1. You may have regular periods and yet have PCOS
If you google ‘PCOS’, almost every site and blog tells you that the first and key symptom of PCOS is an Irregular Period. But that’s not always the case. I have always had a regular period of 3-4 days and a cycle of 30-35 days without any problems. But I have PCOS. My condition was caught during a USG because I had severe stomach pain. So, don’t be surprised. YES! It is possible to have PCOS even with a regular menstruation cycle.
2. Good Lifestyle, healthy diet and exercise truly helped me
You can have recommended pills, herbal tea and ayurvedic medicines that may help you control your testosterone level to some extent. but none of this is helpful unless you get your lifestyle right. My first Gynacelogist prescribed me oral pills which I had regularly for 6 months. This helped my menstrual cycle which was for 27-28 days for these months. Everything was good and I thought maybe I have to be on pills to control my PCOS. But the problem started once I stopped taking pills. For the first time, I couldn’t get my period in 56 days. I was so worried and tense. I went to another gynaecologist and she told me that my PCOS is so mild that I don’t need any medicine unless I become sexually active.
Basically, my periods become so dependent on pills that once I stopped taking them my menstruation cycle messed up. So I changed my lifestyle to a healthy diet of home-cooked meals, zero processed food and also cut down my intake of sugar, tea and coffee. Morning walks, cycling and yoga helped along with it. Now I have my PCOS under control with polycystic ovaries every now and then. But I haven’t taken pills for a year (of course it was the doctor’s recommendation) and I am doing great.
3. Depression is Real. Fight it.
I wish I could tell you differently, but Depression and Mood swings are natural in PCOS. This hormonal imbalance is a bitch and it won’t let you have an easy life. It is true but there are ways to deal with it.
In my personal experience, I was most depressed when I first found out about my condition. I had to quit everything I liked (sugar, caffeine, chocolates, cheese, dairy), lose weight and worry about countless things. Once I accepted the fact, it got easier. However, still dealing with the consequences of the mood swings. The worst thing about PCOS is you won’t know when it is hitting you and your personal relationship. I feel sad and worn for days without any reason and then I am okay as if nothing happened. It’s hard but you have to try harder to deal with it. The things that help are Meditation, Patience and talking about it.
4. Consult a gynaecologist regularly.
Visit your OB/GYN every 6-8 months and get your tests and USG done. It is very important to check your PCOS regularly. It is also very important to have a good OB/GYN who listens to your problems and gives you sound advice. I went to this OB/GYN who told me he can fix my PCOS once I get married. Of course, I was no fool I checked it online and consulted other Gynoclogist.
So a regular visit to a good OB/GYN helps tremendously. Test your hormone levels and look out for cysts constantly. Make sure you can talk to your doctor freely about your lifestyle. Some doctors in India are so critical and may judge you for your lifestyle choices. So be aware and go for a broad-minded one. A good doctor will always explain the problem and condition and respect your choices.
5. You are not alone.
PCOS is a hormonal problem that affects a lot of young women these days. So if you have PCOS or PCOD, don’t think you are alone in this. It’s a condition that affects a large section of women. There are numerous online forums and pages you can go and read about them. A lot of women writes about their problem and solutions to their PCOS syndrome. PCOS affects differently to everyone. So you may have different problems. But at least we can all come together and discuss it. It also helps women who are suffering from PCOD/PCOS a great deal. It helps to know you are not the only one dealing with this condition.
Please share your PCOS problems and write me your PCOS stories.