Granddaughter with PCOS

[Carolinetidy]

My 16 year old granddaughter has been diagnosed with PCOS. She hasn’t yet started her periods. She reached puberty at about the age of 12 and is slim in build but she has severe acne and over the last year she has developed a lot of body hair, and she is having to shave every few days. She has recently had a scan which confirmed she had POCS. Obviously we are all very concerned about this especially as there is a high incidence of health problems, I.e diabetes, heart problems, etc. Any advice would be brilliant.

[JenniLondon10]

Hi there

I’m sorry to hear that your granddaughter has been diagnosed with PCOS.

I got my first period at the age of 16, I was the last in my class. I have never had regular periods and I’m 32 now.

My advice is to ensure you do everything to boost her confidence. Confidence is the secret ingredient to everything in a young woman’s life. Sport, family time, days out, education, lots of praise for good behaviour and hobbies all help.

I also recommend some social media accounts, have a look on instagram for PCOS speakers... there is a wave of powerful, bright, inspiring women with PCOS who document their journeys and ups and downs of the symptoms. They also give fab advice and they’re the right kind of people on social media.

Let me know how she gets on xx