In the summer of 2016, I began experiencing unknown health issues that began raising red flags. I had horrible cramps and irregular cycles that would leave me unable to get out of bed for several days at a time. I had bloodwork done, which only revealed an iron deficiency.
I was given a prescription for the birth control Mylan, and that was that. In that time period, I developed symptoms of depression and weight gain and stopped taking the pill. A few months would go by, and then my symptoms would return, and I felt completely miserable and isolated.
I was still depressed, gaining weight, and dealing with horrible cystic acne. In the fall of 2017, my parents had me use their "Teladoc" insurance feature. A licensed professional called me, took note of my symptoms, and told me to go to an emergency room and that it's "more than likely cancer."
Could you imagine hearing a doctor say that so casually over the phone?
I finally called a women's clinic and made an appointment, hopeful and yet afraid of what they could tell me. As soon as my doctor walked in and took note of my symptoms, I knew that she was really taking me seriously. She explained that my symptoms were common in PCOS.
According to Women's Health, "Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), also known as polycystic ovarian syndrome, is a common health problem caused by an imbalance of reproductive hormones. The hormonal imbalance creates problems in the ovaries."
One in ten women is affected by this condition.
My doctor explained to me that I would have a higher risk of developing endometrial cancer and that, with treatment, that risk will go down. She addressed my concerns about my weight gain and told me that they have a treatment center that would help me to finally lose weight and find an effective diet plan. She asked me if I had any questions, and all I could says was, "No, thank you," but shortly after that visit, I sat in my car and started researching the condition on my phone to know more about what my body was experiencing.
Infertility. Depression. Anxiety. Mood swings.
I'm 21 years old and seeing these scary words staring back at me were completely defeating and made me break down in tears. I hated dealing with depression and anxiety and I've always looked forward to having my own children one day. What if I couldn't have children?
Will I always feel this way?
Through the process of blood tests, ultrasounds, and figuring out a treatment plan, I've been able to talk to women that I know with PCOS.
I'm thankful that I have an amazing clinic that is able to provide me with the answers that I've been waiting for for over two years. I'm thankful knowing that I'm not alone and that PCOS does not define who I am.
I hope that this will bring comfort to women out there and I want to encourage you with this: PCOS does not make you less of a woman. You are still so amazing and worthy of every dream and goal that you want to achieve.
God has bigger plans than you or I could ever imagine or understand.
It's really hard right now, trust me. I have yet to have a day where I'm not fighting the lies that Satan relentlessly keeps telling me about myself. But it will get better, especially since we're never alone.
Take charge of your health, and make your journey your own. Most importantly, never stop finding a physician that will take the time to know you and make you feel heard and will take care of you through the process of being diagnosed.
