Meet Our Representative of the Month

Meet Our Representative of the Month!

Crystal, the Washington Representative for Power Up for PCOS, goes above and beyond to get her state involved in PCOS awareness and action.  Her PCOS story is below.

My PCOS story

Ever since I was around 14 or 15 I began having inconsistent cycles, to the point where they would not stop.  Scared and concerned, I went to a doctor who just gave me birth control pills to regulate my cycles.  As I grew older, other symptoms appeared, making me very self-conscious and ever aware of how different from the norm I was.  I continued seeing a couple different doctors, even had an ultra-sound, but not one mentioned PCOS.  Birth control pills were still the only solution they could give me.  Frustrated and not wanting to be on the pill any longer, I gave up on doctors. Fast-forward 13 years- after being married for 5 years without conceiving, still battling cycle issues, hormone imbalances, hair issues, and depression, I was referred by a friend to a different doctor who specialized in hormonal issues.  She was the first one to even bring up PCOS and had me tested immediately.  Upon receiving the results I was diagnosed, given a handful of papers to read about diet and exercise as well as other drugs I could take to manage my PCOS.  I felt so lost and overwhelmed, but relieved to at least know the name of what was wrong with me.  

My search began immediately for a support group I could go to, other women I could learn from and talk with.  There were none.  All the information I would find online conflicted with each other and was confusing.  I even considered starting my own group just to talk with other ladies that might understand- then I found Power Up for PCOS.  I love being about to help other women triumph over their PCOS.  The educational segments empower us, our discussions  help us to not feel alone and the events build us up.  I'm so glad to be part of such a wonderful group and look forward to growing and reaching out to more women who are trying to figure out this whole PCOS thing on their own. 

Written by: Crystal Warren, Representative for Power Up for PCOS which provides support to women with PCOS through educational Power Up Groups, building connections with other PCOS women, calendar of upcoming PCOS events, professional referrals and reviews, PCOS store, and other specialized events to raise money for PCOS research.  To find our more, visit http://www.powerupforpcos.com, email info@powerupforpcos.com or by calling 810-545-PCOS (7267)

Power Up for PCOS - emPowering Women to Manage PCOS

*Please note that I am not a medical professional. I am not qualified to give out any medical advice. I am a woman with PCOS who is sharing my personal experiences in this blog and I advise you to consult a professional.*

Meet Our Representative of the Month!

Meet Our Representative of the Month!

Gina, the Arizona Representative for Power Up for PCOS, goes above and beyond to get her state involved in PCOS awareness and action.  Her PCOS story is below.

My PCOS story

I wasn't diagnosed until I was 29 years old... after two years of unexplained infertility.  There was always something in me that wondered why I was so different from other girls, teens, women I knew:  I had long cycles, facial hair, had a hard time losing weight.  It wasn't until we tried having a baby - for two years - with no success -  that I knew something was "wrong" with me.  The name for my special challenges was PCOS... and I soon learned that I wasn't alone!  I immediately turned to the Internet for more information - and I soon found a lifeline in other women who rallied around me offering support, information, and sisterhood.  I really don't know if I could be where I am today without all of my ladies who have become my closest friends.  

Once I learned about the Power Up for PCOS organization, I knew I had found a way to give back by starting a local support group for women in my state. Instead of only having support available online, I could help women with PCOS connect on a local, real-life level!  PCOS can be such an isolating syndrome - - - but it doesn't have to be.  There are women dealing with PCOS in all walks of life and throughout the entire world  - but by working hard in my little corner of the world, I hope to bring support, education, and encouragement to women in my community.  Women can gain HOPE in learning more about PCOS and how it is possible to thrive and achieve your dreams no matter what the obstacle. On a personal note, once I learned about PCOS and how I could boost my fertility in a natural way, I was able to conceive my now six year old son!  As Winston Churchill said, "Never, never, never, never give up!"

I am so blessed to be the state representative for Arizona as a fellow Cyster, learning how to Power Up for PCOS!

--- Mrs. Gina Weeks