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| *snort* |
Remember my first post on this blog?
The one about hypothyroidism and this-is-definitely-not-PCOS (Poly-Cystic Ovarian Syndrome)?
Surprise - it is PCOS (thank you, incompetent ultrasound technician), and it's been so much fun.
Not.
I'll admit, I was unsure about writing this post.
I didn't know if I was comfortable with people knowing that I had PCOS, but that changed completely when I found myself looking for reading material.
I didn't want any more scientific articles. I wanted to read what real women had to say about PCOS - their experiences, their struggles, their advice. I wanted to know what was "normal" in the PCOS world, I needed to hear from someone who was actually diagnosed with it to tell me that there were x things that worked for her; that the mood swings, the weight gain, and all the other nasty side effects were normal - and, most importantly - that it was going to be okay.
PCOS affects about ten to fifteen percent of women around the world, and yet, we know so little about it. More than half those women are undiagnosed (sometimes misdiagnosed), which means there are millions of women out there who have PCOS, and it is left untreated.
People brush it off because it's so common, but here's the thing - PCOS is a serious, genetic, endocrine disorder. The reproductive issues that most sufferers face is just one of the many side effects (associated conditions).
Not being able to have children, or struggling to have children is just an associated condition, a side effect, a small issue in the grander scheme of things.
Before you tell me I'm making a big deal out of nothing, do your research. PCOS comes with a ten-fold increase in the risk of heart attacks and strokes, plus increased risks of uterine cancer, autoimmune diseases, miscarriage, pre-eclampsia, high blood pressure, type II diabetes, NAFLD, endometriosis, unexplained weight gain, thyroid disease, and, seen in over 80% of sufferers, infertility.
If you want to know more about PCOS, here are some good starting links :
http://1-in-10.org/what-is-pcos/fast-facts-about-pcos
http://www.pcosupport.org/symptoms.php
The good news (for some 'cysters') is that there are a handful of studies in Ayurvedic medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine that show a complete reversal of PCOS with treatment. However, before you get all excited, remember that PCOS is extremely tricky - every woman's diagnosis is different, and what works for some people may not work for others.
Is it worth a try? Yes, absolutely, if you can find a recognised, highly recommended practitioner.
Should you count on being PCOS-free following treatment? No, but you can certainly be cautiously optimistic!
As for me, I've decided to stop worrying and take things one day at a time instead. PCOS is manageable, sure, but it's not easy. I've only been recently diagnosed, and I already have so much respect for all those women who have been dealing with their symptoms for years. I have some really bad days, when all I can do is cry, and others when I'm so grumpy, every little thing annoys me, but reading other women's stories online makes me realise how lucky I am to have such a great support system - I have an amazing husband and family, and some great friends - and that's plenty to be grateful for.
One day at a time, one step at a time.
I'm not going to obsess about my weight any more. I'll just do what I can, and it will come off - eventually.
I'm not going to worry about infertility. Women in worse situations have been able to conceive perfectly healthy children, and I'll get there - eventually.
I will never let myself resent healthy women.
Most importantly, I will resist the urge to harm the next person who says "just relax and it will happen" or "if you really wanted to lose weight, you would". This might shock some people, but 'relaxing' doesn't increase fertility, and no, really wanting to lose weight doesn't make my body magically regulate itself.
* sigh *
One day at a time, one step at a time.
