We all respond differently to information about our health. After learning you have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), you might be stunned, scared, or even relieved to have answers that explain irregular periods, pelvic pain, or difficulty getting pregnant. No matter what you’re feeling, you’re not alone. On myPCOSteam, there are thousands of others who have been in your shoes.

You can’t figure out everything about PCOS at once, and you don’t need to. Taking small steps to adjust to your new reality can be empowering in a time of major change. According to the American Psychological Association, active coping strategies like getting organized and making a plan for managing your health can improve mental and emotional well-being.

Listen to actress, author, and PCOS advocate Sasha Pieterse's advice for those who are newly diagnosed with PCOS.

Create Space for PCOS
It’s normal to feel out of control when you first learn you have PCOS. You may have a pile of pamphlets crowding your kitchen table and a head full of questions that you forget the moment you set foot in a doctor’s office. You can begin to tame the chaos by implementing very simple organizational techniques that will help you create space for this new aspect of your life.

Put Everything in One Place
Storing all of your printed doctor’s visit summaries, pamphlets about PCOS, and other resources in a designated spot can help create some order and help you find information when you need it. You don’t need a fancy filing system - a kitchen drawer, an old binder, or simply an orderly stack on your bedside table can make a big difference. In addition to helping you keep track of important papers, there is evidence that controlling clutter is associated with better moods.

Remember Your Questions
Keep a list of questions about PCOS for your healthcare provider in a dedicated notebook or on your smartphone. Jot down your questions as you think of them and bring your list to your appointments so you can remember your questions and write down the answers.

Manage Your Appointments
If you already rely on a digital calendar or paper planner to manage work and family obligations, stick with that method for managing any new doctor’s visits. If keeping a calendar is new to you, consider using what you’ve already got at home, such as a grocery list notepad or a piece of paper and a magnet on the fridge. You can also ask your doctor’s office about phone call or text message reminders that can help you keep on top of appointments.

Track Your Medications
If oral contraceptives are part of your new medication regimen, your pills likely come in a package that shows days of the week. Using an old-fashioned pill organizer is a great way to keep track of other oral medications that may be part of your new regimen. You can use a paper medication tracker, an alarm clock, or your phone to help you remember to take your pills at the right time each day. You can also download a medication tracking app onto your smartphone.

Reach Out for Support
It can feel overwhelming to reach out after receiving a PCOS diagnosis, but you don’t have to face your diagnosis alone. Support from loved ones, your medical team, and other people with PCOS is crucial as you embark on treatment and adjust to your new normal. There are a few basic steps you can take to start building your network of support.

PCOS Communities
You may not be ready to talk about your diagnosis with your loved ones right away. You may also not have time or be comfortable joining an in-person support group. That’s ok. Connecting with members on myPCOSteam can be a first step towards finding support. Your community on myPCOSteam can provide an ongoing emotional boost whenever you feel worried or overwhelmed about life with PCOS or want to celebrate a victory.

Healthcare Providers
Many hospitals and medical practices offer resources that extend beyond your medical appointments. These may include chaplaincy services, health education classes, patient liaisons or nurse navigators, on-site support groups, and referrals to other services.

Friends and Family
Sharing your PCOS diagnosis with friends and family can be hard. They may be afraid and struggle to react in a helpful way. Try to remember that everyone is doing their best with difficult news. If you’re able, let your loved ones know how they can be most helpful to you during this time, whether that’s helping with household chores or offering a listening ear.

Learn More About PCOS
You might not have ever heard of PCOS before your diagnosis, but now you probably want to learn more. Your healthcare provider is a great resource for information, but you may also want to do your own research. Remember to be cautious of what you read online, especially if someone is offering a quick fix or selling a cure. You can always reach out to your healthcare provider or patient liaison if you have questions about something you’ve read.

Here are a few resources to get you started:

• PCOS - An Overview
• Office on Women's Health - PCOS
• PCOS Awareness Association

You never have to feel alone when you’re living with PCOS. Members on myPCOSteam are always available to answer questions and offer encouragement when things get rough.

Here are some conversations from members on myPCOSteam about facing a new diagnosis:

• "I’m new to this, I just got diagnosed with PCOS last week, and really just here to get some personal info on everyone’s PCOS diagnosis and how life is treating you with PCOS. Also tips! Like foods, exercise, medications, etc."
• "I recently found out I had PCOS. I was devastated. My skin was really bad with acne, and I was having abdominal pain."
• "Officially got my diagnosis today. After 13 years on the pill and a bad experience with IUD side effects, I have been off hormonal birth control since February for the first time in my adult life."

If you have a pressing question, you can go straight to the Q+A section.
You can also read more about how to get started on myPCOSteam.

For the newly diagnosed, what information are you seeking?
For the PCOS veterans, what do you wish you knew when you were first diagnosed?
Share in the comments below or directly on myPCOSteam.