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What is mine is not always yours

If you are reading this and you have PCOS, you probably already know the characteristics of the syndrome. I just find the whole thing so darn complex! It affects women in different ways and it is interesting for me to hear/read about all the symptoms we can experience.

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I just felt like putting in a list of symptoms on this page even though they can be found on many other sites (made by people who have a healthcare background).​ A few of them might not be very common but I have seen every single one of these discussed.

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Weight 

  • You can be super skinny

  • You can be fat

  • You can be between fat and super skinny (I fall in this category)

  • May have a harder time losing weight than women without PCOS

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Fat Distribution

  • The fat can go mainly to your midsection (this is the most common distribution for sufferers).

  • The fat can go all over (this is what happens to me)

Treatments Available

While PCOS is not fully understood by medical professionals yet, there are some treatments out there that might help. All of the things may cause bad side effects so please be aware of that.

1  Metformin

This medication is prescribed to a lot of women with PCOS. It lowers blood sugar levels and increases our sensitivity to insulin. These are things that we are said to have issues with even if our test results are normal (I am still skeptical on this). Some women have also been able to lose weight easier and get pregnant on it.

2  Spironolactone

The main use for this medication is for treating cardiovascular issues such as high blood pressure. Since it also blocks androgens, it is prescribed  to females for the treatment of excess hair, acne, oily skin and thinning/balding hair.

 

3  Birth Control

Periods

  • Can go for months without having periods

  • Can have too frequent of periods

  • Can have normal cycles but might not always ovulate (me)

Hair

  • May have thinning or balding on the hair on your head

  • May have a really oily scalp and dandruff

  • May have excess hair on face, neck, arms, inner thighs, breasts, lower abdomen and back (me)

Other Symptoms

  • May have mental health issues like depression and anxiety(me)

  • May have a very high or very low sex drive

  • May have insulin issues

  • May have thyroid issues

  • May have problems controlling armpit sweating and odor

  • May have tuberous breasts(me)

  • May have issues getting pregnant (me...sort of)

  • May struggle with acne and oily skin (me)

  • May have low energy

  • May have foggy thinking

  • May have ovarian cyst ruptures periodically

  • May have a deep voice

  • May feel like you were supposed to be a male

  • May have a large clitoris

Things We Are At Risk For

  • Type 2 diabetes

  • High blood pressure

  • High cholesterol

  • Thyroid issues

  • Ovarian cancer

  • Heart attacks

These are thrown at us by healthcare practitioners a lot. They can indeed really help us if we find the right one for ourselves. Everyone is different as previously stated.

4  Fertility Medication

Fertility is something that a lot of women with PCOS struggle with. A doctor might prescribe a medication called, Clomid or hormones that are injected.

5  Supplements (not typically prescribed by doctors)

There are certain supplements available online and in stores that are used by some women to help with various PCOS related symptoms.  From reading many sites I have read the following ones mentioned:

  • Inositol and Ovasitol- Shows promising evidence that it can help with various PCOS symptoms

  • Berberine- Said to be a natural version of Metformin

  • Chromium- Might improve insulin and blood sugar levels

  • NAC- May improve insulin levels and help with getting pregnant. I was taking this during the time I got pregnant. It makes me really sick when I take now though

  • Cinnamon- May improve insulin levels

  • Moringa- May improve fat distribution

  • Vitamin D- Many women with PCOS are said to be deficient in this vitamin so supplementing with it may improve some symptoms they have.

6  Antidepressants

Depression and anxiety are common in women with PCOS. The medications may be necessary if someone is struggling a lot with these conditions.

Getting Diagnosed

1  Take a Good Look At Your Symptoms

Really think about the physical and mental symptoms you are experiencing if you think you may have PCOS. Write them all down so you have them ready to talk to the doctor about.

2  Research Doctors

Try to find some doctors around your area that have experience with PCOS and can help you. It will be a gynecologist or endocrinologist.  I got my testing done with a gynecologist first and then was referred to talk to a endocrinologist. 

3  Look Up What The Necessary Tests Are

There are specific tests that are to be done when getting a diagnosis. It is good to be aware of them just in case the doctors in your area do not know much about PCOS.

4  Get An Understanding Of The Treatments Available

If you are diagnosed with PCOS, it is good to understand what you are and can do about it. 

5  Know That You Are Not Alone

It is true. You are definitely not alone. A lot of women are suffering with PCOS. There are great communities for it online and maybe even in your area as well.

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