I Have Polycystic Ovaries feat. Mama Doctor Jones

Welcome back to #TheHormoneDiaries! In this episode, I have my first internal ultrasound, find out I have polycystic ovaries, and ask Mama Doctor Jones some questions about the difference between polycystic ovaries and polycystic ovary syndrome. ALSO it's been a whole year since this season of The Hormone Diaries started! 🥳?? Leave your questions about the whole experience for the one year q&a video in the comments!
MENTIONED IN VIDEO
Mama Doctor Jones: / @mamadoctorjones
TIMESTAMPS
00:00 - Introduction & recap
01:13 - Ultrasound appointment
09:14 - What next?
10:58 - Mama Doctor Jones
17:14 - Outro
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[@leenanorms]

OKAY I'VE JUST REALISED: DOES THIS MAKE US... CYSTERS?

[@hannahwitton]

NICE

[@treefrog1018]

Just started the video. ...Hannah, Leena, and I are cysters! *Grabs heat pad for my poor ovary working out a cyst* [edit: I have endometeriosis and this video has made me question more about "my" kind of ovaries. Endo dx was in May and has been a little bit of a whirlwind and I am don't know all the answers (or even what to ask)...I don't want a baby in my uterus so all my Baby Making Desires may fly from my little corner of America to Hannah's corner of the UK.]

[@patrickwentzell4638]

@@hannahwitton are you in pain it makes me sad if others are wish there was something I could do for you well I have sent alert messages. Publishers Clearing House. Delilah Bell work from home. no person should log into these because they are both scams it's important for the public to know the truth about what is for real and things that look that way.

[@schnuffelstern9349]

When do you want to start getting an appointment at the fertility clinic?

[@chihuahua0965]

yeass ive heard ppl call it that b4!! :)

[@xeshacinds]

I've so appreciated this series, I feel like we're raised to think we'll blink wrong next to a man and end up pregnant! thank you for showing the reality 🤍

[@PETRAosebno]

It's frustrating because it's somehow both. You could be using a super reliable form of birth control and still get pregnant or you could be ttc and it just isn't happening for you. The "danger" of getting pregnant (when that's not what you want) is a problem - but I agree that we should address it in more realistic terms.

[@ZairaBandy]

Is both like the other person said because if you see teenagers pregnancy it is high!!! So maybe when people are older is becomes more difficult to conceive

[@katerose8393]

To be fair, I have a friend who is like that. She only has to glance at a bloke in the absence of contraception and whoa, baby!

[@RachelG5627]

It’s both tho lol. I’ve seen people who got pregnant the first time they ever had sex

[@maloxi1472]

​@@ZairaBandy Indeed; what people seem afraid to acknowledge is the fact that fertility in women decreases extremely fast with age, once they're past their reproductive peak. Unless you genuinely don't care, don't wait too long past 22 - 23 years old to have children. The more you wait, the more of a hustle it gets. This is the merciless biological reality.

[@mobilevagabond]

I would highly recommend getting an appointment with an endocrinologist. My Wife was diagnosed with PSO and it turned out it was all being caused by her pituitary gland producing too much prolactin and making it hard to ovulate. She was given some medication to take twice a week and we got pregnant within 6 weeks after trying for over a year!

[@jenriv89]

I agree. It’s highly troubling that the differential for Hannah was “are you overweight?” Rather than a full hormone panel

[@Gabriela-zp1kj]

I’ve been on this medication for the same reason for years, and I would also recommend to her to visit an endocrinologist

[@LadyMephistopheles]

I have pcos and it's managed by an endocrinologist rather than a GP or a gyno (although there's nothing bad if either of those professionals manage it!). Highly recommended

[@elineafolley5774]

@@jenriv89 Totally agree. It must be so frustrating to have your GP brush a question off like that! There were way more follow-up questions they could have asked, or tests they could have recommended.

[@mobilevagabond]

We used forthwithlife in the uk for a full hormone test which showed the high prolactin and then used those results for the endocrinologist. Really can’t recommend it enough, unfortunately the NHS have been pretty useless

[@okaykatieokay]

Only 4 minutes in, but the way you describe being worried the doctor is going to say you 'failed' is exactly why I struggle with seeing the doctor for anything. Nice to know I'm not alone in this!

[@maloxi1472]

This intuition isn't totally wrong. The more you wait (after your reproductive peak) to have children, the more you'll have to hustle and the more likely you are to "fail". Biology is a bitch but she's a fair bitch.

[@stormharm9966]

“Are you overweight?” NO! That is NOT a differential criteria between PCO and PCOS at all! Like Mama dr Jones said you need to check your hormone levels, your hair growth level, but also your insuline resistance level… 🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️

[@marte9739]

Exactly!! My cousin was diagnosed with PCOS, and she’s definitely not overweight

[@Warlonging]

You can be insulin resistant and not be overweight at the same time. It depends heavily on your diet and the quality of foods that you eat.

[@meganvanmilo]

THANK YOUUU. GPs are so INCREDIBLY uneducated about such a common syndrome, it makes me so mad

[@ElizabethMorgansays]

Yass this! I am not overweight now but I still have PCOS 💁 It took me 18 months to conceive with PCOS while I was waiting for other intervention appointments.

