Feel so ugly please help!

[UniqueGoldNewt]

hi- i just need advice/words or even a handhold or if anyone else feels like this.
i feel so so ugly- i really do. I am mid twenties and usually am happy with my looks- im not the best looking woman in the world but I’d definitely say im quite pretty without being big headed (normal level of self esteem!) i can list a few nice features but obviously I have my downfalls.
i suffer severely with PCOS and have done since about the age of 16. Im in pain a lot recently after thinking it had improved as metformin regulated my periods and the excessive hair is all over my face having to be shaved daily. I bloat all the time & feel like crap. I usually feel confident in hoodies leggings and a nice pair of vans but even now thats not doing anything I feel like a blobby ugly mess. I have nice brown hair nice eyes and boobs etc but my face has got quite round due to puffiness and bloating, my pelvis is throbbing and im in pain as I write this. Any advice or tips on how to look and feel prettier/more feminine in the here and now?
I am going to start monjaro in the new year i want to get Christmas out the way to enjoy but any styling tips, makeup tips etc any tips at all when my condition is flaring up like now x
my partner always makes me feel pretty and tells me im beautiful but I don’t feel it plus theres so much competition now!! Just need some KIND words and advice or any tips and if anyone feels the same xxx
tia x

Oh lovely, it’s no wonder you feel so down in the dumps when you are continually in pain and don’t feel you look like the old you.
There are a few blogs and tips out out there for PCOS sufferers, there’s another one I’m off to find a link for but MN is constantly crashing on me so will post one then add the other.
I’m glad you have a loving and supportive partner. I hope you find something that helps you get you feeling your self again.

https://pcosdiva.com/dressing-apple-shaped-body/

hate that the above link says apple btw!

https://www.lemon8-app.com/@britt234annyou/7409157408415089157?region=us

Presumably you taking inositol? And on a pcos friendly diet? If not, start there!

Look into anti inflammatory diet- it's worth a try when you're this desperate and isn't about weight, just wellbeing. Lots of water helps too, as simple and silly as it sounds it just flushes through that horrible inflammation. Progress not perfection so even just a few swaps are good. No need to be hungry or miserable!

Are you into cosmetics? Teach yourself to do lash extensions at home (can cost as little as £10 for some basic kit) or book yourself in to get them done once a month. You can dye brows at home too

Press on nails when done properly last around 2 weeks, they can be short and sensible or decorative and long.

Your clothes don't work for you anymore, so time to make you feel better. Scroll Pinterest for your body type and aesthetic- if you like vans and hoodies maybe look at rocknrollmama on insta/tiktok for some wide leg outfit inspo. She's casual but cool, minimal effort outfits and cheap to pick up a few pieces. Wide leg is comfy for bloating and I find more flattering when I want to hide away. More than happy to send links of some very cheap trousers i wear during bloating that I always get compliments on.

Vinted to try new styles. Maybe upgrade from hoodies to jumpers, leggings to stretchy trousers. Vans can stay or you can get some easy to put on boots.

Focus on what you can do, not what you can't do. You CAN cover bloating, you CAN find your beauty, you CAN feel confident.

Let me know if you want some links for any of this, share your sizes/some inspo photos of outfits you like and we'll find you something to cheer you up. You won't always feel this way x

Hiya lovely xxx

Others will do the style stuff but I'd like to add this idea and way of living to see if it makes any difference...

Whenever I hear about a woman's periods being awry, I am always brought back to a huge bible of a book I found when I was 26, written by an American gynae Dr woman who had an interest in whole medicine, women's spirituality and how the cycle and hormones interact with a woman's life and emotions.

I don't know anything about PCOS really, except a basic idea that growing eggs, growing life, birthing things etc, can be misaligned energetically if perhaps the woman has too much care giving to do to something like that, maybe alcoholic parents where she has had to care for their issues. Growing too many things, having to somehow.

I could be way off the mark here but if it resonates, if something you have been through has set up a pattern for you, if there is unresolved trauma, or if something in your current life is just plain wrong for you, then these issues could be part of what ails you because the body doesn't lie.

I hope this doesn't offend you or anything x

That sounds really tough and I am just reaching out to say OWN your gorgeousness. I am glad you’re able to list the things you like about yourself and it sounds like you are really going through the mill with the PCOS, which is horrible.

If you have a bit of money to spend, maybe consider getting lash extensions as this often is a quick route to feeling prettier for lots of people. If you do, go with word of mouth to make sure you go to a really talented lash person - mine cost £50 but last about 7-8 weeks and I feel like this is worth it for how good it makes me feel.

Also, Kate Moss used to operate by ‘Always Clean Hair’ - having a decent haircut and clean, styled hair makes me feel much more confident.

I’m old enough to agree with Trinny and Susannah that a good bra can be an absolute game-changer for confidence. The Boob or Bust online calculator was transformative for me. https://www.booborbust.com/

Finally - make a playlist for days you feel blah. Stick tracks on it that make you feel amazing. I have one and it has things like ‘Confident’ by Demi Lovato, and ‘That’s My Girl’ by Fifth Harmony and ‘I don’t care’ by Icona Pop.

I wish you all the best, OP. May you transcend and overcome your troubles and simply glow 💡 💖

Ooh, also! Space NK do the most wonderful makeovers. I was always intimidated by how fancy their shops are, but when I was brave enough to go in, I’ve had the BEST help and make-up advice from them. I still use all the tips I got from one make up artist in my local branch, and it’s where I discovered my holy grail foundation.
If you’re into make-up, maybe consider booking a makeover there and see how much better you can feel?

Awww so many amazing replies thank you everyone💖💖💖💖💖💖& to the person who commented about the hormone bible book and stuff from that point of view- yes i had a traumatic childhood and alcohol was involved heavily so it does resonate! Thank you and not offended at all xxxx

If you're planning on going on Mounjaro, honestly I'd go on it immediately and wouldn't wait until after Christmas, when you will have only put more weight on. The thing is that it stops you thinking about food, so you don't feel deprived at all. Last year I ate exactly what I wanted - it was probably 1/5th what I would have had - and didn't give food a second thought.

It makes an incredible difference and it makes you feel great, too. I'm so sorry you're suffering, but end the suffering as soon as you can instead of thinking you'll wait until you've put more weight on!

@TFImBackIn end the suffering? Do you know what PCOS is?

Have you tried an at home laser hair removal gun?

my Phillips one has specific face settings.