By Sueann Wickham
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) affects millions of women worldwide and can have a significant impact on their health and quality of life. In Guyana, the condition along with many other endocrine disorders often go undiagnosed and untreated. That state of affairs is poised to change significantly with the help of Dr. Caleb Mc Loggan, Guyana’s first and only endocrinologist.
During an insightful interview with the Guyana Standard, Dr. Mc Loggan expounded upon the prevalence of PCOS, one of the most common endocrine disorders in Guyana, and the many misconceptions that surround it. Chief among these misconceptions, he noted, is the erroneous belief that women with PCOS are unable to conceive. He further revealed that, since embarking on his practice in 2021, he has successfully aided numerous women in giving birth despite prior diagnoses of infertility.
As a result, he has been steadfastly working to educate his patients and the wider populace about the disorder, so that affected women can receive the assistance they require and overcome unfounded medical misapprehensions.
Dr. Mc Loggan also explained that PCOS causes menstrual irregularities that make it difficult for women to ovulate. With the right treatment, he said an endocrinologist can regulate hormones and promote ovulation.
He further highlighted that normalized menstrual cycles do not necessarily mean that conception is immediate, as there can still be a delay. He said, “After you receive treatment and it is normalized some may get pregnant the same month, two months after or even three.”
In Guyana, the doctor noted that PCOS predominantly affects females between 14 and 40 years of age, indicating an earlier onset compared to the global age range of 18 to 44. In his practice of endocrinology, Dr. Mc Loggan tackles PCOS as one of the most common hormonal disorders. However, he emphasized that cysts on the ovaries are not always indicative of PCOS, and other causes such as thyroid problems, Cushing’s disease, and poor eating habits can also result in cyst formation. Before confirming a diagnosis, Dr. Mc Loggan and his team rule out these possibilities, as it is one of the most significant misconceptions surrounding the condition.
The doctor emphasized that the persisting misconception that PCOS precludes fertility is an indication that a lot of awareness work still needs to be done. He clarified that while PCOS involves ovarian cysts, the presence of cysts on the ovaries does not automatically imply the presence of PCOS, as these cysts can also arise from other factors such as thyroid issues, Cushing’s disease, or poor eating habits. He added, “Before we diagnose PCOS, we make sure to eliminate all other potential causes. This is one of the major misunderstandings about the condition. Some women undergo an ultrasound and are told they have PCOS simply because cysts are present.”
He was also pleased to share that not only is he the only endocrinologist in the country, but is also the only doctor that treats the disorder without the use of oral contraceptives.
The medical professional was quite happy to talk about his successes as an endocrinologist but also recalled his journey to becoming a doctor, which started from a humble upbringing. The medical professional shared that he grew up between Stewartville on the West Coast of Demerara, and Farm on the East Bank of Essequibo, due to his parents’ separation when he was five. From a young age, he realized the struggles of life and was determined to push himself through school without burdening his mother. During the holiday breaks from school, while most children were out to play, young Dr. Mc Loggan found himself working to secure funds to buy school clothes and stationery. “My upbringing was not always smooth,” he said, “it was challenging but I made it”.
After completing his secondary education at Leonora Secondary, Mc Loggan attended Queens College in Georgetown for sixth-form studies. He then pursued medicine at the University of Guyana while working part-time at Scotia Bank. However, he eventually had to choose between his studies and his job when Scotia Bank could no longer offer him a part-time position. As a result, he dropped out of university to work full-time and save money for his studies. Fortunately, he was able to secure a chance to study medicine in Cuba in 2008, which helped him continue pursuing his dreams.
After completing his medical studies in Cuba, Dr. Mc Loggan returned to Guyana in 2013 and did his internship at the West Demerara Hospital, then at the Georgetown Public Hospital, and later went to the West Demerara Hospital to keep serving his community. However, his desire to specialize in endocrinology led him back to Cuba in September 2018, where he pursued further studies in the field. He successfully graduated and returned to Guyana in September 2021 and then established his practice at the Caribbean Endocrinology Institute in Kitty, Georgetown, where he has since been a blessing to many Guyanese suffering from PCOS and other endocrine disorders.
According to him, he was motivated to enter the medical field due to several factors, including the loss of his aunt at the age of 15, who was diagnosed with HIV and faced discrimination in her village. He also mentioned the death of his mother, who was told she had diabetes after visiting a medic, but unfortunately passed away a few months later. He explained that this experience made him realize the importance of early detection and proper treatment, and inspired him to specialize in endocrinology.
Dr. Mc Loggan highlighted that PCOS is a disorder that requires more attention, particularly in Guyana where it is not receiving enough focus. He expressed that many people believe that anyone can treat it, but they only realize the complexity of the disorder when they have a conversation with an endocrinologist.
He cited that prior to the launch of his practice in 2021, PCOS was not well known in Guyana. He mentioned that it gained more attention in 2020, and since then he has been able to lead various sensitization campaigns through social media and health advocacy groups to raise awareness. In addition, he has produced several videos on different endocrine issues, highlighting the importance of self-screening and early detection.
When asked what makes his practice so special he said, “Endocrinology is one of the most beautiful specialities in the world. There is a beauty in hormones. Hormones run through the body more than blood vessels and nerves.” He further stated that being the first and only endocrinologist in Guyana is an excellent feeling and he does not regret his decision to pursue the field as he recognized that he could provide his country with services that were lacking.
Polycystic ovary syndrome, for those who may not be aware, is a hormonal disorder that affects women of reproductive age. Its most common effects are irregular periods, acne, weight gain, infertility and abnormal hair growth. Dr. Mc Loggan believes that since the disorder requires much more attention in Guyana, young persons studying medicine shouldn’t be afraid to pursue the field.
The endocrinologist’s message to women with PCOS is one of hope and empowerment. He encourages them to block out the misconceptions that they cannot live a happy and healthy life, they will not be able to conceive and the disorder cannot be controlled. He noted that once treated correctly, these women have the power to take control of their health and live a fulfilling life, despite the challenges that PCOS may bring.
Most of all, he believes that their worth is not defined by their diagnosis or any physical symptoms they may experience.
