Fighting PCOS!!!
Dear Friends and Readers,
I also write for merinews.com which promotes the concept of citizens journalism. In one of my articles for merinews, I had shared my experience of fighting PCOS. The few comments I received made me realize that many women silently go through similar pressures that I faced a few years ago. Hence, I felt I should post the same article in this blog so that many more can read and get more knowledge through my experience.
The link to the edited piece is:
http://www.merinews.com/catFull.jsp?articleID=130479
Below I post my original unedited write up. So here we go. Happy reading!!!
Fighting PCOS!!!
About 5 – 10 percent of women all over the world suffer from polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Most women suffering from this condition have problems in conceiving and are advised infertility treatment by most gynecologists. Such treatments often lead to depression, moodiness and a low self-esteem in women enduring the same. Sometimes, a change in lifestyle is enough to treat the problem. In this essay, I recollect my journey in combating this problem and regaining my lost self-esteem.
Sometimes if you want to see a change for the better, you have to take things into your own hands. – Clint Eastwood.
“You have a syndrome called Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)”, the gynecologist explained after looking at my sonography reports. Since marriage, I was suffering from irregular menstruation cycles. The problem increased to such an extent that I started getting my periods every seven to ten days. On further questioning, he explained, “eight to ten follicular cysts are formed in both the ovaries and no egg (ovum) is released. This is one of the most frequent causes of infertility.”
I went back home with many questions in my mind. “Am I infertile? Is there a treatment available?” For the first time in my life, I felt very low. I kept asking myself, “why me?” I was married for more than two years and wanted to have my first baby before I turned thirty, which left me with only two years at hand. An internet search revealed that PCOS account for 90% of women with oligomenorrhoea (infrequent periods) and 30% of women with amenorrhea (absent of periods) and over 70% of women with anovulation (Ivf-infertility.com). [1] The most common symptoms include various menstrual problems, hirsutism, endocrine abnormalities, acne, obesity, infertility and diabetes with insulin resistance or hyperinsulinemia. (pcos-info.com). [2] For those who want to conceive, various treatment procedures are available including assisted reproductive technology procedures, ovulation induction and in vitro fertilization.
Reading about my condition convinced me to start treatment. The doctor conducted laparoscopy to check whether there were any other defects in my uterus. Next, he gave me medication to induce ovulation. Since my progress was limited to regularization of my periods, the doctor moved on to artificial insemination. Having failed about four cycles of artificial insemination, the doctor advised me in vitro fertilization (IVF). However, I was reluctant to start IVF treatment.
Failure to conceive even with treatment and the side effects of the treatment resulted in depression and constant stress. I became overweight, had pimples and acne on my face. My self-esteem went down and I felt an all time low. I became very moody and my frequent temper tantrums hampered my relationship with my husband. I stayed indoors most of the time and ventured out only to visit the doctor.
At around the same time, I found that a very close friend had faced a similar situation. She had taken a difficult call to give up the treatment and was preparing herself and her family for adoption. She advised me to take stalk of my life reminding me “probably there is something else in store for me.” I realized that I was wasting a lot of time and I could do many other things that made me feel good.
I took my husband in confidence and with his support; I mustered the courage to give up treatment. We decided that we would think of adoption later, but first, I had to start feeling good about myself. I enrolled myself in a gym spending about two hours everyday exercising. I strictly followed the diet that the nutritionist at the gymnasium advised me and within three months, I had lost about twelve kilograms.
I applied for a part time course in management studies and spent my free time in preparation for the entrance exam. At the same time, I revived my resume and started applying for jobs. Things started looking very bright. I passed the management entrance exam with good grades and my application was accepted. I got a job that used my potentials completely. My self-esteem started rising and it reached a high point when I successfully completed the Standard Chartered Mumbai Half Marathon (21.42 kms.) in a little less than three hours.
I started leading a very busy life juggling between home, office, management school and spending time with my husband. I was enjoying every bit of my life and was very happy. My happiness doubled when I found that I was pregnant. I was blessed with a boy in June 2005. I am expecting the second one to arrive in May 2008.
When I reflect back on those days, I realize that I was very naïve and ignorant. I had not researched everything. I did not look for alternative methods for treating my condition. One has to stay positive, eat a well balanced diet, eat small meals, eat fruits, fresh vegetables, satisfy the sweet tooth with fruits and exercise regularly. (PCOS – Nutrition)[3] Today, my advice to women suffering from this condition would be:
□ Stay Calm – Do not panic when you find out about your condition.
□ Be informed – do not hesitate to ask questions and get more information on your condition.
□ Share your feelings with your partner and gain his complete support.
□ Be positive – If you are positive, you will see yourself through your problem.
□ Engage in activities that make you feel good.
□ Eat right – Eat lots of vegetables and fresh fruits. Avoid all kinds of junk food, especially binge eating. Avoid eating sweets like pastries, chocolates and mithais. Eat small meals.
□ Exercise – keep yourself fit. Exercise helps in increasing your metabolism and in keeping the sugar level down.
□ Last but not the least; be patient. There is a right time for everything.
[1] Dr. Sameul Marcus FRCS FRCOG. “Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS).” 05 Jun 2007
Ivf-infertility.com http://www.ivf-infertility.com/infertility/pcos.php. 17 Jan 2008.
[2] Medifocus: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Guidebook. 12 October 2007 “Polycystic Ovary Syndrome” pcos-info.com http://www.pcos-info.com/guide_detail.php?gid=ND014&a=a
[3] Center for Young Women’s health. Children’s Hospital Boston. 9 Jan 2008. PCOS-Nutrition http://www.youngwomenshealth.org/pcos_nutrition.html
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