September

Is PCOS Awareness month!

Wikipedia tells me:

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), also called hyperandrogenic anovulation (HA),^[1] or Stein-Leventhal syndrome,^[2] is one of the most common endocrine disorders among females. PCOS has a diverse range of causes that are not entirely understood, but there is strong evidence that it is largely agenetic disease.^[3][4][5]

PCOS produces symptoms in approximately 5% to 10% of women of reproductive age (approximately 12 to 45 years old). It is thought to be one of the leading causes of female subfertility^[6][7][8] and the most frequent endocrine problem in women of reproductive age.^[9] Finding that the ovaries appear polycystic on ultrasound is common, but it is not an absolute requirement in all definitions of the disorder.

The most common immediate symptoms are anovulation, excess androgenic hormones, and insulin resistance. Anovulation results in irregular menstruation,amenorrhea, and ovulation-related infertility. Hormone imbalance generally causes acne and hirsutism. Insulin resistance is associated with obesity, Type 2 diabetes, and high cholesterol levels.^[10] The symptoms and severity of the syndrome vary greatly among affected women.

But let me personally add:

PCOS is a curse on my body. It is a sex inhibitor. It is a constant shadow of grief that haunts me as I walk through my life. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome is a spiritual breaker. It is a mental destroyer. It is confidence sabotaging. PCOS chews up my dreams of motherhood and roughly spits them out one by one as the years pass by. It is a literal weight on my already torn down body that I must carry around each and every day. PCOS has reared it's ugly head into my marriage trying it's hardest to pulverize the bond between my husband and I. 

PCOS has also given me a different perspective of womanhood and sexuality. It has allowed me to create bonds with women across the globe that I will forever be grateful for. PCOS has given me strength I've never known I was capable of. It has taught me that failures come in life, but they mold me into a greater woman, wife, sister, daughter and friend. PCOS has allowed me to cry, weep, and sob freely without judgement. It has given me an abundance of knowledge. PCOS has allowed me to be very hyper vigilant of my body and listen closely to the things that are happening with my body every day. It has allowed me to speak freely about sex, organs, diseases, failure, grief, marriages, intimacy, and learn from those alike. 

PCOS is what I have, but it does not define the very core of my soul. 

I am Amy. I have Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome and I am a survivor.