The problem called PCOS. Part II.

Anwesha Chatterjee

My initial visits to the Gynaecologist were a dialogue to reverse PCOS.

He explained it is a lifestyle disorder. No medication will eliminate it; choosing a fit, active lifestyle, avoiding all fast food, and focusing on healthier options instead can. There can be no quick fix.

On my insistence, I was prescribed contraceptive pills for consumption for 21 days, wait for my menstruation, and resume the pills from the 2nd day of the cycle. This course was to be practiced continuously for 3 to 4 cycles to regularize the periods. It worked for the next 3 to 4 months after discontinuing the pills, but the irregularities would be back again.

I pressed the panic button and would again visit the doctor. He would recommend some hormonal tests and repeating the contraceptive pill cycle. I realized after a couple of years that my reliance on pills needed to reduce for their side effects.

I decided to start my fitness journey with reluctance. I put on weight and felt lethargic most of the time. Got enrolled in a local gym, started some basic free-hand exercises, and surprisingly felt good to complete my exercise routine. My activity level and stamina improved subsequently. I felt fresh and alert after shedding sweat and looked noticeably leaner. The cycles became more systematic as well. When the gym visits were discontinued, for genuine reasons, the hormonal imbalance got triggered again.

Next; was my struggle with food. I was and still am a diehard foodie! It played an immense role in keeping me in good spirits. Food would uplift my mood, be it rain, storm, or sunshine. As a Bengali, I had an unlimited array of deep-fried side dishes in meals, appetizers, and snacking options to gorge on. It was tragic for me to restrict my diet.

Finally, the unwanted facial hair that grew as a byproduct of PCOS embarrassed me. As a student, I got them threaded. It hardened my facial skin, particularly in the chin area. When working, I tried laser treatments. It was expensive to maintain consistency in appointments for a fresher. Hair growth: however, reduced sufficiently, and the skin felt smoother.

I have learned a lot over the years dealing with my PCOS condition, the hard way through trial and error. I was in denial about why a medical condition refuse to cure as science has made sweeping advancements. I realized there is no medication to reverse PCOS. The most sustainable solution is regular physical activities like cardio, Yoga, or a combination of both, brisk walking, running, swimming, cycling, and so on. I tried all of these in different phases, and they have helped. Currently, I am doing Yoga every day with cycling rides on weekends. The purpose is to keep the body moving, maintaining hormonal balance with the activities you enjoy most. Over time, I have become more mindful of the food I intake. I have transformed into a conscious eater from being a mindless junkie. Some days I would satiate my cravings, and some days I control them. It has been a struggle to live with this chronic situation. The hormonal imbalance and erratic nature of menstruation made me spiral internally into negative thoughts on and off. Facing it for many years, I have finally made peace as I know now how my body works.