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PCOS/Ugly Duckling Phase

Ok, first lemme say I'm so glad someone even started a PCOS thread on here. I was very impressed! Now I'm wondering if anyone is in the same or similar boat as I am.
I just recently stopped wearing weaves and went natural, I'm overweight, my hair is really short and helmetey and I just feel unattractive. I don't have any major acne but I do have unwanted hair that I have to constantly stay on so nobody is the wiser lol.
I just feel like I'm going through this kinda ugly ducking thing. When I was wearing weaves, I sorta hid behind my hair (which nobody suspected was purchased unless I told them lol). So now I feel all *exposed.*
I have lost 6 lbs since starting the Metformin and exercising (its been 1 mth) but I still have this overwhelming feeling that I'm just not "pretty enough."
I know getting used to the natural transition takes some getting used to, but being overweight with short hair isn't exactly a girl's dream. What to do? Anyone else feel like this? Please help!
I just recently stopped wearing weaves and went natural, I'm overweight, my hair is really short and helmetey and I just feel unattractive. I don't have any major acne but I do have unwanted hair that I have to constantly stay on so nobody is the wiser lol.
I just feel like I'm going through this kinda ugly ducking thing. When I was wearing weaves, I sorta hid behind my hair (which nobody suspected was purchased unless I told them lol). So now I feel all *exposed.*
I have lost 6 lbs since starting the Metformin and exercising (its been 1 mth) but I still have this overwhelming feeling that I'm just not "pretty enough."
I know getting used to the natural transition takes some getting used to, but being overweight with short hair isn't exactly a girl's dream. What to do? Anyone else feel like this? Please help!
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Comments
I think most women who have PCOS or PCOD feel like their lives have been altered in such a way that they no longer feel comfortable in their own skin. It's not fun. But I think (well from spending time with other ladies in the same boat) that we've got to hope and get to action so that things can get better so we just keep trying and it's one of those illnesses that is so different for everyone that it's hard to tell where it's going to reach a point when you can take the upper hand over it. Good luck and incase you're feeling down you might try http://www.soulcysters.com/
There's a message board and you might be able to meet some people in your state and you might be able to set up a meeting... I know people have done it in the past.
BC: 3/22/08
http://s8.photobucket.com/albums/a24/miyamoo/hair/big%20chop%20march%2022%202008/
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Here are some suggestions that might help:
1) There are medications that can help minimize the excess hair. Spironolactone is one that a lot of PCOS-sufferers have had good results with. Spironolactone can also help reduce the acne. If you're interested in trying that route, consult with your primary care doctor or a dermatologist.
2) Congrats on exercising for one month. That's a great start! Continuing to exercise will likely help you loose a bit more weight and help you to feel better about yourself as well. I've been in a bit of a funk lately and haven't exercised like I used to, and I've noticed a huge (negative) difference.
3) Try to realize that there are many types of beautiful, and that PCOS doesn't have to take away your personality, humor, intelligence, or creativity. Physical looks are only one aspect of life.
BC: 3/22/08
http://s8.photobucket.com/albums/a24/miyamoo/hair/big%20chop%20march%2022%202008/
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I've been on the Spironolactone for a few weeks so I guess we'll see. In a lot of ways I am used to having to wax. I mean, it could be worse. I've seen a lot worse. But I have never really gotten used to being overweight. I guess I just have to keep up the exercise. I've been in a funk too (I also have insomnia and social anxiety disorder lol so I'm having a great time as of late)
But thanks so much for ur post, Earcmra. I'm sure lots of ppl can benefit from ur words :toothy4:
BC: 3/22/08
http://s8.photobucket.com/albums/a24/miyamoo/hair/big%20chop%20march%2022%202008/
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yes i am still trying really hard to have a baby. my miscarriage was back in the summer of 2006, so all this time i have had no luck in getting pregnant again. although i just got diagnosed with PCOS just last year, so that might have something to do with it. my doctor wants me to do all these tests and stuff but i dunno now. i really dont feel like being poked and looked at and stuff. i dunno if i just made sense just now. lol
as for my periods, im not quite sure if they are regular yet, but they have been coming every month. i still have no idea though when exactly it is going to come.
BC: 3/22/08
http://s8.photobucket.com/albums/a24/miyamoo/hair/big%20chop%20march%2022%202008/
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I just commented to u in the other thread before I read this one, but also, if ur periods are coming every mth, that is an excellent start. Some women with PCOS cannot get a period. That was one of the first questions the docs asked me. I was like "yeah I get my period, but some yrs ago I missed it a cpl times."