[@truecrimelover2022]

80% are overweight which means 20% are not it's usually those of us with worse insulin resistance been diagnosed with pcos for over 20 years also don't have to cysts at one time at least in usa or i would have been diagnosed earlier i have had cysts since then but again about 80 to 85% of people with pcos get at least 1 cyst in their life and about 20 to 25% of women that don't have pcos do get a cyst.

[@ankan1698]

A medical person saying if you have PCOS or not based on your weight really shows how little medical staff are educated on this. I can’t belive she said that. A lot of peopole with PCOS are ”overweight” and a lot are not. You need to take a blod test to know if you have PCOS or not.

[@ankan1698]

Also by you I mean you as in the general, YOU as in Hannah don’t need to do anything just so we are clear

[@cheesemog]

Completely agree with this! I’ve had PCOS my whole life and always been called “skinny” until the last 2 years where I started putting on a lot of weight. I’m finally diagnosed now (only as of April 2021!) but they found my cysts in 2019 and didn’t bother telling me because I wasn’t considered “overweight”. It’s mad!

[@sciencebysjoke]

Yes. I also got diagnosed with PCOS, with the remark that I have "lean" PCOS. Basically I'm not overweight because I keep it under control by heavyly restricting, but still have PCOS. It would make no sense to not have PCOS whenever you are not overweight.

[@anabbintufulaan9031]

I used to have pcos but I cured

[@emichristie1337]

All very very true except technically there are other ways to be diagnosed besides a blood test. I have PCOS but it’s not caused by my hormones, it’s caused by pelvic congestion (which is caused by nutcracker syndrome and may Thurner syndrome). I had my PCOS diagnosed by MRI. So how you get diagnosed can vary depending on what causes it.

[@pinkydoodle3140]

Don’t be scared I have two IVF babies and severe Polycystic ovaries and endo and bowel attached to back of womb and ovaries and I have first baby at 40 and second at 43. You can have babies I’m sure of it so stay positive you can do this! X

[@RazzleRed543]

It's so lovely to read a comment about someone even having babies after 40!! Thank you for posting this. So happy for you

[@gloriam8762]

@@RazzleRed543 I had a surprise at 39 and another at 41 conceived with no assistance. This was after years of fertility treatments!

[@eleanorbareham5103]

I was diagnosed with PCOS earlier this year but had been fighting to get a diagnosis since I was 16 because my BMI is low and I just wasn't taken seriously... don't let them rule it out because of your weight! I suffered for years with other symptoms because medical professionals couldn't see past how I looked, and ignored the symptoms I was actually experiencing. If it is PCOS, its manageable and conceiving is still very possible!

[@kristinabayer3280]

I had exactly the same experience! My diabetologist initially refused to prescribe me the necessary drugs, because I was "too slim to be insulin resistant". She then set me on a low glycemic diet for three months, because she was convinced that I ate unhealthily, during which my PCOS-associated insulin resistance got WORSE. Finally she took me seriously and gave me Metformin, which not only severely alleviated my insulin resistance but also lowered my androgens. I got pregnant within a month of taking the drug, even though I was using contraceptive measures. This is all to say: Don't worry, getting this diagnosis does not automatically mean that you can't concieve.

[@healingtiger557]

Very true, you can have PCOS without being overweight. The most important factor is what is happening on hormonal level, whether that translates to all the symptoms or not. I was diagnosed with micropolycystic ovaries a few years ago, I was very thin and still my donctor diagnosed me with PCOS. The thing they didn't ever tell me is that PCOS is not something that can't be cured and it's not a diagnosis for life. My doctor only suggested the pill for the symptoms and IVF if I ever wanted kids, luckily I already knew better and said no. Today I do not have PCOS anymore and I almost always have regular and healthy cycles.

[@lucybridges5887]

The slimmest friend I have has PCOS, she doesn't diet or work hard to maintain her slim figure and she has a healthy relationship with food etc, she's just naturally (and healthily) slim, so it just goes to show medical conditions are never one size fits all and human biology is so varied!

[@SadieeeSweeet]

We have a very similar story! I also have crohns and had a stoma (chose to get reversed in 2019) and was diagnosed with PCOS shortly after. I have always been convinced my hormonal problems were a result of the surgery as i only had symptoms since then. It took a while for me to regulate things and i got put on metformin and i am currently 32 weeks pregnant. Good luck with everything! X

[@shannonmackenroth4011]

Just curious but how does metformin help with conceiving? I thought that was a drug for diabetics

[@StrongImaginationA]

@@shannonmackenroth4011 Because one of the characteristics of PCOS is that you're prediabetic/have insuline resistance. Your blood sugar hormones are the building blocks of your sex hormones so if they're getting more balanced, so will your estrogens, testosterone and progesterone.

[@shannonmackenroth4011]

Thank you for you explanation.

[@anne-mariemillet2823]

Congratulations on your upcoming little angel!!

[@dbackscott]

My wife was diagnosed with PCOS. What’s concerning to me is what her gynecologist said to her in a recent visit. They were talking about stopping giving the diagnosis of PCOS and just blaming the problem on being overweight. What’s troubling is my wife was not overweight when she first started having problems.

