At present PCOS defines me….                             

It was first mentioned when I snuck to the shops but actually went to the doctor secretly at 15. 9 years later I let this rule me, and it is slowly taking over.

The NHS defines PCOS as:

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common condition that affects how a woman’s ovaries work.

PCOS affects millions of women in the UK.

The three main features of the condition are:

• cysts that develop in your ovaries (polycystic ovaries)
• your ovaries do not regularly release eggs (ovulate)
• having high levels of “male hormones” called androgens in your body

You will usually be diagnosed with PCOS if you have at least two of these features.

Those 3 bullet points….I TICK ALL THREE!!

I have had one surgical procedure (private through health insurance, I refused to wait 18 months)and was due another but doctors decided to wait it out instead.

  
My last period : 23rd February 2015

Difficulty getting pregnant: very now due to same sex marriage but before I was in relationships which never resulted in pregnancy. There was one possible pregnancy, I say possible because I suffered symptoms of a miscarriage after a + pregnancy test but before confirming with my Doctor.

Excessive Hair growth……The worst thing in my life. The face is the worst!!!! Any tips on dealing with this I would be greatful. With my job I can only shave before work and after, when realistically I need to shave two more times during shift. I pluck sometimes but I barely get through any of it as it takes so long and my eyes hurt and oh the headaches!! I cannot focus that long on my chin, neck and face!! I could go on and on about hair growth but I will stop here!!

Weight gain!! I use to be 10 stone, then just under three years with my ex boyfriend, working in retail and eating out = 4 stone weight gain!! I use to have an eating disorder and went down to 6 stone before coming to my senses!! But since 14 stone I have gone uo and down to 18 stone if not 19. So working in kg now I am 102, was 104.5 a week and a half ago but due to food poisoning I lost 5kg and put on a couple when I started getting better. 102kg is my starting point again.

My IVF goal is a BMI of 30, I need to be about 80KG and need to achieve this ASAP!! but this is a huge stuggle for me. 

My hair has always been thick but I have developed thinning on the hair line, not so much of an issue at present but my hair falls out so much now. More than my dogs hair!!

I was never a massively spotty teenager, had the odd spot here and there but its more of an issue now, not as bad as others but it bothers me!!

Anyhows….

There is no cure!! Some people do stop their symptoms through changing their lifestyle but deep down it does not get rid of the condition.

I know I could make a huge effort to change my lifestyle but equally I am not as well equipt with knowledge as I think I am!!
The two pictures on this post are courtesy of NHS Choices.

Stacie-Mai xx