PCOS & Our Bodies

I know that PCOS is difficult and we all have personal struggles with it, but I think everyone needs...

Thu, 23 May 2013 16:45:37 -0400

I know that PCOS is difficult and we all have personal struggles with it, but I think everyone needs to keep in mind that it won’t be easy, but eventually you’ll get to where you want to be. You’ll be healthy and happy, and I hope you all will be comfortable in your own body. Some people say that you’ll love yourself once you’ve reached your goal, but no, love yourself now! One thing I’ve come to terms with along my own journey, both PCOS and weight loss, is that I needed to love myself, flaws and all. That includes my weight issues, oily skin, breakouts, excess hair, all the way to pelvic pain. I need to love myself as a whole. I knew along this journey I’d take the steps I need to take care of each individual issue and find out what works best for me, even if it only meant I would be maintaining the issue.

Long ago I realized something, there is no known cure for PCOS at this time, only treatments for symptoms, but I had to accept it and myself. I remember crying on the way home after an appointment because like most, I want children eventually, I want to live a normal life. My mom turned to me and said, “Coleen Antoinette, you’re here today and you need to be grateful for that. You have PCOS but that doesn’t change you as a person.” and I kept that in mind for the longest time.

I try not to think of it as a negative aspect in my life because it’s a part of me and so far along this journey I’ve learned to love myself and remember the positives. Look at your strengths and accomplishments, you should be proud of who you are.

Do not let PCOS stop you from that goal you’re trying to achieve, that career you want, or anything that you want to accomplish. Strive for that goal, envision yourself at that goal, and go for it! If motivation, inspiration, or empowerment is needed, don’t be afraid to go to someone because it will help having someone there along side you throughout your journey.

We are human, we make mistakes, and sometimes learn for the better. So if you have an off day, don’t dwell on it, just move forward and continue on towards your goal, keeping in mind of your strengths.

I am proud of each and every one of you, whether you’re just starting on your journey or have been on your journey for some time now. You are taking that step to become a better you.

Do not let negative words discourage you.

Do not be afraid to go to someone for motivation.

Remember your strengths and accomplishments.

Keep a positive mind.

Stay strong and strive for the better.

Be proud of who you are.

I originally posted on http://ourpcos.tumblr.com/tagged/admin-post

princess fuckface: if you’re having period cramps i’m so sorry and i hope you feel...

Tue, 21 May 2013 22:36:06 -0400

princess fuckface: if you’re having period cramps i’m so sorry and i hope you feel...:

skavocado:

if you’re having period cramps i’m so sorry and i hope you feel better, if you don’t know what to do here are some things my mom told me:

milk/dairy aggravates them! so do:
very sugary things
very salty things
caffeine

lay with something warm on your lower tummy; a rice sock works very well,…

I know some of you lovely people suffer from horrible periods! Here’s a few tips! Feel better my pretties ~smooches~
~~Ashley

Melatonin and Poor Sleep Linked in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Tue, 21 May 2013 11:07:42 -0400

Lower levels of melatonin may be linked to significantly reduced sleep quality in women who have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a study reports. PCOS is an endocrine disorder that affects approximately 5-10 percent of women of childbearing age. It is a leading cause of infertility and occurs among all races and nationalities. It is the most common hormonal disorder among women of reproductive age.

Melatonin is a hormone that is made by the pineal gland. The synthesis and release of melatonin are stimulated by darkness and suppressed by light, suggesting that melatonin may be involved in circadian rhythm and the regulation of many body functions. Levels of melatonin in the blood are highest before bedtime.

Synthetic melatonin supplements have been used for a variety of medical conditions, most notably for disorders related to sleep. Previous studies suggest that women with PCOS may experience sleep problems.

In the current study, researchers looked at the link between sleep quality and levels of melatonin, as well as levels of a marker of oxidative stress called 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG). The team evaluated 26 women with PCOS and 26 control subjects, who completed sleep questionnaires for one month. Urine samples were collected at various time points, and the participants’ sleep patterns and lighting environment were monitored for three days and nights.

The results showed that women with PCOS had significantly high levels of melatonin and 8-OHdG in their urine at night, compared to controls. They also had significantly reduced sleep quality.

Raw Living Foods: Epic Raw Vegan Salad Dressing

Wed, 15 May 2013 22:45:10 -0400

Raw Living Foods: Epic Raw Vegan Salad Dressing:

rawlivingfoods:

This recipe is a favorite of mine! A delicious and healthy dressing to mix with your large dinner bowl of greens and veggies. This can also be eaten as a soup.

