Welcome Note

My life has greatly changed since the day I was diagnosed with Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). I have wanted to write about my experience for a while now since it has been helpful for me to read about other people who are going through the same thing. I want to be able to help others who are expereincing PCOS with me and educate woman so they will go and get checked.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common female endocrine disorder, affecting approximately 5%-10% of all females. PCOS is a hormonal disorder that involves multiple tissues and organ systems within the body, and is believed to be fundamentally caused by insensitivity to the hormone insulin. It can be diagnosed in all phases of life in girls as young as 8-9 years of age, up through post-menopause. The symptoms of PCOS include, but are not limited to the following: irregular or no menstrual periods, acne, obesity/weight gain/inability to lose weight, breathing problems while sleeping, depression, oily skin, infertility, skin discolorations, high cholesterol levels, elevated blood pressure, excess or abnormal hair growth and distribution, pain in the lower abdomen and pelvis, multiple ovarian cysts, skin tags.(PCOSsupport2009)

When I found out I had PCOS there were many emotions I felt. Relief: I was glad I finally knew what was causing the things in my life that were uncomfortable. (my weight, acne, anxiety, my inability to get pregnant etc) Anger: I wish the doctors would have found it earlier so I could have started to take care of it earlier. Anxiety: I really want a family and was anxious to see if it could happen. They started me on Metformin which is a drug that is used for people with diabetes. This helps with my insulin problem...it also has helped me lose 15 pounds, get rid of most of my acne and help my anxiety go away. Really this is a miracle drug! The second medication I am on is Clomid. This is to help induce ovulation so I can become pregnant. I am on round 3.....

My Clomid journey started off easy...on 50mg I was fine, no side effects. Since the first 2 rounds didn't work they increased my meds to 100mg. Holy side effects Batman. I am an emotional roller coaster. I cry at the drop of a hat (which is so outside my character neither my husband nor I really know how to handle it) I have vivid, scary nightmares and hot flashes to boot. I am hoping all the side effects are worth it and the Clomid is successful. I can only take Clomid for 6 rounds at a time and if that doesn't work we will have to go to the next step....surgery.

How has my life changed? My husband and I have had to grow up and talk about EVERYTHING! Nothing makes us uncomfortable anymore. It has brought us closer together as this journey is emotional for both of us. We have begun to enjoy life together more; we spend more time as a couple and continue to travel and explore. We have decided not to put our lives on hold; we have to continue to live and enjoy the process. My outlook on my career has changed. For the first time ever I have decided I want to put all my effort into having a happy healthy family and not always work. I don’t want to spend every waking moment at work, thinking about work, or working to improve work. I love what I do, am happy where I am and it is conducive to raising a family. So for now I am set.

I am going to keep blogging as things come up to help myself get through it, but also to help others who are struggling with PCOS right along with me. I hope to educate and inspire others to live their lives and enjoy what they have!

Until next time....Live life to its fullest!