Accepting a PCOS diagnosis is difficult. On top of it, we also must deal with all the bodily and emotional changes that come with it. PCOS can change our weight, hair, face, and emotional health. It takes time to accept the diagnosis and figure out how to live with our new normal.

On myPCOSteam, the social network and online support group for those living with PCOS, members talk about a range of personal experiences and struggles. Self-acceptance is one of the top topics most discussed.

Here are some question-and-answer threads about self-acceptance:

• I'm 23 years old and I have just this morning been diagnosed with PCOS. I have really mixed feelings about it... I've always wanted to be a mum and it would be devastating if I couldn't be. How has everyone dealt with this in the early stages?

• Newly diagnosed with PCOS. I know PCOS affects cycles but I thought my birth control was supposed to regulate my cycle? I just want to know if anyone else has experienced this.

• Ways to cope? I took the news kind of hard when the doctor first mentioned PCOS, because I wasn't necessarily ready for a baby right then but maybe one day.

Here are some conversations about self-acceptance:

• "I’m honestly happy I found this app. There’s no negativity and everyone understands what we’re all going through. I try to explain to my family and I feel like I just get these looks, like they will never understand and it’s hard to find someone to talk to when your family really doesn’t want to listen...."

• "Is it normal to experience severe depression? I have a hard time opening up to anyone about how I'm feeling at the time. Since I found out I had PCOS everything has been more intense my hormones are so out of whack every little thing upsets me I don't know what to do."

• "I've just realized how rubbish my doctors was when I was diagnosed with PCOS. I have only had one scan and blood test they told me you have PCOS when your ready for kids come back and well give you meds and told me to look it up on NHS website. They didn't really explain or give me options..."

Can you relate?

Have another topic you'd like to discuss or explore? Go to myPCOSteam today and start the conversation. You'll be surprised just how many others may share similar stories.

Feel free to ask a question here.