"You've got PCOS"
A year and a half ago I received a diagnosis that took five years to be solved...
‘So you have Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome.’ The doctor said, after I barely had a moment to sit down in the sweaty plastic chair.
‘OK, it’s not cancer.’ Was the first thing that ran through my mind. Morbid, I know. Then I started to panic ‘what does this mean for my future?’
The doctor couldn’t give me a straight answer, as my potential future is a little unclear. No I'm not going to drop dead tomorrow, hopefully not anyway. But Polycystic Ovaries brings a host of health issues with it, but we'll get onto that shortly.
For those of you that are unfamiliar with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). It’s a formation of follicles on your ovaries. Which can often cause your periods to be irregular, due to the egg not being able to break through the sacs on your ovaries. Consequently sending your hormones into a complete spin. Your testosterone levels can be higher than the average woman and losing weight of any kind can be harder than normal. I store fat like Sainsbury’s stores Hovis.
My symptoms began many years ago. My periods began to get incredibly heavy and painful, despite being on the pill. Weight gain began to take place, but I put it down to being in a happy relationship (I always gain weight when I'm happy). I'd had countless trips to the doctors about the pain. They did some blood tests where I was told I had higher levels of testosterone than normal, but it was nothing to worry about. Just put up with it. So I did.
A couple of years later, one morning. I was supposed to be getting on a train into London. I was still living with my parents at the time. My period was late, AGAIN. But boy, oh boy was it on its way. I was doubled over at the top of the stairs in pain. It felt like someone was using my ovaries as a stress ball. I couldn't walk and I felt completely ridiculous calling in late to work.
Enough was enough, which is when I got my diagnosis.
I was fortunate enough to have healthcare through my work so I could be seen privately. This simply sped up the process, but the outcome was the same.
I had an ultrasound scan where they found multiple things wrong, including the follicles on both of my ovaries. Something petrifying to see when you have no idea why there are lumps all over something that should be smooth.
The reason why I'm writing this post is because I really feel we need to take female health much more seriously. It's very easy to 'woman up'. To be palmed off. And to 'put up with it'. But why should we?
1 in 5 women are likely to have PCOS. Some may never be diagnosed as some women never experience symptoms. If you're like me however, then you need to help yourself.
It can feel embarrassing to go to the doctors about your lady garden. But please, go and get your smears (1 in 3 women in the UK don't due to embarrassment). Please go and get anything checked that you feel concerned about. You know your body best. And remember, they've seen a hell of a lot worse.
I've raved about the NHS, the work they do is incredible. However, female health isn't taken seriously. I feel it's very easy to cover up issues similar to mine with different types of contraception. I have to take the mini-pill (a pill that you don't have a break from) to prevent periods. Something I still feel isn't right for me. The hormones in it reduce my risk of developing ovarian cancer, but is it good for my general health? Not really.
I feel very uncomfortable about the fact that I have hormones pumping around my body 24/7 and I have done for nine years. It manages my pain, but is it helping for my future? I just don't know. I suffer with health anxiety and I'm learning that I have to trust the medical advice I have received. I just don't think this is a 'one size fits all' job.
So back to my future...
PCOS notoriously causes infertility. It's not impossible, far from it. However, I'm likely to experience issues.
This is what really got my goat. When I asked the doctor what would happen in the future and for her advice, they just didn't know. I know she's not a fortune teller, but what?! Worst case scenario is that I can't have children but apparently 'lots of women don't even know they have it and then they fall pregnant'.
I'm a control freak. I like to know if I need to mentally and financially prepare for this. I desperately want a family in the future. But I may not be able to have my wishes granted or I may have to pay to have that done. I know in my heart of hearts that I’ll feel like I’ve failed if this condition means I’m unable to pop out some sproglets.
This is very doom and gloom and we're lucky enough to live in a part of the world which is medically advanced. Yes, there's IVF. Yes, there are hormone treatments for fertility. I may potentially have to have surgery, which consists of a laser burning off the tissue on my ovaries.
PCOS also increases my risk of high cholestrol and type 2 diabetes in later life. BRILL!
I'm learning to try and not worry about the future. Whatever is meant to be, will be. So back to the present.
If you're a sufferer of Polycystic Ovaries, then I send you love. The thing that I hate most about the condition, is that it makes me feel unbelievably ugly. I have hairy arms, I get a snail trail (which I shaved off a few years back - biggest mistake ever) and now I've even started to get hair on my chest. But why does it not go to my brows to make them even? Eh?
I get incredibly bloated, if I do get a random period. Which sometimes comes along for two months by the way. My hormones are all over the shop. My skin is at its worst ever.
Now don't even get me started on Endometriosis.
Sophie x
If you're concerned about any issues raised in this blog post, please consult your GP. Don't self diagnose and please don't try to Google too many symptoms, you'll freak yourself out!