She’s grabbing life by the beard.
A Canadian mother of two is wearing the title of “bearded lady” with pride after claiming that she defied her doctor’s predictions that she would never have a child due to her polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Gennevieve Vaillancourt revealed that when she was 14, she began developing facial hair, which started out as thick sideburns and a mustache before eventually turning into a full-fledged beard.
“I was always a child with thicker body hair than others, and my facial hair started developing around the age of 14 or 15,” Vaillancourt, 39. told Media Drum.
The Ontario native said she felt “really confused and embarrassed” about the continuously growing hair.
“I tried everything within my power to hide the hair and what was happening to my body which caused a lot of stress and anxiety for me for many years.”
It wasn’t until Vaillancourt was 18 that she fully realized another massive difference between her and other girls — she had yet to get her first period.
‘Instead of focusing on all the things your body isn’t doing, bring your awareness to what it is doing — and become your body’s biggest cheerleader.’
Gennevieve Vaillancourt, 39
This discovery led the already anxiety-riddled teen to further isolate herself from others.
“After that, I had maybe one or two cycles naturally a year, with some years having none at all,” stated Vaillancourt. “In addition to hirsutism, the symptoms I have experienced are weight gain, insulin resistance, mood swings, thinning hair and difficulty getting pregnant.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, PCOS is a common condition among women that affects their hormones and can occur anytime after puberty.
In addition, PCOS causes irregular menstrual periods, excess hair growth, acne and infertility.
“The most hurtful thing I have been told was actually about my PCOS; when I was first diagnosed the doctor told me I probably wouldn’t be able to conceive a child,” Vaillancourt told the outlet. “This broke my heart and haunted me for most of my adult life, because I had always wanted to be a mom and it instilled doubt in my mind.
“Every missed period, failed attempt or miscarriage over the years enhanced that fear.”
Vaillancourt later proved doctors wrong after she and her ex-partner Marty Robitaille, 49, gave birth to a baby boy in 2019.
According to the woman, she learned how to manage her condition by “calming my nervous system to decrease stress, focusing on my mental health and using diet and exercise to help regulate my menstrual cycles, blood sugar levels and hormones.”
“The number one thing I do to manage my PCOS is minimize stress in my life,” added Vaillancourt. “This has helped me to lower my cortisol levels, stabilize my blood sugars and have better mental health.”
“It also helped me to have a successful pregnancy. Some other things I do are; eat mostly low-carb and high-protein meals, limit sugar intake, get regular sleep to combat fatigue and prioritize my mental health,” she said.
The mom also said that her “shifted mindset” helped her carry the child to full term.
Vaillancourt also expressed her desire that doctors would stop telling those afflicted with the condition that they would never be mothers because “it simply isn’t true anymore and it robs us of our hope.”
Since giving birth, Vaillancourt has begun advocating for other people living and thriving PCOS.
“When I first shared my story online I shared it in a couple of social media groups for women. I shared a photo of me and a small story about PCOS and my beard, and I received hundreds of comments from women cheering me on, sharing their support, calling me brave, beautiful and courageous,” said the mother of two.
“I was blown away by the support, and it helped me to shift from feeling afraid to be seen to feeling brave for showing up authentically. ”
Vaillancourt said that the stories are a great reminder that she is not alone in her struggle and has since begun wearing her beard out in public.
“99.5% of the feedback I have received since growing out my beard has been incredibly positive,” said Vaillancourt.
“I’m very grateful to live in Canada, and it makes me feel proud to live here knowing that I can go grocery shopping with my family, walking on nature trails and out in our community without feeling afraid of other people’s reactions.”
According to the mom, anytime someone has a negative reaction toward her, she reminds herself that they “are shining a light on their own insecurities and programming.”
Working as a motivational speaker, Vaillancourt says she has encouraged several women with PCOS to talk about their condition.
“Talk about it with people you trust, it doesn’t have to be a secret,” she said. “Seek a supportive community of women who “get it” because it’s difficult to navigate alone and much easier when we know we have a community around us who are on similar journeys.”
“Instead of focusing on all the things your body isn’t doing, bring your awareness to what it is doing and become your body’s biggest cheerleader,” Vaillancourt continued. ““Focusing on your mindset and mental health has the potential to change your life and greatly improve your PCOS and hirsutism.”
“If I can do it, so can you,” concludes the woman.