[@user-ox5nh8kx1l]

It frustrates me to no end when doctors think of weight as a cause and not a symptom. 😔

[@nbaldock90]

unfortunately this happens to often already when people have PCOS.... its told that if we loose weight it will go away. I feel for your wife. sending hugs love and best wishes from someone who understands the it's because your overweight line.

[@dbackscott]

@@user-ox5nh8kx1l yeah. She can’t seem to lose weight no matter what she tries, so she’s kinda given up trying. Doctors tell her “lose weight and exercise more.” It’s really hard to exercise when you’re in chronic severe pain. Frustrating thing is she was on a treatment that was successful at helping to manage some of her other symptoms (not related to PCOS). Then she had to switch doctors, and the new doctor refused to believe that she has that particular condition and refused to write the prescriptions necessary for her to continue treatment. He was one of the doctors who tried to blame her issues on her weight, etc. Because of that, she’s in far worse pain now, and she isn’t able to exercise as much as she used to.

[@leaare]

From the reading I've done in the past, being overweight is caused by PCOS, not the other way around. I'm not officially diagnosed yet (might be the week though) and my medical care in the past (not just pertaining to this) has been lacking so much in the past bc I'm overweight. In my teens i def ate too much, but a few years ago I started eating much healthier and only ate like half the amount. I now have other health problems and can eat even less - I'm prob at the very low end of still eating a healthy amount. Still, I haven't lost any weight at all in the past decade. I'm sorry for writing such a wall of text, all just to say: your wife needs a new doctor. She deserves care. Her weight is a symptom of her disability, not the cause, but even if it would be, she would STILL deserve treatment for her struggles. Being overweight is not a moral failing and does not mean we deserve to not be treated. I wish her (and you) all the best!

[@lexthequeer]

medical fatphobia kills, and leaves people in the dark about their health, it’s so so awful

[@elanagreene1104]

I suggest an endocrinologist! That would be a great step in trying to figure out your hormonal situation. So many people go to a obgyn and at least in the states it's you tend to get more information at an endocrinologist.

[@mathildem6714]

Q: Are you two still trying as hard as you once did to get pregnant, or have you slowed down until you can get more answers?

[@alishareadsbooks]

When Dan is talking about how easy it is for a man to take a fertility test the auto captions read “cheese in a cup” I definitely laughed out loud when I read that. 🤣 In all seriousness Hannah, thank you for sharing your journey and I hope you can get that appointment soon! 💛

[@DavidLindes]

#NoMoreCraptions! 🙃

[@MrCarl312]

The Google auto captions misses a lot of words. The word that gets used can be crazy.

[@paigedawson5252]

Questions!: • what are your "Do's and don'ts" for being a stranger on the internet commenting on these videos. What do you find supportive, what do you wish people wouldn't say? • have you ever started to second guess sharing your story on KZbin? (Not that you should!) • would you consider adopting?

[@Lene-ib7qz]

Love the first two questions!! 💯💯💯

[@zoerobinson9897]

I have PCOS, and my husband and I have been "not trying but trying" for nearly 3 years I think now and it hasn't happened. So I totally understand how you feel! Sadly for people who have PCOS and are overweight we just get fobbed off with "lose weight as it'll fix all your problems" and don't actually given any help or real advice. Good luck with everything!

[@rmm101986]

Same here ("not trying but trying" since 2016), but I recently read some research on taking myo-inositol for PCOS and like magic I now regularly have a 30 day cycle with normal mucus changes and everything! Still not pregnant but more hopeful than before. Also, the first time in my entire life I have ever seen the green word 'regular' to describe my cycle 😊. Good luck!

[@stephiegrennell8440]

I have PCOS and it took my husband and I three years and two miscarriages to have our first daughter. Two years later and now our daughter is almost two and we have a second girl on the way. Don’t give up! It can still happen for women like us with PCOS!! I don’t know where you live, but I’m from California. I changed my diet to only having organic animal products (cheese, milk, meat etc.) if I was going to eat it. And I also changed my personal hygiene products to more natural products. (Soaps, toothpaste, deodorant, laundry soaps) It helped a lot because the outside chemicals and hormones didn’t contribute to my hormone issues. Maybe you can find success with it too? 🤷‍♀️ I found a lot of videos online of other women doing the same thing on KZbin. Anyway, it really helped me. I wish you all the luck and success too. 💜 OH! Ps. There’s a KZbinr named Autumn Bates who is a clinical nutritionist. She also has info on helping people balance hormones (which also helps with the whole PCOS/loose weight thing.) I highly recommend her. She was also very helpful for me. I was told to “lose weight” too. And I was actually able to lose some weight while doing her recommendations. And evening walks were also very helpful. :)

[@thesleepingbeauty12]

Thank you for sharing your journey and being so open with us about the realities of trying to conceive. I hope you're able to get the answers you're looking for and also finally get pregnant. (Also, love that you brought on MDJ - she's great!)

[@gracetaylor6309]

My question for your Q&A is: With all the ups and downs of trying to get pregnant, do you and Dan ever feel ambivalent about having babies or do you just continue to want them more and more with each passing cycle?

