Living with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) can be a challenging journey, marked by both physical and emotional hurdles. For radio and TV personality, Hayley Sproull, who was diagnosed with PCOS at 21, this journey has been nothing short of a roller coaster. From early signs of the condition during her teenage years to the onset of more severe symptoms as her career took off, Hayley has navigated a path filled with confusion, self-discovery, and resilience.
But first.. What is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)?
Read on as we learn more of Hayley's personal journey with PCOS and also shares how Caci Clinic has helped her navigate skin concerns related to PCOS and what she's learned along the way. This conversation offers awareness and guidance for anyone navigating the complexities of PCOS.
Tell us about your personal journey with PCOS and how it has shaped your life both personally and professionally?
It’s been a roller coaster. I was diagnosed with PCOS at 21 but had all the signs and symptoms since I was a teenager. I mean, who starts growing a moustache at aged 11! I was diagnosed by a Dr. that unfortunately didn’t know much about it so was put on the pill and sent out into the world without much information at all. It wasn’t until I tried coming off the pill at 27 that the sh*t hit the fan and everything turned into a nightmare - weight gain, acne, hirsutism, no sign of a period. All made worse by the fact that my TV career had just kicked off and everyone was suddenly looking at me. So I started on a long journey to educate myself about how to live a happy PCOS life and it’s a journey I’m still on now. Some days I do nothing but wish this wasn’t my reality and other days I can handle it better.
What were some of the initial challenges you faced when you were diagnosed with PCOS, and how did you overcome them?
Just a lot of confusion. I was also told that if I wanted to have a baby, I should do it soon. I was 21. I have never wanted children but when the pressure comes on that early it’s really confusing and I did panic a bit. Being on the pill masks a lot of symptoms so in my early days of knowing I had PCOS I didn’t have too much to deal with.
Can you talk about any specific Caci Clinic treatments or products that you have found beneficial for PCOS-related skin concerns?
I’ve been off the pill again for about a year and my skin has definitely broken out in hormonal acne since then. I’ve been managing it with a combination of lifestyle changes, supplements and skin treatments. For me the MUST do for acne is the LED Light Therapy Treatment. I thought it was all whimsical nothingness, how could it possibly help! But no - I notice a difference immediately every time. Caci also has a Blemish Control Facial which is really cleansing and also includes extractions which is a safe and gentle approach to those pimples that usually you would pop or pick yourself which will only make things worse! And if like me you have some acne scarring, I’m finding Caci’s Microneedling is helping to reduce these. Also don’t forget Caci does Laser Hair Removal! And if you’re a PCOS girly chances are you’re gonna need it!
How has going to Caci influenced your own skincare routine or approach to managing PCOS?
My skincare routine was very social media influenced and I was a bit in the dark with what I was using and why before now. Since being a Caci girl I’ve been using exclusively Murad products and I’m obsessed. For my PCOS symptoms I use my at home Skinsmiths LED Facial Mask twice a week, I use the Murad Deep Relief Blemish Treatment for those gnarly spots that don’t quit and I ADORE the Murad Rapid Relief Sulphur Mask. It literally sucks the evil out of pimples and speeds up the healing process.
What advice or words of encouragement would you offer to someone who’s just been diagnosed with PCOS or is having a tough time with it?
So many things. Educate yourself. Follow PCOS experts on social media, Google things, join Facebook groups so you can talk to other people who understand you. And please know you’re not alone! They say it’s incurable but it is manageable!
Tell us a bit about your experience at Caci and what stood out to you, especially in relation to managing PCOS?
The team at Caci have been amazing. They never judge you or make you feel ashamed of your skin, no matter what state it’s in on any given week. They really care about you and just want to look after your skin and make you feel confident! They’ve also been amazing at recommending products and adjusting what I’m using based on what my skin is doing. Also, no one does a hearty extraction like Bree in the Epsom clinic. SO SATISFYING.
How are you feeling about your skin now in comparison to when you started your skin journey with us?
I feel in control. With PCOS, skincare is only one part of managing symptoms like acne, but it’s a really important one. I feel like I’m caring for my skin from every angle now with Caci’s support and knowledge helping me do just that.
What does “Skin Confidence” mean to you?
It means unapologetically living in my skin through every stage of life!
As Hayley opens up about her PCOS journey and her experiences with Caci, we’d love to hear from others who are navigating PCOS too. If you’ve got your own story to share or tips from your journey with Caci, get in touch! x
