Too Many Health Issues

This day has been a day of sorts. When I woke up, I was greeted with bad news that somebody we knew has stomach cancer. The doctor said that the prognosis is already grim, and he may only have a month to live. I was deep into my thoughts when I received a text message from my friend. She was asking for prayers because our beloved high school professor is battling the Big C too, only it was cancer of the lungs. I was set to go to the hospital today, and the news didn’t actually sit well with me.

I needed to get a test done today, and entertaining the thought of someone terminal is totally not part of my plan. I may be a nurse, but I am not exactly the most calm patient because the thought of consultations just freaks me out. Each time I would get test results, I would always receive it with shaking hands. I guess it has something to do with how I struggled to get diagnosed with PCOS.

I forced my husband to take half of the day off because I wanted him to see a doctor as well. He has been complaining of intermittent pain on his left side, and it was about time that I dragged him to the doctor. To add to that, I also wanted him to be around because I needed a PAP test or a PAP smear. As you know, a PAP smear is not a test that you really need to fear. While some discomfort is expected, the test is very helpful in detecting significant changes in the cervix. Hence, it is something that is definitely good for women. Regardless of this, I still could not get myself to look forward to it. But anyway, who would?

When I got to the hospital, I breezed through the familiar hallways so I can get our approval for the consultations. Aside from my OB, I wanted to see a gastroenterologist because my OB thinks that I need to consult another doctor regarding my pelvic pain. I also wanted to validate whether the pain in my lower abdomen is something GI related. Since my husband was scheduled to see the same doctor, I chanced upon the opportunity and went ahead with the consultation.

The doctor ordered a work-up for my husband to check whether there are underlying problems causing his pain. As for me, he laughed heartily and said that perhaps it’s something that I have been imagining. He said that I should just forget about it because the symptoms are not really something that I should be bothered about. So, here goes another one who didn’t understand my symptoms. I am quite convinced now that this is PCOS related because other women also had different tests done to determine the cause of their pain. And after all their tests, they could only find PCOS and nothing more. While I am glad that it is just so, I secretly wished that I just skipped seeing him because there is absolutely nothing amusing about my pain.

When it’s about time to see my OB, I was surprised to find out that she just left because of a surgery. She doesn’t hold clinics on my area during the weekends, so I have no choice but to see her again tomorrow. In other words, I have to see her alone and face my perceived fears because my husband could not leave his staff with a new system at work. Oh well, I guess I have no other choice. I badly want to be vaccinated for cervical cancer, and it would totally be pointless if I don’t get screened first. So, wish me luck!

The thought of being sick is truly distressing. But there are already preventive tests available so we can also do our part in protecting ourselves against certain diseases. While I am such a coward, I dare not miss these tests for the world.

How My Metformin Treatment Began

Many women with PCOS are prescribed with Metformin, which is actually an anti-diabetic drug. Before starting the therapy, my then OB-Gyne told me that we were going to start it at a small dose so I can get used to the side-effects. She said that many individuals complain of diarrhea and tiredness, which may get in the way with my daily routine

She initially prescribed me to take Metformin 500 mg twice a day. She said that I need to see her after two weeks so we can again work on increasing the dose to 1500 mg or equivalent to taking 500 mg tablets thrice a day after meals. Although I had soft and more frequent bowel movements with the initial dose, it was still very manageable. But when my doctor increased my dose, I suddenly found myself scrambling to the toilet each time I felt the urge. It happened in the most inconvenient places, and sometimes I would just cheat and skip a dose so I can go on with my usual activities.

When I talked to my doctor, she recommended that I try other Metformin brands because she said that some people have different reactions to the drug. I have already tried different brand names, but I still could not tolerate their side effects. Knowing about my discomfort, my mom asked her colleagues for any suggestions. They recommended Neoform 500, which is basically another brand of Metformin. My doctor says it is a generic brand, but it is the only brand that doesn’t trigger very troublesome side effects. I still get diarrhea, but they are manageable as compared to the experience that I had with the other brands. And best of all, I can tolerate 1500 mg a day of the drug.

If you are wondering whether taking the medication is worth all the trouble, I can definitely say that it is. Without the medication, I find myself dealing with cravings every now and then. To further understand how Metformin can help women with PCOS, here are some details about the drug that may be helpful to you:

Why is it ordered: PCOS women have insulin resistance, which is a condition wherein the cells become resistant to the effects of insulin. In this case, the body finds it hard to move glucose into the cells where it is going to be burned as fuel. PCOS women benefit from taking Metformin because it can increase the body’s response to insulin thereby facilitating the transport of glucose. To add to that, metformin can also control the amount of sugar in the blood, and it can also decrease glucose absorption.

