072: PCOS Advocate & Model Lorna Alexis, Founder of Cystum of Curves
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Lorna Alexis is the influencer, model, blogger, and creator of Cystum of Curves. An advocate living with PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome), the word “cystum” is derived

from the word cyst, a characteristic of the syndrome. PCOS is known to cause weight gain and make that weight even harder to lose — so instead of letting PCOS get her down, Lorna decided to use her diagnosis as a platform for inspiration and motivation for others as she navigates the world … with curves. In this honest, revealing, and intimate episode, Lorna addresses that #bodypositivity life, how she contracted Type 2 diabetes as a direct result of living with PCOS, how she manages a healthy lifestyle, and why representation matters.

Tune in as Lorna shares…

• what PCOS is: an endocrine disorder that begins in childbearing years and typically comes along with hormonal imbalance (usually excessive male hormone production), insulin resistance, hair loss/hirsutism, infrequent ovulation, irregular periods, blood clotting, and infertility/increased risk of miscarriage
• that PCOS is linked to many other conditions
• that some people living with PCOS develop cysts inside their ovaries — and the pain is similar to fibroid pain
• that she was diagnosed shortly after graduating college, while enduring menses that lasted for 120+ days
• that she wasn’t diagnosed right away, and also had to see several doctors before receiving the diagnosis
• that she started having symptoms as early as 12 years old
• that the doctor to diagnose her was Indian, and more familiar with PCOS than any of the American doctors she’d previously seen
• that the historical trope of the “bearded woman” was most likely a woman living with undiagnosed PCOS
• that most women living with PCOS need to be on low-carb diets in order to manage symptoms
• that she had to change her relationship to food
• what it’s like to live with fertility issues — and how she’s found strength in community and in being able to look toward other influencers and celebrities
• how she avoids sugar crashes and fatigue
• how routine supports her lifestyle and symptom management
• discrepancies and bias in research, funding, and awareness because PCOS is a women’s health issue
• that chronic illness changes the course of your life, and supportive mental healthcare is essential as you adjust to your new lifestyle and identity
• why it’s important to become your own advocate and prevent others from policing your body

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit uninvisiblepod.substack.com)