Scared about PCOS but Happy

by . . .S
(London)

Hi, I'm 16 years old and realised that I suffer from PCOS since February. When I first found out I was upset, depressed and didn't really want to talk to anyone.

The main issue that ran through my mind was that I will not be able to have children when I grow older.

I've been told to go on the pill, but my mum doesn't want me to as she is worried it will ruin my life.

Right now, I am confused on what to do and the more I think about me suffering from PCOS, the more it worries me. I will eventually start taking the pill by the end of this year, and hope that it brings me some hope and confidence for the future ahead of me.

Reading all the above stories has definitely given me encouragement to continue a normal life and reassure myself that there is definitely success behind each and every PCOS sufferer.

I wish you all the very best for your future and hope everything goes your way. x x x

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Editor's comments: Hi S. To be frank, birth control pills are not the best long-term answer to PCOS. You can take them for years and years. But that does not mean that you when you stop them to start a family that you will have a normal ovulatory cycle.

Birth control pills artificially force a monthly "cycle", but do nothing to address the underlying causes of polycystic ovary syndrome. During the whole time you're on birth control pills, your ovaries are pretty much just resting while the pills do most of the hormonal work.

PCOS can be effectively managed if you take a very comprehensive, holistic approach. You actually have more control over this disorder than you may now think. However, you will need to go beyond depending on this drug or that drug to make your problems go away. There are no "magic pills" for polycystic ovary syndrome.

1) Educate yourself as to what causes PCOS so that you can make intelligent decisions for dealing with it. Read books, visit websites, talk to others who are dealing with issues similar to yours. Get second opinions from other doctors. Become knowledgeable about the various conventional and natural treatment options that are available.

2) A healthy diet plays an absolutely crucial role in managing the symptoms of PCOS, including infertility, acne, weight, hair loss, male-pattern hair growth, and depression. A healthy diet will also greatly reduce your risk of developing diabetes and heart disease.

This PCOS diet book is a good place to get diet information that will help you.

3) Regular exercise is vital, especially if you have a weight issue.

E-Books to Help You Manage PCOS