An Unexpected Diagnosis

After the birth of my first child, I breast fed and considered myself lucky that I only had to get up for one night feed. After the morning feed, and going about the usual morning chores, I found myself tired enough to go back to bed. I put it down to what life was like with a newborn baby.

I continued in this manner for some time, only by then I was back in bed after I had put my son to sleep and had some breakfast. When I told my mother how tired I was, she told me it didn’t sound right and that I should get myself checked out by a doctor. I followed her advice and eventually saw my obstetrician/gynecologist. Upon telling him of the situation, along with answering a long list of questions, he nodded his head and told me I had Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).

I left that visit feeling rather bewildered. I had never heard the name before. My obstetrician/gynecologist informed me what PCOS was, but it wasn’t sinking in. I couldn’t believe that I had a health problem, albeit genetic. Yet, this explained why it had taken me a full three years to conceive my first child.

Armed with a diagnosis, I began researching it on the internet. At this time, little was known about it and there were no books I could find in the shops. I eventually discovered that PCOS is a hormone imbalance, which can trigger symptoms such as irregular or no periods, acne, excess hair and weight gain. After undergoing an ultrasound a number of cysts were found on my ovaries; one more than the other. These cysts, however, I’ve been told, do not cause cancer.

My periods had always been painful, and I took it as part of the course, until my diagnosis. As I began to understand my condition better, part of my problem, it would seem, was my weight. Since leaving full-time work and all through my pregnancy, I gained quite a bit. This excess caused me more pain during my periods; yet carrying less weight resulted in less pain. The catch being that although a woman diagnosed with PCOS is better off carrying less weight, PCOS helps a woman put the weight on.

It is estimated that about 1 in 10 women in the UK, US and Australia develops the condition. It is a startling statistic, especially when there is no cure. The long term health risks include diabetes, high blood pressure, uterine cancer and heart disease.

Throughout the intervening years, I have visited a dietician and been put on different medications, including herbal remedies. Whilst planning for my second child, I was put on medication which had a better success rate for conceiving, and was pleasantly surprised with the results. My medication changes whenever one no longer has any effect on me, and my weight continues to go up and down like a roller coaster.

If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above, don’t hesitate to get a medical opinion. Here are also some informative websites to help you find out more:-

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Association of Australia
http://www.posaa.asn.au/
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Association
http://www.pcosupport.org/
The National Women’s Health Information Center
http://www.4woman.gov/faq/pcos.htm
Managing PCOS, A Practical Guide
The Jean Hailes Foundation for Women’s Health
http://www.managingpcos.org.au/component/option,com_frontpage/Itemid,1/
INCIID
http://www.inciid.org/faq.php?cat=infertility101&id=2#top

Some months ago, when visiting a well known bookshop in Canberra, I came across a book that now keeps permanent vigil at my bedside table. The Ultimate PCOS Handbook: Lose Weight, Boost Fertility, Clear Skin and Restore Self-Esteem by Colette Harris and Theresa Cheung. I highly recommend this book, or buying any good book on the subject if you have recently been diagnosed with PCOS. It helps to know what you are dealing with right away, rather than going through the long process of trial and error.

© Debbie Johansson 2007

About the Author

Debbie Johansson is the author of young adult mystery novels and historical fiction. She has written two young adult novels, which are both in the editing stages. Debbie has also written short stories, articles and has been known to dabble in poetry whenever the mood strikes her. She lives in country NSW, Australia with her husband, two young children, a psychotic pomeranian and six paranahs heavily disguised as goldfish.

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