What are the side effects: Malaise or the general feeling of being unwell, nausea, vomiting, loose and more frequent bowel movements or diarrhea, loss of appetite, stomach pain, gas, bloating, Vitamin B12 malabsporption, heartburn, headache, and an unpleasant metallic taste in the mouth. In very rare cases, it can cause lactic acidosis, which is characterized by weakness, difficulty breathing, abnormal heartbeats, stomach upset, dizziness, muscle pain and a feeling of coldness. If you symptoms of lactic acidosis, contact your health care provider right away.

Before you take the medication, it is very important that you discuss your health history with your doctor. Make a list of all the medications that you are taking, and ask your doctor whether these can in any way affect your treatment. And just like any treatment regimen, you need to make sure that you keep any follow-ups with your doctor. Many women may fail to go back to their doctor because they think that they would have to take the medicine in the long run. While it can be true, your doctor still needs to monitor your condition to evaluate your response, as well as to keep watch for any untoward effects.

I have been on Metformin for more than a year already. In the beginning, it was hard to take it religiously especially when I am so used to skipping meals. But I have learned that treatment is not at all beneficial if I don’t do my part. Now, I have the medicine in my vanity kit just to make sure that I can take it wherever I go.

4 Ways To Lower Cholesterol

If you have PCOS, you may already know that there are various body mechanisms that are not functioning properly. Aside from the possibility of developing diabetes, there is also a strong chance that women with PCOS will eventually have high cholesterol levels. Some PCOS women may already have high levels of cholesterol before they reach 40 years old.

Before I had PCOS, I was living a healthy lifestyle. I was very particular with what I ate, and I always made time for exercise. So when I learned that PCOS women are prone to have elevated cholesterol levels, I wasn’t really worried. Regardless of my weight gain, I still made an effort in eating healthy. But my test results didn’t seem to agree. I was surprised to find out that I suddenly have borderline-high cholesterol levels.

Since then, I always made a point not to aggravate my situation. After all, a particular treatment may not be effective if you solely rely on medications. To prevent your cholesterol levels to skyrocket, there is a need to make lifestyle changes. Here are some tips on how you can lower down cholesterol:

1.     Eat a heart healthy diet. Many of our well-loved Filipino dishes are definitely tasty, but they are also very high in fat and cholesterol. Since walnuts and salmons are not readily available and affordable in this part of the world, you can choose from other options. Oatmeal is quite popular in lowering cholesterol because it has soluble fiber, which has been found to lower low-density liporprotein (LDL), or what is commonly known as bad cholesterol. Other foods with soluble fiber include apples, prunes, pears, carrots, dried peas, grains, and beans.

Try to consume as well foods that are fortified with stanols, which can be found in some margarines, orange juice, and soybean products. However, there is still a need to observe the right food portions. These healthy foods are absolutely not an excuse for you to overeat or to consume what is only necessary.

2.    Exercise regularly. Start out slow and gradually increase your level of activity when you feel that you can take it a step further. A good principle to remember is to choose an activity that can increase your heart rate for a sustained period of time. When the heart pumps quicker, your body will respond by increasing energy expenditure.

3.    Lose weight. Losing weight does not only lower your LDL cholesterol, but it also increases your good cholesterol or HDL. It is common for PCOS women to have difficulty with losing weight, but regular exercise and proper diet can still lead to many health benefits in the long run.

4.    Check with your doctor whether you already need cholesterol lowering agents. It is vital that you work with your doctor in making sure that your cholesterol levels are properly controlled. Some women may not need medication to control their cholesterol levels, but lifestyle changes alone may not work for others. Stay informed about your treatment by discussing with your doctor possible side-effects or any adverse reactions.

Since PCOS women are predisposed to developing cardiovascular problems, it is very important to live a healthy lifestyle. It is also important to remember that while there are different ways on how you can lower your cholesterol level, the best approach is still a combination of these steps. To attain optimal results, consult your doctor so you will be guided with your treatment plan.