I am sorry to hear that u had a miscarriage. I have no idea what that must be like. However, I do think its a very good sign that ur getting periods.
but for some reason my period did not come this month. the last one ended early this month, so i dunno if that has sumthing to do with it. i know that my gyn told me that my period might skip a cycle or two still even though i am on meds. i dunno...
BC: 3/22/08
http://s8.photobucket.com/albums/a24/miyamoo/hair/big%20chop%20march%2022%202008/
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I have tried the spironilactone (which is technically a diuretic that is supposed to help the hair growth/loss) but my blood pressure dropped too low and I was passing out!! So... I'm just plucking my chin daily and praying that the hair on my head stops falling out!! I've also had a BIG acne problem now. I never had a single blemish all through my teen years, and now all of a sudden I have really bad breakouts all along my chin/jawline, behind my ears, on my scalp and around my mouth. Nothing above the nose-line. Funny thing is... ALL my hormone levels are coming back completely normal.
So... in addition to trying to control my curls, I have to look for products that don't irritate the breakouts!
It does get frustrating and feels like there is never an end... but don't give up!!! You're NOT alone... and all the things you are doing are FANTASTIC changes! Keep up the great job!! I really hope that you find things that work for you and help you feel better about how you look as well as just FEEL better!!
fotki PW: curls
updated 5/1/2010 "starting over"
Routine:
don't even HAVE a "routine" at the moment...
HG: still GVP Conditioning Balm and Biotera Gel/CC
Experimentals: HE TMS Spray Gel, LOOB
Riot Crrl: "Revenge is a dish best served with a side of awesome hair."
BC: 3/22/08
http://s8.photobucket.com/albums/a24/miyamoo/hair/big%20chop%20march%2022%202008/
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Thanks so much for sharing. I think its great that there are places we can go online and share stories with other women b/c the women I know are like "polycistic what?"
Since u have Diabetes, how do u deal with sugar? Do u just stay away from it? I just eat a lot less than I did before b/c I honestly feel that I "can't" not each sugar.
And if you don't tweeze for a day or two you suddenly sprout a Shaggy-esque goat?
I know how you girls feel. Me and my sis have been diagnosed with PCOS (PCOD to my understanding is the same thing, you say potato...so forth). Luckily, I can pluck and be okay. My sis? She has to shave. Daily. And develops a 5 o'clock shadow. Thank goodness for small favors!
Keep plugging at it. There are ups and downs. Remember, even with hairs on the chin and acne and weight...beautiful is beautiful. And we are.
Another thought. Weight gain, depression and insomnia along with muscle pain, fatigue and some other symptoms thrown in are also symptoms of fibromyalgia another hard to diagnose illness. Lucky me, I have both. You might want to check out symptoms and see if you match up with some of them. Studies are starting to see if the two are linked somehow.
Also, my hormone levels are always normal. So are my blood sugar levels. They aren't the be all for diagnosis. I'm just a freak (freak-case, too!) for random diagnoses. Sorry, another wordy post.
BC: 3/22/08
http://s8.photobucket.com/albums/a24/miyamoo/hair/big%20chop%20march%2022%202008/
pw:sachap
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4a/3c combo with 4b in the front
Hair Goal: Shoulder Length and Curly before April 2010!
"Call me Kinky, Call me Nappy...
It's just Semantics!"
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
Products I am currently loving:
Trader Joe's Nourish Conditioner
Anita Grant Rhassoul Deep Conditioner
Anita Grant Cafe Latte
Suave Naturals Coconut Conditioner
I started doing the South Beach diet, and since I've started, I've had two periods in a row. I even could tell I ovulated this month (got the nice cramping that I used to get when I was on fertility meds)! I've lost 8 pounds and I'm pretty happy. I'd like to lose a lot more, but it's certainly a start.
My fotki: http://public.fotki.com/nynaeve77/
Password: orphanannie
When you say you carry tweezers around, are you plucking the blonde fuzz, or darker hairs?
The thick, coarse blond hairs and the dark hairs, too. You know the blond ones I'm talking about, the ones you can feel, but can't see so it takes you 20 minutes to finally "get" it!
The blond fuzz that isn't prickly, I use a trimmer on because they tend to grow long, so I just keep them trimmed rather than shaving it and it prevents me from turning into my sister who has to shave daily.