I’ve had irregular periods ever since my teenage years. I went to gynecologists many times, and each time I underwent similar tests and was told things like, “You’re young, it’s nothing to worry about.” But my irregular cycles caused a lot of inconvenience—like going three months without a period, only for it to come and then last for three weeks straight. Since I was young, I’ve been taking hormone medications and low-dose birth control pills prescribed at hospitals.

About a year and a half ago, I got tired of swallowing what felt like chemical substances every day and finally stopped taking the pill. After that, I didn’t have my period for six months. Then, when it finally started again, it was just a very light bleed that went on for over a month. I also started feeling severe nausea and fatigue. That’s when I decided to see a gynecologist at a private hospital in Spain. It took three weeks after making the appointment to actually see the doctor, and when I finally did, I was told, “There’s nothing particularly wrong. We don’t do those tests here, so please go to another hospital for your next blood test. I’ll give you medicine to bring on your period—get your blood drawn on day 2 or 3 of your cycle.”

When I tried to book a blood test at another hospital, the earliest appointment was two weeks away. I’d have to make sure my period came in time so that the test would fall on day 2 or 3. If I missed that window, the next appointment might be another month later.

In the end, my period still hadn’t started by the appointment date, and I had to cancel.

A few days later my health got even worse, and I nearly fainted from dizziness. I went straight to the emergency department and was told, “You have PCOS. There’s an abnormal number of follicles on your ovaries. The only way to bring on your period is to take low-dose birth control pills.”

Back in Japan, I got a second opinion and was again told to restart the pill. But even then, I felt uneasy about putting medication into my body every single day. And it felt strange that something as natural as a monthly period wouldn’t happen for me without drugs. I restarted the pill for about a year, but once I finished the stockpile I had bought, I stopped again.

This time, though, I didn’t just stop. I started paying much more attention to my health. I’d heard that stress and diet strongly affect women’s hormones. I increased my sleep and tried to eat a more nutrient-rich diet.

And three months after stopping the pill—my period came back! Granted, it was just light bleeding for about two weeks, but this time it stopped naturally. I have no idea if the next period comes on time. But this time, I’ll keep track of my days and cycles on a calendar so I can better understand my own body.

Honestly, I’m not sure if my period returned because I changed my lifestyle or just by chance. I was lucky. Some women have to stay on the pill continuously, while others don’t get their period for years and are fine with it.

Menstruation. It’s still something society doesn’t talk about enough, but I hope it becomes easier to speak openly. Because there must be so many people like me!! And what helped me most was talking with other women who have PCOS—sharing information, exchanging advice.

I truly hope more women can live their lives free from these struggles. 💜