How I Became A Lab Rat

Among the most disturbing symptom of PCOS is weight gain. Many women struggle with the loss of self-confidence because of the change in their appearance. When I got diagnosed, my doctor prescribed an oral contraceptive pill — Diane 35 (Cyproterone Acetate and Ethinyl Estradiol). The purpose of the pill was to regulate my hormones. She said that minimal weight gain is expected but it shouldn’t be too bothersome.

After only a few weeks, I already gained a noticeable amount of weight. But I didn’t want to give up too easily because I wanted to at least see some results. After only a few months, my doctor wanted to check whether there was some progress with my treatment. The results came out the same and the distinct “string of pearls” could still be visualized through ultrasound. I was partly glad that there was no remarkable change with the size of my ovaries, but I was also disturbed that the problem still persisted.

Since I was already dealing with some other symptoms of PCOS, I wasn’t too happy with the added weight. Some women don’t have weight issues while on this pill. They even prefer Diane-35 because they like its effect on their skin. But it was a totally different story on my part. The excess weight was such that I had to rethink whether I really wanted to keep taking the pill. I talked to my doctor and she said that some women actually wait out for the time when they want to conceive to begin therapy. However, she clearly pointed out that it was my choice and that my main problem may be infertility.

Because my periods were still regular, I assumed that it was just PCO or polycystic ovaries without the syndrome yet. Hence, I focused more on losing the excess weight. While it took me only three months to gain more than 30 lbs, it took me more than a year to lose the excess weight. There were times that I would lose 10 lbs, but I can effortlessly gain it back in such a short time.

After my pregnancy, another doctor put me on EVRA (Norelgestromin/Ethinyl Estradiol) – a transdermal contraceptive patch. Knowing that I had a very difficult pregnancy, she was partly concerned that I would have another baby too soon. Although she knew about my PCOS, she went ahead and prescribed it to me. I again gained weight with EVRA so I consulted another doctor.

My new doctor prescribed me with Yasmin (Drospirenone and Ethinyl Estradiol) with the hope of controlling my symptoms. She said that EVRA had the highest concentration of hormone which explained my weight gain. With Yasmin, she said that it is very unlikely that it will cause significant weight gain. But yet again, I proved her wrong because my weight gain persisted.

Looking back, I totally regret that I haven’t been too involved in my treatment. PCOS is not common and doctors may have different treatment approaches. If you know the kind of medication being prescribed, you can make choices because in the end, it is your body that will respond to the treatment. While doctors only want to treat your condition, there are just times that they need the expertise and the experience to handle your condition.

For so long, I have been searching for an OB-ENDOCRINOLOGIST who can help me with my treatment. But so far, I haven’t found any. Having family members in the medical field, I know that it is an ambitious specialty. But PCOS is also a difficult disorder to treat, and you really need the right treatment approach for you to see the results.

My OB may not have that particular specialty, but I have faith in her experience. I have made my mark during the first and succeeding consultations because I had too many questions to ask. I also have a “lifeline” with the OB from my hometown because I also seek her opinion. If you have PCOS, go ahead and list down your queries before you seek consultation. When you are aware about your treatment, maybe you won’t feel like another lab rat.

Common Diagnostic Tests For PCOS

If there’s one thing that I regret the most about my journey with PCOS, it’s the time when I did not seek any treatment. I guess I wrongly assumed that PCOS would just go away after pregnancy. Without treatment, my hormones totally went crazy. I gained weight so easily, and I also noticed that I always had these nagging cravings with anything sweet and high in carbohydrates. I guess that was my body’s way of telling me that there is something terribly wrong.

When I came in for a consultation, my doctor immediately ordered some tests. It is important to understand the basic tests because along with your symptoms, the values are vital in diagnosing PCOS. In my case, it took some time before my doctor diagnosed me with the syndrome. And it was even at a later time that I found out about my insulin resistance because I assumed that I only needed very basic tests. If you know more about your options, it may help with early diagnosis and treatment. Here are the imaging tests that were initially ordered to me:

- Transabdominal Ultrasound – Before the test is done, you will be asked to drink water to fill up your bladder. The test will not be conducted if your bladder is not adequately filled up. A good indicator is the feeling that you badly need to go to the bathroom. This test utilizes sound waves to make a picture of the organs and structures in the area particularly the ovaries, uterus, cervix, and fallopian tubes. To do this, a doctor will move the transducer back and forth in your pelvic area. You will only feel a slight pressure and the coldness of the gel used as a lubricant.

