September is PCOS Awareness Month, and I am 1 in 10

September is PCOS awareness month! You all have seen me write about PCOS before: Long story short, a dear bloggy friend of mine told me I needed to be checked for it after she heard about some of my ailments, I finally got checked, and I was a classic case. PCOS stands for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, it affects 1 in 10 women worldwide, and is the most common endocrine disorder in women. Although PCOS has ovaries in its namesake, PCOS is largely a hormonal issue, and as all you all know, hormones are microscopic things that make a huge deal in how your body runs and functions.

I had heard about PCOS in passing, but never heard enough about it to consider it would be a large reason for the many health challenges I was encountering. Since high school, I’ve lost handfuls of hair every time I shower, and sure enough, visited a doctor about it twice. It was chalked up to stress and I was on my way. (I still lose a lot of hair, but have now just accepted it as I still have plenty, thankfully.) I also visited the doctor at least twice a year with complaints of impossible weight loss, and several times, I was told to just work harder, no doubt the doctor assuming that my tales of healthy eating and exercise were just lies (and twice, I was prescribed prescription weight loss pills, which I did not choose to take). I also had telltale signs of insulin resistance; feeling panicky and shaky if I didn’t regularly eat, having severe headaches when I didn’t eat enough carby stuff, and sometimes got panic attacks that felt like surges of electricity running through my body. The menstrual side effects were mostly masked for me as I had been on birth control for many years to control difficult cycles (also a large indicator of PCOS). What makes me angry about all of these signs is that they had all been presented to doctors over the years who never thought to piece them together, because as my endocrinologist finally pointed out, I’m a classic case and likely have been for years.  Click here to go read more of the symptoms. I’m lucky that I haven’t experienced all of these, but there are also some weird PCOS symptoms that are not included on this list that I’ve experienced like mental fogginess, “carb coma”, chin acne only (a hormonal spot), and super sensitive skin. (What makes this syndrome even trickier to diagnose? Many people have completely different symptoms — for example, while 50% of women with PCOS are obese, some are not overweight at all. Some women with PCOS also don’t even have cystic ovaries, yet their hormones match the profile of being PCOS-consistent. Confusing, right?!)

How did my PCOS get discovered, then? In 2012, I had had enough with the BS of trying to lose weight. I’d been blogging on the DCD for three years, and had started a 3x weekly morning boot camp. I was busting my ass in hopes of dropping some weight for one of my bucket list trips to Thailand. Instead, I gained weight. About six months prior, I had stopped taking my birth control and allergy medication in hopes that maybe some of my earlier weight gain was from medication. Without the assistance of hormones (birth control is a common treatment for PCOS), my symptoms intensified, and I demanded my general care doctor do an ultrasound of my ovaries. Sure enough, the scan and blood work revealed several small cysts, in addition to high androgen levels, both tell tale signs of PCOS. Since my diagnosis about a year and a half ago, I’ve lost 22 pounds, largely thanks to the great care I’m receiving from my endocrinologist, who placed me on 1,000 mg of Metformin, a Diabetes drug that can help control insulin and imbalanced hormones. He also does regular blood work, and we did some adjusting to my thyroid, which likes to go back and forth between normal and too low. In the past two months, all of my liver and thyroid levels have become balanced, which means my skin has cleared up, I have more energy, and I’m slowly but surely losing weight when I make very dedicated efforts. This was impossible before my diagnosis and treatment, and while I will have to have my blood work monitored every 3-5 months to adjust medications, for the first time in awhile, I have hope when it comes to losing weight. There is no cure for PCOS, but with weight loss and medication, many of the symptoms can be reduced.

