September is PCOS awareness month. Teal is PCOS awareness color, hence the new background.
I have PolyCystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). I am one in ten women.
It affects every aspect of your life. It can some times seem like it's taking over. It is unknown what causes the hormone imbalance that is the root cause of PCOS.
Symptoms include, but are not limited to:
- Irregular Menstrual cycle
- Weight gain
- Difficulty Losing weight
- Excess Hair growth on face and body called Hirsutism
- Darkened Skin Patches
- Skin tags
- infertility
- Thinning hair
- Insulin Resistance (diabetes)
- High Cholesterol and High Triglycerides
- High Blood Pressure
- Cysts on Ovaries
- Pelvic Pain
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Sleep Apnea
- Decreased Sex Drive
- Increased Stress Levels.
- Acne that gets worse
Not only does it make it nearly impossible to lose weight (for every pound someone with PCOS loses someone "normal" will lose 3 pounds), we have to pay extra attention to what we eat. Carbs are killer and so is Soy.
Ironically the best treatment for PCOS is weight loss.
One of the most difficult aspects of PCOS, at least for me, is infertility. I have wanted to be a mom since I was 5 years old. I have tried to do what's right. I've made mistakes for certain, I don't claim to be perfect, but I do try to be what God wants me to be. I watch people who make no effort to do what's right, and as a matter of fact, go out of their way to NOT do what's right have kids.
I have friends, whom I love dearly, who get pregnant, and come to me to complain about how they feel. I try to be empathetic, but it's really difficult. So now you know a little more about it, all I'm going to ask is that you be sensitive to my plight, and the plight of 10% of all women. Recognize that we struggle with self esteem already.
Facial hair and infertility makes us feel unfeminine. Excessive weight gain makes us hate our bodies. Acne makes us frustrated with our skin. Stress an Anxiety and hair loss make us depressed, and feel unsexy. It's not something we can control and there is no real cure. Husbands, take care of your wives. Be understanding, tell your wife she is beautiful. Let her know you find her sexy. Encourage her to eat healthy, but be kind. We all need a little extra hope.
