I am raising money for PCOS.

Hi, My name is Imogen Sands representing Eastbourne in the Miss International UK pageant. Verity spread awareness and give support for women with PCOS. I along with one of my family members will run from Holywell to Eastbourne pier and run onto the beach and climb over each groyne until we make our way back to where we started. The challenge is to tackle each groyne and working together as a team. About 36 groynes to climb.

Verity - "Verity is a self-help group for women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). PCOS AFFECTS 1 IN 10 WOMEN IN THE UK.

I have PCOS and it was coincidental the way i found out. I had never heard of it before. In my early teen years and after I struggles with server acne. I had been on every dermatological drug and nothing worked. I then went on one of the top strongest drug for acne and it worked by dramatically reducing my acne it was amazing but even after that my acne was still appearing (which it shouldn't). I then went to another Dermatologist regarding another matter and she was kind enough to ask about my acne and asked how are my periods. I explained I get so much pain sometimes I cant walk or stand up straight, heavy and irregular. She said "I think you have PCOS but you need a blood test and ultrasound to check." I had those done and it confirmed I have PCOS in both ovaries.

Polycystic ovarian syndrome is caused by an imbalance of reproductive hormones. The hormonal imbalance creates problems in the ovaries. The ovaries make the egg that is released each month as part of a healthy menstrual cycle. With PCOS, the egg may not develop as it should or it may not be released during ovulation as it should be. These underdeveloped egg form 'cysts' (about twice as many as in normal ovaries), usually no bigger than 8 millimetres each. there is no cure for PCOS but it can be managed.

There are many symptoms with PCOS however these can be overlooked and PCOS can have a greater affect in later life if not managed or diagnosed. It is one of the leading causes of fertility problems in women and can impact mental wellbeing and can have an impact on appearance and self-esteem.