[@intergalactic_butterfly]

I would challenge the thought that a struggling fertility journey would lead to people to consider not raising children; there's adoption, there's fostering. We as a world civilization do not need to conceive our own progeny when there are so many children who live without a home. Adopting and fostering are also great for reducing your carbon footprint!

[@rachelam18]

@@intergalactic_butterfly but some people would rather have their own biological children. Adoption and fostering isn’t the easy option to children either. It can be just as difficult and disappointing to go through as well as costly. It’s just down to personal choice too. If I couldn’t have children naturally, I personally wouldn’t want to put my body through fertility treatments and I wouldn’t want to go through the adoption route so I can see where this person is coming from.

[@intergalactic_butterfly]

@@rachelam18 Yeah, I know that every option is difficult. I do tend to see things in a utopian manner. However, so many people shut down that possibility, and that's why so many children are in adoption centers or in foster systems. If all options are difficult, than all should be treated with equal consideration and weight… ideally.

[@gracetaylor6309]

@@intergalactic_butterfly I think you misinterpreted my question- it was just a question for Hannah to answer about her personal experience in her Q&A- zero judgment of how people choose to become parents.

[@trishna_6815]

@@intergalactic_butterfly That is not at all a simple decision. Firstly, depending on where you live adoption is not an option - there is virtually NO in-country adoption in Australia. International adoptions have significant ethical issues - many children are not actually orphans, and it can be extremely difficult to know if your adoption is really ethical, especially if private. Most international adoptions are for children with significant health and/or emotional issues, not everyone can or should take that on. Further, many countries have strict requirements about age, marriage, heterosexuality, income that prohibits many from adopting. Fostering comes with a whole slew of difficulties that not everyone is able to handle. Not least of which is the very real possibility of having to give up your child to their birth parents. I am fully supportive of adopting and fostering, but when people say it's just a simple and easy thing to do, it is just utterly false.

[@muckspoutmillinery8008]

“I’m waiting for the creamy stuff to come in” Me, eating alfredo: *gags*

[@Warlonging]

In your personal experience, what is the most important way Dan has provided emotional support to you throughout this experience? Fertility issues run in my wife's family and, when we're ready to have children, I would like to be able to prepare myself as best as possible to be able to fully support my wife if we happen to go through this in the future.

[@LauraAutumnJade]

In my experience in Canada, they let the patient insert the scope for an internal ultrasound themselves. You know the angles of you body better than anyone else. Once it is in, the tech takes over moving it around.

[@margaretgrissom1100]

This series has been so great. The hubby and I are on the same journey, and it is comforting to know that we are not alone. I can't thank you enough. Good luck to us both.

[@ladyicondraco]

So happy to see Mama Doctor Jones on here! I am sorry that you have to wait, hopefully you hear back soon.

[@icechocobo96]

MDJ is the best! I'm glad you could collab with her! Any plans to make a video for her channel?

[@hannahwitton]

not currently! I just invited her on to my channel to answer these questions but maybe one day!

[@xa-xii4865]

@@hannahwitton No sleep 'til Brooklyn! Foot on the pedal never ever false metal Dual motors running hotter than a boiling kettle My job's ain't a job, it's a damn good time City to city I'm running my rhymes On location, touring around the nation Beastie Boys always on vacation Itchy trigger finger but a stable turntable I do what I do best because I'm willing and able Ain't no faking, your money I'm taking Going coast to coast watching all the girlies shaking While you're at the job working nine to five, The Beastie Boys at the Garden - cold kickin' it live No sleep 'til - Another place - another train Another bottle in the brain Another girl - another fight Another drive all night Our manager's crazy, he always smokes dust He's got his own room at the back of the bus Tour around the world, you rock around the clock Plane to hotel, girls on the jock We're thrashing hotels like it's going out of style Getting paid along the way cause it's worth your while Four on the floor - Adrock's out the door M.C.A.'s in the back because he's skeezin' with a whore We got a safe in the trunk with money in a stack With dice in the front and Brooklyn's in the back Why won't you take my ride No sleep 'til No sleep 'til Brooklyn! No sleep 'til Brooklyn! Ain't seen the light since we started this band M.C.A. - get on the mic my man Born and bred Brooklyn - U.S.A They all me Adam Yauch - but I'm M.C.A Like a lemon to a lime - a lime to a lemon I sip the def ale with all the hot girlies Got Teslas, arena, TV shows Autograph pictures and classy hos Step off homes - get out of my way Taxing cute girlies from here to L.A Waking up but I get to sleep Cause I'll be rocking this party eight days a week No sleep 'til No sleep 'til Brooklyn! Yeahh!! No sleep 'til Brooklyn!

[@kate4781]

I appreciate this series so much! I'm not trying to conceive at the moment, but, for various reasons, it may be hard when I do. Having things like this out in the world help people feel less alone in their struggles. Thanks for being open and vulnerable to help others!

[@LostSaltShaker]

Thank you for being so candid. Having gone through infertility, I know how lonely it can feel and the more people who are able to talk about it the less alone others feel. Sending all of the good vibes your way! You'll be in good hands with the fertility docs!

