Most of the time, if I do mention my polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), I shy away from explaining the ways it affects me. It's one of the most common causes of infertility and most of us hide it - because one of its fun features is being a hairier-than-normal lass (whatever normal is) and we're embarrassed. 

I've had to really talk myself into doing this but, from my own experiences, I know a lot of people don't really know what PCOS is, or that it can affect hair growth - and a lot of people don't know about all the associated risks (endometrial cancer, type-II diabetes, cardivascular disease, stroke, miscarriage if you do manage to get pregnant - to name a few).

I also really want to take control of and pride in my own body and stop imposing someone else's ideals on myself. I find it sad that I don't know how much my armpit hair will even grow because I've been shaving it off for over half of my life.

 

Lastly, it can be a very difficult condition to come to terms with initially, and a support network can make it so much easier to realise it's not the worst thing in the world. Verity provides this support and also helps drive current research into PCOS, so I'd be honoured to raise funds for them.

I also promise that, if there's enough hair by the last week of August, I'll dye it a jazzy colour. And there'll be photos. And maybe some glitter.

Please just donate a couple of quid if you're able.

Thanks.