September is PCOS Awareness Month
Did you know that September is PCOS Awareness Month? I did not. I was diagnosed only a few months ago in July, though I kinda already knew it.
What is PCOS you ask? It stands for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.
What this means is that people with PCOS have a high amount of the male hormone androgen. Those with PCOS will normally have many small cysts (think small fluid filled sacs) in their ovaries. Some with PCOS may not have either of these most common markers. There is not a definite cause to PCOS or even a definitive test.
If you are black with PCOS you have a higher chance of having metabolic issues that can lead to diabetes or cardiovascular disease which is disease of the heart and blood vessels.
I do not have an abnormally high amount of androgen and before infertility treatment, never had an issue with ovarian cysts. So why did I think I had PCOS in the first place?
Some symptoms of PCOS include:
· Abnormal menstrual cycle (prolonged or irregular)
· Increased androgen = excess body hair and acne
· Multiple cysts or larger ovaries
· Infertility
· Insulin resistance
· Acne or oily skin
· Thinning hair or baldness
· Skin tags (small pieces of excess skin)
· Dark patches of skin on neck, armpits, groin, etc.
· Sleep issues
· Weight gain
· Fatigue
· Pelvic pain
Even though I only had a few of these symptoms, it was enough to make me think. I am not the most in tune with my body, but I definitely pay attention. The abnormal cycles, infertility, insomnia, weight gain and insulin resistance were the main ones for me. The fatigue I just figured it was the anemia! PCOS looks a little different for everyone and so does treatment, depending on their symptoms.
About 5 million menstruating people in the U.S have PCOS. Its common and yet still so misunderstood, unfortunately like many ailments that can befall menstruating people. For me it was a relief when I got my diagnosis. Confirmation that all these things that kept happening in my body were for a reason and somehow connected. There was a reason why I could workout 5 days a week and eat rabbit food and not lose a pound. It was something that I can try to control as best I can.
Not all hope is lost here, I feel empowered.
One cause of infertility in menstruating people is anovulation, which means you do not ovulate or release an egg during your cycle. A common cause of that anovulation is PCOS. For all of you out there who are dealing with PCOS and infertility I see you, I understand you, I am you. Follow me on YouTube if you want to stay updated on my journey! 😊 I’m working on editing a new video now and will be uploading it soon.
So! Advocate for yourself people! If you feel you may have PCOS, talk to your healthcare provider.
Even if it is not PCOS, if something feels a little off, talk to your provider. If they don’t listen, find a new one!
Have you heard of PCOS before or knew what it was? Talk to me in the comments!