[@BriggieMcN]

My heart goes out to you with all of this waiting!! I am feeling frustrated to find out the next piece of information but only have to wait a few seconds for you to address it in the video - I'm so sorry for your wait but my fingers and toes are crossed for you to get an appointment asap!! Xx

[@nikowearden252]

So appreciative of you sharing this. I waited a year and a half for an NHS urology appointment. The waiting times are ridiculous because of COVID. Sending you lots of solidarity and hoping that it is not such a long wait for you.

[@charlottepeet1615]

The most honest series! Myself and my sister always speak about fertility as we are both a bit scared to come across some issues but this series makes me know I wouldn’t be alone! Thank you so much!

[@els9559]

I don't tend to comment but I've been subscribed to you for years and I really appreciate you bringing attention to the challenges of fertility and for being so honest and vulnerable! Wishing you answers! Xxx

[@marieh.9003]

We have been trying for almost a year now too. I love how open you are with all of this and I think it helps a lot of women to see others go through this process as well. I find it so interesting, that you never had an internal ultrasound, my gyno does it every time.

[@RoyGibson]

As loads of people have said thank you so much for sharing this journey. Can totally identify with the "oh no answers for days? I'll do lots of something so I don't have to sit and think about this". You're breaking down so many conversation barriers - you are ace.

[@SleepBreatheLiveLove]

Hannah this episode has really helped me to feel less alone. Going through this and not telling friends and family is really hard. Like no one understands. But having that news out to the world must be even more daunting. I've been trying to get pregnant for a while now, but no luck, although your videos have been really helpful in how to track my cycle. I've had haemorrhagic ovarian cysts before and googling things has always made me worry! Mama Dr Jones is a Legend and I'm so glad you two have teamed up for this video. Thanks for all the conception luck. I'm passing it back to you too. Can't wait for the day that we'll both be pushing prams in the future. ☺️

[@jezeldjones]

You literally normalise everything which reassures me so much. You’re so open, honest and pragmatic (seemingly) you have no idea how insightful this is. Thank you, truly.

[@user-ir5cx2qm3t]

I'm not in the right mindset to watch this at the moment, but I teared up when I read the title. As someone with an abnormal uterus, this series has given me hope AND kept me up at night. The thought of being infertile is killing me daily. I won't know before trying, but it still haunts me. That being said, I'm looking forward to the right moment and hearing more about your journey!

[@jucijuicy]

that "are you overweight?" question is weird because not everyone with PCOS is overweight or insulin resistant. I'm thin with a fast metabolism and I'm not insulin resistant but I have all the other symptoms and have been diagnosed as definetly having PCOS. other very common symptoms are of course PCO, irregular or absent periods, acne and oily skin/hair and more hair than normal

[@alishareadsbooks]

I thought it was odd as well. Ellie from Ellie and Jared has talked about her journey with pcos and she is very thin.

[@ZairaBandy]

Maybe is just a statistic things: there are more women that have PCOS that are overweight than thin people.

[@MizMizuki524]

aye yeah i thought that was odd too, at the time of my initial diagnosis i was probably a bit UNDERweight if anything,

[@stefaniacampos4992]

@@MizMizuki524 me too!

[@jucijuicy]

@@ZairaBandy but it is not one of the most defining characteristics, the doctor discarded the possibility of it being PCOS ONLY because she's not overweight!? I even know people with PCOS who ARE insulin resistant and are not overweight. the irregular/long periods are a lot more common in PCOS and Hannah does have that...

[@larissasblvsk3130]

The struggle is so real, thank you so much for sharing

[@Lene-ib7qz]

I've seen all the questions that I'd had in the comments, so I'm just gonna say, that I appreciate your openness and vulnerability! I don't know if you still like that you were open about ttc, but just that you know it, it is so helpful and heartwarming to see your honest and vulnerable content. 💜Much love to you!

[@isalesme015]

I was about to welcome you to the PCOS club when I saw the title but then I realized PCO isn't the same thing. This is the first time I hear about this distinction even though I researched a lot about PCOS since I have it, I really do learn a lot from this series. Anyways, good luck on your journey to conceiving, I hope your appointment goes smoothly❤

[@TheHilarysims]

Sending good vibes your way, Hannah! I came off the pill Aug 2020 and have long (60+ days) irregular cycles since. I also had an ultrasound a few weeks ago which confirmed I have PCO so was diagnosed with PCOS. I have a healthy bmi and am still processing this news about my body but knowing your journey is similar makes me feel less alone ❤️

[@stephc3522]

I’m going for a blood test tomorrow before my referral for an ovary scan, so this is the most perfect timing! Thank you for this 💖

[@graceharvey2909]

Thank you so much for this video - it’s interesting to see other people’s experiences with gyno referrals through the NHS. I just got an appointment for a laparoscopy today after waiting 6 months from the initial referral. I’ve been doing research into the NHS Choices Framework and the right to request a change of hospital if you have to wait longer than the max waiting times - I feel like that’s something that isn’t widespread info, with the right to choose being introduced in 2018 and most GPS not seeming to know about it. I only became aware of it after being put on an 18-month waiting list for ADHD assessment and I wish it was more well known about so people could get seen more quickly!

[@caitie226]

Oh, that's great information. Thanks for sharing!

[@kiuka]

MamaDoctorJones ! Great collab ! Also I would suggest to be “agressive” with your appointment taking and advocating for yourself as a fertility patient, if you haven’t got your answers yet. It’s a wild ride out there !

