Your Article about PCOS and Sleep Apnea Was Very Helpful

by Dawn

I just read your article about PCOS and sleep problems with much interest. I always enjoy reading your newsletter and find interesting issues, but this issue, for the first time, had me really taking notice.

I think that many women understand when I say that PCOS is seen as a gynecological issue, and not a body issue, and as a result, every other symptom or problem (and by that I mean anything besides your hormone cycle) means getting referred to yet another specialist that knows little about PCOS or how things hang together.

In the past year or two, I have started to feel like a medical experiment chopped into various body parts, per specialization! With everyone prescribing medicine, and noone keeping track, except me, of course.

Earlier this year I was referred to a sleep clinic and spent the night so that my sleep patterns could be monitored.

I was told that I wake up, on average, 20 times per hour, through the night. And the first question I was asked is whether I have any emotional issues or things that cause excessive stress in my life. (Yes, the fact that I seem to spend half of my life in waiting rooms, while trying to hold down a full time job with international travel, be a good partner, and help to run a household! :-))

I was unaware of this sleep issue, thought I was a good sleeper, and could not understand why I am often tired, and can always have an afternoon nap, if given the opportunity.

I still have all the same problems and challenges, and am still trying to balance work, health, and the rest of my life. And often I feel like I am going crazy, feel weak as a person, like I have no will-power... and also seem to have less energy than the rest of the world does.

So your article was like a breath of fresh air. You see, I am not crazy, and I don't have 17 medical problems, I have one, and that is PCOS. And I am doing a number of the right things, if I look at your list of suggestions. Not always with continued success, but I am trying. :-)

Regards,
Dawn