In your own words tell us about an instance when you had a perplexing, confusing, or surprising experience with your own health.

I have been formally diagnosed with Poly-Cystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), determined by an internal ultrasound and physical exam, for over 10 years. Through the ultrasound, my doctor was able to find over 26 'large' follicles in each ovary - a high but "normal" amount is about 10-12. Because of this diagnosis I began taking hormonal birth control to treat PCOS quickly after puberty, and continued to take various forms up until I was 28 years old. I've taken pills and most recently, had the Mirena IUD for about a year, which took away my periods entirely. When I turned 28, I had my IUD removed and discontinued birth control. I was considering the possibility of having kids and wanted to spend some time off to get my periods back. Several months without hormonal birth control go by and my periods return with no issues. I started noticing fewer PMS symptoms like depression, anxiety, and digestive problems. My skin cleared up and I didn't have brain fog. I felt like a new woman. Alongside these changes, I felt I had the energy again and started making even more alterations to my lifestyle. I began taking medication for ADHD. I got my deviated septum surgically fixed. I separated from my (now) ex-husband. I started planning and getting excited about my future in a way I had not since I was young. And yes - I do still want kids, just not with the person I thought! I am not saying birth control caused any of these issues for me necessarily, but I do think prescribers jump to give young women hormonal birth control very quickly without considering the potential effects it can have long term. Even down to picking a partner - I firmly think my 'type' changed, as in who I'm attracted to, after getting off BC. My ex and I had a lot of problems but I was willing to put up with more when I was attracted to him. Don't get me wrong, I believe in and fully support women's rights to all options when it comes to sexual health and wellness. I think we can be supportive of this right while also acknowledging the very limited amount of research done on the risk of long term hormonal birth control. I was prescribed it to treat PCOS - now after stopping BC for a full year my PCOS has not changed at all, but everything else has changed for the better.

How did this event or journey impact your day-to-day life?

If you could go back and tell your previous self something you know now about this health issue or journey what might that be?

I think taking hormonal birth control from such an early age for over a decade negatively impacted my energy and lifestyle choices.Birth control is one of many ways to treat PCOS, and is not necessarily the right choice for you and your body.

Can you share any strategies or support that aided you in overcoming this health issue or journey, or are helping you to work through it, in terms of physical and/or mental well-being?

My issues with hormonal birth control really resolved once I started trusting myself and my own experience. I think as a progressive person I always default to the latest science - and this is not a bad way to be. But there are obvious, glaring gaps in research, especially in regards to women's health and wellness, and knowing about these gaps can help with decision making in the future.