Story time on how I got diagnosed with PCOS

Miami
3 days agoEdited to

... Read moreSharing my experience with PCOS diagnosis, I remember feeling a mix of relief and confusion once I finally understood what my symptoms meant. PCOS, or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, is a hormonal disorder common among women of reproductive age. My journey began with symptoms like irregular periods, unexplained weight gain, and persistent fatigue—all clues my body was sending. One of the most telling signs for me was the presence of physical symptoms such as acne and hair thinning, which many overlook initially. I made several visits to different healthcare providers before a specialist pointed me toward PCOS testing, including hormone level checks and an ultrasound. Getting a clear diagnosis empowered me to start targeted lifestyle changes. Managing PCOS requires a holistic approach. Along with prescribed treatments, I found certain supplements helpful in balancing hormones and improving overall well-being. For example, inositol and vitamin D have shown promising benefits in regulating menstrual cycles. Diet played a significant role too; I emphasized nutrient-rich foods with low glycemic indices to help control insulin resistance, a common issue with PCOS. Support communities online and in person were invaluable. Connecting with others facing similar challenges made the emotional aspect more manageable and provided practical tips. I highly recommend anyone suspecting PCOS to keep track of symptoms and advocate for thorough testing. Early diagnosis can make a profound difference in treatment outcomes and quality of life. Ultimately, my story is about learning to listen to my body and persistently seeking answers. If you’re on a similar path, know that you are not alone, and with the right support and information, managing PCOS is entirely possible.

Related posts

how I got diagnosed with PCOS
my doctor told me I was fine, but I wasn’t fine! I knew something was wrong and it wasn’t just “my anxiety” … I got an ultrasound to see if I had any cysts on my ovaries & everything looked great even though I was having terrible cramps! I saw a holistic doctor who specialized in hormon
rachel

rachel

998 likes

My PCOS Supplement Routine & How They Work ✨💊
When I was first diagnosed with PCOS, I felt overwhelmed. So many symptoms… and so much information online. But after months of trial, error, and research, I’ve finally found a supplement routine that actually supports my hormones, my mood, and my cycle — and today I’m sharing everything I take and
Caroline 🫶🏼

Caroline 🫶🏼

3463 likes

diagnosed at 34 with ADHD
I had no idea how deeply this was affecting my life. I always knew something felt off, but I assumed everyone felt this way. For a long time, I managed to stay afloat, pushing through the challenges of executive dysfunction and paralysis. But over the past year, it became overwhelming, leaving me c
MeganLiz

MeganLiz

810 likes

The Ultimate PCOS Guide: Health, Diet & Self-Care❤️
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common hormonal disorders affecting women of reproductive age. It can impact everything from metabolism to fertility, yet many people go undiagnosed for years. If you’ve recently been diagnosed or suspect you may have PCOS, this guide covers every
Chalie_Baker

Chalie_Baker

2038 likes

A first-person view of legs relaxing by a pool, with text overlay announcing 'How I Lost 30Ibs Naturally w/ PCOS' and a 'Swipe for more' prompt.
A smiling woman with blonde hair, identified as the author in January 2024 at her highest weight of 215 lbs, looking stressed and depressed.
A woman in a black outfit, standing in a store, representing her current weight of 190 lbs after 6 months of her weight loss journey since her PCOS diagnosis.
How I Lost 30Ibs in 6 months Naturally w/ PCOS
This is my first time posting my journey! I’ve struggled with irregular periods, bad acne, and weight fluctuation my whole life but wasn’t officially diagnosed with pcos until 2023 when I was 23. Here’s some other tips that helped me: • Eating in a calorie deficit! I know us pcos girlies alway
Courtney

Courtney

5208 likes

healthy habits for PCOS🍋
After getting diagnosed with PCOS, I’ve been determined to reduce and reverse my symptoms! I don’t like the cystic acne & hair growth on my face 🫠 & also the effects of having low progesterone on my body! My anxiety is really affected by having low progesterone & recently I star
rachel

rachel

1652 likes

How I Got Pregnant With PCOS
I have dreamed of being a mom since I was young. I had my whole life scheduled out by the time I was a teenager. I was convinced I’d be married with my first kid by 25. Yeah…that didn’t work out. I first started experiencing PCOS symptoms as a teenager. My period was usually pretty normal, but
Jazmyne

Jazmyne

603 likes

My PCOS Symptoms 🫠
I recently got diagnosed with PCOS in February 2024 after suffering from symptoms for years! 😱 My longest symptom I’ve had was my erratic periods and sometimes I’ve went as long as 8 months without one! Ever since I started my period at the age of 14, they have never been regular. (Except on the b
Michi ᵕ̈

