Salam Everybody...
I know I have been away for too long..
I have been wanting to share something very deep that affect my life as a Woman but I guess it takes time, and a lot of considerations - because I really don't have the intention of hurting any parties..
I was born as a normal child, who plays at playground, who's very easy to get along with everybody and also has no idea about my future --> definitely it is...who has anyway?
I'm married for more than a year, and yes.. at this stage.. when you go visiting family, friends, neighbours or anybody else in the world - the hit question that they would ask you is "Any babies yet?".. The truth is, I don't really feel offended at the earlier MONTHS of my marriage, but day by day I started to feel annoyed with that question or anything similar to that...
First and foremost, how the H*LL do I have idea on when will a creature develops in my tummy? Can you even answer that? No kan... And Secondly, I am not trying to be rude... but I seriously don't get the point of people trying to meddle around with your business - telling you things that you should and should not do to have baby... what position lah, when lah... and all those lah... haih
Thirdly, these kind of hit questions really affect my confidence as a woman, wife, daughter, sister and basically - WOMAN... I am such a big fat liar if I said that I'm cool with all the questions given... And it's more painful to hear all those negativities coming from all the Mak Ciks, Pak Ciks, Kakaks and Abangs - telling us.. we, Hafmynn are in the family planning scheme.. in a way they ASSUMED that I'm not ready...
Seriously, do guys have any idea on how much this affects an individual around you? Well, you just demotivate them and make them feel down that they don't even want to put their head up once they feel like burying their head on the ground? Ouch!
So, being brave enough, I made an appintment with one of the Ob/Gyn in Tropicana Medical Centre - with the recommendation from MamaLove.. But, bear in mind that in order for me to attend this appointment, it took me such hard time and fuss.. I believe Allah wants me to really know what is acually wrong with me...
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| From Google |
And here I am, saying it to the public.. I was diagnosed to have PCOS... Polycistic Ovary Syndrome... this usually happens for people who are overweight and can also happen to those who are underweight... Now this has been an answer for me for not getting my monthly menstrual for the past 3 months...
It is clear now, as the doctor has explained to me more about this... and whether I like it or not, I just have to bear and accept it... and it ain't easy for me...
Doctor said that I gotta lose some wight in order for me to conceive -which brings less harm to the baby..As she was explaning, tears run down my cheek... I did ask her what are other possibilities resulting to this illness? she mentioned that if care is not taken, it will develop as cysts and if it got critical, it will lead to ovarian cancer *which I don't ever think of going throught it*..
Another thing that she highlighted, for me to be free from PCOS is to get pregnant - which is my problem now...
So you see...life is not always about what and how you want it to be... Allah is fair, once he wants to show you his power, he will show... and as for me, I'm trying my best to lose my weight, not only because I want a baby badly, but also to make sure that I live healthily...
And as for everyone who's reading out there... start to be more sentitive towards things around you.. Some things are not what you ASSUMED... try to always put yourself in their shoes... :)
As for now, here are some relevant info for PCOS from
BabyCenter:-
What is polycystic ovary syndrome?
It is common for women to have polycystic ovaries, which means their ovaries develop more follicles than normal every month.
Usually about five follicles start to mature during each menstrual cycle and at least one egg-containing follicle releases a mature egg at ovulation. But a polycystic ovary starts maturing at least twice as many follicles than normal, most of which enlarge and ripen but do not release an egg.
It is estimated that between 22 and 33 per cent of women have polycystic ovaries. Some women go on to develop polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which means they have other symptoms in addition to polycystic ovaries.
PCOS happens when their hormonal system gets out of balance, making ovulation rare or irregular, and causing other changes in the body. Polycystic ovary syndrome is estimated to affect between 5 and 15 per cent of women of reproductive age, and it is thought to be more common in women of Asian descent.
What causes PCOS?
The root of the problem is resistance to the hormone insulin, which means you need more insulin than usual to regulate the levels of sugar in the body. The extra insulin causes an imbalance in the hormones that usually make your menstrual cycle run smoothly.
Too much luteinising hormone (LH) is produced compared to follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which in turn causes the follicles on the ovaries to produce more of the male hormone testosterone than the female hormone oestrogen. The adrenal glands start to produce increased amounts of testosterone as well.
Too much testosterone prevents ovulation, along with other symptoms related to the syndrome. Oestrogen is still produced but, because the follicles never get to the point of maturity when progesterone production starts to increase, women with PCOS can be deficient in progesterone.
What are the symptoms of PCOS?
Many women who have polycystic ovaries start having irregular or infrequent periods within three or four years of starting to menstruate. About half the women affected by this condition also gain weight and have excessive hair growth to varying degrees.
