‘I was diagnosed with PMOS’ – Fena Gitu opens up about battling painful periods
By Katemarthason Okudo, September 28, 2026Kenyan singer and songwriter Fena Gitu has opened up about her long struggle with painful periods, revealing that she was diagnosed with Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS), which is the new name for the condition previously known as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).
Fena spoke about her experience on Sunday, September 27, 2026, while attending Natalie Githinji’s Endometriosis Warriors event at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC).
The singer explained that painful periods, which had started while she was in high school, have been part of her life for years, including at moments when she was expected to perform or work despite being in severe pain.
Painful periods
Fena said she was diagnosed with PMOS while in high school but did not take the condition seriously at the time. As the years went by, she continued experiencing pain and eventually became used to working through it. “My periods are usually very painful. When I was in high school, I was diagnosed with PMOS. But I ignored it. So, as time went by, I’ve still been in pain,” she said.
She recalled one of the most difficult moments during her career, when she had to perform on stage despite being in severe pain. Fena also revealed that she recently went through a similar experience while working on a shoot, saying the pain had become something she had learnt to live with.
“I remember my biggest career highlight was when I was on stage, and I was in so much pain. There is a shoot I did recently, and I was in so much pain, and I was used to that,” she explained.
Tough year
Fena said she eventually decided to begin seeking help this year after years of living with the pain. “Until this year, I decided to start my journey. It’s been a very tough year,” she said.
The singer also acknowledged that painful periods can be linked to different conditions affecting women, including fibroids and endometriosis. “For women, a lot is going on. There are fibroids and endometriosis. So I understand the journey Natalie and all endometriosis warriors are going through,” she said.
Fena added that the cost of seeking treatment can also make the journey difficult for some women, while expressing hope that they can find better ways of managing the conditions.
“We’re going to be okay. I pray to find some kind of intervention; it’s a very expensive journey. But we thank the Lord, and we have each other,” she added.
Natalie brings women together at KICC
Fena was among the celebrities and members of the public who attended Natalie Githinji’s Endometriosis Warriors event, which brought together women living with endometriosis, their supporters, musicians, dancers and other entertainers.
The gathering featured music, performances and conversations aimed at creating awareness around endometriosis and the experiences of women living with the condition.
Natalie became emotional after taking the stage and seeing the large turnout in support of the cause. The moment reflected the personal importance of the gathering to the media personality, who has openly shared her experience with endometriosis and used her platform to encourage other women to speak about their struggles.
The event was organised through Natalie’s Yellow Bold Girl Initiative in partnership with Eric Omondi’s Sisi Kwa Sisi Initiative Kenya.
Natalie’s recovery journey
The event came at an important point in Natalie’s own journey after she recently underwent treatment and surgery following complications linked to endometriosis.
She has continued to speak about her recovery and has encouraged women living with the condition to give themselves time and patience rather than compare their healing journeys with those of others.
With thousands of people gathering at KICC, the Endometriosis Warriors event provided a space for women to share experiences while also using music and entertainment to bring attention to a condition that continues to affect many women.