Michi ᵕ̈

1773 likes

Things I’d Do When Diagnosed With PCOS ❤️
If you’ve been recently diagnosed with PCOS, we hope these tips can help jumpstart your journey ❤️ Remember that you are not alone! Join our FB community, S’moo Babes to connect with others on the same journey. Follow for more PCOS tips and content ✨ #pcos #pcoslifestyle #pcoslife
S’moo 💗✨

S’moo 💗✨

38 likes

PCOS Cysters Listen Up
I have been reading through this book for a year now (it is a short read, but it recommends you to stop throughout the read) and I have learned so much about PCOS. I was diagnosed with it at 16 but was never given any information about how to help it besides lose weight and take drugs. This book ha
Madi

Madi

816 likes

Things I thought were personality traits until I got diagnosed with ADHD
So many of us grow up thinking our struggles are “just our personality.” In reality, ADHD (and AuDHD) traits get mislabeled, misunderstood, or even punished, while we internalize shame. Getting the right diagnosis doesn’t erase those experiences, but it gives us a new lens: I wasn’t broken. My bra
Bailey Pilant | ADHD Therapist

Bailey Pilant | ADHD Therapist

66 likes

A close-up of a person with dark hair and nose piercings applying lip product. The image features text overlays "STORY TIME" and "HOW I GOT DIAGNOSED WITH AUTISM IN MY 20S," along with decorative butterflies, bubbles, and sparkles. A Lemon8 logo with the username is in the bottom left.
STORY TIME: How I got diagnosed with Autism
skip to 🎀 if you don’t want to read the backstory ! Preface! Up until about 5ish years ago it was not common for women to be diagnosed with autism later in life or in general. Boys tend to get diagnosed waaaay earlier in life than woman are. Mainly because high functioning or low needs au
liv

liv

45 likes

An ultrasound image showing internal body structures, likely ovaries, with text overlay "A Life I did not Ask for Living with PCOS." The image illustrates the medical aspect of living with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.
An infographic detailing various signs and symptoms of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), including irregular periods, cysts, cramping, hair growth, hair loss, acne, psychological stress, fatigue, pelvic pain, and rapid weight gain.
A side-by-side comparison of a person's abdomen, showing "My normal stomach" on the right and "My PCOS stomach (Two weeks out of the month)" on the left, illustrating bloating associated with PCOS.
Living with the Burden of PCOS 💭
Good morning everyone, I am typing this in my bed as I have had to take another day off of work due to this condition. Yesterday, I could not even be on my phone as the pain was so bad that I passed out twice from it. 1500mg of prescribed naproxen (over the limit) did not even work to get ri
Luminous 🌙🪷

Luminous 🌙🪷

1438 likes

Newly diagnosed OCD
Did you know that a majority of people who have OCD were misdiagnosed with some form of anxiety disorder first? That was me. It’s so common because they share a lot of commonality in there symptoms. Especially if you’re like me, and you do also have GAD, and ADHD. Sometimes it presents as symptoms
Oliviabroookee

Oliviabroookee

189 likes

Vitamins I take for PCOS + GLP1
Hi friends, I have been on a GLP1 journey for the last two years and I was diagnosed with PCOS about four years ago. These are some of the products that I use to help me with my PCOS and GLP1 journey.
Jerricka

Jerricka

540 likes

Shaving my face - Living with PCOS 😮‍💨
I got diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome about 6 years ago and I used to be so ashamed of the hair growth and other side effects of PCOS. I’m so proud that I’m finally walking firmly in who I am! Shaving my face was scary but I loveddd the outcome. It definitely grew back in a couple days 😭
Brittany B.

Brittany B.

96 likes

things i did once i got diagnosed with BPD
#bpd #bpdawareness #bpdrecovery #lemon8creator #therapy
brooke ꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱

brooke ꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱

34 likes

A cozy image with text asking, "hey, did you just get diagnosed with hashimoto's? welcome to the club you didn't ask for YOU'RE NOT ALONE HERE." It features a plant, mug, and blanket, conveying a supportive message for those newly diagnosed.
A warm-toned image with text stating, "first things first you're not crazy your body is just... dramatic like medically dramatic." It includes a plant and a mug, emphasizing that symptoms are real and not imagined.
A comforting image with text reading, "you're not lazy you're exhausted in a way sleep doesn't fix and that's actually a symptom not a personality flaw." It shows dried flowers, a mug, and a blanket, addressing fatigue as a medical symptom.
diagnosed with hashimoto’s? you’re not alone 💜
if you just got diagnosed with hashimoto’s, this is your reminder to slow down for a second you’re not crazy you’re not lazy and no, it’s not “all in your head” your body is doing a lot right now and figuring out how to support it takes time there will be trial and error there will be g
TheHealingThyroid

