I really need to just vent, and I wasn't sure which category all this goes under in these forums.
The symptoms were always there, but I was afraid to get help. I am now 19 years old.
During Sophomore year of High school I started noticing a dark patch on my stomach. And eventually it spread to my face (slightly), armpits, inner thighs, and neck. (I now realize this is most likely AN)
I was in cross country and track and I was always a healthy weight. But the AN made me never want to go to the beach or prom with my friends. I still feel jealous when I'm around my friends who wear tank tops or dresses, which I can't do otherwise everyone would see my patches. It has affected my self-esteem more deeply that I ever could have imagined.
My periods were very irregular. They would come and go, or it would come and stay for weeks. Nothing was consistent. But I attributed this to the stress of school and the fact that I was an "athlete." I figure it would eventually become steady.
But I guess it hasn't been until recently that I've started researching online, and now I feel almost positive I have PCOS. The problem is that my family does not have health insurance, and I have no idea where to seek help. I'm afraid that if I do seek help, I might be misdiagnosed and waste lots of money in the process. I feel really lost.
Another random thought, I recently met this great guy. But I know I can never get intimate with him. I'm too ashamed for him to see the dark patches. It makes me feel like no one would ever really find me beautiful if they knew. I feel really hopeless. I wish I could just do normal things such as go to the beach, get dessert, and eat CARBS, with my friends. This whole thing is affecting my personality, my self-esteem, and in turn, my relationships with everyone. I am going through a deep depression. I've lost motivation in life. and I guess right now, I'm just really looking for something to give me hope.
Here's my unsolicited advice that I feel obligated to give, since you're new here. And I'm 19 as well.
First of all, if you feel the need to seek treatment but don't have the insurance to get a solid diagnosis and prescription medication, there are plenty of "alternative" medicine paths you can take. Many of the Cysters here use various herbs, vitamins, and OTC meds to help with their symptoms, and being active helps too. Some who use birth control pills as treatment are able to get them extremely low cost or free from Planned Parenthood. There's a great forum here with lots of information, just for alternative treatments.
Chances are you will probably be misdiagnosed once or twice; it's worth it in the end when you find a doctor who can help but if you're worried about wasting money, I would suggest going the alternative route.
About boys...I know it's way easier said than done, but don't worry about them either! Any guy worth his salt wouldn't care about AN or irregular periods and would support you and your PCOS no matter what. I also have a lot of the physical PCOS symptoms like AN and hirsutism and I do feel embarassed about it on occasion, but it's important to remember that people will judge you and they're just idiots, the people who really care about you won't judge you. I and a lot of the other ladies here are fortunate enough to have found men who love us for who we are, PCOS or not, I'm sure you will too someday.
Feel free to send me a message if you need to talk!
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Here's my unsolicited advice that I feel obligated to give, since you're new here. And I'm 19 as well.
First of all, if you feel the need to seek treatment but don't have the insurance to get a solid diagnosis and prescription medication, there are plenty of "alternative" medicine paths you can take. Many of the Cysters here use various herbs, vitamins, and OTC meds to help with their symptoms, and being active helps too. Some who use birth control pills as treatment are able to get them extremely low cost or free from Planned Parenthood. There's a great forum here with lots of information, just for alternative treatments.
Chances are you will probably be misdiagnosed once or twice; it's worth it in the end when you find a doctor who can help but if you're worried about wasting money, I would suggest going the alternative route.
About boys...I know it's way easier said than done, but don't worry about them either! Any guy worth his salt wouldn't care about AN or irregular periods and would support you and your PCOS no matter what. I also have a lot of the physical PCOS symptoms like AN and hirsutism and I do feel embarassed about it on occasion, but it's important to remember that people will judge you and they're just idiots, the people who really care about you won't judge you. I and a lot of the other ladies here are fortunate enough to have found men who love us for who we are, PCOS or not, I'm sure you will too someday.
Feel free to send me a message if you need to talk!
Great advice there. When you meet a guy and want to be intimate with him, then tell him about your patches, if he's the right guy, he won't care and will think you're beautiful simply because you are you. Don't rush the guy thing.
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Just wanted to say hello and welcome. Hope you find some alternatives or find a way to get tested/treated soon. I also struggle with just being so depressed and self conscious about my symptoms. I have'nt been in a serious relationship in a few years, and the last two long term ones i was in, my symptoms were'nt as bad, i hope i find someone i am that comforatable with again, it is certaintly a challenge though. I hope you find lots of info and support here, and hope your guy is able to see you and not just your symptoms!
Feeling Depressed...My Story: 
And I'm 19 as well.
