It’s over – I’m moving on.
If you’ve been diagnosed with PCOS, you’re probably all too familiar with the usual suspects – missed periods, stubborn acne, and that relentless weight gain.
The symptoms might vary, but there’s one thing that PCOS always impacts: your mental health. As someone who’s been on this rollercoaster for just over a year, I can tell you, it’s not just a physical condition. It’s a storm that can stir up negativity faster than you can say ‘hormones’. But here’s the thing – so many women feel ashamed to speak up about what they are going through. They might give you a tiny glimpse into their world, but the full, unfiltered reality of living with PCOS? That’s a rare sight. So, let me pull back the curtain and give you ringside seats.
When I first got the diagnosis, it was delivered by a doctor who clearly skipped the class on empathy. He looked at me like I was somehow to blame and said, “If you want to get pregnant, you have to lose weight.” …as if I had a choice in the matter. I walked out of that appointment feeling ashamed, but determined. I dieted, exercised, and downed the pills he prescribed – despite the nausea and headaches they brought on. But months later, nothing had changed.
Eventually, I found a doctor who actually listened, who offered treatment that didn’t make me feel worse. And while my symptoms have eased, I still have not conceived.
But you know what? I feel better just knowing all of my options. Having a doctor you can actually talk to makes all the difference. You get your confidence back, and you understand what you’re up against. The most important thing to know? PCOS is not your fault. Sure, there are things you can do to manage it – exercise, eat well, stay hydrated but this is about hormones, not something you did to yourself. Learning about supplements that give your body the vitamins it needs is crucial, and while meds and workouts are key, don’t forget to care for your mind too. Meditation, fun activities, whatever keeps you sane – make it a priority.
So here is my advice to all the PCOS warriors out there – be gentle with yourself. You are fighting a battle against raging hormones, navigating the highest highs and the lowest lows. You conquer depression and anxiety in the dead of night when the world is asleep. You drag yourself out of bed, pushing past the exhaustion that threatens to pin you down. You power through the side effects of endless medications. You spread love and laughter, even on days when you feel like you’re drowning. You live with the fear that you may never become a mother, while clinging to the hope that one day you will. You battle with self-confidence, even as you lift others up. You carry the weight of PCOS on your shoulders, but no matter how worn out you feel, don’t give up. If it’s meant to be, you will become a mother. And if not, that’s okay too. What matters is that you never lose sight of how strong and amazing you are.
And for those who know someone with PCOS, be kind. Be gracious. Skip the invasive questions and don’t point out the imperfections she’s already painfully aware of. Trust me, no one is harder on a woman with PCOS than she is on herself.