TheHealingThyroid

24 likes

PCOS HELP!
I was recently diagnosed with PCOS, polycystic ovarian syndrome. For the last couple years every since i got the nexplanon arm implant birth control I started to gain excessive weight, started growing facial hair and horrible chest hair, I had hair loss on my head, depression and anxiety, etc. I go
Sarah Conley

Sarah Conley

2001 likes

How I got pregnant w/PCOS ✨
✨ In August of 2022 I was diagnosed with PCOS 🙃 I noticed some of the symptoms before hand buttt I just thought it was a hormonal fix , not exactly PCOS ✨ Being that there seems to be no “cure” nor and explanation of where it comes from ofc the doctor prescribed me metformin…which is used for a
TheNiceyDiaries💕✨

TheNiceyDiaries💕✨

292 likes

Diagnosed with ADHD at 25
A little bit of what I’ve learned on this 8yr mental health journey. Medical care for women is still unbelievably behind. The research and the knowledge is years behind what they have for men and mental health. I will never not mention that when talking about my mental health journey.
Ruby ✨

Ruby ✨

7 likes

A smiling woman holds a bowl of food, illustrating her journey with PCOS and simple lifestyle changes. The text overlay reads 'Life lately with PCOS <3'.
A before-and-after comparison shows reduced jawline acne after using an androgen blocking supplement for two months, highlighting its effect on skin health.
A woman walks outdoors with headphones and a water bottle, demonstrating the habit of getting morning sunlight for 30 minutes by going on a walk.
what’s been helping my PCOS 🥰
It's been 3 months since I got diagnosed with PCOS!! & I feel soo much better already making simple lifestyle changes 🥹 Ive been focusing on gut health, liver health & blood sugar balance to balance my hormones + heal my metabolism (PCOS is a metabolic disorder!!) My acne has d
rachel

rachel

465 likes

what’s been helping my PCOS ✨
I was diagnosed with PCOS in July and I’ve already noticed big improvements with the changes I’ve made 🥹 here’s what’s been helping me: ✨ androgen blocking supplement: the one I use is from nourished naturals! It has multiple androgen blocking ingredients that help with cystic acne, unwanted
rachel

rachel

423 likes

A woman stands on a balcony overlooking a tropical ocean, with text overlay "IBS and PCOS Exercises For Relief" and "Lemon8 Easing IBS and PCOS with Gentle Exercise @chalie_baker."
A text-based image titled "3 Exercises for IBS Relief," detailing Supine Twist, Post-Meal Walking, and Pelvic Tilts/Cat-Cow Stretch, including descriptions and their benefits for gut mobility and stress relief.
A text-based image titled "3 Exercises for PCOS Relief," listing Bodyweight Squats, Incline Walking, and Glute Bridges + Resistance Band, with explanations of how they aid insulin sensitivity and hormonal balance.
Exercises For PCOS & IBS Symptoms & Pain Relief ✨✨
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) are two very different conditions—but for many women, they show up hand-in-hand. Together, they can create a frustrating cycle of hormonal, metabolic, and gastrointestinal symptoms that feel like a daily uphill battle. And yet, man
Chalie_Baker

Chalie_Baker

99 likes

how i got diagnosed with an autoimmune disease
after 8+ years of chronic pain and no answers, i finally got a diagnosis and started treatment that has given me my life back🙏💐 #autoimmunewarrior #autoimmunedisease #chronicillness #rheumatoid arthritis #chronicillnesslife
halz

halz

14 likes

A woman with her hand on her forehead, looking thoughtful or overwhelmed, against a blue sky with a white cloud. The text overlay reads "MY ADHD JOURNEY my symptoms & treatment," introducing the topic.
An empty classroom with desks, chairs, and string lights, illustrating the setting where the author experienced childhood ADHD symptoms. The overlay describes being diagnosed at 8 due to difficulty paying attention and spacing out in class.
A tranquil scene of a wide body of water with a distant treeline under a clear sky. The text overlay details the author's rediagnosis at 18 due to brain fog and lack of focus, and starting stimulant medication.
how i got diagnosed with ADHD & my symptoms ✨
Living with ADHD has been a journey full of challenges, growth, and self-discovery. 🌟 At 8 years old, I was diagnosed with ADHD. My symptoms as a child included zoning out, struggling to pay attention in class, and being unable to stay on task despite trying my best. My teachers noticed, and a d
Caroline 🫶🏼

