Let’s Chat with Zara
by Zara Ljubetic
Hi, my name is Zara and I have endometriosis and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) amongst other chronic health conditions.
Ever since I got my first period when I was 12 I had a pretty different experience to the women in my life. I am an only child and have no family history of gynaecological problems. Most of my friends got their first period around the same age as me and I went to an all-girls school; periods were certainly spoken about, but not enough. I felt pretty isolated by my experiences of heavy bleeding, clotting, and pain being so young but thought it was pretty normal. I also had irregular periods: this was inconvenient, sometimes embarrassing and something I was holding onto hope would regulate as I got older.
It didn't, and by age 17 I knew something was wrong as I was having up to, at its worst, 5 month gaps between periods. Some might think this is a blessing but with or without a period I would have to be prepared with pads and pain medication on any given day in case my period had started or I had symptoms but no period. My periods were quite debilitating, they would last for at least 6 days, sometimes up to 10. These are all the initial and concerning signs of my current diagnoses. I was already a regular with my GP given my other health conditions but decided to see a female GP this time to discuss my periods around the age of 17.
They helped me to understand what might be PCOS by asking me some questions about the frequency of my period, how heavy it was, how long it lasted, if I had any acne, body hair or hair loss etc. If you are having any of these symptoms please read some more at Jean Hailes website here or speak to your GP. I was then sent to have some blood tests as I met most of those criteria, I had high levels of testosterone synonymous with PCOS. My diagnosis was confirmed from this and I was prescribed the pill to help regulate my cycle. I eventually got sent for an ultrasound to investigate my pelvic pain too.
I got my results back and I had more than 20 cysts on my ovaries at this time which further supported the PCOS diagnosis but otherwise, my pelvis appeared to be normal. Nonetheless, my pain was worsening and my GP referred me to numerous gynaecologists, many of whom weren't taking patients for months if not years, an issue that was increasing with the pandemic. I eventually had my first appointment with a specialist gynaecologist and they were quite sure I had endometriosis from our initial appointment where we did a medical history check, internal examination and spoke about some options including further investigating my PCOS. Turns out I have insulin resistant PCOS which hadn't been tested before meeting this gynaecologist.
I was referred to have a laparoscopy surgery soon after this appointment to confirm an endometriosis diagnosis and to remove any that was found. I also had an IUD inserted before my surgery without anaesthetic which I do not recommend for anyone experiencing pelvic pain but then I got that removed and had another inserted during my surgery. I have endometriosis that causes chronic pain, I am only about a year out from my surgery and have since chosen a different specialist to manage my endometriosis care but this diagnosis is really important. Whilst my pain hasn't changed much, I don't bleed as heavily anymore given the IUD. I am likely going to have more surgeries to manage these conditions and I am unsure of what that looks like in my future, it is most validating to know that what I and so many other women go through has a cause. Whilst there is no cure for endometriosis or PCOS at the moment, I have support to guide me in managing these conditions and know that there are options as all of us are entitled to safe, quality, and comforting healthcare.
If you take anything away from reading my story, I hope you reach out for support from health professionals if any of it is relatable and remember that you know your body best. Periods should never be debilitating and if you are ever concerned or unsure about what you are experiencing, speak to someone you trust. Nobody should have to suffer in pain, and certainly not in silence.
Disclaimer: Content on Let’s Talk, Period. is produced for educational purposes only, and the information, recommendations and topics discussed throughout does not constitute medical advice, nor does it take into consideration your personal circumstances or medical history. This content should not be used in place of tailored advice and treatment from your personal medical team, nor is it designed to treat or diagnose any medical condition/s. Let’s Talk, Period. and all contributors for Let’s Talk, Period. accept no responsibility or liability for any expenses, damages, losses or costs you or any other party may incur as a result of the content shared across any Let’s Talk, Period. platform.