- Transvaginal Ultrasound – You will be asked to empty your bladder before the test. A transducer or a probe is then covered with a condom and gel before it is inserted in the vagina. Once the probe is inside, the computer will receive sound waves so that an image can be created. Aside from viewing reproductive organs, it can also show the lining of the uterus. This test is commonly ordered if the doctor suspects ovarian cysts, ovarian tumors, pelvic infection, and other related conditions. Only a small portion of the transducer is inserted so the discomfort is very minimal.

Since PCOS women are predisposed to developing diabetes, most doctors will routinely check your blood glucose levels. My fasting blood sugar level would always come out normal and I wasn’t really alarmed even if my body would always trigger me to eat. When my doctor ordered for an OGTT or an oral glucose tolerance test, that’s when I found out that I had values twice to that of what is considered normal. These are the blood tests that may also be ordered by your doctor:

- Fasting Blood Glucose Test – This test is ordered to determine the amount of glucose in the blood. The preparation entails that you need to fast on an 8 or 10 hour interval or depending on the facility. You are not supposed to drink or eat anything during the fasting period because it may yield inaccurate results. It is only after blood extraction that you are allowed to eat.

- Oral Glucose Tolerance Test – This test is common during pregnancy but it is primarily ordered to check how your body breaks down sugar in your blood. You will be asked to fast for 12 hours before the test. Once you arrive at the laboratory, you will have your first blood extraction. You will then be asked to drink a sweet liquid with a measured amount of glucose. Your succeeding extractions will be collected at timed intervals of 1, 2 and 3 hours after ingesting the glucose preparation. While waiting for your extractions, you are still not allowed to eat or drink anything. Be very careful with rising or moving around because you may feel dizzy.

These are only the common tests that are ordered by doctors to rule out a diagnosis of PCOS. I am still in the process of looking around for facilities that offer testing for hormones and other blood components that are expected to rise with PCOS. If you know any facility that offers the other tests, I would be more than happy if you can share the information with me.

How I Found The Right Doctor For PCOS

Many women love shopping and the mere thought of an upcoming sale can be exhilirating for some women. But there are also some instances when shopping is not at all enjoyable. When you have PCOS and you want answers, it can get quite frustrating to look around for the right doctor. While doctor shopping is a term that is most often used by individuals with an addiction, it’s a totally different story on my case. I didn’t go around to get a prescription. I had to see various specialists because I could not find a doctor who understood what I was going through.

Since PCOS is a condition that requires lifestyle changes, I felt that I needed a doctor who can understand my struggles and at the same time recommend new treatment approaches. My first doctor was my mom’s colleague and friend. She was like a second mom to me and she helped me cope especially during the initial stages. Sadly, I had to bid her farewell because I had to relocate elsewhere with my family.

After the move, it was hard for me to find a doctor who can help me out with my PCOS. Somehow I missed the warm reception that my reliable OB-GYNE gave me in my hometown. Here in the big city, I had consultations that lasted for a mere two minutes only. And to think that I waited a good two hours for that appointment. I honestly could not believe that doctor visits have also become commercialized lately.

The doctor just said — so it’s still PCOS. You need to take your meds and you need to be watchful of what you eat. Please come back next month so we can monitor your progress. And that was pretty much what I got from her after two hours of waiting! It was impossible to ask her questions because she kept talking like a recording and I just didn’t have any chance. The consultation was long done before I realized that it was, and I didn’t bother to come back because I felt that she had no time for me.

I also had a doctor who was quite insensitive. Since she was quite accommodating, I tried to keep my appointments and I tried my best to follow her advice. But I always dread the time when I had to check my weight on the scale because she would say something like this – “You should be exercising and eating right if you don’t want to weigh 300 lbs.” I know that I’m far from that number but her remark just shows that she’s really not familiar with the weight loss struggles of many PCOS women. If only she knew that I spent at least two hours in the gym for five days a week, and ate only salads for the past month. It’s just totally heartbreaking.

I was able to visit a couple more doctors before I finally found a doctor who understood. When she checks to see that my weight is still the same since my last visit, she would tell me that she understood and she knows that I have been working hard. She said that there are plenty of other women like me who are struggling with weight loss. When I lost a couple of pounds due to my crazy dieting, she said that I had to take it easy because gradual weight loss is healthier as compared to crash dieting. Finally, I found somebody that I look forward to seeing each time I have a check-up!

