This month, all of my blogs, one way or another, will be related to PCOS. As September is PCOS Awareness Month, I thought it would be a good idea to write about it.
PCOS stands for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. PCOS is a condition in which a woman’s levels of the sex hormones estrogen and progesterone are out of balance. This leads to the growth of ovarian cysts (benign masses on the ovaries). PCOS can affect a women’s menstrual cycle, fertility, cardiac function, and appearance. PCOS is a hormonal issue that is common among women of reproductive age, according to Mayo Clinic. According to the PCOS Awareness Association, Symptoms of PCOS may begin shortly after puberty, but can also develop later in the teenage and young adult years.
One in every ten women have PCOS. I am one in ten. Although I have only been medically diagnosed for a little over a year, I’ve been self-diagnosed for a few years. I have always been in-tuned with my body and a few years ago, I noticed some things changing and I was experiencing some things that were abnormal. I started researching and comparing my symptoms to my research and it all came together. Sometimes its as simple as educating yourself and researching your issues.
As a female, it is very important to be in-tuned with your body and its functioning. It’s very important that you be able to realize something out of the normal. I say this because some illnesses can actually be treated if it’s detected early. While PCOS has no cure, there are methods that could help to control the symptoms. As one who has been affected by this syndrome, I will say as simple as it may sound to some, it can be really frustrating and discouraging at times. It goes beyond cysts on the ovaries, it affects your moods and your appearance.
This blog is not for any sympathy or pity. This month is not to make anyone feel sorry for those who have been diagnosed with PCOS. This month is simply to bring awareness to those who are uninformed and misinformed; in addition to encouraging and celebrating those who have been diagnosed!
Amen