#MayKwentoAko: MY PCOS STORY

September is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) awareness month. 💙 I know not everyone knows about this disorder so I thought of sharing with you a few things about it and my experience as a woman who is struggling with PCOS for years.

I hope one day, Filipinos will normalize talking and learning about sexual and reproductive health. We should be aware of this disorder so we can understand other women and not judge them for whatever they are going through.

Did you know that 1 out of 10 women is suffering from PCOS? The exact cause of PCOS is unknown but genetics, high level of androgen (male hormones) and a high level of insulin are a few of the several factors. There is no cure for this disorder but it can be treated. It is a serious disorder.

But first and foremost, I would like you to know about RH Care Info, 💻 an interactive website aiming to educate and support everyone, old and young alike, about how every individual has the right to make their own choices about their sexual and reproductive health. It is a non-profit Reproductive Health Information Project by the Philippine Society for Responsible Parenthood, Inc. (PSRP), supported by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

I’ve collaborated with them and I am taking this opportunity to use my platform to educate and share my experience with my readers. They have a campaign #MayKwentoAko 📢 where you also can share your stories to help and inspire others as well. You can check: http://rh-care.info/maykwentoako.

WHAT IS PCOS?

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder common among women of reproductive age (between ages 15 to 44). Women with PCOS may have infrequent or prolonged menstrual periods or excess male hormone (androgen) levels. The ovaries may develop numerous small collections of fluid (follicles) and fail to regularly release eggs.

Your risk may be higher if you are obese or if a family member also has PCOS. Most women find out that they have this disorder in their 20s and 30s since it is the age where they settle down and want to start a family. PCOS is one of the causes of infertility but it is treatable and having this disorder doesn’t mean you can’t get pregnant.

SYMPTOMS

The usual symptoms of PCOS are irregular periods, excess body and facial hair, severe acne, fatigue, anxiety and depression, infertility, weight gain or difficulty of losing weight, and hair loss. Ovarian cysts can also be seen via ultrasound.

MEDICATIONS

Medications for PCOS vary depending on your major concern. But since most women with PCOS have irregular menstruation, birth control pills 💊 are one of the usual prescriptions for this disorder. Doctors may also recommend a lifestyle change 🥗 and weight loss 🏋️‍♀️ through diet and exercise because people who have this disorder are at high risk for diabetes.

If you are trying to conceive, your doctor will give you a different medication which will help you with your ovulation.

#MayKwentoAko: My PCOS Story

I had my first menstruation (menarche) when I was 11 years old. I was in grade 5 back then. Almost all the girls in my class haven't had their menstruation yet and I was one of the girls to have it early. It was another holiday so I had no school that day. That's why it was memorable to me! I just noticed that there's blood on my underwear. 🩸 I didn't feel any pain so I was surprised and a lil bit scared. I thought there's something wrong with me. 😱 At first, I didn't tell my Mom but eventually, I knew I had to. Then she told me, it's my first menstruation and that I am "dalaga" na. 👩

However, after a few months, I noticed that my menstruation is irregular. I thought it was normal because I had it too early and maybe my body is still adjusting. But even after a few years, it went on like that. There are times that I won't have my menstruation for 5 months. And when it comes back, I am in so much pain that I can't even get up sometimes. 😢 My menstruation would last for 5-7 days. My Mom insisted that we should consult an OB Gynecologist.

I was really shy to go to an OB Gynecologist 👩‍⚕️ back in the days. I mean, I am not pregnant so why would I go there? My Mom finally convinced me when I was 15 years old. We went to the nearest hospital and got our schedule. While waiting for the doctor, we sat at the bench along the hallway and near the room. It felt odd, to be honest. I don't know if it is just me but the people there had their eyes on me. 👀 Maybe they thought that I was a pregnant teen or something? You all know people can be judgemental when it comes to that. Haha.

During my check-up, the doctor asked me about my menstruation and she got me tested to check if I was not pregnant. She said that I might have PCOS since one of its symptoms is irregular period. As a teen, I never thought there is such a disorder for women. She did not request an ultrasound as I am still young and I didn't want that as well. She prescribed me pills so my menstrual cycle will be corrected.

After years went by, I still have the same problem. To be honest, I did not take my medicines regularly especially during my teenage years. There are times that I would drink it and there are times that I won't. I even had doubts with my OB-Gyne because she diagnosed me with PCOS without an ultrasound. I also noticed that I gained weight during the first few months of taking the pills.

I only went back to my OB-Gyne after I graduated college and that's when she insisted that I should undergo an ultrasound procedure. I agreed to get the confirmation that I needed. And as expected, the result of my ultrasound confirmed that I have PCOS. 🙍 I saw my ultrasound and I somehow finally understood what it meant since I graduated as a Radiologic Technology. I have so many cysts in both ovaries. I started to take my birth control pills again.

The symptoms that I experienced are irregular periods, excess facial and body hair, hair loss, and weight gain. I go to the waxing salon often because my facial and body hair grows fast. My hair fall is severe, especially now that I have long hair. I also get acne from time to time but not to the extent, thankfully.

I am having a hard time with my weight, height, and diet. My height is just 4”11. Imagine the diet I had to do just to adjust with my height. Haha. In addition, I also think my metabolism is slow. I tried to stop taking my pills for months and I was able to lose weight with the help of keto. But as soon as I stopped the diet and started drinking pills again, I gained weight in just a few months. My OB-Gyne said it is not associated with the pills but maybe it is from the disorder itself.

It is already a struggle to experience these symptoms. And sadly, there are times that we get judged because of it. There were times that I get judged because I buy birth control pills when in fact I use it to treat my PCOS. I also get body shamed most of the time when the reality is it is hard to control my weight with this disorder.

Lately, I am struggling again in drinking my pills regularly. I mean, I've been taking them for ten years. I am so tired of it, to be honest. It is an everyday routine. But of course, I am not the type of person who will give up. I will continue to fight and hopefully, my situation will get better soon. To my fellow women struggling with PCOS, we can do this! Fighting! 😊

It was just recently when I learned more about PCOS. As a teen, I didn’t know that it is a serious disorder. 1 out of 10 women is struggling with this. If I took this seriously from the start, maybe my situation could've been better. This is why reproductive and sexual health is important and it should be normalized. 💯

If you are a teen or an adult woman ♀️ who is experiencing the symptoms mentioned above, please don’t be shy to ask for medical help. Having irregular menstruation is not normal 🙅‍♀️ and it is okay to get checked. 🩺

#MyKwentoAko

Break the stigma on sexual and reproductive health. Feel free to share your stories at #MayKwentoAko, 📢 a virtual heart to heart, #SKL, open forum, and safe space for productive discussions regarding sexual and reproductive health. So yep, I am tagging you to also share your experiences! 😉

RH Care Info also has a free consultation. You can send them a message on their Facebook Page if you need help. It's free!