PCOS

September is the PCOS, polycystic ovarian syndrome, (also cervical, endometrial etc. cancer) awareness month.. And after 5 years of not even battling but TRYING to harmonize with a destructive disorder.. After more than 7 million women have been diagnosed with it, I still get asked "what is PCOS?" And this question really goes straight under my skin because I'm tired of explaining what it is and what it does, and I'm even more tired of trying to act like I'm OK with sharing.. It's not just a disorder, it's also an insecurity to me. But it's also my duty to educate both women and men, maybe men more than women. Why? Because there's a chance that a man may have a friend, a girlfriend, a wife, a daughter, a sister who fights PCOS, and there's a big chance that this man may NOT tolerate all the symptoms that are more emotional and psychological than physical (yes, even if you all believe that "love" outweighs all hardships). There is a limit to people's tolerance when they don't understand what the other person goes through, especially if that person (with PCOS) seems perfectly fine on the outside. 

So, here are the bitter and HONEST truths about PCOS:

1.  It is incurable 
2. It affects 1/10 women worldwide
3. PCOD (polycystic ovarian disease) is NOT PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) — PCOD is ONE disease, while PCOS is a SET of diseases and complications. 
4. Women with PCOS do not simply PMS. They often experience PMDD, which is (if we could measure it) about 10x worse than regular PMS. 
5. Testosterone (male hormones) levels are skyhigh. Normal women's testosterone level should not exceed 3 or 4 (not quite sure), but those with PCOS have way more than that. Personally, mine goes up to 16. 
6. The system mistakes the female body for a male body, and begins to make it operate accordingly: anovulation (no production of eggs), missed periods, menorrhagia (uncontrolled excessive vaginal bleeding), fast hair regrowth etc. 
7. Sudden depression (yes without a reason).
8. Fertility issues. 
9. Weight gain (not resulting from sedentary lifestyles whatsoever). 
10. Discolored skin tones.  
11. Bodyaches and cramps. 
12. Emotional breakdowns and meltdowns.
13. A desire to withdraw from normal activities. 
14. Women with PCOS are at risk of cancers related to the female reproductive system (cervical etc.). 
15. Insulin resistance.
16. Pelvic pain and discomfort.

There can be more or less symptoms. Not all women with PCOS have the same experience. However, this advice goes to all: 

I tried all kinds of conventional medications. Metformin, Clomid, Contraceptive pills etc. They all treat ONE thing and destruct many other. Their side effects are beyond horrible. So, don't fall in this trap with OB/GYNs. I also tried traditional medicine (slower in effect but better). Black Cohosh and Vitex calm my pelvis down, but nothing's as good as cinnamon when it comes to PCOS. Add a teaspoon to either cold or warm water and drink daily. Both wet and dry cupping help a LOT. Meditation and yoga are also PCOS-friendly. Lastly, when it comes to the perfect PCOS diet: LOW CARBS.. I repeat, LOW CARBS (simple carbs, complex carbs are OK). Avoid soy and its derivatives, avoid COFFEE and processed cheese. More fruits, vegs, nuts and seafood made me ovulate MONTHLY after about a year of anovulation.

Those with PCOS, you're really not alone (cliché, but I mean it), and unlike what others may say to you, it is completely FINE to feel the way you feel at times even when you have absolutely no reason to be depressed, sad, mad, frustrated, confused etc. Whoever does not understand, needs to be educated and needs to be patient instead of rushing you to cheer up. 

Stay strong!

Love, 

Alia