It's worth noting that the first gynecologist I had here was awesome. But then I had an annual appointment with Dr. Smith. As I do for any gyno app, I informed her that I was diagnosed with PCOS. Without asking any questions about my symptoms/why I was previously diagnosed, she flat out said that I don't seem like I have that. Western medicine only "treats" PCOS with birth control, and when I explained that it probably didn't "seem" like I had PCOS (my cycles are regular currently, I don't look overweight, and I'm not on the pill) because I have spent the last 8 years managing it with natural methods (aka supplements, diet, and exercise that actually aids my body in balancing my hormones as opposed to just suppressing and supplementing my natural hormones with birth control).
It was only when she started explaining why she thought I didn't have PCOS, that women with PCOS often have extra/thick facial hair, that I informed her that the reason I didn't appear to have that hormonal hair growth is because I'd been getting it permanently removed for the last six years.
The clear failing from Dr Smith was to jump to gaslighting as opposed to asking me questions about my body that would have easily demonstrated that I had all the symptoms of PCOS. I have just found ways to manage and minimize my symptoms outside of western medicine's only "treatment" method.
I always explain my PCOS to gynos and this is the first time I had one try to gaslight me about it. As someone who has worked really hard the last eight years to minimize my symptoms, it's really frustrating having a gynecologist come right out and tell me she doesn't think I have it, knowing absolutely nothing (and not asking) about the symptoms I've struggled with for years. read more
