My Experience with PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)

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I heard about the word PCOS about a year ago from my sister, she had been married for about two years at that time and she didn’t have kids and as much as I preferred minding my business, I was really curious if she had a reason because I knew before marriage that she always wanted to be a mother.

The day I asked she simply said that she was finding it hard to conceive and that her doctor had mentioned that she might have had PCOS but didn’t say much about it so I offered to make some research because I was more research inclined than her and hoped that maybe I could aid her in her journey.

The first thing I had to figure out was the meaning of PCOS because I had never heard about the word but it was said to be an acronym for polycystic ovary syndrome, and moving forward I realized that polycystic ovary syndrome was a hormonal disorder causing enlarged ovaries with small cysts on the outer edges.

It was said that PCOS was caused by excess insulin, low-grade inflammation, excess androgen, and sometimes it could be heredity and that some symptoms could be irregular period, polycystic ovaries, and excess androgen which could result in physical signs like body hair, facial hair or even acne.

We quickly figured out that her irregular periods over the years was as a result of the PCOS which led to the inability to conceive and that PCOS could result in other complications like cancer of the uterine lining, abnormal uterine bleeding, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis among others, and this prompted a lot of fear in me.

I decided that instead of looking at the problem, I would instead find a solution, and the moment I started looking for solutions I realized that the major advice I was seeing everywhere was that she needed to lose weight and to do that she would need to make some lifestyle changes.

I told her what I had found out and she agreed to do whatever I was going ask her to do so we started by using the recommendations I had seen to reduce her carbs intake, eat more protein, fiber and reduce sugar and after doing all these, we could see a difference in weeks.

Next, we decided to introduce some exercises and it was advised to take it slow and do moderate-intensity exercises like walking, swimming, and cycling and because of this, we took a lot of walks during this period.

I wouldn’t say it was all rosy because she did have some times where she would crave carbs so much that she would cave in and continue for weeks which brought major setbacks but after figuring out that this was because PCOS came with insulin resistance which caused the carb cravings, we began finding solutions to make the cravings stop.

It’s been a year since we started the journey and I am so happy to say that she is about 5 months pregnant and even though the journey was hard, it was totally worth it.

So, to all the women struggling with PCOS, just know that there is hope and you are not alone.


REFERENCES
mayoclinic.org
healthline.com
indi.ie


Thank you for opening this box of passion



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28 comments
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Its great what you ve done
Using knowledge to overcome challenges.
I bet if more people did that, it would have been a better world.
PCOS is more of an endocrinal and gynecological condition. And as the name goes when there are multiple ovarian cysts in the female as a result of a defective androgen and estrogen metabolism.
This could cause infertility, obesity, hirsutism and order virilizing signs as well as insulin resistance like you said.

But infertility has been the most complained feature of PCOS.

I m glad your Sis is now pregnant. I m sure she has also registered for antenatal care so mother and child's wellbeing can be well catered for.

It was a nice read.

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Doctor J educating, learned more by reading this comment and I think awareness needs to be brought because a lot of women are suffering from PCOS and they do not know it.

Thank you for reading and yes she registered immediately, she is doing great.

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Hmmmm, oh dear. My sister actually went through this experience, thankfully she has 2 kids. I wish you and your sister the grace, strength, favour, and protection during this time of your lives.

Keep being a box of passion and light to those around you @khaleesii

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I love hearing testimonies about women who overcame PCOS.

Thank you so much for your kind regards and for reading.

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Always here to support. Thank you for sharing.

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This is such an educative post. Sometimes, in our ignorance we are tormented by the fear of what us happening to us and we end up doing irrational things and probably cause more harm.
Knowledge is light in all ramifications
Am happy for her congratulations and
Thanks for posting

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Knowledge is such a great tool because it brings a solution but could also fuel your fears.

Thank you so much for reading.

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Wao! What a nice experience.

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I envy women a lot. A woman's body is full of natural gifts that may come with some challenges.
Overcoming those challenges for me has made women so to say, strong than men in handling health challenges. You prove that again.

@dreemport led me here.

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This is one way to think about it, never thought about it like that.

Thank you for reading.

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I feel like hugging you right now because you deserve it. Your sister will definitely not forget what you did for her. Something the doctor was not even able to help with.. You did that just through research...

And you were with her all through the process.... You deserve an accolade..

Am glad she is pregnant now... I wish her a safe delivery...

Thanks for sharing this knowledge. I know it will help a lot of persons.

@dreemport directed me to your post

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I wouldn't blame the doctor because I think a lot of people have limited knowledge of PCOS.

Thank you for your kind words, it made me smile.

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Yea.. You are right.. Most doctors don't know about this..

Am glad I was able to put a smile on your face today...

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First of all, I am happy for your sister that she had successfully given intuition to her desire.
Secondly, the knowledge about this disease is not very common as ladies don't give attention to the irregular routine of their menstrual cycle( some consider it as a burden) but if this happens oat attention to it.
Apart from physical change, many psychological changes do happen which are intolerable.
Good to sad someone helping others on this serious now.
Came here through @dreemport

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Even doctors don't know much about it in Nigeria and it is sad. As a woman though I do get why the period is considered a burden sometimes tbh.

Thank you so much for reading

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Sometimes we do protest against nature, but did you know that if we are not going to have periods many be we are going to get mad, the level of make hormone many elevate and irregular things would happen.
To be honest it's not the concern to tolerate this as vital for your well being,

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Yeah, I have seen my friends who complain about periods and then for a month don't get it and they panic 😆

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What a joyful and uplifting post @khaleesii Such wonderful news for your sister and your whole family. Having the support and love of a sister like you is special. I have one myself and I know how much she means to me. Really amazing that you were able to work with the condition and find a way to overcome the challenges. Inspirational. !LUV !PIZZA

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Thank you so much, I appreciate your words.
I feel like when you have siblings, you usually bear a lot of their pain and happiness.

Thanks to @dreemport for bringing you here.

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PCOS is quite common among women and one of the leading causes of barrenness. Glad you were able to arrive at a solution through education.

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(Edited)

Ah, known about PCOS for a long while. Now that I think about it, she always had the facial symptoms but I didn't realize until now. I'm happy for her. Glad I'll be around to carry the baby in due time.

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I am also diagnosed with PCOS. I have been experiencing irregular periods and acne breakouts. Thank you for sharing your experience! Sending virtual hugs.

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You would be fine, no worries.
I am receiving your hugs.

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