If you're living with PCOS, you know the frustration of irregular periods, unexplained weight gain, crushing fatigue, and feeling like your body is working against you. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome affects 1 in 10 women and people with ovaries in the UK, yet it remains widely misunderstood. From my diagnosis at 14 to finding acceptance at 33, I've navigated the brain fog, mood swings, and constant judgment that comes with PCOS. This is my story, not just of symptoms and struggles, but of self-care, resilience, and learning to embrace my body instead of fighting it. Whether you were recently diagnosed or have been managing PCOS for years, know that you're not broken, you're not alone, and there is hope.
🌸 The Beginning of My PCOS Journey: Diagnosis at 12
Everything started when I was 12. My first period arrived, and thanks to my family, I knew exactly what it was. (Not everyone has that privilege, and I will always be grateful that my mum prepared me for it.) She was always ready, just in case.
At first, my new "red friend" came and went irregularly, which was considered normal at that age. But after a year and a half, my period disappeared completely. That's when other changes started: hair in places I didn't want it, weight gain that felt impossible to control… and as a teenager, this was a brutal combo.
🩺 Getting My PCOS Diagnosis: What It Meant at 14
My mum, always my safe anchor, took me to see a gynaecologist. I was terrified. The idea of someone examining me felt overwhelming. Fun twist? The doctor was the same one who had delivered me as a baby. (In theory, not the first time he saw my parts!) He was kind, gentle, and explained everything step by step. After scans and tests, I got my diagnosis: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).
I was 14. I didn't fully understand it, but I knew it meant higher testosterone, insulin resistance, and a body that wasn't playing by the same rules as others my age. The doctor prescribed birth control pills, and I was sent to a nutritionist. Back then, I followed strict diets without much explanation. Nobody told me how deeply PCOS could affect not just my body but also my energy, my moods, my memory, and even how people perceived me.
In the UK, where comprehensive sex and health education often overlooks conditions like PCOS, many young people receive their diagnosis without fully understanding what it means for their long-term health and wellbeing.
💭 Living With PCOS Symptoms in My Teens and Twenties
Through my teens and twenties, I lived with cycles of brain fog, crushing fatigue, and painful cramps, mood swings, and constant judgment from others who thought I was "lazy" or "forgetful." My weight went up and down. My confidence did too. It's crazy how PCOS symptoms are similar than the perimenopause ones...
But a few years ago, something shifted.
💚 Finding My PCOS Community and My Voice
I started seeing more conversations online about PCOS. Women, and people with ovaries, speaking openly, shamelessly, vulnerably. I read medical research, followed communities, and realised: It's not just me. Every symptom I thought was random or my "fault", the fatigue, the hair, the mood swings—was connected to PCOS.
Understanding true body positivity beyond superficial acceptance meant learning to embrace my PCOS body, not despite its differences, but because of my resilience.
🌿 How I Manage PCOS Today: My Self-Care Routine
Now I'm 33. And while PCOS is still part of my life, I've found ways to manage it and, most importantly, accept myself. Here's what has changed my journey:
- Acceptance. Instead of fighting my body, I embrace it.
- Listening. Tracking patterns, noticing new symptoms, and becoming my own best researcher.
- Medication. Metformin and Spironolactone (always prescribed by a doctor).
- Nutrition. Less processed food, more balance, more mindfulness. Eating everything, but in the right portions.
- Movement. Daily walks (10k steps is my goal) and weight training—building muscle has been a game-changer.
- Rest. Sleep is medicine. Without 8 hours, my body and brain simply don't function.
- Stress management. Still a work in progress, but yoga, meditation, the gym, and simply breathing deeply have been lifelines.
- Supplements. Inositol, Vitamin D, Vitamin C, and magnesium (with medical guidance).
Recognising pleasure as a renewable resource has helped me prioritise self-care without guilt, understanding that taking care of myself isn't selfish, it's essential.
✨ A Message to My Younger Self and to You
PCOS affects 1 in 10 women and people with ovaries. It's common, but it's still misunderstood. That's why I'm sharing this. Not just as awareness, but as the letter I wish my 12-year-old self could have read.
To remind her: You are not broken. You are not weird. You are not alone.
If you're experiencing feelings of losing yourself to chronic illness, know that reconnecting with your body and identity is possible, even when living with PCOS.
Let's keep raising awareness, supporting each other, and speaking up. This is why we do this work, to create space for all bodies, all stories, and all journeys. 💚
Frequently Asked Questions About Living With PCOS
What is PCOS?
PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) is a hormonal condition affecting 1 in 10 women and people with ovaries. It causes irregular periods, excess testosterone, insulin resistance, and can impact fertility, weight, mood, and energy levels.
What are the main symptoms of PCOS?
Common PCOS symptoms include irregular or absent periods, weight gain, excess hair growth, acne, hair thinning, brain fog, fatigue, mood swings, and difficulty losing weight. Symptoms vary widely between individuals.
How do you manage PCOS naturally?
Natural PCOS management includes balanced nutrition, regular exercise (especially strength training), stress reduction, quality sleep, and supplements like inositol and vitamin D. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalised advice.
Can PCOS be cured?
PCOS cannot be cured, but symptoms can be effectively managed through lifestyle changes, medication, and self-care. Many people with PCOS live full, healthy lives with proper management and support.
What supplements help with PCOS?
Common PCOS supplements include inositol (for insulin resistance), vitamin D, magnesium, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin C. Always consult your doctor before starting any supplement regimen.
How does PCOS affect mental health?
PCOS can significantly impact mental health, causing anxiety, depression, mood swings, and low self-esteem. Hormonal imbalances, body image concerns, and chronic symptoms all contribute to mental health challenges.
Where can I find PCOS support in the UK?
UK PCOS support is available through Verity PCOS (UK charity), NHS resources, online communities, and local support groups. Your GP can also refer you to specialists and provide ongoing care.
With Love,
Lu
Related Reading:
- Brain Fog, Rage & Low Libido: The Unfiltered Perimenopause Survival Guide
- True Body Positivity in a World of Superficial Inclusivity
- Losing Yourself Isn't a Failure. It's a Signal.
- Why We Do This – Empowering Pleasure Beyond Just Selling Toys
