OBGYN.net Editorial Advisor
PCOS Pavilion

Lesa Childers - USA
Articles and Interviews on OBGYN.net by Ms. Childers

Occupation:
Developmental Disabilities Case Manager
Smoky Mountain Center - Sylva, NC

Educational Background:
Sociology, B.S.
Western Carolina University, Cullowhee, NC

Family:
Married to Lyle Childers, mother to Tiffany and Hannah

Other Info:
Member of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Association
Coordinator - Western North Carolina PCOSupport
PCOSA Chapter Development Coordinator - NC, SC, TN, VA, WV, MD, DE and Washington, D.C.
PCOSA Conference Committee Representative

Having dealt with the devastating and frustrating symptoms of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome for most of her life, Lesa Childers has turned what seemed like a hopeless situation into a wonderful opportunity to support and inspire other women experiencing the difficulties of this disorder. The onset of PCOS symptoms began for Lesa in puberty, and she spent her teenage years trying to understand why her body was betraying her and withdrawing from her previously active life. As a young woman, Lesa experienced the full-blown physical manifestations of the disorder, including abnormal bleeding, obesity, hirsutism and infertility. When she asked for more information about PCOS from her physicians, Lesa was often frustrated with their lack of understanding. Having such a vague understanding of the disorder caused Lesa to feel she was dealing with PCOS alone. She felt increasingly unattractive, unfeminine and depressed.

After years of infertility, Lesa and her husband adopted a six year old daughter in 1996. They were happy to be new parents and focused their energy on building a strong relationship with Tiffany. Lesa, however, never lost her desire to give birth to biological child.

In January 1998, Lesa, at the age of 28, was diagnosed with diabetes. That diagnosis spurred her to once again seek answers to her questions about her deteriorating physical condition. Finally, she received a referral to Dr. Stephen Sawin, a reproductive endocrinologist with the Center for Applied Reproductive Science. At last, she was able to gain some understanding of PCOS and how it was affecting her body. With knowledge came the power to change her lifestyle and begin to reverse the downward spiral her health was taking. Over the next year, Lesa was involved in an intense treatment regimen, including a diet/exercise program, various testing, surgery, medications and ultrasound monitoring. She lost fifty pounds, regained her self-esteem and, eventually, was able to conceive and give birth to a daughter, Hannah, in October 1999.

In the spring of 1999, at the suggestion of her doctor, Lesa became involved in the development of a support group for women dealing with PCOS in Western North Carolina. She joined the Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Association and became active by raising awareness on both the local and national levels. She found the opportunities to share her experiences with other women both fulfilling and therapeutic. The WNC PCOSupport group achieved Chapter in Formation status with the PCOSA in December, 1999. As a Chapter Development Coordinator with the PCOSA, Lesa has been able to assist in the development of support groups in several states. She enjoys the opportunity to interact with women dealing with the disorder and with the physicians who treat them.

Lesa feels she has gained personal, physical and emotional stability through education and interaction with other women like herself. She has gained new friends through the network, and she has come to accept a motto that she now eagerly spreads…."You are not alone."