KNOWING Living With
PCOS
Polcystic Ovary Syndrome a hormonal disorder common among women of reproductive age. Women with PCOS may have infrequent or prolonged menstrual periods or excess male hormone (androgen) levels. The ovaries may develop numerous small collections of fluid (follicles) and fail to regularly release eggs.
Ever since the age of menarche, or my first period, I would skip months without menstruating or would have it twice in a month. The inability to track my period and predict when to expect the next cycle was frustrating. When I raised these concerns to my doctor they informed me this irregularity was my normal and looked to stress or weight changes as the reason why my cycle was all over the place. Because I trusted my physician to know more than me I never pushed the issue further. At least not until I started medical school and learned about polycystic ovarian syndrome, PCOS, myself.
Terri Marie Nelson
confirmed that I indeed had PCOS. This diagnosis did not come as a surprise to me as I already had a strong suspicion but I was thankful to finally have an answer to a problem that I was trying to solve for years. Because I had an educational understanding behind PCOS, I was I remember sitting in lecture and briefly hearing able to understand what was happening about this syndrome and immediately diagnosed within my body and now knew how I could begin myself. Not only did I have irregular periods but to address certain symptoms and conditions that also hirsutism, or male pattern facial hair, that I come with PCOS. was treating with electrolysis hoping this would permanently remove the unwanted facial hair. This At this time, PCOS is mostly managed with difwas a very embarrassing condition for me that I ferent medication: birth control pills to help regustruggled with since my teenage years and tried late cycles, another pill to address the facial hair, everything from shaving and Nair to laser and fianother pill to treat acne, another pill to increase nally electrolysis to get rid of this hair. I’ve spent fertility, and another pill to help prevent or treat thousands trying to get rid of this unwanted hair diabetes. As someone who is young and does not and now was beginning to understand there may be want to take medication every day I have been making changes to my diet that will help me maina hormonal reason behind this. tain a healthy weight. I’ve continued my electrolyAt my next annual check-up, I shared my sis treatment in conjunction with a medication in thoughts with my doctor and she agreed to take some bloodwork to confirm my diagnosis. I’m un- hopes of permanently removing unwanted facial sure if she took me more seriously because I was in hair. medical school and becoming a doctor or because she honestly thought I had PCOS. Either way, because I advocated for myself she agreed to order the test. The bloodwork showed that testosterone, a hormone, was elevated beyond the normal range. The bloodwork in addition to my history of irregular menstrual cycles and undesirable facial hair 28
I’m aware that there is not much available or a magic pill to treat this condition. PCOS is something that will continue to have an effect on my life and will require lifestyle changes to prevent diabetes or address obesity. And one day when I’m ready to start a family, I know PCOS will present another hurdle.