If you have polycystic ovaries, you may suffer from:
- irregular or non-existent periods;
- very light or very heavy bleeding during your period;
- mild to moderate abdominal discomfort;
- excessive hair growth on your face, chest and lower abdomen;
- acne.
You may also be:
How is PCOS diagnosed?
Your doctor will need to exclude other possible causes of your symptoms, such as a thyroid problem, before PCOS can be diagnosed. A doctor diagnoses PCOS based on:
- your medical history;
- blood tests to measure hormone levels;
- an ultrasound to check for enlarged, polycystic ovaries.
How is PCOS treated?
Your doctor may give you some lifestyle advice, about weight control and exercise, and will prescribe treatment based on how severe your symptoms are and whether you want to have children.
Women who do not want to get pregnant can use contraceptive pills or other drugs to correct hormone imbalances. Hormone treatments will regulate your menstrual cycle and may cut down on abnormal hair growth and acne.
Your doctor may also prescribe creams that help control excess facial hair, and creams or drugs to treat acne.
Drugs used in fertility treatment, such as clomifene, tamoxifen and gonadotrophins, can help women with PCOS who want to get pregnant.
If you are overweight, your doctor will advise lifestyle changes before trying fertility drugs. Even a modest weight loss can help your insulin levels get nearer to normal and get ovulation going again, if it has stopped. Losing weight before you conceive can also reduce your risk of developing gestational diabetes during your pregnancy.
Surgery can help some women to conceive if they have not responded to fertility drugs. The surgeon uses a technique called laparascopic ovarian drilling (LOD) to destroy the tissue on the ovaries that is producing testosterone.
The effects are often temporary, but LOD can improve the hormone imbalance and the ovulation cycle long enough for the woman to conceive. LOD is as effective as a treatment for infertility as the fertility drug gonadotrophin, with the advantage that it doesn't increase the risk of multiple pregnancy.
Insulin-sensitising drugs (ISDs), such as metformin, are now being used by specialists as treatments for polycystic ovary syndrome. Many PCOS women who didn't initially respond to a fertility drug responded to it after treatment with an insulin-promoting drug, but more evidence is needed that ISDs work before this treatment becomes widespread.
Metformin is also sometimes used by specialists as a treatment for infertility in women with PCOS, although the evidence that it really works is contradictory and it has some unpleasant side effects, such as nausea and vomiting.
What should I expect from PCOS treatments?
Clomifene is usually the first line of treatment for PCOS-related fertility problems. It has a good record for getting ovulation started again for women who have stopped ovulating - 70 per cent who take it ovulate. The pregnancy rate is about 15 per cent, but success depends on the length of treatment and other factors, such as whether you are overweight.
Even a modest weight loss, in overweight women, can improve the success rates of clomifene. You will be monitored by ultrasound to see whether you are responding to the drug. If you're ovulating but have not become pregnant after six months of treatment with clomifene, you will be offered intrauterine insemination (IUI) in addition to the clomifene.
Fertility drugs carry an increased risk of multiple pregnancy and can have unpleasant side effects, while laparascopic ovarian drilling entails surgery under general anaesthetic. Finding which treatment works best can be a long and complicated process, so try to support each other as much as you can, through the consultations and treatment regimes.
If fertility is not an issue, the success of treatment depends on how severe your symptoms are. Hormonal treatments, for example, may help regulate periods, reduce skin problems and minimise hair growth. The effects last as long as you take the drugs.
How can I ease my PCOS symptoms?
Most women find that polycystic ovary syndrome causes only mild to moderate abdominal discomfort. Here are some tips for relieving the pain:
- place a hot water bottle against your tummy;
- lie in a warm bath;
- wear loose clothing;
- use over-the-counter pain relief.
If you prefer not to take hormones or use creams, you could try electrolysis, waxing or other forms of hair removal for excess facial and body hair.
How can I take care of myself?
Your doctor will want to monitor any changes in your ovaries or uterine wall caused by irregular bleeding. She may also want to test your blood intermittently to keep track of hormonal changes.
It's important to attend these screening appointments, as PCOS carries risks of developing long-term health problems, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and/or heart problems. The risk of developing these conditions can be reduced by losing weight, if you are overweight or obese, and by eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly.
What can I do to help prevent PCOS?
You can't prevent PCOS, which is probably genetically inherited. Early diagnosis and treatment is the best way to control PCOS symptoms. If your periods are irregular or non-existent, see your doctor and use whatever prescribed medical treatments she suggests to regulate your menstrual cycle.
In addition, tell your doctor if you have any other unexpected symptoms. It is clear that weight is a significant trigger, and women with PCOS who are overweight can reverse their symptoms through weight loss.
http://www.babycenter.com.my/a7432/polycystic-ovary-syndrome-pcos-what-you-need-to-know#ixzz2tjqfZM6c
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