So why am I writing about all of these very personal things on a very public blog? Because we all have a right to know what’s going on with our body. If this is the most common endocrine disorder in women, and I had all the symptoms for over TEN YEARS and was never told about it until a fellow ‘cyster’ suggested I get checked, I want more people to know about it. Sure, PCOS is a “tame” problem to have, in comparison to other medical concerns. But PCOS can be the launching pad for many other debilitating illnesses: ovarian cancer, uterine cancer, cervical cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and severe anxiety and depression. If just one woman goes to the doctor because she has any of the following symptoms, this blog has done its job. When you have an invisible illness, which means one that can’t usually be physically seen, like PCOS, Crohn’s disease (which my best friend suffers from, or Lupus (another dear friend of mine suffers from this), uneducated people sometimes minimize its effects. I’ve even had people remark that I should stop using PCOS as an excuse for not losing weight. This is not only inaccurate, it’s insensitive and hurtful when you’re experiencing the very real complications of said “fake illness”. I can lose weight with PCOS, just as I can live a healthy and happy life. However, the key to this is treatment, and that treatment couldn’t have been discovered had it not been for one friend courageously telling me to go get checked. Like any other medical symptom, if you genuinely feel that something isn’t right, you need to look into it, and if nobody listens, keep going until you find someone willing to fully investigate what’s going on. You are worth the hassle. You are worth the time. You are worth the knowledge — because you might be 1 in 10.

I wear teal for me.

I wear teal for me.


21 thoughts on “September is PCOS Awareness Month, and I am 1 in 10

  1. Congratulations on so many huge steps! Congrats on demanding answers! Congrats on taking the time to care about yourself! Congrats on a wonderfully written blog! Oh yea and nice work on the 22 pound loss! You are looking great and as beautiful as always!

  2. I don’t know if it’s just me or if everyone else encountering problems with your blog.

    It appears as though some of the text on your content are running off the screen. Can somebody else please comment and let me know if this is happening to them
    as well? This could be a issue with my browser because
    I’ve had this happen previously. Appreciate it

  3. You actually make it seem so easy with your presentation but
    I find this matter to be actually something which I think I would never understand.

    It seems too complex and extremely broad for me. I’m looking forward for your next post, I will try
    to get the hang of it!

  4. s Haiti Relief Bounty Tournament will match all bounty
    money won and donate the total relief efforts to Haiti up
    to $50,000 and also contribute all tournament fees collected.
    In the long run sports like soccer, cricket,
    volleyball and other exclusive sports events World Cup and Olympics are more enclosed because of their ideal viewership in the world which furthermore captured a large number of
    the dignified viewers. A team with 2 losses might have lost both
    games right before the upcoming game, and be on a losing streak.

  5. Apart from disk storage hooked up towards the USB port, the items makes
    WNDR4700 a mixture of via the previous routers is the fact that it is included with the disk storage.
    If you’re not fortunate enough to have Froyo or perhaps want a chance to wirelessly tether over Wi-Fi
    or Bluetooth, this could be the app to suit your needs
    (provided you might be rooted).

    If you have a wireless card or built-in WLAN on the notebook and all sorts of the other laptops all
    have Wi – Fi (is short for Wireless Fidelity), the option is both simple and easy , free.
    Disclaimer: Connecting to the network minus the consent of the company’s owner is illegal in several countries
    (such as US). Netgear universal wifi range extender wn2000rptv2 If
    most of your concern will be the mobile broadband signal then you’ll find a variety of antennas and solutions which will boost the signal inside your property.

    You’re looking to get them to take a first step and reach out to connect together with you.
    Asking and showing an order form can increase your sales dramatically.
    Wifi extender xbox 360 allow; http://www.cellsea.com, Malo is often a writer who
    may have ventured into Internet Marketing and enjoys sharing her thoughts as
    she continues to formulate her business online.

    There are, however, two budget concerns for that Grant Writer.

  6. The right aerial antenna situated in the most appropriate place
    with your home can provide the very best television viewing experience on your whole family.
    So, in order to be properly HDTV capable, a TV should be able to show at least.
    Indoor hdtv antenna toronto The costs are a bit higher including $50 to
    $60 but you can find not many indoor antennas that are capable of capturing clear HD signals.

