PCOS- Why we need to talk about it more
1 in 10 woman are suspected of having PCOS (poly cystic ovarian syndrome.) Less than 50% have been properly diagnosed. That means tons of woman each year have to live with the symptoms with no understanding of what's happening to them.
Luckily, I was diagnosed when I was 15. I was sure something was wrong because I didn't have any periods for two years(!!) which may have seemed normal for that age but it set off alarm bells for me. When I first went to the doctor, I was dismissed, but luckily, I have an amazing mum who believed me when I was sure something wasn't right. Eventually we went back to the doctors and I was referred to a hospital where I was finally diagnosed.
Unfortunately there is no cure, and the only management doctors can offer is putting you on the pill. Which isn't much help, especially with some of the symptoms.
Recently, I had to go back and ask for help with one of these symptoms and I was told there was nothing they could do to help. On the plus side, I wanted to take my disappointment as a chance to talk more about it because without the doctor's help, I would never be in the position I am today in knowing my body and how it functions.
PCOS has three main features:
1) Irregular periods
2) Excessive hair growth
3) The bursting of follicles on ovaries (Dw, it's not as scary as it sounds)
I could go into a lot of detail from what I've learned over the years on these symptoms, but I also want to focus on the symptoms that don't get enough attention.
For example, people with PCOS are more likely to have a natural deficiency of insulin in their body, which can eventually lead to diabetes. But what they don't say is that this lack of insulin can also make it extremely difficult to lose weight as your body doesn't react to the breaking down of foods normally. So even though I try to take care of myself, by eating healthy meals and exercising regularly, it takes my body longer to react to this and help me to lose weight.
Last year in October, I decided I needed to get back into dieting and exercise and so far, I've only managed to lose 3 pounds in the last 5 months. Which can be disheartening at times but I'm doing my best to keep going and I'm limiting my snacking habits.
Speaking of food, having PCOS means that many people with it are often left feeling dissatisfied after meals. So even though they might be full, their body acts as if it believes otherwise. Meaning, if you're like me, you'll take this as an excuse to snack after meals. One thing that is suggested to counteract this is by having a daily 5 meal plan with smaller portions. Recently, I've been trying this by splitting meals, like dinner in half, so when I do feel dissatisfied I can go back and get more or if I feel ok, I leave the leftovers for lunch the next day.
Another big one: when I was diagnosed at 15, the doctors told me there was a 98% chance I might never have kids/struggle to get pregnant. This was at a time when I didn't even know if I wanted to have kids when I got older and suddenly I felt as if this huge choice for my future had been ripped away from me. Now that I'm 19 (still quite young tbh) I know that one day I do want the opportunity to be a mum and hopefully get the chance to carry my own child. It's important though that when the time is right for me or anyone with PCOS trying to get pregnant that you go to the doctor and ask for their advice.
The last one I want to discuss quickly is depression: the scary monster that lives inside a lot of peoples heads. PCOS is a disheartening condition and because of the constant imbalance of the hormones in your body, it does mean you're more likely to have depression. So yes, there are days when I don't even feel like I can move from my bed, or times when I just want everything to be over already, but the important thing is to just keep pushing forward and know when to stop and take a break if you need it.
PCOS also has many other symptoms. This is just an example of a few. But if you do have PCOS do your research about it and your symptoms. And if you suspect you have it, it's worth going to the doctors. Even if there isn't much they can do, having the official diagnosis is a huge help. So even though I had to sit through some embarrassing tests at 15, like sitting and waiting for an ultrasound (I'll never forget the horrified looks of adults as I sat there waiting), it is worth it in the long run so you can start building a better future for yourself, knowing your diagnosis.
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