For the last year, I have been trying to get clear answers on the diagnosis of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). PCOS is a hormonal disorder causing enlarged ovaries with small cysts on the outer edges. Ever since I had the twins in 2014, I have been having LOTS of hormonal issues, I have been working with my gynecologist trying to narrow down my symptoms and find a way to manage them!
Symptoms of PCOS are…
- Irregular periods. Infrequent, irregular or prolonged menstrual cycles are the most common sign of PCOS. For example, you might have fewer than nine periods a year, more than 35 days between periods and abnormally heavy periods.
- Excess androgen. Elevated levels of the male hormone may result in physical signs, such as excess facial and body hair (hirsutism), and occasionally severe acne and male-pattern baldness.
- Polycystic ovaries. Your ovaries might be enlarged and contain follicles that surround the eggs. As a result, the ovaries might fail to function regularly. (mayo clinic)
The symptoms that I noticed after having the twins were irregular and prolonged menstrual cycles. My moods were up and down, and I noticed hair on my face and legs grew at a rapid pace (prior to having the twins I had no hair on my face, and I only had to shave my legs and underarms maybe once every three weeks or so…now I am shaving weekly).
One thing that I learned was that the symptoms of PCOS are greater when you are carrying extra weight. I went to see an Endocrinologist, regarding my symptoms because the solutions that my Gynecologist and I were coming up with weren’t working. An Endocrinologist is a branch of biology and medicine dealing with the endocrine system, its diseases, and its specific secretions known as hormones. We came up with a plan to manage my symptoms and to lose weight!
I am 14lbs down from my highest weight! Whoop Whoop!!
What I have been doing is learning about things that I should be eating versus what I should be cutting out, to lose weight.
Initially, for some reason, I was scared to see the Endocrinologist! In all honesty, the word itself was a little scary to me, and I wasn’t sure what to expect! However, once there it was actually one of the best appointments that I’ve been to! I received a total breakdown of why and how PCOS affects your body and how to manage the symptoms. We created a plan and a backup plan. The initial plan involved Birth Control which I wasn’t happy with and ended up having bad leg cramps which is one of the SERIOUS side effects. Once I stopped those I felt a lot better in general! Our second plan was to continue on the Metformin medicine which would help with my symptoms and as well as aid in losing weight.
I wasn’t sure where to start with my diet…I knew I needed to cut sugar and although I haven’t cut it altogether I have made some substantial changes! Also, I have a friend at work who has gone through a similar situation and diagnosis and she has been Ahhhhmazing in helping me along the process! She has given me the “real” side of PCOS and not the explanation filled with medical jargon!
