Having a medical condition that is a tongue twister isn’t easy. Take for example the name. PCOS is short for a whopping eight syllables that sounds more like a science fiction movie than a medical condition. So how can you begin to explain PCOS to your friends? It may be challenging but not impossible. Here’s how.

1. First of all, it’s your choice to tell or not tell your friends (or anyone else for that matter) about any medical problem you may have. It’s also your choice to share the details; nothing, a little information or everything. Remember, it’s YOUR decision! At first you may want to keep a new diagnosis to yourself until you can wrap your head around what’s really going on with your body, but at some point, you’ll likely want support from a friend and find that sharing your feelings about PCOS is helpful.
2. Learning about a new diagnosis is important. As you learn about your condition, you’ll be able to advocate for yourself and you’ll also be able to explain what’s going on (with your body) to a friend.
3. When it comes to talking about personal information, you’ll probably want to tell a friend about PCOS when you have her/his full attention rather than someplace like a party with loud music or when your friend is in a rush.
4. Get your facts straight. Read about PCOS so you’ll feel confident when explaining PCOS to a friend.
5. You may be the type of person who likes to share a lot of details or you may prefer to simply say that you “have a hormone imbalance that causes you to have irregular periods and acne.” You may wish to add that your doctor prescribed birth control pills to regulate your menstrual cycle.
6. Since birth control pills are often used to treat PCOS, some of your friends may assume that you are sexually active. It’s your choice whether you feel the need to explain why you are taking “hormone” medicine.
7. Your friends may act indifferent or quiet around you after learning that you have PCOS or they may ask you a lot of questions. When they know you are okay; it won’t be a big deal.
8. When you feel ready and confident that your friend(s) truly care about you, you should be able to count on your friends for support.

Having supportive friends can help you to deal with the challenges of a chronic illness such as PCOS. Use your judgment and think before you share any medical information.

-Phaedra