Finding the right doctor is crucial in the management of PCOS. While certain medications are indispensable in the treatment of the syndrome, a healthy doctor-patient relationship is also vital in the success of a treatment. I had my share of “doctor shopping”, but now I feel relieved knowing that I am finally in good hands.

8 Preventive Screening Tests For Women

A hospital is not among the places that many people are dying to visit. But ever since I was diagnosed with PCOS, I could no longer count the number of times that I had to see my doctor so I can get some tests done. Since my symptoms worsened, I vowed to take better control of my health because I could no longer allow PCOS to rule my life.

Due to PCOS, I hated going to hospitals because I just can’t stop worrying. I guess it is due to the fact that there were plenty of instances before when some doctors won’t associate my new symptoms with PCOS. So when the test results would still indicate PCOS, I would always heave a big sigh of relief. I seriously can’t handle another health issue on top of my PCOS.

I have learned that regardless of age, the possibility of being afflicted by an illness is still inevitable. If not for my racing thoughts, I would not have found out earlier about the disease. And it would have taken me longer to take on an active role in managing the syndrome. Prevention is always better than cure, and women should take it upon themselves to be proactive in the management of their health. Here are some of the common screening tests that are recommended for women:

1.    Body Mass Index – BMI is basically a number that is derived from a person’s height and weight. It is a reliable indicator of body fat and it is used as a screening tool in identifying future weight related problems. You can get your own results through the web or you can ask your doctor during a routine visit.

2.    Pap Smear/ Pap Test – It is a valuable tool in screening cervical cancer. When cell changes or any abnormalities occur in the cervix, the right treatment can stop the development of cancer. Hence, women should take full advantage of this screening tool and the fact that cervical cancer can be prevented through a series of shots. If you are between the ages of 21 to 65 and if you are sexually active, it is best to get a pap test every 1 to 3 years.

3.    Self Breast Exam (SBE) – Make a habit of checking your breasts each month. If you are familiar with the feel of your breasts, you can easily notice changes like lumps or masses. Try to check your breasts one week after your period, or during the same time each month. Ideally, SBE’s should be done by women aged 20 years old and above.

4.    Mammograms – Many women dislike mammograms because it can cause mild discomfort, but it is a test that can detect breast cancer at its earliest age. Yearly mammograms are recommended for women 40 years old and above.

5.    Cholesterol Screening – Some doctors usually recommend cholesterol screening for women who are 45 years old and older. But they may recommend early monitoring if you have a health history of heart disease, or if you have diabetes, PCOS, hypertension, and many other related illnesses. Check with your health care provider to determine the best schedule.

6.    Blood Glucose Test – For healthy individuals aged 45 years old and above, a blood glucose test is recommended every 3 years. But it can also be a case to case basis depending on your health history and condition. These days, many doctors order a blood glucose test along with an annual, or even before a woman reaches 45 years old to ensure that no abnormalities are present.

7.    Test for Colorectal Cancer – There are actually a couple of screening tests for colorectal cancer but colonoscopy is usually preferred by many doctors. It is a test that allows the visualization of the entire colon through a flexible tube that is inserted in the rectum. Health care professionals are now urged to recommend the testing at the age of 45. Your doctor will evaluate your risks whether a colonoscopy should be done earlier than recommended.

8.    Test for HIV, Chalmydia and other STD’s – Women who are sexually active and with a history of multiple sexual partners are encouraged to get screening tests. Talk openly to your doctor about your sexual history so he can recommend the right screening tests for you.

These tests are only among the most common screening exams ordered for women. There are certain exceptions to the rule and it is important that you work closely with your health care provider to ensure that you are following the right plan.

My PCOS-Inspired Resolutions

The MIRROR is not exactly your best friend when you have PCOS. It’s not that you are in denial or you just don’t want to see yourself in such a condition, but it can get really depressing in the long run. For the past three years, I have accepted the fact that the syndrome is on its full course. But to this day, I still find it hard to stare at the mirror for three uninterrupted minutes. If you are wondering how I did it all through these years, the answer is quite easy.

When I flash a quick look at my reflection, I would only focus on staring at my face. And by mastering the skill, I have sadly neglected the rest of me. I haven’t really paid attention as to how long I have been evading the mirror, but when I look back on the time that I have shunned socializing, I can say that it has already gone for far too long. And it didn’t come without a price – I have lost too many opportunities and I have also lost touch with dear friends because I have totally enclosed myself in my comfort zone.

