. But most never get the surgery they desperately need. Cardiothoracic surgeon and Young Hearts Africa founder, Dr Wilhelm Lichtenberg, was part of an operation that saved the life of eight-month-old Kendreya Pillay.
The South African
11 hours ago
- The South African
SA pushes local foot and mouth vaccine after R72m spend
South Africa has spent over R72 million on about 900 000 doses of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) vaccines since March this year. The government is now focusing on manufacturing vaccines locally to respond more quickly to outbreaks and protect agricultural stakeholders from severe economic losses. The Department of Agriculture and the Agricultural Research Council (ARC). The University of Pretoria and Onderstepoort Biological Products are leading a two-day Foot and Mouth Indaba. The gathering aims to develop long-lasting solutions to prevent future outbreaks and reduce dependence on costly imports. Karan Beef, one of South Africa's largest beef producers, just reopened after the outbreak forced it to halt operations, resulting in heavy financial losses. Speaking with SABC News , Dr Dirk Verwoerd, senior veterinarian at Karan Beef, said, 'We closed all three feedlots for two months. That caused severe economic destruction.' Verwoerd stressed that readily available and effective vaccines could have prevented the crisis. 'You have to have strategic vaccines and enough of them,' he added. The outbreak, which began in 2021, spread rapidly across several provinces, driving up demand for vaccines. South Africa currently depends on imports from countries like Botswana, a situation that experts describe as unsustainable and expensive. ARC President and CEO Dr Litha Magingxa confirmed that researchers are close to finalising a locally developed vaccine. 'South Africa has made great progress in vaccine development. We have a vaccine that's now being registered, and we are finalising some of the remaining trials,' said Magingxa. The government has urged the private sector to provide stronger financial backing to speed up the production of locally manufactured vaccines. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
