If you've never heard of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), consider yourself lucky. The condition, though not life threatening, is painful and annoying, to say the least. In my years since the original diagnosis, I've heard my fair share of opinions on the subject and I can honestly say, there's some things women with PCOS are tired of hearing and explaining. After all, I'm proof.
While the Mayo Clinic describes PCOS as "a common endocrine system disorder among women of reproductive age," I've lived with the chronic ovarian pain as long as I can remember. Symptoms include "enlarged ovaries that contain small collections of fluid — called follicles — located in each ovary as seen during an ultrasound exam, infrequent or prolonged menstrual periods, excess hair growth, acne, obesity, and infrequent or absent menstruation."
My experience was mostly that; horrendous menstrual cramping and all the listed side effects described. I was afraid to go to the doctor for answers. Paranoid, I feared the worst; cancer or something that wouldn't be easily fixed with medication or even surgery. I felt this way because it was that painful. When I finally made the appointment, my doctor described PCOS, explained that the condition's exact cause is unknown, and how it's been a factor in my every day health as well as my journey of trying to conceive. I look back on that day with a little regret, partially because I waited so long to get checked out and also because while PCOS is super annoying, there are things to aid in my comfort I neglected. Basically, I suffered for too long and when I didn't have to.
Now that I'm grown with two children, I recognize how difficult this condition is to manage, even after all this time. There's things happening inside my body not seen on the outside and, as a result, the list of exhausting statements and questions I've heard over the years has only accumulated. So, with that in mind, here are a few things those of us living with PCOS are sick and tired of hearing (so maybe you'll think twice before ever saying them again). You're welcome in advance.