Polycystic Ovary Syndrome or also known as PCOS doesn’t discriminate. Freshman year of high school at the age of 14 I was diagnosed with PCOS. We didn’t know exactly what it was, but it was an answer. I’ve had irregular periods since they started, and honestly, I bled for too long and too much for what was healthy.

PCOS is a hormonal disorder causing enlarged ovaries with small cysts on the outer edges.

PCOS affects 6% to 10% of women worldwide. Most of the time people don’t realize they have the symptoms – I’ve had the symptoms even before my period started. It’s important to be informed, and be your own voice when it comes to your health. Here are some symptoms in case you think you could have PCOS:

• Weight gain
• Fatigue
• Unwanted hair growth
• Thinning hair on the head
• Infertility
• Acne
• Mood changes
• Pelvic pain
• Headaches
• Sleep problems

When I complain about the pelvic pain my friends are like “They’re just period cramps.” Correction, I don’t get my period, and I have a syndrome. The pain makes you double over, some days unable to put pants on because it hurts too much.

I think the scariest symptom or “side effect” from this diagnosis is that I’m going to have infertility problems. I mean, I might not. I might be able to get pregnant fast, but there is this fear in the back of my mind. I’m twenty-one, I’m going to want a child within the next 6-8 years, and I know my timeline isn’t long for conceiving a child. I have always wanted a child, and I know there are many ways to have children brought into your life. But it’s the heartbreak that comes with the syndrome.

If you think you could have PCOS make a doctor’s appointment, write down your symptoms, and hopefully you’ll be referred to a specialist. There’s medication out there to help with the side effects and the symptoms that affect your everyday life.

With medication, a good diet, and exercise you should be almost back to your old self. You’ll still have the occasional abdomen pain, and heck I’m still having symptoms come and I’ve been diagnosed and on medication for almost 8 years.

I’m learning that with age I’m going to have to be able to advocate for myself and be my own voice.

Get informed.

Educate yourselves.