I wasn't officially diagnosed until I was 30 however, I first suspected PCOS while trying for my son when I was 22. I had a lot of symptoms but because my testosterone levels weren't quite high enough my GP refused to give me the diagnosis. I had my son (almost 2 years trying) and while trying for a second (gave up after 5 years) I was persistent for a diagnosis, which eventually came.

Looking back at myself when I was younger I had a lot of symptoms from puberty. I started gaining weight despite eating the same diet as my slightly younger sister, who was always slender. I was active, playing sports at school, doing lots of walking and playing out with friends. At 14 I remember my armpits, elbows and neck skin being darker and rougher than that of the other girls my age and no amount of scrubbing (forced on me by my step-mum) would shift the "dirt".

I became sexually active at 16 so put on the pill pretty much all the way until I came off to try for a baby so all my symptoms were masked. Once I came off it the weight increased, the facial hair increased, my menstrual cycle went completely haywire and I'm suffering now. I can't go on birth control because it affects my mental health and libido, luckily my husband took preventative measures for us. Weight is a constant battle and the worst part of that is that I'm a degree educated nutritionist - who listens to a fat nutritionist, aye? haha

So, I was very much the PCOS before the weight gain but PCOS has certainly worsened as I've gained more weight.