Source: CanvaI like to share my sister’s experience with this condition. Some of you might have the same symptoms. Or you also have the same condition and are looking for answers. You might learn a thing or two about PCOS.
When we were teenagers and whenever she had her period, she complained of menstrual cramps. Sometimes with severe headaches and vomiting. She had instances that she almost passed out. She had irregular menstruation then. Sometimes she had a month with no menstruation. And there are times that her period would last for a week.
I, too, had menstrual cramps but not as severe as hers.
We thought it was no big deal. Every girl had her menstruation dramas.
That was her menstruation suffering since high school. In 2009, she graduated from college and went to Cebu to work.
Years passed, and she still had the same symptoms whenever she had her period.
Then in 2015, after 2-3 months of not having a period (she thought she was pregnant), she went to an OB-Gyne for a consultation. She had an ultrasound test. The doctor then diagnosed her with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS).
It was the first time she heard about PCOS. She had no idea (me too!) what it was and its risks and complications. So she did some research.
PCOS is a condition in which the ovaries produce an abnormal amount of androgens, male sex hormones, usually present in women in a small amount. It describes the numerous small cysts that form in the ovaries. The most common symptoms are acne, facial hair, irregular menstruation, weight gain,, infertility, and more.
Although it has no cure, there are many ways to treat PCOS. But if left untreated, it might lead to serious problems such as diabetes, heart disease, sleep apnea, and infertility. Stress, depression, and anxiety can also worsen PCOS.
PCOS patients are also insulin resistant. They have a high risk of developing type 2 diabetes because their bodies can make more insulin but can’t use it effectively. Insulin helps lower our blood sugar levels.
Her OB-Gyne prescribed her Metformin to control her blood sugar level and medicine to regulate her monthly menstruation. She was advised to get regular sleep, exercise, and eat more healthy foods. Fast foods, carbonated drinks, and other unhealthy foods should be avoided.
And after two years of medication, she got pregnant. But the thought of having PCOS while pregnant scared her, as pregnant women with PCOS are likely to have a miscarriage, or to develop preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, a larger baby, or premature delivery. (This scared us too!)
She joined a group on Facebook where women with PCOS shared their own experiences. She learned so much in that group on how to deal with PCOS positively and live with it.
She delivered her baby prematurely (8months) through a Caesarean procedure. But thankfully, she and her baby were in good health and condition.
PCOS is not life-threatening. But it will not go on its own. The health risks associated with this syndrome are lifelong.
With the right medication and treatment, plus a good mindset and a positive outlook in life, patients with PCOS can still live the happiest life.
I thought that I had commented on this one but I wasn't.
My wife also had the same case as shared on my blogpost. Almost the same situation as your sister are, but my wife was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes already prior to her getting pregnant. She started taking metformin and then switched to human insulin now as she is breastfeeding our daughter.
The first few months from conception were kinda stressful as we were worried if it will push through. We followed the OB's advise religiously and also I consulted our in house doctor in HivePh adamada for the chances of safe delivery. He assured that everything will be well as long as blood sugar will be properly monitored which we did.
We are able to deliver a young and healthy baby girl earlier than the expected due date which is 12th of June via cesarean section too without any supporting funds, Hive mostly covered the expenses as we all know that C-section isn't that cheap in our country especially in a private hospital during the pandemic.
True, sobrang mahal pag ceasarian sa private hospital. And aside sa bayarin na iisipin mo, mawoworry kapa sa health condition ng baby. Good thing lang talaga na after a few days nakalabas yung baby sa hospital without any complications.
But women with PCOS should be taken care and if possible Iwasan na stress at magworry.
Thanks for dropping by @tpkidkai.😊
We are blessed na sobrang lusog ni bulilit pero ayun na nga since medyo maraming complications and all medyo change lifestyle na kami ng bahagya.
Di naman sya diabetic but mejo tumaba nga lang sya. Kaya lagi pinapainom sya ni mama ng blueternate juice, iwas diabetes.😅 At medyo pasaway din dahil Minsan umiinom parin ng softdrinks at kumakain ng mga chichiria.😅
So sad when things like this affect you, takes your dignity away. The worst is of course living with it and making life changes. It is hard. I am glad your sister got to experience pregnancy! Bless her!
I'm also glad that she was able to bear a child and that PCOS doesn't stop her from having one. There are things that we can't control and the only thing is to accept and live with it the best way we can. Thanks for dropping by @rimicane. 😊
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