My PCOS story--the pursuit of health & having a family

PCOS is characterized by its most prominent symptoms: irregular periods, infertility, and weight gain. I've always had irregular periods from the very beginning, but they have gotten more and more irregular as I've gotten older.


I faced infertility for the first time when I got married. It started to sink in as the months passed during the first few years that getting pregnant would be a problem. I got married when I was 23, but finally got diagnosed at age 26 with PCOS. It was very devastating at first, especially since the endocrinologist I had was very UN-feeling and matter-of-factly said I would never have children...that it was impossible with my condition. He was a male doctor and I don't mean to say that all male doctors are insensitive like this one was...but there are many in the medical community that are quite ignorant of PCOS. Ever since then I always try to see female doctors.


I cannot believe it's been 8 years since I found out I had PCOS. It's been a rough time knowing how to live with PCOS. I go through phases where I read articles and books about PCOS. But, the hardest thing I find is sticking to diets and living a certain way that would keep the symptoms from getting worse or appearing. At the moment, I'm pretty much textbook PCOS and have most of the symptoms. For many years, I've kind of been in "denial" of what has been happening to my body. But, I'm 34 now and I feel the clock is ticking. Also, I'm at my heaviest and I need to take control of my weight. I believe that if I eat healthier and lose weight it will help reverse some of my symptoms. I also hope that it will make it easier to get pregnant. Life has been quite hectic for me and I haven't seen my doctor in about 1 1/2 years. The last time I talked with her about the possibility of pregnancy, she said it was possible for me, but with medical help. Sooo, I have an appointment in late February...basically a month from now. So, I am on a mission to lose some weight before my appointment. Well, at least 5 pounds. Losing 10 lbs would be better. It would make me happy if I knew I could lose weight and keep it off. I feel it's not just about my health, but it's also the possibility of having a baby.


I find that having PCOS is very lonely. I decided to start a blog, because I need this to keep up my spirits and motivate me to keep going on this challenge to live healthy and be healthy. It's so easy to get down and be depressed. Some people are not very supportive and think you're just "fat"--- but it's more than that-- PCOS is a syndrome that makes women susceptible to infertility, obesity, diabetes, and other ailments. Had I known about PCOS when I was a teenager...I would have done a better job at maintaining my good health. I find that many of the books and websites dedicated to PCOS say the same information...but I need to "know" people's stories...how do you deal with PCOS? How do you live with it? How? An expert can tell me what I should eat, but it's not the same as living it in real life. Anyway, wish me luck as I face this PCOS challenge and embark on getting healthy...I'm determined to gain control of my PCOS and not let it control and overwhelm my life like it has for so many years.