Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder, which is a common health problem that affects teenage girls and women. It can cause irregular periods, acne and abnormal hair growth on your face and body. To share awareness, some of my Chomas shed light on their PCOS experiences to show how real and common PCOS is. Have a look,

For the safety and privacy of my users, I haven’t disclosed any names.

“I have been struggling with PCOS for years”

After 8 months of not seeing my periods, I decided to visit the clinic and I was diagnosed with PCOS. They gave me a specific birth control to help regulate my menstrual cycle and manage the symptoms. My healthcare provider also recommended a dietary plan which helped me. 

“I was 15 years old when I was diagnosed with PCOS, now I am 22 years old”

I was 15 years old when I was diagnosed with PCOS, now I am 22 years old. This disease is frustrating and needs patience to manage it. Till this day I am on treatment, my periods are still irregular, I find it hard to lose weight and I have constant acne and facial hair.

“I was diagnosed with PCOS last year”

I was diagnosed with PCOS last year, my healthcare provider recommended a specific birth control pill to manage my cycle. I also made some lifestyle changes; I now eat healthy and went from being overweight to a balanced weight control.

“All I can say is that the Almighty knows best, all I have is my faith”

I was diagnosed with PCOS last year, my healthcare provider gave me an oral contraceptive to manage my cycle. I eat healthy which helped me shed some weight (a common PCOS symptom). I was put on birth control to regulate my periods 2 years ago, but it had the opposite effect on me, causing blood clots. My healthcare provider put me on a specific treatment which has really helped me. All I can say is that the Almighty knows best, all I have is my faith.

“I am turning 24 this year, and I feel like I’ve been running away from it”

I was diagnosed with insulin resistance when I was 10 years old. When I was in matric, I was diagnosed with an under active thyroid, and two years later, I was diagnosed with PCOS. I am turning 24 this year, and I feel like I’ve been running away from disease my whole life with no luck. However, with correct exercise, medication, and diet – I have seen major changes in my health. I feel like one of the major reasons why my PCOS was unmanageable was because of my unhealthy lifestyle. The foods we eat can control how we feel and the regulation of our hormones. Processed foods (takeaways) are not good for you if you are diagnosed with PCOS.  Consult your healthcare provider to be safe.

“Before I was diagnosed”

Before I was diagnosed, I had irregular periods, a bloated stomach, unexplained weight gain, anxiety, stress, depression, and fatigue. I did not know the reasons as to why, but now I’m on treatment, and I feel well.

“I now have a healthy baby boy”

What worried me the most was having children naturally when I was diagnosed with PCOS. However my Gynaecologist gave me a specific treatment to regulate my menstrual cycle and said it will help with my cyst problem. Within 4 months of taking the prescribed medication, my periods became regular, and in the 5th month I became pregnant. I now have a healthy baby boy.

If you are experiencing or suspect that you may have PCOS, it may be a good idea to visit your nearest clinic for a professional diagnosis. Share your story below to help spread awareness.

If you or a friend need advice or help, you can contact me here on Ask Choma, send a Facebook message or a Twitter DM, or a WhatsApp Message (071 172 3657).