My Journey with PCOS: A Personal Experience

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder that affects

women of reproductive age. It is characterized by irregular menstrual cycles, high

levels of androgens (male hormones), and polycystic ovaries, where the ovaries

contain multiple small fluid-filled sacs. PCOS can lead to various symptoms,

including weight gain, acne, excessive hair growth, and fertility issues. The exact

cause of PCOS is not fully understood, but it is believed to be influenced by genetics,

insulin resistance, and hormonal imbalances. In the UK, it is estimated that around 1

in 10 women are affected by PCOS (NHS, 2023).

When I was 16, I went to the doctor for abnormal periods and pain. Initially, I was

prescribed Mefenamic acid to help manage the pain, but when my symptoms

persisted, I was urged to go on birth control—specifically, the pill Rigevidon. Without

much discussion or investigation, I was put on birth control. At the time, I didn’t

question it. I was told it would regulate my cycle and help with my symptoms. What I

didn’t realize was that this would only be the beginning of a long and frustrating

journey with my health.

Birth control initially seemed like a solution, but over time, I began to struggle with

depression and body image issues, largely due to the weight gain it caused. I felt like

I had no control over my own body. When I finally decided to stop taking the pill at

18, I expected my body to adjust naturally. Instead, my symptoms before birth control

came back with a vengeance—only this time, they were worse.

For eight months, I had no period. My body was clearly struggling, but when I sought

medical help, I was met with dismissiveness. Doctors repeatedly suggested I was

possibly pregnant despite being subject to blood tests, ultrasounds, and urine tests

every time I visited. When all tests came back clear, confirming I wasn’t pregnant, I

was told that it was “normal” to not have a period for long stretches and that it would

“naturally” return. Not once did any doctor ask what type of birth control I had been

on—whether it was a combined pill or a progestin-only pill. It felt as though they

weren’t truly interested in addressing a problem related to women’s health.

It wasn’t until I insisted on further testing that I finally received an ultrasound and

blood tests, leading to my PCOS diagnosis at 20 years old.

Being diagnosed with PCOS was both a relief and a heartbreak. It validated what I

had been feeling for years—there was something going on with my body, and I

wasn’t just imagining it. But along with the diagnosis came another blow: I was told I

was potentially infertile and might struggle to have children.

To make matters worse, the only medical advice I received was to go back on birth

control and lose weight. It felt like a cruel joke—birth control had only masked my

symptoms before, and I knew that once I stopped taking it, the symptoms would

return. When I asked what else I could do, the response was disheartening: “Come

back when you’re ready to try for a child, and we’ll help you then.”

I was left to navigate my condition alone, with no real guidance on how to manage

my symptoms naturally or improve my overall well-being. It was a frustrating and

isolating experience, but it also forced me to take control of my health in my own

way. I started researching PCOS, learning about nutrition, lifestyle changes, and

natural ways to support my body. Instead of solely relying on medical advice, I turned

to online communities like TikTok and Reddit, where real people shared their

experiences. These platforms allowed me to connect with others who had faced

similar struggles, giving me insight into how they managed their symptoms. Hearing

real stories helped me feel less alone and empowered me to make positive changes

in my diet and lifestyle to best support my body.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned from this journey, it’s that advocating for yourself is

crucial. Too often, women’s health concerns are dismissed or minimized. We’re told

to take a pill and move on, without truly understanding what’s happening in our

bodies. PCOS is complex, and it deserves more than a one-size-fits-all approach.