[@amenotani]

I'm so grateful for this series, I have policystic ovaries too and relate so much to your struggles and fears. I hope everything turns out ok in the end!

[@honeyclark815]

Its so great to see a youtuber with a large platform informing people about PCOS.

[@bimaloxley]

so much love to you and your candour, but also your strength at what I can only imagine to be a frustrating time! I know a lot of people would start to give up when hearing this kind of news, and I mean give up documenting your journey, but you're holding out hope and positivity and that's all we need! Positive manifestation! I personally know how long it can take to get a gynae appointment, I have endo and C-19 definitely doesn't help with the waiting!

[@makingamum]

This will sound strange but I was SO happy to see the title of this video! I'm on exactly the same journey as you and we've had pretty much all the same tests so far so it's really nice to have someone on this journey with me. I also have a typical 40+ day cycle. Bloods came back with abnormal hormone levels. GP had all the tests they wanted so as we have been trying for over a year I was referred to the fertility clinic. I have since had a phone consultation with the consultant and its all moving very fast. A recent internal scan also confirmed that I have polycystic ovaries too. I was told not to worry about this, however, as it would just depict the dosage of the drug I have now been given called Clomid. That scan did also confirm that I had definitely ovulated from my left ovary that month so it was good to hear that my body can sometimes do it spontaneously. I have been given Clomid to help promote the ovulation. If we are not pregnant in 3 months this will be followed up by another scan to check my tubes are open, another 3 months of Clomid and then as long as my BMI is under 30, I will be eligible for NHS funded IVF. I hope this information gives you and idea of what to maybe expect moving forward! Just thought I'd say I also read up recently that apparently a positive LH test does not confirm ovulation. It confirms the rise in the hormone that promotes it but the follicle may not actually release an egg. This is hopefully what my Clomid will help with. Wishing you all the best on your journey and I'll continue to share my story all the time you are sharing yours!

[@finesite1459]

oh my god the timing... I'm not even a subscriber and yet had this recommended to me just after my ultrasound results explaining that I have polycystic ovaries!

[@caitie226]

TWO OF MY FAVOURITE PEOPLE! As always thank you for sharing your journey Hannah!

[@Nixieee]

I can empathize so much with you over this! I was diagnosed with PCOS 4 years back which I had to fight for a diagnosis for over 2 years! I only knew of it because my sister was diagnosed herself when she was having problems getting pregnant. I've recently had a check up for bladder/vaginal pain and had a transvaginal ultrasound, like yourself the appointment came through super quick and was worrying how quick the turnaround was however the gynecologist appointment (which fortunately I can book via an online portal) the only time they can see me is in December which is a whole new stress in itself because by that time you think 'well I either live with it or it goes away and by the time my appointment comes round was it all just in my head?' Hopefully you get to book your gyne appointment soon but you are so doing the right thing to push for fertility referral in the meantime! Fingers crossed it is sooner rather than later!

[@Lucy-ve6lb]

Wow perfect timing - I saw a doctor this morning about some gynaecological/period changes and concerns. I’ve had quite a lot of weight loss this year due to stress and illness so she said it is “almost definitely not PCOS” because of the weight loss. And that it might be related to my IBS/stomach issues. Not trying to conceive at the moment but I relate to the struggle of going through the long process of getting help with gynaecological issues and I really appreciate you sharing your journey

[@bextree]

Hoping you can get that appointment scheduled soon!! Fingers crossed for you

[@HollehMae]

I know the waiting list pain! I’ve been on my gynae waiting list since January for suspected endometriosis and the daily pain is getting to me! Hope you get to see someone soon! ❤️

[@Kat_1490]

I would like to ask: Are you ok? Is there anything more we can do as a community to help you and Dan get through what must be a difficult time for you both. Sending lots of Love and positivity Xxx

[@floren_ce]

Exactly what I wanted to ask! Like, can we help get you sooner to that specialist?

[@lesleygoat4321]

While I am not currently on a fertility journey and not sure I ever will be, I am extremely invested and thankful for this series. If I ever do decide to conceive, I will definitely be rewatching all of these videos.

[@Treanneh]

I am so here for the colab. Content goals 😍😍

[@hayleykitty]

Thank you sooo much for documenting this, me and my partner are also having fertility struggles and it can feel like we are the only ones - everyone around us seems to get pregnant so easily! Thank you for making me feel less alone

[@emilybannon1943]

I’m so excited for this collab! Love both of your channels

[@FamousTina]

Thank you for always being so honest with your content. Others aren't as genuine unfortunately. More honest content required to represent the true struggles and less "Mammy journey" lies.

[@dottiewi661]

Yes, two of my favourite you tubers for reproductive health together! Sending the baby vibes back to you, hope you find out what can help you, soon! I am conductor of a severe X-linked immune disease, and we’re also stuck, having to decide which way to go, either PID, which has its own risks, or natural conception and doing PND later and possible psychological and physiological impact of “bad news” and “right decisions”.

[@racheloram]

You can ask to be referred elsewhere, you can probably find somewhere with a lower waiting list. Perhaps near your parents home so you can stay with them whilst you go for the appointment

[@MusicalK93]

Are you in the UK? Typically, you can't decide where you get referred to within the NHS, as far as I am aware.

