Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an entirely different beast to endometriosis, but together, these two bad bitches have caused nothing but chaos in and around my reproductive system. I've shared a lot about endo so let's talk about the other piece of my health puzzle.
Like endo, the cause of PCOS is unknown, but experts agree that genetics and hormones play a role. There's often a family link - your mother, aunt or sister may also have it. This is definitely true in my case because, remember, Mum and both of my sisters also have PCOS.
PCOS gets its name from poly, which means 'many' in Latin; poly + cystic means 'many cysts'. The most common types of cysts are 'functional cysts'. These row inside the ovary, and there are two different kinds: the first is a follicle cyst. These fluid-filled sacs are actually follicles that each contain an egg, but unlike healthy eggs, these ones never mature enough to trigger ovulation.
The second type of functional cyst is a corpus luteum cyst. It's caused when a follicle opens to release the egg inside, but then seals up and fills with fluid instead. Sometimes, these functional cysts go away on their own, but they can also keep growing until the ovary ends up so swollen and painful that the cyst needs to be surgically removed.
Different types of cysts
Believe it or not, some PCOS sufferers never develop cysts (they are in the minority) but most do. I happen to be a champion cyst grower. In fact, doctors have told me they can't believe how fast I can grow these suckers. It's like a game of whack-a-mole' in there; they remove one cyst and another pops up days later. Here are a few other types of cysts - and these ones can develop in or on top of the ovaries.
Endometrioma - the blood-filled sacs we talked about - that are caused by endo.
Esta historia es de la edición May-June 2022 de Diabetic Living Australia.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición May-June 2022 de Diabetic Living Australia.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
A whole new world
Being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes as an adult can be a challenging and confusing time. In this extract from the JDRF's new book, Straight to the Point, they explain what's going on and what to say to people who make uninformed comments about your condition
5 Days 5 Dinners
Weeknights are sorted with these fresh, flavoursome mains, packed with veg!
Fantastic Feta
This soft, white cheese with Greek origins is versatile and packs a flavour punch, with only a small amount needed to jazz up a dish
My story: "I'm proud of the fact that I've gotten hold of my health"
When Natalie Rixon, now 33, discovered she had prediabetes soon after she'd turned 20, it was a shock and a relief all rolled into one. What she did next changed her future.
INTERPRETING YOUR cgm DATA
A continuous glucose monitor is a wonderful source of information but do you really know what you're looking at?
7 NEED-TO-KNOW FACTS ABOUT...diabetes & kidney disease
Diabetes is the most common cause of Chronic Kidney Disease. Learn more about this condition and how to protect yourself from developing it.
GET OFF THE diet ROLLERCOASTER
Dietitian Lyndi Cohen wants you to take a deep breath and think about your weight, and health, in a whole new way.
WHAT IS Wegovy?
Meet Wegovy, the new once-weekly weightloss injection that research shows helps people lose significantly more body weight than those using diet and exercise alone.
MEDICATION & CONSUMABLES
Insulin is available on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).
DOLLARS AND DIABETES
When you have type 1 diabetes, it's important to see a variety of health professionals regularly to keep your health on track.
