PCOS with Rupsaa Goswami

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a multifaceted and often misunderstood hormonal disorder that affects millions of individuals worldwide. It is a condition that encompasses a range of physical, emotional, and metabolic challenges. 

First of all, I thought I’d talk about my own experience with PCOS. Polycystic ovary Syndrome has made my experience with my body different from other girls I know who get periods. Ever since I got my first period, they have never been regular: I just believed that since I was in my first couple of years of bleeding, this was normal. But after 4 years of having a period that would sometimes skip up to 6 months, I realized that my body was going through something; I just didn’t know what. When quarantine started, I started feeling hopeless and depressed, and I started eating less. I’d reject my cravings, causing me to binge, and I felt awful about everything. It got so bad to the point where I bled extremely heavily for a whole month straight, causing my body to be malnourished in several essential nutrients and vitamins. I was the weakest I’d ever been, and I didn’t even know what was causing it. I went to an endocrinologist who ran some tests and I was diagnosed with PCOS. 

When I got this diagnosis, I almost felt relieved, because every doctor I had been to had told me there was nothing wrong; yet I felt everything inside. After my diagnosis, I learned how to take care of my body. I exercised more, ate more, accepted my cravings, and overall did things to boost my mental health. My life started getting better, my periods became more regular, and I was happier. I think the number one thing I would tell any girl of any age (who has PCOS) is that it truly is an up-and-down journey, but it really helps you understand yourself in a way that no one else could. It shows you the beauty of periods, and how essential it is to keep your body thriving. Do what makes YOU feel comfortable. If you don’t want a specific medication, talk to your doctor and change it to another one. It’s okay to give into your cravings and it’s okay if you feel exhausted even after resting. Don’t be hard on yourself, cause that is honestly the only part of PCOS that really hurts you.

PCOS isn’t some rare dangerous condition that will damage your body. In fact, 1 in 10 women have PCOS. Polycystic ovary Syndrome is a condition where small sacs of fluid form on the ovaries (not all women get cysts with this condition). These little sacs are actually immature follicles. These follicles are normally responsible for releasing the egg on time, causing periods. So, when the follicles don’t mature and build up on the ovaries, it can affect when a period comes. This causes numerous sex hormonal and insulin imbalances, often affecting a person’s mood, cycles, fertility, and hair growth. 

Think you have PCOS? Here are some symptoms:

• Irregular periods (most common)

• Excessive body hair growth

• Weight gain/struggle to lose weight

• Dark patches on skin: neck, armpits, etc.

• Acne

• Hair loss

• Reproductive problems/infertility

• Mood swings/stress

• Male features

**Please be sure to talk to your doctor for an actual diagnosis! They can tell you if you have PCOS and the next steps.

If you do figure out you have PCOS, do NOT worry. You will be okay! There are several ways you can treat your body when you have this condition. This includes having a balanced diet, regular exercise, and stress management. But to be honest, the most important thing is to listen to your body when it tells you something: do not deny yourself the things your body needs to flourish! While there is no cure for PCOS, endocrinologists typically focus on treating the symptoms. For example, many go on birth control to regulate their periods. Another option is to take a medication called Provera, which can be taken every couple of months to pull down all the build-up on the uterine walls and help “force” your period. You can also treat insulin levels, as PCOS sometimes comes with some form of diabetes. Contact your doctor or find an endocrinologist so that they can help you find the best option for you.

No matter what you choose, just know that you aren’t alone. PCOS doesn’t have to control your life if you don’t let it. Here are some highly successful women who have had/have PCOS:

• Victoria Beckham

• Keke Palmer

• Jaime King

• Jillian Michaels

• Alaia Baldwin

PCOS is a complex condition and affects people of all backgrounds and ethnicities. It’s nothing to be ashamed of and you can lead an amazing life with it!

You got this <3

~Rupsaa Goswami