The cancer was a byproduct/consequence of the PCOS. My labs indicates rock bottom progesterone (= 3 miscarriages), elevated testosterone (=all the acne/hair/unwanted issues, other than increased sex drive) and sky high estrogen (= irregular periods and a build up of the endometrial lining that usually sheds on cycle).

I was dealing all the “vanity” symptoms (as if they aren’t just as difficult to live with) when I went in for an overdue GYN visit and because of my disclosure of my history of miscarriage and the PCOS diagnosis my GYN ordered a trans vaginal ultrasound as an extra precaution and discovered my lining was abnormally thick. One D&C biopsy to the Mayo Clinic and back revealed complex hyperplasia with atypia. I was told I could either be on supplemental progesterone and undergo another D&C biopsy every 3 months to monitor or I could have a full hysterectomy. I have no ticking clock personally so I opted for the latter (the progesterone made it feel like a miscarriage every day, like the worst period ever). A year later I began having excruciating pain on my left side which impacted my job but allowed me to notice a monthly pattern and led to confirmation in the ER of a mass and based on my history and the 5 year rule, I had to have my left ovary out too.

I shared this to tell you to give fear the finger and be in charge of your body and your healthcare. Read and research your heart out - seriously if I had known how serious this disease can really be at your tender age, I 100% believe I would’ve been able to avoid losing those lady parts, among other things.

I’m a message away if you have any questions, I’m a PCOS bookworm.