I was 13 years old when I first got my period. All my friends had already got their period and I was the last one. I still remember that it was a Sunday and I ran to tell my mom about it. My mom explained to me everything about periods, how to care for myself and what to expect every month.

However, I did not get my period the next month. Or the month after. Or the month after.

Finally, my parents took me to a doctor.  

I went through multiple blood tests and ultrasounds, and visited numerous doctors in search of answers. But the truth is, so many doctors didn't know how to diagnose PCOS, so they kept referring me to other specialists.

It was a frustrating and overwhelming process, and it felt like no one could provide me with any real answers. I was in the dark, and I felt so alone. It was too much to handle for a teenager, not sure what is happening to her. But that was just the beginning of my journey to learn about a disease that I had never heard of before.

I still remember the day I finally got my diagnoses. I ran into my room and cried for hours. I still not did fully understand the disease. 

I was told that PCOS is a hormonal disorder that can affects a woman's overall health. I learnt that there is no cause or cure for PCOS. I learned that it can cause a wide range of symptoms, including irregular periods, acne, weight gain, and facial hair growth. I also learned that there is no one-size-fits-all treatment for PCOS, and that it requires a combination of lifestyle changes, medication, and ongoing management to manage symptoms.

It was a lot to take in, and it wasn't easy to come to terms with the fact that I had a chronic condition that I would have to live with for the rest of my life.

SK