When You Were Diagnosed, What Did You Do In Regards To Work? | myPCOSteam

Connect with others who understand.

sign up Log in
Resources
About myPCOSteam
Powered By
Real members of myPCOSteam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.
When You Were Diagnosed, What Did You Do In Regards To Work?
A myPCOSteam Member asked a question 💭

I was diagnosed with PCOS today, and I’m still learning about it all. It’s a lot for me to take in, and I feel I need time for myself. I personally work a lot and it tends to take a toll on me emotionally, physically, and emotionally. I’m debating speaking with my boss to see if I can cut back hours to focus on taking better care of myself. I’m a manager with mandatory overtime, sometimes I work 7 days a week, always needed and always running around like a chicken with my head cut off. I’m… read more

posted July 16, 2018
View reactions
A myPCOSteam Member

I find stress to be the biggest negative factor in my symptoms. After I was diagnosed and realized what the stress was doing I talked to manager. We were horribly understaffed at the time and I was working myself sick. She was extremely supportive and pushed to get extra help in the department because she finally saw how sick I was and how much I was struggling. It helped me a lot and when she left she made sure the new manager was supportive as well. I either needed to cut back my hours to a more normal 45 - 50 instead of 80 or I was going to have to leave my job. I realized my health wasn't worth it.

posted July 17, 2018
A myPCOSteam Member

I would absolutely say talk to your employer. It can sound lame to say you need to take time for yourself, but you really do. I used to work two jobs while in grad school so I was working 7 days a week and long, stressful hours. That is when everything with PCOS got really bad. The thing you need to realize is something that is common with PCOS is that women tend to have elevated levels of cortisol (stress hormone) and chronic low grade inflammation is also a common issue with PCOS. That means that if you continuously put yourself in stressful situations you are multiplying the negative effects. Stress suppresses the immune system and can cause depression (from peer-reviewed research). As someone with PCOS you are at a higher risk for mental disorders like depression and you likely already have higher cortisol levels and inflammation. Therefore, you should be working to reduce these in your life. So yes I absolutely recommend talking to your employer and trying to find a better arrangement. It is not always easy because people don't always want to acknowledge that things like this matter, but trust me, your health matters! If you need to, get on google scholar and start gathering research articles that discuss the effects of stress and PCOS. I had to do that with one employer to show him that it wasn't a joke and that it just meant I had to do things a little differently (I still kicked ass at that job btw). Make sure you get your rest and seek out ways to reduce your stress levels! It is very important and don't feel bad about it!

posted August 17, 2018
A myPCOSteam Member

I made the choice to quit my job because my fatigue is so bad. Don't compare yourselves to others. Some people can handle heavier loads than you. That doesn't make you any less of a person. Some advice I can give you from experience: Don't spread yourself so thin that you are useless to everyone. You can't pour out of an empty cup. Take 1 day a week to rest. Force yourself to rest. It can be hard. I used to work soooo much. However, once you take that one day it will help you with the rest. If your job doesn't understand, find a new job. God provides and your health comes first.

posted July 19, 2018
A myPCOSteam Member

Never saw the need for any reasonable accommodation as it isn't a disability (nor recognized as such).
I worked my 80 hour work weeks n really didnt give it much further thought until 5 years ago when fibro, ddd, ra, oa came into myblife and forced me into disability and to cut back in what I was doing.

posted July 16, 2018

Related content

View All
Looking For Tips On Supplements Or Anything That May Help?
A myPCOSteam Member asked a question 💭
Recommendations For Good PCOS Doctors/clinics In Boston?
A myPCOSteam Member asked a question 💭
Hey, Hi Guys, I Have A Question For You All, How Do You Eat? What Are You Eating? What Are You Giving Up? Best Regards
A myPCOSteam Member asked a question 💭
Continue with Facebook
Continue with Google
Your privacy is our priority. By continuing, you accept our Terms of use and Privacy policy.
Already a Member? Log in