    For digital TV purposes are aware that there is no such thing as a digital
    TV antenna specifically for your use of the digital
    transmission. When selecting an HDTV compare sets
    side-by-side and look sports channels for any true knowledge of speed of
    images. Hercules indoor/outdoor hdtv antenna (tv-2700) There are organisations that can assist within the relocation of outlets, the digital setup
    of your antenna, as well as the installation of wall mounts on your new flat-screen television. Kross amplified outdoor hdtv antenna
    For those happy to go through the setup, these programs can be streamed in high-definition into
    that giant screen 65″ Sony Bravia LCD HDTV inside the living room. Even although several buyers declare that the high-definition receiver card is commonly adequate enough rather than making use of HD television antenna. Ge enhanced hdtv antenna 34700 Getting the amount means that there exists a greater likelihood that fewer objects obstruct the fishing line of sight relating to the towers your signal and digital antenna.

    To get the UHF and also the VHF antennas for the digital TV signals make certain the antenna used can receive both varieties of signals. You buy an antenna for interior or external use and it offers you a HDTV picture. Best buy canada hdtv antenna Remember to hang your “”antenna”” to ensure the adapter and also the antenna are facing out the window specially towards in which it is likely to find a lot more signals. If you live greater than 70 miles through the tower in the TV signal, so that you might ought to mount your antenna high by building a sort of tower to it. There are organisations that can assist within the relocation of outlets, the digital setup of the antenna, as well as the installation of wall mounts for the new flat-screen television. Diy hdtv antenna dimensions If the wires are equally strong on every side, the antenna will stand up straight.

    I explain the real difference as being, whenever we speak (either out loud or ourselves) were simply narrating our thoughts. In boxing, there is really a strategy the athlete has to follow to fight against his opponent. diy hdtv antenna philippines mega high
    gain hdtv antenna s as if you have divided half part and together you
    generate a fantastic reading material to the readers.
    Fix timing for writing every day would help out with enhancing your writing expertise to make sure that you just can progressively produce good work.

  7. You will see that the area toy store will likely be crowded of folks
    on black Friday because of the sale and discount they provide for their very best toys.
    As said earlier, these rubber toys are harmless since they
    have no edges or metal frame. Nerf youtube channel Due towards the sharp decline of cartoon characters on tv,
    kids started getting back for their miniature cartoon toys.

    Matching games, sequencing games and number games are fantastic toys
    that encourage a kid to develop number sense and numeration as well as
    their sequencing skills. If your kid is staying in a very dorm,
    you can purchase a sizable storage bin which has enough space to keep toys along with the dorm bedding.

    Always work with an active voice when writing your proposal sample.
    You will probably be guided through the method of creating your personal sample
    grant proposal plus a facilitator will critique your time and efforts.

    Nerf lightning storm corresponding (rxreviewllc.com) You wish to provide
    them a fantastic bit of data in as few words as you can. Conflict serves like
    a starting point to your story structure.

  8. hdmi to 3 rca cable walmart

    Secondly, you need to not sound too persuasive while making your
    proposal, given it might fail to get the desired response from
    your reader. In my experience, creating the Desk of Material (TOC), before beginning composing the real report is the best step to creating a effective company report.

    likely (redbonebruthas.com) radio shack I respect [name] being a colleague, but I must state that in all
    honesty, I cannot recommend him for. Regardless from
    the field you actually want to build a career in, these benefits are likely to become of value for
    your requirements, so don

  9. The Thunderbolt also feels sturdier in the hand, even though the Droid Charge feels slightly cheap.
    The lights could be seen near Joplin, Missouri to Columbus,
    Kansas to Miami and Quawpaw, Oklahoma. Led light bar video The LED bar pulse-flashes over the
    entire page (http://www.Stereomood.com) width and creates
    the image for the print drum as it moves down.

    They had traveled for two hours with the treacherous desert,
    avoiding hazards that were the death of many Shalken citizens on their
    way to find the hermits. When you are purchasing a lightbar, you’ll find
    certain attributes which can be cosmetic in nature and certain features which you can’t
    do without.

  10. best gaming laptops under 1000

    What character qualities did Lee display while he helped his friend Jason feel great.
    We can keep looking to improve our initial work, like we’re not
    capable of selling any manuscript if we are able to’t sell this kind of one.
    reasonably (http://www.stardekk.be)
    best gaming laptop for 500 dollars For students using English as
    Additional Language (EAL), one of these primary concerns is develop
    and improving their writing skills. You’re reminding the reader that you simply,
    mcdougal, know precisely what’s likely to happen knowning that this is,
    in fact, in the same way story.

