PCOS & Our Bodies

Lately I see many of you overwhelmed or tearing yourself apart because of PCOS. I think it is something each of us go through, whether it’s in the beginning or throughout our journeys, but you need to remind yourself that you are the one taking that step to become healthy and take control over PCOS. No one else is going to be able to do it but you, so while you’re thinking that you cannot get any further and that you won’t overcome it, remember you took that first step, remember you got past a milestone that you were at before and now you just need to get over another.

There will be times of struggle, frustration, and disappointment, but you cannot let it destroy everything you have already accomplished. 

You are the one that is striving to become healthy, take control over your PCOS, so be proud of that.

You need to know that you have the strength to get to that goal you have set. If you need motivation, don’t be afraid to reach out for it!

Do not let words tear you down, not even your own, stand above all else and have control.

You are not less of a person because of PCOS. You are still the same person you were before being diagnosed, only now you can make the changes that are needed in order to manage your symptoms and improve your health. Your ability to do things does not weaken, so don’t think you cannot go to college or get into the career field you want because of your PCOS.

Let PCOS be your strength, let it show everyone that above all else, you’re strong and have the courage to take anything on. It is difficult, I will be the first one to admit it, but you can do it, even if it takes time to see results, you can do it.

Be proud that you made the decision to become healthy and manage your PCOS, you are the one taking that step and making the necessary changes. 

Never doubt yourself. If you are struggling with something, keep trying until you overcome it. It is okay to ask for support and motivation, we all need encouragement and would be more than happy to help one another.

Don’t let anyone but you have control.

Love yourself because you are beautiful, you have the strength needed to strive above and beyond, you all are wonderful people on your own journeys to become healthy and manage your PCOS, so please, do not let PCOS control or define who you are. 

What is one thing you have overcome since being diagnosed with PCOS? What is your biggest accomplishment so far?

In this post, I asked the question above because I have asked myself these two questions lately, and I wanted to hear from each of you. I want you to take a look at all the replies, even yours if you answered because you all overcame something since your diagnosis. You have accomplished one or multiple things along your journey so far, so when you’re at that standstill and need motivation, take a look at this post, take a look at your own answer, read everyone else’s, and remember that you have done well so far! At times when you need motivation and strength, remember all you have accomplished, keep in mind your strengths, and remember you’re strong. You have set out on a journey that isn’t easy and you’ve made it this far, you can definitely keep going forward and towards that ultimate goal. I am proud of you, be proud of yourself as well.

If anyone else would like to answer the question, just click the post and reply, I’ll be happy to post your answer in this post as well!

“I think the biggest thing I’ve overcome since being diagnosed is the frame of mind that because my body doesn’t function “normally”, I was somehow less of a person. I’ve learned to accept my body and how it works and just focus on finding what helps me stay healthy both physically and mentally!”  - matsushitayuya 

“I finally was able to start my laser hair removal process.” - missbrittany35

“Losing 55 pounds. Finding a reason behind my depression.” - strong-fearless-unforgettable

“My weight . Lost about 40 kg, quit smoking,quit drinking alcohol.” - daddyslittlebunneh

“Actually getting my damnd period in check.” - timelessreference

“Losing weight. I’ve been trying hard to eat healthy and exercise every day. I’ve only lost a little bit of weight so far but I’m happy.” - itscalledobsession

“Realizing that I can do this, now that I know how!” - inkquills

“I’ve only recently been able to openly admit that I have to shave my face every day! And I’m still proud of myself for it!” - ninjetteprincess

“Getting out of the pre-diabetic range into a healthy blood sugar range and drastically lowering my cholesterol!” - pcoswontwin

“Having to lose weight and eat right so I can have a baby.” - imaybea-dreamer

“I guess being able to control my depression naturally.” - lullabiesofescapism

“I have overcome my fear of talking about having PCOS. My biggest accoplishment so far is losing 79 pounds.” - bonesgirl206

“Finding you guys! Finding a support group for girls who are like me has changed my life and the way I manage my PCOS, honestly.” - boptomybeat

“I overcame horrible depression and managed to cling to my so called life. So my greatest accomplishment is living and graduating college.” - maxlacus

“I lost 40 piounds (even though I gained back 20) but knowing I can do it gave me so much courage and the power i need to know i can do it…” - ne-rai-da

“For right now, weight! I lost about 32 lbs already. I want to work on Hair removal next. It kills my self esteem and depresses me.” - lovelymelly

“I learned to eat again, I was so depressed before because I did not know why I gained weight, now eat 1200kcal without worry.” - healthy-fit-and-happiness

I know that PCOS is difficult and we all have personal struggles with it, but I think everyone needs to keep in mind that it won’t be easy, but eventually you’ll get to where you want to be. You’ll be healthy and happy, and I hope you all will be comfortable in your own body. Some people say that you’ll love yourself once you’ve reached your goal, but no, love yourself now! One thing I’ve come to terms with along my own journey, both PCOS and weight loss, is that I needed to love myself, flaws and all. That includes my weight issues, oily skin, breakouts, excess hair, all the way to pelvic pain. I need to love myself as a whole. I knew along this journey I’d take the steps I need to take care of each individual issue and find out what works best for me, even if it only meant I would be maintaining the issue. 

