The Bulgarian Valentina Milanova, recognized in Forbes’ 2023 30 Under 30 list, has opened up about her challenging childhood with an undiagnosed condition that led her to start menstruating at just nine years old—three years earlier than the norm. This lack of information about her monthly cycle left her feeling confused and terrified, thinking she might be suffering from a serious illness.
To exacerbate the situation, she kept this secret from her parents. At nine, she felt shame rather than seeking help, which ultimately delayed understanding her condition and receiving necessary medical guidance.
Key Points
- Valentina experienced her first period at age nine, concealing it from her parents.
- Doctors initially misdiagnosed her as pregnant before uncovering a large ovarian cyst.
- Years later, she was diagnosed with PCOS and dealt with severe symptoms.
It was a misunderstanding that went as far as her doctors suspecting she was pregnant. Despite her protests, a pregnancy test confirmed she wasn’t. Instead, what the doctors discovered has been described as a “gynecologic health horror story.”
Surprised and Uninformed
Milanova recollects her surprise during that first period: “I didn’t understand what was happening since no one had talked to me about menstruation.” She thought it might be some disease or worse.
In time, her physical symptoms caused her significant emotional distress. By 11, her parents put her on birth control to help manage her condition, although she continued soiling her underwear, unaware of sanitary products. Could you imagine? The anxiety must have been overwhelming.
As she grew up, her discomfort persisted along with debilitating episodes. Standard remedies like hot water bottles or baths offered only temporary relief, and eventually, her agony intensified, keeping her bedridden at times.
It wasn’t until her mid-teens that she learned the truth about her cycles and understood she had been experiencing an extreme version of menstruation long before her peers.
Finally, a Diagnosis
When she turned 14, health complications led her to take a year off school. By 15, she was diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a hormonal imbalance that causes small cysts to develop on the ovaries. Doctors discovered a particularly large cyst—eight centimeters—filled with hair and teeth.
Initially, her doctors considered the possibility of an ectopic pregnancy, which posed serious health risks. This theory persisted despite her reassurances of her lack of sexual activity.
Moving Forward
Even after receiving a diagnosis, her challenges continued. She faced ongoing symptoms like bleeding and bloating. In 2018, she moved to the UK and was motivated by her experiences to create a movement focused on women’s reproductive health. It’s fascinating to see how adversity can inspire positive change—she founded a company called Daye that focuses on innovative reproductive care solutions.
Her products, including unique tampons that manage pain and test for STIs, have even been integrated into the UK’s national healthcare system. Milanova emphasizes the power of sharing personal experiences to break stigmas around women’s health.
“I’m transparent about my journey with painful periods and PCOS,” she stated in a recent interview. Perhaps this openness is what many women need to hear; it’s a game-changer for addressing these common yet often silent struggles.