[@LemonSte]

@@MusicalK93 they're going privately i believe, just being referred by their GP? theres some paid-for aspects of care that NHS can direct you towards. i might have missed something though

[@MsMyrmaid]

@@LemonSte They only did the fertility testing for Dan privately. Hannah mentioned in another video that she is going through the NHS for her care. Maybe that will change though.

[@hannahk1306]

@@MusicalK93 Sometimes you get to choose where you're referred to if there's multiple places nearby or they'll refer you to both to see which is available first

[@angelahatton1576]

I can really relate to the feeling of being stalled in the process of the fertility journey between getting a referral and actually getting to see a specialist. Thank you for helping other people feel less alone!

[@alexandralord3679]

I clicked immediately when I read the title! I have PCOS. I didn’t realize that polycystic ovaries were different than PCOS. I struggle with feeling broken/damaged and afraid that I will struggle to conceive in the future. I’m nowhere near having children (don’t even have a partner.) so the not knowing is difficult. It’s really helpful to see that I’m not alone and come along on this journey with you. Best of luck, you’re going to make a great mom😊

[@EmmaB_MD]

If he’s comfortable sharing I’d love to know more about how Dan is feeling, sort of watching you navigate your investigations and appointments to help you both do something you BOTH want? Does he feel frustrated on your behalf with the waiting, wish it was something with his side “to be solved” etc. Obviously you’re in this as a team but I can imagine as a partner it’s hard to watch the other have to chase up answers etc.

[@Estelise]

Woo! I'm in the 20% also! Going on 1.5 yrs of trying, even with intervention. Just here to say you're not alone. :)

[@isabbygabbyorcrabby]

I know someone who got pregnant by accident who has PCOS and she used the morning after pill too and still got pregnant! Fertility is a whirlwind of confusion! I feel for you guys right now

[@emmeline-tyler]

Yes the morning after pill doesn’t always work! I hate it in tv when people take it and they’re like ‘that’s that sorted’ when it’s not, necessarily

[@therese4089]

The morning after pill only works if you haven't ovulated yet, it just delays ovulation :)

[@teresafoo]

When you were describing the internal ultrasound I was like, “yup, been there!” 😂 also pro tip: you can ask to insert the wand yourself! It’s so tough to know something isn’t quite right, and have to wait for answers. I would recommend asking your gyno (when you go) about PCOS. You don’t have to be overweight to be diagnosed, and you also don’t even have to have cysts on your ovaries (according to my gyno when I was diagnosed last year). Sending good vibes your way, you can get through this!

[@MaddieImogen91]

Oh Hannah I totally get what you’re going through, I also had an ultrasound recently which found I have polycystic ovaries and one larger cyst on one side. I’ve just turned 30 and it’s so overwhelming to just find out about this. I haven’t been referred to gynae yet as have to have blood tests first to rule out PCOS. Sending lots of love 💗 xxx

[@taylacollins764]

OMW two of my favourite people in the same place. 😋 so excited to watch!!

[@brittany7288]

I loved seeing your collab with MDJ but am sorry it’s under less than fun circumstances. Hopefully you can get an appointment soon!

[@laurawoods13]

I love this series and really appreciate how open, genuine, and honest you are about your experiences, even when they're challenging. Question for your video: how have your feelings about TTC changed over the year (excited in the beginning, nerves with all the tests, etc.)? Also if he is comfortable with it, it would be really neat if your Q&A was you and Dan together answering questions and reflecting on both of your separate experiences as well as your experience as a couple. wishing you all the best and so much love

[@maddinar6727]

Thank you so much for sharing this whole thing with us but most importantly with anyone. It is such a under represented topic that I wish more people would talk openly about.

[@marykaltreider3771]

Sending you all the positive vibes and thoughts and wishes, Hannah!

[@lucillerenard9019]

“Cheese in a cup” instead of “jizz in a cup” in the subtitles at the beginning GOT to me 😂

[@sarahwhittaker5356]

Hi Hannah, thanks for sharing, I particularly appreciate that you didn't wait for this episode to be neatly tied up, being stuck on NHS waiting lists feels like a very realistic portrayal of a fertility journey. I hope things move along quickly. I'm aware that people love to give advice to people who are trying to conceive, whether it's welcome or not. How do you deal with unsolicited advice? What's the best and worst advice you have been given?

[@lunedfrancis2768]

I am also TTC will be a year in August so following you along on this journey has been so refreshing and has helped me stay positive and has reasured me that I am not alone. I have also had an ultrasound and have been diagnosed with PCOS. Just waiting for that year mark to talk to the doctor about fertility clinic options.

[@jodie6096]

I love this series! I appreciate just how raw and honest you are throughout. My main question would be how has your relationship with your body and Dan changed throughout this process?

[@thirdoctoberchild]

Thank you so much for making this series! If possible, I would really appreciate an update on how you both feel about/handle keeping intimacy and your relationship positive as time goes on? I haven’t tried to conceive yet but we’ve had another issue weighing on us for a very long time now and have really struggled with just enjoying each other and the present and not just waiting for everything to be “over”. I wish you both the very best.