Aside from my immediate family and close friends, I have never bothered to open myself up to new people. It’s not that I don’t go out because I still love going to places, but I only do so just because I have the anonymity that came with moving to a bigger city. Being a small town girl, I grew up in a place where everybody knows everybody. And I have come to dislike the idea of brushing shoulders with familiar faces because I was just too afraid.

But I have gotten tired of avoiding full view mirrors, and I have spent such a long time feeling utterly hopeless. To add to that, I have ran out of excuses as to why I could not make it yet again to another family gathering. I realized that I have wasted too many years away, and I see no point in wasting some more. Hence, I have some mid-year resolutions for myself.

I WILL…..

1.     Get proper treatment – The reason why I have so many symptoms now is because my hormones went crazy after pregnancy. And I didn’t bother to go to many specialists after that, but this time around I am going to seriously have regular check-ups.

2.    Regularly take my medications – I am currently on Metformin 500 mg thrice daily after meals. I usually skip one dose when I don’t bother to eat breakfast. And since I could not tolerate a higher dose, I will work on taking it on the right intervals.

3.    Eat right. When you are insulin resistant, you tend to crave food every now and then. These cravings may also occur when your blood glucose is poorly controlled. I love Filipino food but many of the dishes that are easy to cook are just too fatty. And with cholesterol levels skyrocketing for PCOS women, I should exert an effort in preparing and eating healthy meals at home.

4.    Exercise regularly. Although I had too many failed attempts before, I could never have a better quality of life if I don’t lose weight. Many PCOS women attest to getting rid of most symptoms after weight loss. While it may sound easy, I am aware that weight loss is painstakingly hard for PCOS women.

5.    Stay inspired. I am slowly recovering from the effects of my solitude and now I am ecstatic to start this blog because it has the potential to reach out to other people who may be going through similar situations.

6.    Live life to the fullest. I refuse to waste more years feeling sad and sorry for myself. I will do my best in all my undertakings, and I will focus more on getting a better quality of life.

There is too much uncertainty ahead, but I am very determined to overcome PCOS. My daughter is just three years old, and I will not allow PCOS to rob me off fruitful years that I can spend with my family.  And after a long time, I have welcomed back the mirror as one of my long lost friends. I’m seeing that there’s a lot of work that needs to be done, but I’ll get there somehow…..

What You Need To Know About PCOS

When I learned that I had PCO or polycystic ovaries, I was resigned to the fact that I may never get to have my own baby. The thought of infertility always haunted me and I vowed to learn more about PCOS so I can have the best chance of conceiving. My frustration drove me to do more research so I can better understand and deal with the symptoms.

I found out that the presence of cysts in the ovary/ovaries is not a definitive symptom of PCOS or otherwise known as Stein-Leventhal Syndrome. Many women have the same cysts in their ovaries without manifesting any of the bothersome symptoms. I can totally say that they are the lucky few and there is nothing that I want more than to be asymptomatic.

In healthy individuals, a matured egg is released from the ovary so that it can travel to the uterus for fertilization. With PCOS, high levels of hormones interfere with the development and release of eggs. This is the reason why it is associated with infertility because the egg is not released during ovulation. As a result, the immature follicles bunch together forming grape-like clusters. Upon ultrasound, the appearance can resemble a “string of pearls”. It can be unilateral or one sided, or it can affect both ovaries. And although the imbalance is reproductive in nature, it can cause a pattern of other symptoms which is why it is classified as a syndrome.

Ever since I got diagnosed with the disease, I gradually noticed new symptoms as time went by. Here are some of the common symptoms of PCOS including my personal account of my journey with the syndrome:

-    Pelvic Pain – Some doctors do not really associate pelvic discomfort with PCOS, but it was the symptom that prompted me to see my doctor. The pain is very different from having menstrual cramps. I can describe the pain as sharp, intermittent, and it is very similar to the pain that you feel when you have a fresh incision. Sometimes it is tolerable, but on other occasions the discomfort is such that I could not do anything else but lie in bed.

-    Thinning Hair – For a time, I am quite positive that I shed at least 30 strands of healthy hair each time I’d get a shower. Again, I went to see a doctor and she told me that I was just too stressed! I am just glad that it stopped falling off otherwise I’d totally be frantic.

-    Hirsutism – The term implies to excessive hair growth, and it tends to occur on the wrong places. Some women may suddenly notice a growth of a beard, or even facial and chest hair. Although I am just thankful not to have any of this, I worry everyday whether I will sport a beard anytime soon!

