Blog 1 in Series: PCOS

What is PCOS? (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)

Polycystic ovary syndrome (say “pah-lee-SIS-tik OH-vuh-ree SIN-drohm”) is a problem in which a woman’s hormones are out of balance. It can cause problems with your periods and make it difficult to get pregnant. PCOS may also cause unwanted changes in the way you look. If it is not treated, over time it can lead to serious health problems, such as diabetes and heart disease.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (or PCOS) is common, affecting as many as 1 out of 15 women. Often the symptoms begin in the teen years. Treatment can help control the symptoms and prevent long-term problems. (Definition from WebMD)

What are symptoms of PCOS?

• Acne
• Excess body hair
• Facial Hair
• Infertility
• Weight gain
• Trouble losing weight
• Thinning hair on scalp
• Decreased sex drive
• Irregular periods
• Carrying weight in midsection
• Skin tags
• Dandruff
• Dark patches on skin
• Hidradenitis Suppurativa (Limited studies)

Who else has PCOS?

As previously stated, PCOS is pretty common, effecting many, many women. Some are famous and have PCOS, some are famous because they have PCOS. (Actresses, singers, bloggers, trainers, etc.)

• Jillian Michaels
• Victoria Beckham
• Olivia Ward (Biggest Loser winner)
• Tarryn from PCOS Diet Support
• Amy Medling from PCOS Diva
• CeCe from The Big Girl Blog
• Coach Tulin
• Brittney from The Pretty Plus

Brittney’s Story: Life with PCOS

I was “diagnosed” with PCOS about a year and a half ago. It took me two years to actually tell a doctor what was going on with my body. At first, I was like…”SWEET, NO PERIODS!” And then I was like…”Oh shoot, it’s been a hot minute.” I knew something was wrong then, well before any of my other symptoms kicked in.

There were a number of things that kept me away from the doctor. No periods, no money, disbelief, and the fact that at that time, I didn’t really know that the symptoms I was having could be medical instead of “just cosmetic.” In the mean time, I probably put on about 30 pounds. That, caked on to my already overweight body, made me 310 pounds at my highest.

I began experiencing hair loss on my head, hair growth on my face and other not-so-desirable places on my body. Not just a hair here and there either, but male pattern hair that was both embarrassing and emotionally draining. My skin which had always been pretty clear had begun to develop cystic breakouts on my chin and cheeks. I’ve developed a very dry scalp, grown some skin tags, and basically any symptom on this list- I’ve had it.

For now, let’s forget the symptoms and get to the relief. I finally got courageous, met with a doctor, and she scheduled some tests for me. She let me know I have PCOS and not to worry, that there are medicines to help and I should work my butt off at losing weight, but that it would be 2X harder to lose weight than for the average person.

I did some research on my own and found that a lot of women were combating PCOS with maintaining a healthy diet, getting active, and keeping a goal in mind, so I decided that would be the route for me to take for now.

After I had lost 10 lbs, I had my first period in two years. I cried, I was so excited. I texted all my friends, told my boyfriend of my excitement…I just was so happy! I continued on with my weight loss journey for 6 months and lost 45 lbs, but I became sick of it all. I questioned why I was even doing it, why I had to be so strict in my diet when I saw others eating whatever they wanted, and just didn’t want to do it anymore.

Since, I’ve gotten back on track. I gained weight then, but I am at a total weight lost of exactly 30 lbs. I can tell when I am eating more healthy and taking care of myself because some of my symptoms go away, including my wonky, missed periods. I want to have kids in a few years, so I need to stay on track!

What’s Next?

My goal with this series on PCOS is to be another voice to the fight against the destruction of womanhood that is PCOS. I want to share my journey with you so you know someone else is fighting and struggling through the same things you are. Feel free to email me any questions you have, personal or not. I plan on sharing a bit more about the details of some symptoms, how to overcome, and information on general support.

All my love!