woman bowing and looking worried — Yuri Arcurs

PCOS: my ovaries blight my life

I’m sick and tired of suffering from polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). I’ve tried different types of treatment and medications for years, but none of it has worked.

I now believe it’s something I need to learn to live with.

I found out that I had PCOS when I was 13 and since then I’ve been on medication.

Irregular periods

When I was in the eighth grade, I started getting irregular periods. I didn’t have a regular cycle and would get my period once in three months or so. And they were also accompanied by a lot of discomforts because of cramping.

When I consulted the gynaecologist, she told me PCOS is a hormonal disorder affecting at least 1 woman in 20. Symptoms include irregular periods, acne, weight gain, unusual hair growth on the face, chest, nipples, and fertility problems.

The gynaecologist prescribed me oral contraceptive pills to check hormonal imbalances and control my cycle.

But I suffered from terrible side effects. I would feel nauseous all the time and vomit every day. It was horrible. It was only after a lot of trials that I found a drug that suited me.

Overweight

I’m overweight and reducing my weight has been a constant struggle for me. I’ve been overweight since I was a child. But because of PCOS, I find it really difficult to lose those extra kilos. Even if I work out and exercise regularly and manage my diet, I can’t lose as much weight as a healthy person.

Not being able to control my body weight is frustrating. I do get conscious of being called fat all the time. It was especially difficult when I was growing up in school – people would mock me.

Facial hair

Excess facial hair is the most embarrassing part of suffering from PCOS. I have such a lot of it that I need to trim it every day. That’s what I do every morning. I wouldn’t step out for a holiday or go anywhere longer without my trimmer. I don’t know what to do about it.

I remember an embarrassing incident from when I was in school. I had gone for a trip with the class and when I saw my facial hair, I used a razor to shave it! It’s a very delicate situation. I’m always conscious of someone noticing my facial hair and that is something I would definitely want a solution for.

Lifestyle

PCOS has really changed my lifestyle. I can’t drink as much as my friends or smoke for that matter. I have to watch out my diet. I have to see that I don’t do too much sedentary work. It’s annoying to be constantly on the watch.

I also wonder what kind of problems PCOS is going to pose for a healthy married life.

My Story as told to Gayatri Parameswaran

Do you suffer from PCOS? How does it affect you? If you need help, please get in touch with our discussion board moderators or a healthcare provider.