Day One: No shave 2020

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To say the least, day one was interesting. It was mostly what I expected, but of course, some things I did not. The standard paperwork, taking vitals, and blood work, all pretty normal things, until it took a turn....

Before we get to deep let me back up to the beginning of my journey with PCOS (Polycystic ovary syndrome). I was diagnosed in 2013, it had been a couple of years of what my husband and I call "not not trying" to get pregnant. We were ready to step it up a notch and see why it wasn't happening naturally. The first thing the doctor did was a physical exam, family history, and blood work, which was similar to today's events with the clinical trial. When my blood work came back they discovered that my hormone levels were off and suspected I had PCOS. They sent me off for an ultrasound to confirm that I had cysts on my ovaries, or the "ring of pearls" as they are referred to. As I am sure you could guess, the ultrasound proved that I have PCOS and that my ovaries are fancier than yours because they wear a string of pearls every day. Eight years of unsuccessfully trying to conceive, one miscarriage, and 6 months of giving up, this is where I am today, starting a clinical trial for a drug that may help with PCOS.

How did I find out about this trial you may ask? Oh, by casually scrolling through Facebook, and as you may have noticed, they can read your mind! Like how in the world could I have a conversation about buying a new washing machine and then ads for washing machines just magically appear on my timeline?! Creepy, huh? So yea, there I was casually scrolling and boom, an ad for a company that recruits people to do clinical trials, and this one for PCOS. Curious, I signed up to the website and they sent my information to locations in our area that conduct the study. Within 24 hours I had an email from one of those locations which just so happens to be my OBGYN. Cool, don't need to transfer records. A win for me! I discussed doing the study with my husband and some close friends, some were hesitant, but my husband was on board with whatever I decided to do. (P.S. He knows I am a huge feminist, and would have done it whether he was on board or not). The clinical research team contacted me with preliminary information, explained the process, and we set up an appointment. That appointment was today.

Now let's get to the #noshave2020 part. If you were not aware, a very annoying symptom of PCOS is unwanted body and facial hair. Other symptoms include weight gain (which can be rapid), acne, anovulation, and infertility. Some women have reported gaining 10 pounds overnight. Can you imagine? Ugh. The unwanted facial hair is one of my visible symptoms of PCOS. And even though I am very open about my struggle with PCOS, not many people know that I have the capability to grow a beard. Now my hair growth isn't nearly as bad as some women's, it is something that I have to pluck or shave 2-3 times a week. Am I ashamed of that? Hell NO! I didn't choose my DNA, this is how God made me and I am fine with that. Do I choose to shave and pluck? Um, yes. Call it a social construct or whatever you choose, but I'm not ready to just leave it all-natural for the world to see. Or am I?

As previously stated, today was my first appointment for the clinical trial, and the inspiration of this blog. When I arrived at the doctors' office I was instructed to use the back entrance, which I didn't even know existed. It felt like I was either a VIP or a dirty little secret. I don't know, is a clinical trial something to brag about or be ashamed of? The jury is still out on that one. So, I signed in at the small, awkwardly placed front desk, and waited for the research assistant to come and get me. After 15 minutes of waiting, she arrived and walked me down the hall to a small room with a desk and a large table that is used for EKGs. Which, I eventually laid on to get an EKG. That was after the long talk, the blood work (12 vials!!!), the vitals, the urine sample, and the big turn. If you haven't already guessed what that turn is, it's the fact that I can no longer shave or pluck any unwanted hair. At least for the duration of the 42-week trial. Obviously, that makes sense. The trial wouldn't be accurately conducted if they couldn't observe and track all symptoms of PCOS, and if they improve with taking the drug.

So..... here I am, ready (at least I think I am) to be all-natural for 42 weeks. It will be interesting to see people's reactions, but overall I think I surround myself with body positive people that will support me and not put me down, which I am grateful for. There may be some odd looks here and there from strangers but I'm OK with that. I am doing this trial to see if it not only has the potential to help me but anyone with PCOS. Of course, there are other ways to maintain PCOS naturally, but there is no clear cut solution. And what works for one person may not work for the next. This is a journey that I am excited and terrified about, but here we go!