What is PCOS?

My journey with PCOS began in my early 20s. After years of taking hormonal birth control then finally stopping the pill. August 2023 I was diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome.

According to my gynecologist, my period and hormones should regulate within 3-6 months of being off the pill. A few months later I began noticing some unusual symptoms including, hair thinning, hormonal acne, fatigue, abnormal menstruation, and weight gain with exercise and a healthy diet. To my surprise, my gynecologist suggested a blood test and ultrasound to rule out PCOS.

My blood test showed abnormally high levels of androgens (testosterone), the next step was having an ultrasound to ensure my ovaries were functioning properly. I thought to myself if I did have PCOS, that this may be the only time I would have an ultrasound in my life. The prevalence of infertility in women with PCOS varies “between 70 and 80%.”

My doctor indicated what she called a “line of dots” along my ovaries. Polycystic is a term that simply means “many cysts.” The polycystic ovary typically contains many small cysts. Each of these small cysts represents a follicle, which contains a single egg that is attempting to develop to a stage where it will be ready to be released from the ovary (ovulation). However, in people with PCOS, the development of these follicles stops too soon, resulting in a collection of follicles and lack of ovulation.

It was then that I was diagnosed with PCOS and I just remember crying to my husband and mom. This made me fearful for my future… And you know what my gynecologist did after? She tried to prescribe me birth control and told me to lose 10 pounds (Let me add I was weighing 134 pounds during this visit.) Then hinted at the fact that I would likely need a drug to kick start my cycle or get pregnant.

So far for me PCOS has meant struggling with physical symptoms and metabolic challenges, insulin resistance, and mental health like anxiety. For others, it can mean issues with fertility. The important thing to remember is that no PCOS journeys are the same.