Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
I was diagnosed with a condition called Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) when I was 17 years old. Honestly, at times it still feels like it hasn’t sunk in. I have gained so much knowledge regarding the condition since then, maybe almost too much as I often feel more isolated and frustrated with myself and my condition.
No one likes being told they have an illness or condition. Understanding what is going on in your body takes a serious amount of mental strength. It takes even more strength to let family and friends in. This was my first mistake. I didn’t want anyone outside of my immediate family to know I had PCOS because I thought my condition made me appear weak. I spent years with this little secret of mine and allowed this ‘burden’ to weigh heavy on my shoulders. But I was not in control and my symptoms were getting worse. The shame of my symptoms kept bubbling to the surface and I kept shoving them down.
My body kept changing. I couldn’t lose any weight no matter how much I exercised. Little ginger hair was sprouting on and under my chin and my mood was temperamental. I just felt so horrible within my body. Denial was the leading force and I thought that if I just ignored PCOS then it would be ok. Cue the spiral.
Open up
However, the more I’ve opened up about this little secret life of mine, I found many people are in a similar situation. An overwhelming amount of love flooded my way. What I’m trying to say to my PCOS girlies is that YOU ARE NOT ALONE! Find your community, there are plenty of us going through very similar things. It often feels like the end of the world, but I promise you it’s not. We will get through this together.
I’ve decided to own it. I am a chin hair-plucking, midriff weight-carrying, acne-faced woman and often my head is a mess. But I’m facing my condition head-on and doing my best not to let it get to me. Through studying Naturopathic Medicine I’ve learnt what methods to follow in diet, lifestyle and exercise to benefit me. It’s still hard and will probably always be, however, every day is new and different and the best thing we can do for our bodies is try.
Mini-series
I am going to be creating a mini-series on how to help with symptoms of PCOS. I aim to educate and offer some reassurance and hopefully won’t overwhelm you.
Keep an eye out for the next blog post. Take 3 deep breaths, give yourself a tight squeeze and keep your head held high. You’ve got this!
Very interesting blog. I was diagnosed with PCOS in my early twenties. Symptoms are rubbish and it is so helpful to share and realise you are not alone.