Caroline 🫶🏼

44 likes

A woman takes a mirror selfie, with text overlay reading "My Life with ADHD Diagnosed vs. Undiagnosed" and "35 to 35 Day 17". The bottom left corner has "lemon8 @jordie_starbaby" and the bottom right has "SWIPE".
An infographic titled "UNDIAGNOSED VS DIAGNOSED" illustrates common ADHD struggles like forgetting texts, talking too much, sensory overload, procrastination, and self-comparison, with cartoon figures representing the feelings associated with each state.
An infographic titled "THE 3 TYPES OF ADHD" describes the Inattentive, Hyperactive, and Combined types, listing symptoms for each, such as carelessness, short attention span, fidgeting, and excessive talking.
🍋 My Life with ADHD - Diagnosed vs. Undiagnosed 🌪️
🧠💖 35 to 35 - Birthday Countdown 🎂- Day 17 😵‍💫 Let's talk about the incredible journey from 'undiagnosed' to 'diagnosed' ADHD, a chapter of my life that's transformed the way I navigate the world. When I finally got diagnosed, after having validation over something I’
Jordie_starbaby

Jordie_starbaby

812 likes

I refuse to let PCOS run my life🫶🏼
#pcos #share #embracevulnerability #pcoslifestyle #horses
Summer Remington McKinnon

Summer Remington McKinnon

54 likes

PCOS unwanted hair growth tips!
I’m noticing more hair on my face & body which is freaking me outtt 😭 I haven’t officially been diagnosed with PCOS but I have a lot of symptoms! So I’m treating these symptoms as if I do have PCOS. My stress has also been bad which contributes imbalanced hormones as well 🫠 These tips ar
rachel

rachel

1787 likes

The last load..before I got diagnosed with cancer.
Darryl Armstrong

Darryl Armstrong

37 likes

Late Diagnosed ADHD and burnout
Late-diagnosed ADHD women don’t just process a diagnosis. We process decades of self-blame. We have been building a life without a manual for a brain wired differently than we initially thought. Of course we’re tired. We’ve been compensating for decades. Decades of wondering “Why is this so har
cameeelliaa

cameeelliaa

20 likes

Low impact cardio for PCOS women ✨🫶
Why Low-Impact Cardio Is a Game-Changer for Women with PCOS If you’ve been diagnosed with PCOS, you’ve probably heard a million recommendations about how to exercise—but let’s talk about something that often gets overlooked: low-impact cardio. Low-impact cardio (like walking, cycling, swimmin
Isa Fitness Vlog

Isa Fitness Vlog

7 likes

PCOS & Diabetes
#HealthTips #lemon8challenge #pcosjourney #pcos #pcossupplements #pcosawareness #pcostips #pcosbaddie #diabetes #diabetesawareness Hi everyone! I wanted to share something very personal to me. I have had PCOS for a long time; 14 yrs and diagnosed with diabetes for about 2
Damaris

Damaris

423 likes

how i got diagnosed with ptsd & cope with trauma ❤️‍🩹
After some trauma in college, and now this car accident: I have PTSD. It’s something I never thought I’d say out loud. After a traumatic car accident in June 2024, my life changed in ways I didn’t expect. I fractured my tailbone, had to be cut out of the car, and developed driving anxiety so s
Caroline 🫶🏼

Caroline 🫶🏼

23 likes

my experience getting diagnosed with adhd
Before I knew I had ADHD, I just thought I was failing at things everyone else seemed to handle fine. I’d overthink emails for an hour, forget plans, and struggle to finish anything unless it was last-minute. After years of blaming myself, my therapist suggested I get assessed. I saw a psychiatr
alexa vicktoria

alexa vicktoria

100 likes

how you can start improving PCOS ↴
PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) is a metabolic issue!!! Symptoms can improve & you can heal 🫶🏻 I’m working towards this myself after being diagnosed in July 🥹 1st step treat insulin resistance: this is KEY to PCOS!! Insulin resistance is when your body becomes less responsive to ins
rachel

rachel

983 likes

A woman takes a mirror selfie, with text overlay "Lessons I learned getting Diagnosed w/ PCOS." She wears a black sweater and blue jeans, with heart doodles and a light blue outline around her.
A woman takes a mirror selfie, with text overlay "It's okay to feel overwhelmed" and advice on processing a PCOS diagnosis with grace.
A woman smiles with closed eyes outdoors, with text overlay "Your diagnosis does NOT define you" and encouragement about navigating PCOS with strength.
💛 Safe Space: Getting Diagnosed with PCOS 💛
To anyone who has recently been diagnosed with PCOS, I want you to know that you are not alone💕 Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, confused, or even relieved to finally have answers, this is a safe space for you to process your journey and feel supported. Here are a few things I’ve learned tha
Belle Grubb

