Ahtisa Manalo opens up on PCOS diagnosis, struggle with weight fluctuation

March 23 ------ Ahtisa Manalo opened up about her polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) diagnosis and the struggles that come with it, including weight fluctuation.

The Miss Universe Philippines 2025 titleholder recalled how she found out about her condition when she was already 21 years old, during a recent interview with entrepreneur Jonah Sison-Ramos. Manalo is an ambassador of the latter’s beauty and wellness brand. “It’s not a topic that people usually talk about,” Manalo said. “And honestly, I think for a while it was taboo to even speak about your period or your menstruation, especially the things that come with it. For me, I always had painful periods, and I thought it was normal.”

Manalo said she did not immediately seek medical attention and would only try home remedies to ease the pain. “You’re just stuck to suffer every month,” she recounted. Then speaking about the difficulties she faces given her condition, she continued, “Apart from the pain, it’s for me the weight fluctuation.” Manalo admitted that the changes in her body have a significant effect on her, especially in her line of work. “Sometimes when you try to lose a little bit of weight ’cause you think you’re gaining weight, it’s hard. It’s not as calculated and easy to do because your hormones fluctuate; you just cannot do anything about it,” she stated.

Drawing from experience, Manalo underscored the importance of having discussions about PCOS. She further noted how the beauty and wellness brand’s partnership with Miss Universe Philippines during her stint presented a “perfect opportunity” to address such a topic.

Source: inquirer.net