[@cookie1500]

Thank you for this series and for sharing your journey so openly! I hope you get all the answers you need really soon x

[@rosieposy8]

I was so confused- i expected the doctor to be your mama!! Thought thats so lovely! Sorry you are experiencing delays and waiting on the Nhs. Hopefully it will just happen for you while waiting for an appointment.

[@ericabellew8809]

We are on such a similar journey it’s crazy. These videos really make me feel less alone in the journey to conceive. We’ve been trying 10 months now and I have an ultrasound and appointment with a gyno in November (the soonest they could see me) and the waiting game is so hard. Hopeful we’ll both get more answers soon ❤️

[@jennifershakespeare9705]

Oh thank God, finally someone else who has Polycystic Ovaries and not PCOS. I’m in the same boat and I don’t feel so alone now. Good luck with your journey my love

[@MsBraidBreaker]

Hey Hannah! As always thank you for sharing your story with us. It is super informative. I am not trying to conceive any time soon but for sure I get loads of info for the future thanks to you! And what a great collab with Mama Dr. Jones! Lots of love to both you and Dan

[@heatherstephenson3559]

Wishing you all the best. You'd make such a great Mum but no matter what happens, you're a kind, strong, awesome person.

[@leiye5100]

The system of NHS sounds very stressful... So many people between you and an answer, it blows my mind 😯 Sending good vibes and luck in your journey!

[@EyeGlassTrainofMind]

From an American standpoint, this sounds exactly like what we deal with minus the expenses/fear of not having the right insurance.

[@ZePopTart]

@@EyeGlassTrainofMind I agree, not much better in the US. And if you screw up and accidentally go out of network, which is super easy to do, it’s financially devastating. Everything has to go through my GP (in-network) but none of the labs or testing centers connected to my GP are in network. So for every outside provider I have to call the insurance company and the doctor (usually a few times) to MAKE SURE they are in network, and that the very specific service is covered. According to both, my ultrasound was in-network and “covered”but it currently shows as costing $950 out of pocket. Now my GP wants to send me to an obgyn, which has a two month waitlist. American private healthcare is such a joke. I miss Obamacare so bad.

[@Judymontel]

Sending the best thoughts your way. Thank you for making this courageous series!!

[@robertmenzies6939]

Hannah and Dan thoughts are with you both. I know how emotional this horrid rola coaster can be. We tried for 7 years before we got lucky and have family members with PCOS who are still trying, so feel you pain. As always thanks for sharing and the high quality educational video.

[@inger-lisegjelsvik7931]

This series has been so helpful to me❤ It has made me feel less lonely in my own journey in trying to have a baby with endometriosis. We've also been trying for nine months and the wait is horrible I feel you!!!😫 Thank you for sharing the realistic and hard sides of trying to have a baby!! I hope you succeed soon❤

[@HolyMusicalAshleigh]

THE EPISODE I NEEDED!! I was diagnosed with a ovarian cyst but I have no other information and didn’t know what questions to ask my doctors to clarify… anything Thank you thank you thank you

[@sprout_gen]

this episode has a ton of incredibly useful information, thank you so much for sharing! going to refer back to this when i see my gynecologist

[@JudyCZ]

Wow, the ultrasound is interesting! I get that one as part of the yearly obgyn check up, kinda took it for granted until now.

[@katybechnikova2821]

Me too. :D

[@LadyMephistopheles]

The collab we all wanted ❤️❤️

[@Yvonne1137]

Love the new filming set!

[@augustevarkalaite321]

That’s what I thought when you were saying your cycles are long! PCOS sister here. Stay strong!

[@halliep-s6880]

Thank you so much for sharing your journey with us. I'm not trying to get pregnant, but I've always had menstrual cycles that were a bit longer than they should be, with a wider variations than most people. Your experience with that seems really familiar. It makes it less scary for me to watch you find out the reasons behind it, even when the reasons aren't always good news. Sending lots of good conception-y thoughts to you and dan, and anyone else trying to conceive right now

[@saffodils]

glad this video exists! the captions are a bit off (e.g. oscillation for ovulation, lol) but it's good to have the info out there

[@BellaHardcastle]

Love this collab, followed you both a ages do is great to see this video! Also ttc as well so these videos are really helpful in making not feeling alone and just general really helpful information.

[@kniddelliz7512]

Question for you (and Dan!) : what are things that you do (individually or together) that cheer you up/lift your mood after an unsuccessful month?

[@amesstar]

I never knew I had PCO until I fell pregnant and had heavy implantation bleeding. Thankfully I was told during the appointment it looked like an ovulation site cyst and nothing else. But the confusion between PCO and PCOS is something that needs to be spoken about way more within women's health ❤️

[@CrystalM1917]

Yes it definitely does. Ppl thinknyhey are the same thing but they have unique differences. Often in pcos women do not ovulate and getting them to ovulate seems to be the biggest factor in treatment for them to get pregnant. Women with pco already ovulate but still aren't getting pregnant so obviously there is a different issue occurring....

[@honeyfungus4774]

Lovely opening sentence from your man. Classy.

[@SixtineLys]

Thank you again for this amazing serie ! Just for the record, I've been diagnosed with PCOS and I'm far from overweight. My gyno told me that weight could be a symptom, but every woman is different ;)