In the vast landscape of wellness, there’s a condition that’s not just common, but deeply impactful among women: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, or PCOS. Beyond its medical definition and the symptoms it brings, PCOS weaves into every aspect of life, affecting not just the body, but also the mind and spirit. I did not realize how much it affected me until I've become an adult woman, at age 25. So, here I am, telling you what kind of hell it is to live and navigate your life with PCOS. Most importantly, I simply want to bring awareness to it. This journey, as I’ve discovered firsthand, is more than a medical challenge — it’s an exploration of resilience, self-understanding, and overall well-being. I hope to empower readers to advocate for their health and well-being, while also fostering a sense of community and support among those affected by PCOS. So, whether you’re newly diagnosed, a long-time warrior, or someone seeking to better understand the experiences of loved ones with PCOS, I invite you to join me on this journey of understanding, resilience, and empowerment.
PCOS stands as one of the most prevalent endocrine disorders affecting women of reproductive age, with estimates suggesting it affects up to 10% of women (honestly, damn!) worldwide. It is simply characterized by a combination of hormonal imbalances, metabolic disturbances, and ovarian dysfunction. PCOS typically manifests during adolescence or early adulthood, with symptoms often becoming apparent shortly after menarche. (I’m 25 now and PCOS is manifesting on my face as acne. I got the diagnosis at 16 and I’ve had acne since adolescence so I did not even care about the diagnosis and thought that my acne was just adolescent acne… well, surprise on me now.)
One of the hallmark features of PCOS is hyperandrogenism, marked by elevated levels of male hormones such as testosterone. This hormonal imbalance can lead to a range of symptoms, including
- hair growth (in the body)
- hair loss
- acne (UGHHH)
- weight gain
- infertility
- irregular periods
all of which can profoundly impact a woman’s self-esteem and quality of life…
Moreover, PCOS is often associated with insulin resistance and compensatory hyperinsulinemia, predisposing affected individuals to metabolic complications such as obesity and type 2 diabetes. The interplay between insulin resistance, hyperandrogenism, and ovarian dysfunction creates a vicious cycle, further exacerbating the symptoms and complications of PCOS.
Beyond its physical manifestations, PCOS can exert a significant toll on women’s mental health and overall well-being. Studies have consistently demonstrated higher rates of anxiety, depression, and diminished quality of life among women with PCOS compared to their unaffected counterparts. (I was chronically anxious and depressed at the peak of my adolescence; God knows if it was because of PCOS or if I was just a goofy teenager?)
Alright alright… so you got the idea (more or less) of PCOS. Now you’re thinking about the solution. Well, I will keep talking about my personal journey so do not take any of these as professional recommendations (GO TO YOUR DOCTOR, preferably holistic ones, tbh)
My adult acne has started to show up in October 2023, and it.was.the.worst! But I am still trying to live with it in peace. However, none of the supplements, my lifestyle change, my simple skincare routine, etc. were seemingly not working in the beginning. So I went to my gynecologist and guess what? He put me on a birth control pill. This is not a surprise among women. Doctors will put you on either birth control or spironolactone. I could not see any other choice ahead, so I decided to try this birth control. Honestly, it is working, but if I want to get off of it, my hormones will go crazy again. So, in the long term, birth control pills are not a solution at all. But beware: if you want to use pills for regulating your hormones in PCOS, make sure you’re taking anti-androgen pills.
My skin is doing so much better right now, with lots of scars and active breakouts still, yet I am so grateful… So what have I done to reach this point?
- Lifestyle modifications: I decreased/cut alcohol, carbs, processed foods, caffeine, cigarettes, sugar, and dairy. I do a protein and low glycemic diet. I start eating my food with fiber, protein, and then carbs. I drink one tablespoon of pure apple cider vinegar (put some water/lemon in it) before every meal. I eat slowly and try to move after every meal. I work out, but not HIIT (because it might raise your cortisol levels, which is not good for PCOS), so you can try pilates, yoga, long walks, etc. These may help improve insulin sensitivity, promote weight loss, and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. I actually have seen better results when I maintain persistence. I strongly recommend you do your research, especially on this!
- Supplements: I wish there would have been another choice for me a couple of months ago instead of contraceptives to regulate my menstrual cycles and reduce androgen levels. But nope. If you’re impatient like me and you think you have no other choice, I’d say go for anti-androgen medications to address your symptoms. Additionally, supplements such as inositol, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin D may offer benefits for some women with PCOS. I’m currently using omega-3, zinc, vitamin D, inositol, berberine, turmeric, saw palmetto, magnesium glycinate, and ashwagandha. (Again, these are not recommendations for you to take, ask your doctor first.)
- Manage your stress: our cortisol levels play a huge role in PCOS. It contributes to hormonal imbalances, insulin resistance, and mental health issues. I incorporate stress-reducing activities into my daily life, such as mindfulness meditation, therapy, yoga, deep breathing exercises, and journaling, to help promote relaxation. Oh, and I cut the toxic people off from my life; it comes with lots of benefits, so it’s the best decision ever!
- Skincare routine and facial medications: it’s simple, just keep your routine SIMPLE! There is no need to use 938287 different kinds of products. It’ll just damage your skin barrier, just so you know! As an example, here’s my day-and-night routine:
DAY: wash my face only with water, snail mucin, azelaic acid %15–20, moisturizer, and SPF 50.
NIGHT: wash my face with an oil-based cleanser and then a water-based cleanser, soothing toner pad (2–3 times a week), snail mucin, and tretinoin (I used to use benzoyl peroxide; it did a good job, but I also want to try tret), moisturizer, and eye cream.
- Go get your hormone levels done: To start somewhere, a regular check-up is essential to dealing with PCOS effectively! This may involve routine blood tests to assess hormone levels and metabolic markers, pelvic ultrasounds to monitor ovarian health, and regular check-ups to discuss symptoms, treatment options, and any changes in your health status.
Oh la la… So there was my quick story of my PCOS journey. I hope I brought some awareness to it and helped at least 1 woman. There are lots of things to talk about about PCOS, but in a quick Medium essay, that’s all I can tell. However, I am always open to any question about PCOS or to talking with someone who has PCOS, just to support each other. We’re not alone in this, ladies!
And again and again, please go to your doctor, if you think you might have it. As with any medical condition, individual needs and preferences may vary, so it’s important to work closely with healthcare providers to develop a personalized treatment plan that meets your specific needs and goals.
Lastly, I know that it may not be ideal to live with PCOS because you have to sacrifice so many things from your life (cigarettes and bread were my besties) but remember, there’s always a way to reverse PCOS! Do not let PCOS knock you over, ladies!
