Kymmie

*Disclaimer: This is a personal post. It took a lot of courage to share something that was very personal. I also get a little graphic about my bodily functions, so if that makes you uncomfortable, you might not want to read this.*

I have a medical condition called Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). Here is my PCOS story.

My sophomore year of college was the year of self-discovery for me. I went from only going to class to being involved in multiple extracurricular activities. On top of being a full-time student, I was the night and weekend program coordinator for my campus, I was a co-instructor for a course for first-year students, and I had to complete hours of service at an after school program.  I was always somewhere, doing something. I enjoyed my time, however, I was always exhausted no matter how much sleep I got.

We’ve all heard of the freshman 15. I managed to escape that. I actually lost a few pounds my first year of college. However, the fall semester of my sophomore year of college, I gained 30 pounds. I expected to gain a few pounds because I had been eating a little more. Still the reality of gaining that much weight in such a short time took a toll on me.

Going from a size 8/10 to a 16 was a major change. Don’t get me wrong, there isn’t anything wrong with being a 16, but when I would go to get dressed my clothes didn’t fit. It was frustrating because I’d go through 4 or 5 outfits at a time and I didn’t feel comfortable in any of them. Eventually, I’d just throw on an outfit and just go about my day. At times, I would literally avoid going places because I didn’t feel comfortable in my own body. Every time I went somewhere, someone would comment on my weight. I was already self-conscious and that didn’t help me at all. My self-esteem took a major hit.

After winter break, things got a little more interesting, for a lack of a better word. It was the first week in February and I was waiting for my period to start. My friends would joke and say that I was pregnant, although we all knew that wasn’t a possibility. I’d had a history of it coming late so I was used to it. I remember one of my friends giving me a back massage in the lobby of my residence hall because she was trying to “beat it out of me” (haha). It worked because it started the week prior to spring break.

When we came back from spring break (second week of March), it was still on. My friends thought I was joking, but sadly, I wasn’t. A few weeks went by and “Cousin Flo” was still paying a visit. At this point, I started missing classes because I couldn’t keep my eyes open from being so exhausted. I was struggling because not only did I have to worry about class, but I had to worry about my job and the other organization I was involved in. I set up an appointment with a gynecologist, but I had to wait a few weeks because her schedule was full.

I finally made it to my appointment in April, and she told me that I had PCOS after asking me a few questions. Aside from blood work, she couldn’t run any other test because my period was STILL on after a month and a half. She gave me a prescription for birth control to help me out.  My cycle eventually went off after almost two months. You would think after waiting for it to stop, I would remember the exact moment. But I don’t. It was probably because it stopped the week before finals and I had the flu that week also.

The impact of PCOS is different for everyone. Although I haven’t had any two month long periods since then (thankfully), I can never really map out my menstrual cycle. I go through phases where it’ll be regular and I’ll go months where it won’t come at all. Whenever, it does come I literally sleep the entire time. Due to a hormonal imbalance, I also have to deal with the fact that hair on my face and other parts of my body grows rapidly. Even though my hair grows extremely fast on my body, I’ve had to deal with the hair on my head thinning and falling out. In addition to that, my weight fluctuates. I’ll gain 20 pounds quickly and then after a few months I’ll lose it rapidly and then gain it all back a few months later. Mood swings and anxiety are also something I have to deal with. I go through cycles with that too.

There is no cure for PCOS, so it’s something I’m constantly trying manage because it’s very unpredictable. It’s been 4 years since I was diagnosed. I no longer take birth control because the side effects of the pill actually made me feel worse. I tried a few different ones before I gave it up. It’s been one big trial and error. I’ve kind of narrowed down what makes me feel good and what doesn’t. I’m still working to make changes in my lifestyle to help reduce my symptoms. There are still days where I don’t to go places because I feel uncomfortable, but those days are few and far between.

PCOS is actually very common. 1 in every 10 women have it, however, most women aren’t even aware that they have it. While PCOS isn’t the worst medical condition I could have, it puts me at a high risk for diabetes, ovarian cancer, and infertility. Having PCOS isn’t fun, but I am determined to not let it stop me from enjoying life.

To learn more about Polycystic Ovary Syndrome check out the PCOS Awareness Association website.

-Kymmie

A Twenty-something living with PCOS

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