Cyster, in short, is a play on the words “sister” and “cyst.” But the PCOS cysterhood is a movement to empower women suffering from Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and create a community for support! Women with PCOS need to have a support group as this disease does not only cause physical symptoms but also physiological symptoms.
When I was diagnosed with PCOS in mid-2008, it was still confusing at the time as to what disease I would have to live with for the rest of my life. At the time, I didn’t know of anyone in my family who had PCOS—only one Aunt who struggled with scarce menses like me. I felt like I was different from everyone. I had no support group where I could have asked all the questions I wanted.
To this day, it is still unknown as to what causes PCOS, but just that it may be from genetics or environmental factors. Ladies, my ultimate goal is to create a supportive community with no filters or shame to ask questions about our bodies. For instance, many women who may not have PCOS may, however, have cysts in their breasts! I certainly also struggle with breast cysts!
Therefore, creating a cysterhood where we can all be able to not only ask all the questions we don’t feel comfortable asking our doctors but also learn from each other will allow us women to better understand the disease and what we can do to help the symptoms.
As I got older and began to talk about my journey with close friends and family, I realized that there are indeed millions of women all over the world suffering from PCOS and have similar symptoms as I did. My Aunt also struggles with weight fluctuations, cravings, and excessive unwanted hair growth. She mentioned that growing up, and even in her adult years, she never heard of or knew anything about PCOS until I brought it to her attention. She has never been to a doctor to get a proper diagnosis. Still, just by the irregular periods and the excessive unwanted hair growth, we knew she might also be suffering from PCOS, and more than likely, my diagnosis is related to her (genetics).
For me, it was utterly liberating to know that I had someone in my family that I could completely relate to when it came to the day-to-day struggles of living with PCOS. Some people may think or believe that the word “cyster” adds more pain to an already tricky disease, but I beg to differ. “Cyster” actually, from experience, makes me finally believe that I am not alone with my PCOS. There are other women, and unfortunately, some men, that have this disease that we have to live with for the rest of our lives.
In a cysterhood support group, we can laugh, cry, and make jokes about our diagnosis with each other, as well as share what remedy worked for any of the symptoms we may have.
It is also imperative that women with PCOS have support groups where we can discuss topics such as our sexual health or reproductive health and the mental health struggles that we may have from time to time.
In the earlier years of my PCOS diagnosis, I suffered from anxiety. It just happened out of the blue. I had no idea what I was feeling until many years later when I started learning about the symptoms of PCOS.
Age 10 was the first experience I can recall when my siblings and I were on summer break, and my mom was scheduled to travel for 2 weeks. That was the first time she went on vacation without my siblings and me, and I felt like I couldn’t eat or sleep. It was almost like I was restless and felt an empty pit in my stomach.
It was the worst feeling of my entire childhood. All I knew was that I genuinely missed my mom and wanted her to return home. My mom had to take me to the doctor, and that was when she said the doctor said, because I knew she was going to travel soon, it was probably a case of anxiety.
That was the first time I experienced that type of feeling, and the only second time I had a similar feeling was after the most heart-wrenching breakup I experienced in 2023. Honestly, thinking about it now, since I know that anxiety is also a psychological symptom of PCOS, I am not a doctor to officially diagnose the connection, but I partly believe my anxiety stems from my PCOS
The term “cyster” holds deep significance for women with PCOS, symbolizing a sisterhood forged through shared experiences and challenges. It’s not just a catchy term but a powerful identifier that unites women who navigate the complexities of PCOS, from hormone imbalances to emotional and physical struggles.
Being a cyster means being part of a global support system where understanding, empathy, and empowerment are central. In the HerbalHarmony community, this connection is magnified. Founded to naturally guide women in managing PCOS, HerbalHarmony fosters a space where cysters unite to share knowledge, self-love, and holistic wellness practices.
The community represents more than just support—it’s a movement toward self-empowerment, reminding every woman that she’s not alone on this journey. Through guided herbal remedies, mindful practices, and a network of compassionate individuals, HerbalHarmony is a beacon for cysters seeking not just solutions but healing and acceptance.
To be part of HerbalHarmony is to embrace your role as a cyster with pride and to walk this path with others who understand the weight of your struggles and the beauty of your strength. Together, the sisterhood grows stronger, creating lasting bonds rooted in mutual resilience!
Cysterhood is a bond of strength and shared struggles, turning pain into power and reminding us we’re never alone.
Kendra Richards
Embrace Natural Balance: Your Journey to PCOS Wellness Starts Here!
