PCOS And Psychological Trauma For A Teenager

By Kashish Jaisingh

She received a diagnosis of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) at the age of 16, but it took her the next three years to truly comprehend the nature of her condition. 

The initial indication that caught her attention was the absence of her menstrual periods, which, coupled with her excess weight, prompted her gynecologist to recommend an ultrasound examination. It was during this procedure that she was diagnosed with multiple follicular cysts in both of her ovaries, a common symptom of PCOS.

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Her gynaecologist prescribed birth control pills to regulate her menstrual cycles, a metformin tablet to balance her hormones, and an antacid tablet to manage indigestion. In addition, the doctor emphasised the need to lose weight, stressing that it was crucial for any progress to be made. 

However, the physician failed to mention the potential side effects of these medications, such as nausea, headaches, mood swings, decreased appetite, and bloating. Lacking awareness as a teenager, she became fearful of visiting the doctor, ultimately avoiding treatment for her absent periods, hoping they would resolve on their own.

Over the next three years, she found herself trapped in a repetitive cycle. While completing her medication regimen and experiencing periods, the underlying issue of irregular menstruation persisted. Each appointment with her doctor resulted in the same medication prescription accompanied by the constant admonition to lose weight. The experience felt like an unending cycle of potent medications and drastic shifts in mood.

As the years passed, her transition from one gynaecologist to another taught her how to self-regulate her symptoms. It was not until she turned 19 and consulted with a particular doctor that she gained a comprehensive understanding of PCOS. 

This physician explained that managing PCOS involved more than just taking medications and shedding pounds; it required adopting a healthy lifestyle. She received a detailed explanation of the physiological processes associated with PCOS and learned that regulating her diet and engaging in regular exercise could significantly alleviate the symptoms. 

Motivated by this newfound knowledge, she began exercising and eventually managed to lose weight, which contributed to better symptom regulation. However, she still encountered difficulties in coping with other manifestations of PCOS, including mood swings, excessive hair growth, and bloating.

It became evident to her that weight loss alone was not the sole solution for managing PCOS. Even during a year spent living in a hostel, weight gain occurred effortlessly. The real challenge lay in sustaining a healthy lifestyle.

From her personal experience, she discovered that PCOS could be managed by understanding what suited her body best, regulating her diet, and engaging in physical activity. Although medications provided some assistance, they were not the sole solution. And, this she realised but only after years of suffering in ignorance and pain that could have been easily avoidable.

Finding a knowledgeable and supportive guide was crucial. It was essential to recognise that PCOS extends beyond weight and menstrual issues, significantly impacting one's life. 

The mood swings resulting from hormonal fluctuations were not typical teenage mood swings and required seeking help or confiding in a trusted individual. It's time that we don't trivialise the symptoms of PCOS which if identified in time and treated holistically, would help immensely.