WATCH: Candice Craig Opens Up About Living With PCOS

Candice Craig, the dynamic dancer, entrepreneur, and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) advocate, sat down for an exclusive interview with LATV to share her personal journey with PCOS and her determination to bring this often-misunderstood condition to the forefront. In a candid and emotional conversation, Candice explained what PCOS is and how it has impacted her life.

Living with PCOS

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, commonly known as PCOS, is an endocrine disorder that affects approximately one out of every five women in their reproductive age. Named after the cysts that form in the ovaries of many women, PCOS is characterized by a range of symptoms, including irregular menstrual cycles, making it the leading cause of infertility among women.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Candice (@candice)

Candice Craig, who founded the popular dance apparel company VVIVIIVIII Apparel, embarked on her journey of discovery and empowerment when she was diagnosed with PCOS just before turning 30. During the interview,  she emphasized the importance of raising awareness about PCOS, as it is frequently misdiagnosed, and many doctors are still unfamiliar with it.

“PCOS stands for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome,” Candice explained. “It’s a hormonal imbalance that affects one in five women in their reproductive age. It comes with a range of symptoms, including weight gain, skin disorders, hair loss, and irregular periods. The irregular menstrual cycle can make getting pregnant more challenging, making it the leading cause of infertility.”

PCOS Diagnosis and Weight Gain

Candice’s passion for raising awareness about PCOS is not just about educating women; it’s also about dispelling myths and providing support for those living with the condition. “Doctors often say there’s no cure, but I’m on a personal mission to somehow reverse it,” she declared. “I refuse to let disease or disorders live in my body.”

Her diagnosis was a turning point in her life, as she had struggled with unexplained weight gain despite being a dancer and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. “I knew something was off,” Candice shared. “I went from a couple of weeks of working out to eight-week programs, eating even cleaner, and still gaining weight. It was affecting my mental health because everything I knew about my body was suddenly changing.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Candice (@candice)

Before her diagnosis, Candice had never heard of PCOS, a sentiment shared by many women who are affected by this condition. “I had no idea what PCOS was,” she admitted. “When the doctor diagnosed me, I had mixed emotions. I was relieved that someone finally validated what I had been experiencing. But at the same time, it was scary to hear that it’s the leading cause of infertility.”

In the interview, Candice also discussed her strategy for dealing with PCOS – tackling each symptom individually. She stressed the importance of seeking professional help and building a support system.

Candice’s story of resilience and advocacy serves as an inspiration to women living with PCOS and anyone facing a health challenge. Through her book ‘Living with PCOS’ and her platform ‘PCOS with Candice,’ she continues to be a beacon of hope and a powerful voice for those who often go unheard.