One of God’s Greatest Gifts

I figured most of you have come to read about my struggle with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome and wanted to be able to share my story first before I got into much else.

My husband Tommy and I have been trying to get pregnant since we got married back in August of 2013. Two years later we decided it was time to see a doctor. I first went to a Gynecologist, where I was then referred to a Specialist for Hormone Imbalance.

Now something that a lot of you may not know about me is that I have abnormal hair growth, the technical term Hirsutism. This is something that I have struggled with ever since I was in middle school. At the time I didn’t think much about it as it wasn’t too bad. Throughout the years though it has gotten worse. Not only that but my periods have been extremely irregular and for the most part I am always either angry or irrational. Again something I didn’t really notice until the past few years. I’ve always known something was wrong with me and I had a few people tell me what it could’ve been. I never took anything seriously until I got married.

In late 2015, Tommy and I went to an Endocrinologist to figure out what could be happening. He confirmed us pretty much what I already knew…I have Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. Here’s a little information on it:

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine system disorder among women of reproductive age. Women with PCOS may have enlarged ovaries that contain small collections of fluid — called follicles — located in each ovary as seen during an ultrasound exam. Infrequent or prolonged menstrual periods, excess hair growth, acne, and obesity can all occur in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. A main underlying problem with PCOS is a hormonal imbalance. In women with PCOS, the ovaries make more androgens than normal. Androgens are male hormones that females also make. High levels of these hormones affect the development and release of eggs during ovulation. -Mayo Clinic

Some people think that this syndrome isn’t too serious, especially if you don’t want children. This isn’t true. PCOS affects everyone differently and for me it affects my everyday living. My excessive hair growth is so bad that I must shave everyday in order to not be stared at or pointed out by children. I have an extremely hard time losing weight and an extremely easy time gaining it. My menstrual periods are so abnormal that in 2014 I didn’t even have one that whole year. Since my hormones are so imbalanced I also have mood swings like crazy. My anger can grow instantly, nothing will make me happy, and the tiniest thing will irritate me. I live in a daily battle with my body and my mind.

One reassuring thing is that I know I’m not alone. I have a huge PCOS support system that is beyond reassuring. Especially the PCOS survivor success stories. Stories of women who have gotten pregnant and were able to lose weight. Stories which I hope to be among myself one day.

God has blessed me so much though during all of this. I have an amazing husband who some days I feel like I truly do not deserve. Tommy is always so forgiving and loving, God knew I needed him in my life, especially during this time. God’s blessed me with friends and family who always remind me that even if I don’t have kids of my own that I will have many children that love me surrounding me.

Something the doctor did tell us was that there is hope. Which we thank God for. No matter what we will be thankful for whatever God gives us and use for the glory for Him! I would love to hear people who also struggle with either PCOS or Hirsutism as it is always encouraging to know I am not alone!

Next blog I will discuss my life with Osteogenesis Imperfecta!

Thank you for reading!