  11. And what you need to do is decide which model suits the needs you have best.
    This laptop is fully equipped to guide the day to day demands of work using its 2 GB memory base that’s
    further split up into different levels of cache and non- cache memory.
    Best laptops for college students 2014 consumer
    reports Moreover a laptop won’t have quantity of wires mounted on it.

    Equipped with tools for that better management and security with
    the laptop. IWU offers nearly two dozen programs divided among several
    academic units, like the School of Nursing, and College of Arts and Sciences.

    Do this many times until you’ve a sense with the musical potential
    of your statement. You should know about and determine demographics
    of the targeted customers for instance; the age groups, educational achievement, gender, career, needs, and hobbies.
    Being (http://Www.Carlisle.Army.Mil/) are alienware laptops good for college Writing concisely allows you to explain your topic clearly
    along with more impact. Now that we have the scope points
    fixed we can easily now allow for changes to occur, regarding points.

  12. Again, amenities in the rooms include high-speed Internet access and also air conditioning, sleeper sofas, mini or full kitchens
    plus loft areas in certain accommodations. Casey has written articles on topics besides sofa beds, take
    a look at his sites: <. com, and would have been a recommended sleeper sofa inside Berkeley Parents Network forum.

    One more bonus is the fact that kid’s sofa bed also provides enough space for storing to put away their pillows and blankets. Ultimately, I think it depends on how long you need to keep your sofa and what your purpose is in getting a slip cover.

    It's a much better idea to control the creation from the e – Book at the very least a little. More so, using Amazon or Google, hunt for reviews that are already written in regards to the product. backs (archive.org)
    sleeper sofa orlando fl Instead, direct these to connect with your
    self on Linked – In, or use one of one’s links to give
    you a method for direct contact. Generally speaking, writing an essay inside a foreign language,
    even when you have a spoken command of the language,
    is hard.

  13. This is yet another mouse that illuminates in futuristic blue plus it
    really comes down to personal taste whether you take into account that a feature or perhaps a
    distraction. driver plays a significant role inside the computer ,it really is used to make hardware run well
    ,such because keyboard ,the speaker ,the mouse ,it. Gaming mouse for small hands I believe that gaming mice nowadays offer many valuable functions and bonuses for
    gamers.

    Unless you’re particularly attached on the glowing blue
    logo in the center of nearly all of Razer’s mice, you ought to be perfectly happy with all the Habu.

    The form of movements necessary to manipulate some type of computer
    mouse efficiently are the type that are produced by the precision type of grip.

    How you organize your details for each section is about you but all the should flow together.
    If you may not correct your mistakes before publication, you are going to lose the trust of
    one’s audience. greater (8tracks.com) gaming
    mouse hk Then, you can find the persuasive writing prompts which require
    smart reasoning and logical thinking around the part in the kids.
    Internet users need for another thing online, information.

  14. pills reviews

    Make sure to address each risk’s chance of occurring along with its impact
    around the project along with the organization. In order to
    inspire a fast moving and excited feeling inside
    the mind of reader, you’ll be able to use various techniques.
    even chromium nicotinate Judy
    Cullins: 20-year author, speaker, book coach Helps entrepreneurs manifest their
    book and web dreams. Some students feel bored while writing on similar topics again and again.

  15. Do not disheartened if you do not receive a v3 weight loss supplement prescription because that means you do not
    need it. After five days, I lost 2 pounds on the cinnamon v3 diet which kept me in the
    healthy BMI category. Ketosis symptoms

    The next step is usually to focus with an area of interest within that topic.

    Writing Down the Bones: Freeing the Writer Within by Natalie Goldberg 4.
    Chromium polynicotinate dosage atkins long term effects
    Once you’ve a question in your mind, start to look for information relevant
    towards the topic and its theoretical framework.
    If you’re not really a fan of books, you’ll be able to always read short stories or feature articles online.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *