Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome affects as much as 5 million women between the ages of 15-44 years old according to a study posted by the CDC. This condition causes an increase of androgen, infertility, rapid weight gain, hirsutism, irregular menstruation, and the list goes on.

When I was first diagnosed with PCOS it was the worst news I had ever received. Once I was diagnosed that’s when other symptoms started to appear. I had always had issues with my menstrual during my early teen years as the cramps were quite debilitating. It caused severe nausea, vomiting, and weakness in my legs. My weight was never affected and I would attest that it was due to me being active.

Once I reached my early 20s is when my weight began to increase. I went from nearly 90 lbs to 110 lbs. Just before I had a successful pregnancy I was 112 lbs and reached 144 lbs. My small frame could barely manage the weight. After my pregnancy I lose about 20 lbs and kept it off for quite some time. I do believe breastfeeding contributed to my weight management, but once I stopped the weight packed on extremely fast.

It is a huge struggle to manage PCOS and all it brings. This condition has taken a toll on me mentally, physically, and emotionally. I look at myself in the mirror and I don’t see the ‘me’ I’m used to. I look extremely puffy in my face and neck area. My body is not the body I’m happy to see. At times, people have assumed I was pregnant when I’m not. The embarrassment is painful and the feeling of hopelessness weighs heavy.

My biggest hope is to be able to lose weight and maintain a healthy lifestyle. It has not been easy to drop weight, but any progress made is a victory and one step closer to dominating this condition.