Belle Grubb

90 likes

So you just got diagnosed with Hashimoto’s disease
CONGRATULATIONS! No seriously. You didn’t ask for fatigue, weight gain, brain fog, or mood swings. But at least now you have answers. Question though, did you give yourself time to grieve and process the diagnosis? Give yourself time. Don’t just jump into making a game plan right off the bat.
XOXOKAYMO

XOXOKAYMO

9 likes

How to get diagnosed with MS
To be diagnosed with MS you have to follow the Mcdonald diagnostic criteria list. Having determination in space occurs when you have lessions in 2 of these 4 places - periventricular - juxtacortical - infratentorial - spinal cord there was a revision done in 2024 to the McDonald’s diagn
Bailee Carlson

Bailee Carlson

17 likes

A person with their hands on their hips, wearing a brown two-piece outfit, with a belly button piercing. Overlay text states, "I've just been *officially* diagnosed with pcos."
A hand holding a white container of inositol powder supplement. Overlay text discusses the severity of the diagnosis and making diet and habit changes without 'going on a diet'.
A hand holding a packet of cookies and cream flavored overnight oats next to a glass jar with prepared oats. Overlay text mentions focusing on a health journey due to fertility and hormonal issues.
How I’m managing my pcos 🫶✨
✨pcos but make it hot✨ After years of speculation I’ve finallllyyy got a diagnosis. While upsetting, I’m also eager to get it under control and do all the necessary things without restricting or leaning into fad diets. Here are some ways I’m doing so *swipe* I’ll be posting a lot about my
Angelica, BA

Angelica, BA

99 likes

PCOS may officially be RENAMED 🙌🏻
PCOS has always been one of the most misunderstood conditions in women’s health. Because for many women, it was never just about ovarian cysts. It was: the unexplained weight gain. the exhaustion. the insulin resistance. the inflammation. the acne. the hair loss. the irregular cycles.
Danielle Johnson FNP-C

Danielle Johnson FNP-C

0 likes

I just had a mom tell me that their Ped diagnosed
their baby with silent reflex because they were stiff and arching their head backwards - 🙄 Let’s talk about it! This is an incredibly common pattern I see with babies but I wouldn’t necessarily use it as a diagnostic tool for reflux and here’s why... Increased tone and backwards arching
Dr Tara Hogan 💓🧠

Dr Tara Hogan 💓🧠

5 likes

A split image showing a woman's face before and after. The top image shows a puffy face with acne, while the bottom image, taken three weeks later, shows a less puffy face with clearer skin.
A woman in a car, making a slightly puffy face. Text indicates that three weeks prior, her face was puffy with acne, attributed to stress and ovulation causing puffiness.
A collage showing a woman applying a clay mask, a hand holding a depuffing wand, various face rollers and depuffing tools, and a woman using a face roller on her cheek.
How I reduced my "moon face"
I had a PCOS flare up last month & I was surprised I reduced my symptoms so quickly 🥹 I was on a trip and I noticed my face was holding a lot of fluid by my mouth and jawline! I used to experience that a lot before I was diagnosed with PCOS. My jawline cystic acne also flared up! I was al
rachel

rachel

1583 likes

MY ADHD JOURNEY: how i was diagnosed & treatment 💙
Adult ADHD is a prevalent and complex condition that affects about 2.5% of adults worldwide, often continuing from childhood. Here are key points: 1. Diagnosis Challenges: It's harder to diagnose ADHD in adults due to coping mechanisms that mask symptoms, such as issues with time management
Caroline 🫶🏼

Caroline 🫶🏼

31 likes

How to reverse PCOS
before someone tells you to buy 50 different supplements, start here first. no cream, lotion, potion, tea or supplement will outwork these foundational habits. #pcos #pcosawarenessmonth
Sonia | PCOS Weight Loss Coach

Sonia | PCOS Weight Loss Coach

77 likes

A collection of groceries for a PCOS-friendly diet, including spinach, chicken bites, oat milk, chickpea pasta, sweet potatoes, protein drinks, cottage cheese, bananas, avocados, celery, canned corn, creamy basil sauce, eggs, and bread.
PCOS Diet Day 1
I just got diagnosed with PCOS and have decided to document my journey. There’s so much information out there and it is very overwhelming so I am just taking it one day at a time. This is my first grocery trip trying to shop for PCOS friendly foods! Please feel free to reach out with any recomme
Sara Truax

Sara Truax

43 likes

See more