Stepping Up: Jenna Mulholland regains her self-esteem by becoming a PCOSA Ambassador

Growing up in Atlanta, Jenna Mulholland was a vivacious and active teenager. She was healthy and slim and had a passion for volunteering and dancing. She didn't like to sit still.

But life changed for Jenna in 2000, when she was diagnosed with PCOS. Given little more than a pack of birth control pills, she was sent home to deal with the symptoms of this syndrome on her own, with minimal information or support. Jenna's irregular cycles caused many trips to the hospital. While she suffered from fainting spells and acne, her weight skyrocketed. Low self-esteem and depression caused her to retreat from the things and people she loved.

"This is when I began researching and asking questions," explains Jenna. "I started to take PCOS more seriously and spoke with a doctor who is a Reproductive specialist in Georgia. She helped me to understand more about the disorder and explained that my irregular cycles, acne, insulin resistance and depression were a result of PCOS. All of the things that I was experiencing finally started to make sense to me."

Jenna soon began to learn how lifestyle changes could help her take control of her life again. But she also realized that she needed support to change her lifestyle and ease her PCOS symptoms. She went online and came across the PCOSA website and found information about specific programs for women in Atlanta. After joining the Atlanta PCOSupport Connection group, Jenna met Christine DeZarn, PCOSA Founder.

"When I met Christine, we talked for hours and I told her that I was so happy that I found PCOSA and an Atlanta support group. After talking to Christine and hearing her personal story and finding out more about the PCOSA, I wanted to help out. I LOVE volunteering and helping individuals in my community. I decided to become a PCOSA Ambassador and began the training program."

As a PCOSA Ambassador, Jenna contacts individuals and organizations who may be able to contribute their time, talent and expertise to help women with PCOS. "My goal as an Atlanta Ambassador is to inform as many people as possible about PCOS and the PCOSA, by organizing monthly events and assisting the Atlanta group in any way that I can."

Jenna now knows that it is important for woman with PCOS to adopt a healthy low-glycemic diet and moderate exercise program. Currently, Jenna is also using the Insulite PCOS System. She explains, "I was introduced to Insulite by Christine DeZarn. Now that I am eating healthier, exercising and taking Insulite, I am losing weight slowly and feel better than ever. I am beginning to feel like my old self again and I am very optimistic about my future!"

To find out more about the PCOSA Ambassador Program or to see if there is a local PCOSupport Connection group near you, please visit www.pcosupport.org.

- Amy Medling