Chapter 1: Introduction

PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) is a health problem that affects one in ten women of childbearing age. And I am one of ten.

I’ve always been curious about PCOS. It’s not only because I have it, but many people, and doctors, still know little about the disease. Diagnosed 18 years ago, I had a lot of questions that even my doctor didn’t have the answers to. There were a ton of cookbooks I could read (more on the reason for that later) or books written by medical professionals. I appreciated learning more on the medical part of this disease but wanted to read something from a woman living with PCOS and how they coped with the lovely (sarcasm) vicissitudes PCOS comes with.

I’m glad to see in recent years, more women, doctors, and celebrities are shining the light on this disease. There are multiple groups on social media you can join in raising money, volunteer, and chat with other “cysters.” They are sharing their experiences, and it’s wonderful to feel you are not alone in the fight. However, actual books for purchase giving firsthand knowledge with tips and tricks on dealing with mood swings, excessive hair growth, and multiple other symptoms are scarce. 

So, that leads me here. For the next few weeks, each post will feature a new chapter focusing on one aspect of PCOS. I’m not a medical professional, but it’s possible something I’ve done, learned, or researched through the years will help you.

I won’t bore you with too many personal details, but it’s important to give you a look into my life, and how I have dealt with similar PCOS symptoms you may be dealing with. My doctor diagnosed me with PCOS when I was 15 years old. My first menstrual cycle started when I turned 13 years old. For the next three months, I was regular, and then they became scarce. I didn’t have a normal cycle after that. Remembering back, I had maybe one menstrual cycle every four months. My mom thought my body was trying to regulate itself. As I got older, my mom became concerned because she never had that issue, and I think it scared her.

My doctor threw the acronym PCOS out to me like I knew what it meant. I’ll never forget how nonchalant she seemed. Diagnosed may be the wrong word to use because my doctor said that’s what it could be. She didn’t offer any other explanations. Like many women know, there is no official test to determine you have PCOS. My mom asked questions, but they both assured me I would be fine with birth control, so I never thought twice about it. I wish I would have asked more questions, but I doubt many girls that age would.

I started taking birth control the next day, and my menstrual cycles regulated. I thought it was the cure. Little did I know when I turned 20 and went back to see that same doctor, my entire life would change.

Image By: Richkat from Pixabay