'My PCOS didn't stop me having a baby'

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I was diagnosed with PCOS when I was 19. It hadn't been easy to find out what was wrong with me. I'd had irregular periods since was 15 and had gone through years of hospital appointments, scans and blood tests.

I'd always been thin but by the age of 19, I weighed 15 stone, had facial hair, stomach pain, skin tags, tiredness, mood swings - you name it. Now on top of all that I was told I would have fertility problems. I was devastated.

I married Steve at the age of 22 and we desperately wanted a baby, but it just seemed impossible. The next six years were a nightmare. We saved up thousands of pounds and tried IVF three times, but it failed every time.

I used to avoid family occasions, because I couldn't cope when people asked me when we were having kids. I also kept being told to lose weight by doctors, as that might help, but even though I took slimming pills I stayed the same. I was depressed about not getting pregnant, depressed about being fat and depressed about being me.

In 2001, I found details on the internet about Verity, the PCOS charity, and decided to join. They held a seminar in Liverpool, and I went along. That was where I learnt PCOS can reduce your metabolism, leading to weight gain. I was astounded that I'd never been told this before. At last I felt it wasn't my fault I was fat.

Later that year, I searched the internet again and found a company called Vitaline. They created personal eating plans suited to my metabolism and offered personal counselling, to encourage me to keep it up.

Within six months I lost three stones and my periods returned without needing to do anything else. Amazingly, after another three months on the eating plan I missed a period and discovered I was pregnant. My daughter, Libby, was born in April 2002.

Sasha McDonnell, 34, Liverpool

More help and advice

- Get all the facts on PCOS
- Tips on dealing with polycystic ovaries
- Why weight loss can help PCOS
- Help with boosting fertility

Get more info on Sasha's diet on the Vitaline website

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Jayde, 8 months

I just read your page and i know its a few years too late bu congratulations on finding yourself again and also on your daughter, I'm 19 and also havent' had a regular period since i was around 15 aswell, I have all the symptoms you've mentioned, ive just a few hours ago been diagnosed with PCOS and it seemed the world fell to pieces but as mentioned before, your case brings hope :) thank you

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louise, 12 months

hi have just been reading the story you wrote every thing you have mentioned is excatly how i feel i have just been diagnosed wit p c o s and desperate for a baby your story gives out hope

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