PCOS: Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

I have Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. I found this out in the summer. It definitely makes things more difficult, in terms of weight loss, but I will not stop fighting!

Here is some information about it: PCOS affects menstrual cycle, fertility (ability to have children), hormone balance, heart and blood, and physical appearance. They are also associated with ovarian cysts (fluid filled sacs) in the ovaries.

Approximately 1 in every 10-20 women of child-bearing age have PCOS.

PCOS is associated with high levels of androgens, whcih can cause acne, increased hair growth, weight gain, and problems with ovulation.

Some things about PCOS that affect me:

• irregular menstrual cycles
• weight gain, difficulty losing weight (usually around stomach/waist)
• high rates of fat storage in the body
• darkened or lightened patches of skin 
• high risk for diabetes
• high cholesterol 
• high blood pressure
• depression
• anxiety
• increased stress
• insomnia (inability to sleep)
• acne
• increased hair growth

Increased risk for other health problems:

• 50% or more women will have diabetes or pre-diabetes by the age of 40 (aka in 18 years for me)
• higher risk of heart attack
• higher risk of high blood pressure
• high levels of bad cholesterol 
• can develop sleep apnea (stop breathing during sleep)
• high anxiety and depression (I am learning to manage this and have come very far)

Ways to deal with PCOS/treatment:

• I have to go back to my doctor about medication that is covered by our health plan. 
• Lifestyle modification is a big one, and that is another reason I am getting healthy and in shape! Exercise is extremely important, as well as limited processed foods and foods with added sugars, and having more lean meat and complex carbs, fruits, and vegetables in my diet. 
• Birth control pills: I don't take the pill, because if I am already at a risk of being unable to get pregnant, than I don't want to increase this risk. However, they do control the menstrual cycle, and reduce hormone levels, and help to clear acne. 

IIn addition to this information, it is important to note that PCOS does not affect every woman the same way. While it may be discouraging at times that I lose weight slower, I am not going to give up! That is totally a defeatist attitude, and to know that I am already at a higher risk for those other things, I do NOT want them affected me in 15-20 years, when I wish I would have just kept going to the gym and such. 

IIt will be a slower process than what I would like, but I will not stop!!!

THANKS TO EVERYONE FOR YOUR SUPPORT.