Grow and Glow: Alyanna Salang
September is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Awareness Month, and one of the goals of the National PCOS Association is to highlight the voices of individuals who face these struggles. Glow Within is dedicated to increasing the public’s awareness of topics about women's health. We hope that more individuals can gain knowledge and receive the proper care needed. Through our workshops, we provide education and resources about PCOS. However, we believe that it is just as important to share firsthand experiences from people who are living with this health condition. We are grateful for our community members who bravely share their stories in hopes of inspiring and supporting others.
Alyanna Salang is a 25-year-old recent graduate of Simon Fraser University’s Beedie School of Business. She discovered that she had PCOS in February 2020 after realizing that she has missed her period for over 2 years. Alyanna was prompted to check in with her doctor and since then, she has been navigating the journey of living with this condition.
How has PCOS impacted your life?
It was very difficult to grasp when I was first diagnosed with PCOS. I was scared of the possibilities that could occur in terms of my health and lifestyle. I was extremely overwhelmed with the changes that I had to make. For instance, I had to alter my diet, exercise and daily routines. There were times when I felt discouraged because of the various restrictions that I had to live with. This led to having regrets like wishing I had known earlier or checked with my doctor sooner. I often felt frustrated or fatigued and it was difficult to describe why. The hormonal changes and uncertainties heavily impacted my life and also the people around me.
However, I have recently decided to make a change and view PCOS from a different perspective. Although I used to feel out of control, I refuse to let the fear take over and restrain me from enjoying life. The more I learned about PCOS and what I can do to manage it, the more confident and hopeful I felt. I started trying out new workouts and even hired a personal trainer to determine a routine that worked for my needs. I also established new diet plans and sought out various activities that would strengthen my overall health and well-being. Although I never thought my life would change this drastically, it has actually brought me joy and peace.
What would you share with someone who is also going through PCOS?
You’re not alone in this journey. I encourage you to read more articles and books about PCOS! Instead of being afraid or viewing it as a burden, I hope it inspires you to get to know your body and figure out what works best for you. You have control over tailoring your lifestyle! Ensure that whatever changes you make can ease your experience with PCOS but also make you happy. Give yourself grace when you feel tired and overwhelmed. Don’t be too hard on yourself and listen to your body. Getting through this takes small steps with trust and prayer. Build a support system or find an accountability partner, especially when you feel discouraged. There’s always someone you can talk to about it and they will be cheering you on. If you are struggling and need a friend, I am always happy to talk about PCOS.
GROW & GLOW: A series that highlights firsthand accounts, personal experiences, and stories of inspiration from our community and beyond.
For more resources regarding Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, please check out the following:
Books:
The PCOS Plan: Prevent and Reverse Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Through Diet and Fasting
Healing PCOS: A 21-Day Plan for Reclaiming your Health and Life with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
