For many women, reproductive health challenges develop gradually. For Darla Billington, living with Insulin Resistant Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) became a long and deeply personal health journey that eventually led to surgical care at a Lee Health facility after months of debilitating symptoms.
Her experience highlights how coordinated medical care, skilled surgical teams, and compassionate recovery nurses can help patients reclaim their health, even after prolonged and exhausting medical challenges.
A Silent Turning Point with PCOS
In March of 2023, Darla experienced what was likely an early pregnancy loss — something deeply felt but not medically confirmed due to delayed care. Without medical confirmation, the experience left her with unanswered questions.
This unanswered question became the beginning of a slow health decline that would unfold over the next two years. What started as irregular periods evolved, and by fall of 2024, the prolonged bleeding intensified, stretching into episodes that lasted six and even eight months at a time. It became painfully clear that treatment was no longer working.
Fertility and Insulin-Resistant PCOS
According to Dr. Rachel Wykes, an Obstetrics & Gynecology specialist at Lee Physician Group, the primary challenge associated with PCOS is not infertility itself. “Irregular periods and anovulation can allow the uterine lining to continue growing, which increases the risk of heavy, prolonged bleeding and can make pregnancy more difficult,” Dr. Wykes said.
Many women with PCOS also experience insulin resistance, a metabolic pattern that can further disrupt hormonal balance and ovulation. Even so,
Dr. Wykes emphasized that many women with insulin-resistant PCOS are still able to conceive with the right medical support that may include:
• Treating insulin resistance, often with medications that can help regulate cycles
• Using ovulation-induction medications to stimulate ovulation
• Supporting hormonal balance through lifestyle changes, including nutrition, physical activity, weight management, and healthy metabolic habits
A Battle Few Could See
For Darla, the experience was not only physically exhausting but emotionally isolating. She continued balancing daily responsibilities while managing severe symptoms behind the scenes. Excessive blood loss led her to develop severe anemia and she nearly went into hypovolemic shock. Treatment options were explored, including hormone therapy.
Diagnosis and a Path Forward
After months of worsening symptoms, Darla’s provider recommended a procedure called dilation and curettage with hysteroscopy. The procedure would remove the built-up uterine lining, stop the hemorrhaging, and give her body an opportunity to reset hormonally. Following the procedure at Health Park Medical Center, Darla learned that her uterus had been functioning in multiple phases of the menstrual cycle at once — portions of the lining were building, others breaking down, others regenerating — a hormonal storm with no off switch.
Abnormal Bleeding and When to Seek Medical Evaluation
“Many women assume irregular cycles or heavy bleeding are just part of life and may not realize something could be wrong. It’s important for patients to seek medical evaluation,” Dr. Wykes said.
Fear can also play a role, particularly for younger patients. “Building a relationship with an OB-GYN early, when a young woman first begins menstruating, can help make future care feel much more comfortable.”
Lifestyle demands also contribute. “Women are often caring for everyone else,” Dr. Wykes said. “Their own health sometimes becomes the last priority.”
Recovery and Recommitment
After Darla’s surgery, the bleeding stopped, and her anemia improved. With continued treatment, her menstrual cycles began to regulate as her strength returned. Her recovery to health was steady and intentional.
She recommitted every day to walking, often alternating between walking and jogging until she reached 10,000 steps. She focused on nutritious meals and supporting her health with supplements sometimes used in PCOS management, including magnesium, calcium, vitamin D, and myo-inositol.
Over time, Darla lost 45 pounds and reached milestones that once felt impossible.
Her recovery also included building a coordinated care team — a primary care physician, OB-GYN, and endocrinologist — who supported her long term health. Together, they focused on monitoring her hormones, improving metabolic health, and managing PCOS in a sustainable way.
A Message for Other Women with PCOS
Darla said the support she received from other women played a powerful role in her recovery. “I’m most grateful for the women who supported me throughout this journey,” she said. “They believed in me and created space for my healing.”
Darla hopes her experience encourages other women with PCOS to listen to their bodies and seek care when something feels wrong. “Healing is possible when sought, coordinated, and managed,” she said.
Whatever your battle, compassionate care and support can make a difference. Lee Health Women’s Services offers a wide range of services, including obstetrics and gynecology, maternity care, breast care, minimally invasive robot-assisted surgeries, and specialized support for women’s health conditions.
For appointments with a Lee Health Women’s Services provider, call 239-481-4111 or schedule an appointment online on MyChart.
LEE HEALTH