When your efforts aren't good enough

Sometimes, despite our best efforts to be healthy, there are things we simply can't control.

I have a condition called Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. In women affected by PCOS the body produces too many androgens. This causes missed periods, weight gain, insulin resistance, high blood pressure, heart disease, facial and body hair, acne,  and hair loss on the scalp. It makes you prone to stress,  anxiety and depression. Many women with PCOS find it hard to conceive. 

The first method of treatment is diet and exercise. If that isn't enough there are certain drugs that can help with the symptoms. This depends on which symptoms you have and what your goals are (having kids, etc). 

After 6 years and just as many doctors, no one could tell me why I was no longer having periods. Then in 2012 my doctor here in Georgia thought to do a blood test. My testosterone was slightly high and I exhibited other classic PCOS symptoms. I was 200 lbs. This diagnosis is what sparked my transformation and gave me the willpower to stick with it. Unless I made a change I was faced with a potential lifetime of problems. 

Fortunately I have a pretty mild case of PCOS. I was able to lose a lot of weight whereas many women literally cannot lose weight no matter what they do. I have regular cycles now. However after these 2 years I still struggle with some of the symptoms - high blood pressure, anxiety, stress, facial hair (thank god I'm blonde) and I have hypoglycemia which is likely related to all this. I have heart palpitations - apparently my heart is really healthy but I don't like the fact that it's happening. Plus I can't seem to lose my abdominal fat. 

So I saw the doctor yesterday and he said I need blood pressure meds. He also gave me metformin which is a diabetes drug that can help those with PCOS by lowering androgens and improving how the body produces and uses insulin. I told him I do endurance races that are hours long and he said these meds shouldn't affect that. 

I'm pretty bummed. I despise being on medication. But sometimes it just can't be helped.  My genetics are against me here. I attempted to cure myself the old fashioned way which is something many people wouldn't do when they could just take a pill instead. I have no regrets. Though I may not have beaten PCOS, I have gained so much from my lifestyle change. I look and feel better. I have more energy for whatever my day throws at me. I am confident and capable.I have a newfound sense of strength and purpose. 

PCOS has challenged me in many ways. I wouldn't be doing what I'm doing today without it. It has made me strong.