MANILA, Philippines — Miss Universe Philippines 2025 Ahtisa Manalo opened up about living with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), discussing the physical and emotional challenges of the condition, including painful periods and weight fluctuations.
In a recent interview with entrepreneur Jonah Sison-Ramos, Manalo — an ambassador for his beauty and wellness brand — shared that she was diagnosed with PCOS at age 21. She recalled initially relying on home remedies and enduring painful periods, thinking her symptoms were normal.
“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 also highlighted the impact of hormonal fluctuations on her weight, explaining how difficult it can be to manage changes despite efforts to lose or maintain weight. “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 said.
She stressed the importance of raising awareness about PCOS and using her platform as Miss Universe Philippines and her partnership with the wellness brand as an opportunity to spark conversations about the condition.
Manalo recently began pursuing a career in show business, signing with Sparkle GMA Artist Center and taking acting workshops as part of her new journey.