-    Weight Gain and Difficulty Losing Weight – A great percentage of women with PCOS have weight issues. Before having PCOS, I can easily lose weight when I want to. Now, it’s a totally different story. I am still trying to win the battle of the bulge, and it’s totally frustrating!

-    Skin changes – Some women complain of oily skin, acne and even dandruff. While I don’t have any of these menacing symptoms, I happen to have patches of skin that are darker than some areas.

-   Irregular Periods – Women with PCOS usually have fewer than nine periods in a year, while others really don’t get to have any. This is the first year that my periods have gotten pretty late every month. And I noticed that the cycles have become quite longer than usual.

-    Infertility – Many women have trouble conceiving, but I am very fortunate to have a daughter to call my own. I never had any fertility treatment before I had her, and I really consider her my greatest blessing.

-    Insulin Resistance – When a person is insulin resistant, the body cells do not respond to insulin, or the hormone that regulates glucose in the blood. This results to abnormally high blood glucose levels. I used to think that my values were good because my Random and Fasting Blood Glucose results always showed normal levels. But when my doctor ordered OGTT or oral glucose tolerance test, the result indicated that my value was twice to that of the normal level.

Overall, PCOS is really not a welcome addition into my life. But after three years of unsuccessful management, I am resolved not to allow it to take the better of me. Apart from these physical symptoms, the emotional pain is just harder to deal with. With small steps, I know that I can learn how to effectively deal with this life-changing syndrome.

My Ongoing Battle With PCOS

Mabuhay! I could not contain my excitement over starting this blog about PCOS or Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. It has been six years since I started my battle with the condition, and I have finally mustered the courage to openly discuss my struggles with you. As you know, PCOS is not a very pleasant condition because it does not only cause unwanted bodily changes, but it also has the potential to damage your self-confidence and self- esteem to the point of extinction.

When I learned that I had polycystic ovaries, I really felt that I was in tiptop shape. Aside from my allergies, I only had to deal with common ailments like the flu, fever, and other common health issues. In my 5’7’’ stature, I was in excellent shape. But I had to see a doctor because I had this very weird and disturbing pelvic pain that sometimes radiated to my upper abdomen. I really went paranoid thinking that it may be something really serious. I was almost done with Nursing School then, and it only made matters worse because I only had very morbid thoughts.

I first went to a doctor specializing in Gastroenterology thinking that my symptoms may be due to some digestive problems. But after a physical exam and a couple of ultrasound tests, the doctor gave me a clean bill of health! I got more bothered because the pain was very much present and it was totally impossible to ignore.

Grappling for answers, I consulted an OB-GYNE to check whether the pain was caused by my reproductive organs. And boy my instincts were right! Although my blood tests came negative, they were able to find that I had polycystic ovaries through a pelvic ultrasound. At that time, the condition was not really “full blown”, and I only had a couple of symptoms like very painful menstrual periods, hair loss, and irregular cycles. She said it’s not really the syndrome yet and the symptoms may be due to my polycystic ovaries. Nevertheless, she prescribed me with an oral contraceptive pill (Diane to be exact) to better regulate my cycles and to hopefully make my period-related discomforts tolerable.

Being on the pill, I had bearable menstrual periods but I gained so much weight. My doctor assured me that I will just have minimal weight gain but I guess I’m just different. I steadily gained 10 pounds each month for three months! After all that weight, I resolved not to take any hormonal pill and instead focus on getting more physical activity and leading a healthier lifestyle. I talked to my doctor about stopping treatment and she respected my decision to try treatment only when I decided to get pregnant.

Although the thought of infertility always bothered me, I tried to shift my focus on the other aspects of my life. But amidst my struggles, I can still consider myself extremely blessed. On September 17, 2005, I gave birth to a healthy baby girl through caesarean section. She is my joy and my world — but my journey with PCOS has taken yet another turn. After pregnancy, came the symptoms that were very distinct with PCOS, and I had no doubt in my mind that it has already taken a turn for the worse.

Fast track to 2009, I am currently dealing with the more annoying symptoms of PCOS namely – more weight gain, skin changes, abnormal menstrual periods, severe pelvic pain, and insulin resistance to name a few! But regardless of all this, I am very optimistic that there is hope. If you have PCOS or if you know anyone with the disease, I really hope that we can all share our struggles on this challenging journey. You don’t have to feel so alone. I can’t wait to hear from you!