Long ago I realized something, there is no known cure for PCOS at this time, only treatments for symptoms, but I had to accept it and myself. I remember crying on the way home after an appointment because like most, I want children eventually, I want to live a normal life. My mom turned to me and said, “Coleen Antoinette, you’re here today and you need to be grateful for that. You have PCOS but that doesn’t change you as a person.” and I kept that in mind for the longest time. 

I try not to think of it as a negative aspect in my life because it’s a part of me and so far along this journey I’ve learned to love myself and remember the positives. Look at your strengths and accomplishments, you should be proud of who you are.

Do not let PCOS stop you from that goal you’re trying to achieve, that career you want, or anything that you want to accomplish. Strive for that goal, envision yourself at that goal, and go for it! If motivation, inspiration, or empowerment is needed, don’t be afraid to go to someone because it will help having someone there along side you throughout your journey. 

We are human, we make mistakes, and sometimes learn for the better. So if you have an off day, don’t dwell on it, just move forward and continue on towards your goal, keeping in mind of your strengths. 

I am proud of each and every one of you, whether you’re just starting on your journey or have been on your journey for some time now. You are taking that step to become a better you. 

Do not let negative words discourage you.

Do not be afraid to go to someone for motivation.

Remember your strengths and accomplishments.

Keep a positive mind.

Stay strong and strive for the better.

Be proud of who you are.

Regardless if you had a few off days in May, gained a few pounds, or just lost your motivation, don’t let your control slip away. Take over this month! When it comes to weight loss or just getting healthy, we all have those mishaps and sometimes let ourselves fall off track, so here are some things to keep in mind!

Stay positive - No matter what, you need to keep positive and do not dwell on the negative! It can be one downfall that’ll send you spiraling and we don’t want that! Keep in mind of everything positive and what will come with you continuing on your weight loss/getting healthy journey. 

Accomplishments - Keep in mind everything you have accomplished, whether it be fitting into an old pair of jeans, losing five pounds, or general accomplishments such as passing a test. Make a list of all you’ve accomplished, then make another for everything you have yet to accomplish (big and small) then cross off each one as you achieve them. When you’re feeling like you won’t accomplish that one weight goal that is taking a while, look back at that list to remind yourself that you can fulfill anything you put your mind to.

Inspiration - Make an inspiration board or box, whichever you prefer, fill it with quotes, little clippings from magazines, a certain object that gives you inspiration, anything that brings you inspiration and gives you that strive to go forward and continue. An inspiration board maybe better, but if you do not have one, you can always decorate a box (shoe box is even fine!) with different inspiration clippings and fill it with whatever inspires you! Just keep that box insight and always look through it when inspiration is needed. 

Motivation - You can find motivation just about anywhere. Whether it be music, friends, someone you look up to, a piece of clothing you want to fit into, a certain goal you want to reach before a special day, it is all motivation in it’s own way. So whatever your motivation is, keep it in mind on the days you aren’t feeling like you’re making any change, those days you don’t want to workout or motivate yourself to cook that meal instead of eating something that is simply and may not be the healthiest. 

Keep Your Goal in Mind - Imagine yourself at your goal, keep it in mind along your journey. If you visualize yourself at your goal, it’ll give you that push you may need when you’ve lost motivation and feel like you’re drained. 

You’re Not Alone - So many of us are going through the same issues, even if we do not realize it or want to speak about it! When you’re feeling alone on an issue, reach out for support because it will help you so much and you will feel better knowing you have someone to turn to with the same issue.

Do Not Let PCOS Define You - It is one thing I think many of us forget and need to remember. Although we have PCOS and symptoms may cause issues in our day-to-day life, we are still the same person as we were before diagnosis. Do not think you cannot accomplish your goals and let your PCOS limit you from going for that career you want. Some even think they’re less of a person because of their PCOS and that isn’t positive or good for your progress, you need to keep in mind that you’ll be able to take control of your PCOS slowly, and while on your journey, you’ll not only feel better about yourself, but you’ll become healthier, happier, and content in your own body.

Most importantly, stay strong, keep one another inspired, motivated, and stay hopeful.