Ovary owners on life with PCOS

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder that affects 1 in 10 women of childbearing age. For Gen Zers and millennials alike, navigating this health challenge can be stressful as it entails irregular periods, pain, acne, emotional and hormonal difficulties and excess hair growth.

Unfortunately, many ovary owners don’t know about PCOS, leading them to feel lost and confused when they experience signs and symptoms that seem abnormal. PCOS is far from uncommon and every individual’s experience is different. To raise awareness and understand PCOS from a more intimate and non-clinical perspective, four individuals ranging from ages of 25 to 30 shared their experiences.

Of the four individuals who shared their experiences, three of them had no background knowledge about this condition. Bianca Wilson, 30, said, “I was just told it would be hard to have babies, or wouldn’t be able to at all. Because I was only 19 at the time [of diagnosis], I didn’t care much about this and just took my birth control prescription and accepted it.” A diagnosis like this can be defeating, especially when you’re suddenly told that you may experience a variety of complications.

All four of the individuals who shared their experiences had menstrual issues and irregularities. In fact, missing, irregular or painful periods are telltale signs of PCOS, but not all women and ovary owners have access to care or seek out medical advice. While some individuals get a diagnosis at a young age, others, such as Julianne Wong, receive their diagnosis well into their 20s or later. Wong, 25, received her diagnosis in March 2021 after missing periods and developing acne. While Wong originally felt defeated by her diagnosis, she now feels in control and able to control her body. “It has made me prioritize my healthy lifestyle even more,” says Wong, “PCOS to me means understanding and tuning in to what your body needs.”

Ria, a 29-year-old PCOS advocate, felt similarly. When Ria was advised to lose weight by her doctor, she felt lost and unsupported. Ria also expressed concern about becoming pregnant and how her diagnosis would affect her relationship with her boyfriend at the time.

“I have realized PCOS not only affects the body but also the mind, and the two cannot be separated. I have become more aware of myself and am able to identify early some of the psychological symptoms I struggle with,” says Ria. “[My diagnosis] made me want to reach out and have discussions with more women and try to help them with their PCOS symptoms and regain control over their body.”

Despite her initial barriers, Ria has become more aware of her lifestyle and has implemented healthier changes to manage her symptoms.

Fortunately, PCOS can be managed through medication and lifestyle changes. Wong says, “PCOS is an opportunity for you to get back to your basics, an opportunity to prioritize living a healthy lifestyle. Know that this is happening for you and not to you. There is a light at the end of the tunnel and you will always be your own healer.”

Doing things that are good for one’s mind and body will help guide one to where they want to be. Wilson advises ovary owners to “take [their] supplements, avoid trigger foods, do low moderate workouts as much as possible and join PCOS groups on social media platforms to talk to other women with it and ask questions.” Most importantly, she says not to listen to doctors who tell you that having PCOS will steal your ability to have children.

While PCOS goes hand-in-hand with an assortment of complications, it doesn’t have to strip your life from anything you may desire. With help from fertility specialists, Wilson eventually had her “miracle baby,” as have many other women with PCOS. The pain, menstrual irregularities and acne can often be managed with medications such as birth control, diet changes and exercise. Of course, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. It’s important for individuals to do their research and speak to a medical professional to discuss their options and get a formal diagnosis.