Ingredients:

2 Navel Oranges Peeled

1 Lemon Juiced

3 Stalks Celery

1/4 Onion

Thumb of Ginger Peeled

1 Avocado

Handful Cilantro

Handful Basil

rawlivingfoods: Seattle’s vision of an urban food oasis is...

Wed, 15 May 2013 22:44:39 -0400

rawlivingfoods:

Seattle’s vision of an urban food oasis is going forward. A seven-acre plot of land in the city’s Beacon Hill neighborhood will be planted with hundreds of different kinds of edibles: walnut and chestnut trees; blueberry and raspberry bushes; fruit trees, including apples and pears; exotics like pineapple, yuzu citrus, guava, persimmons, honeyberries, and lingonberries; herbs; and more. All will be available for public plucking to anyone who wanders into the city’s first food forest.

“This is totally innovative, and has never been done before in a public park,” Margarett Harrison, lead landscape architect for the Beacon Food Forest project, tells TakePart. Harrison is working on construction and permit drawings now and expects to break ground this summer.

The concept of a food forest certainly pushes the envelope on urban agriculture and is grounded in the concept of permaculture, which means it will be perennial and self-sustaining, like a forest is in the wild. Not only is this forest Seattle’s first large-scale permaculture project, but it’s also believed to be the first of its kind in the nation.

Read More

Air Pollution Increases Risk of Insulin Resistance in Children

Fri, 10 May 2013 16:16:24 -0400

Previous studies haveidentifiedlinks between air pollution and other chronic conditions such as atherosclerosis and heart disease. However to date, epidemiological studies that have examined associations between long-term exposure to traffic-related air pollution and type 2 diabetesin adults are inconsistent, and studies on insulin resistance in children are scarce. Thus this new study sought to explore the possible association between air pollution and insulin resistance in children. “Although toxicity differs between air pollutants, they are all considered potent oxidisers that act either directly on lipids and proteins or indirectly through the activation of intracellular oxidant pathways,” says Heinrich. “Oxidative stress caused by exposure to air pollutants may therefore play a role in the development of insulin resistance. In addition, some studies have reported that short-term and long-term increases in particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) exposure lead to elevated inflammatory biomarkers, another potential mechanism for insulin resistance.” In this new study, fasting blood samples were collected from 397 10-year-old children within a follow-up of two prospective German birth cohort studies. Individual-level exposures to traffic-related air pollutants at their birth address were estimated by analysing emission from road traffic in the neighbourhood, population density and land use in the area, and the association between air pollution and insulin resistance was calculated using a model adjusted for several possible confounders including socioeconomic status of the family, birthweight, pubertal status and BMI. Models were also further adjusted for second-hand smoke exposure at home. The researchers found that in all crude and adjusted models, levels of insulin resistance were greater in children with higher exposure to air pollution. Insulin resistance increased by 17% for every 10.6 µg/m3 (2 standard deviations [SDs] from the mean) increase in ambient nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and 19% for every 6 µg/m3 (2 SDs) increase in particulate matter of up to 10 μm in diameter. Proximity to the nearest major road increased insulin resistance by 7% per 500 metres. All the findings were statistically significant. Heinrich says: “There is some evidence that air pollution is associated with lower birthweight and growth restrictions —also shown previously in one of the cohortsof thepresent study — which are known risk factors for type 2 diabetes. Thus, one may speculate that lower birthweight is an intermediate step or ‘phenotype’ between air pollution and insulin resistance. However, we found no evidence to suggest that this may be true in our cohort of children, all of whom had birthweights above 2.5kg.”

mineral magpie: Grab a Grapefruit for PCOS Health

Mon, 06 May 2013 12:24:33 -0400

mineral magpie: Grab a Grapefruit for PCOS Health:

ourpcos:

It may not have occurred to you but the grapefruit is hard to beat as a source of natural goodness in a healthy diet to better manage the symptoms of PCOS.

For a start, it has a low GI ratingof 25, which means it’s much less likely than an orange, for example, to causean…

Thank you for adding this! You got to it before I could get the app working to add an edit and include a warning.

Grab a Grapefruit for PCOS Health

Mon, 06 May 2013 10:41:48 -0400

It may not have occurred to you but the grapefruit is hard to beat as a source of natural goodness in a healthy diet to better manage the symptoms of PCOS.

For a start, it has a low GI ratingof 25, which means it’s much less likely than an orange, for example, to causean exaggeratedinsulin response which triggers the hormonal imbalance that underlies PCOS. And if you are diabetic, it is less likely to causean artery-damagingspike inyourblood sugar.

Another plus with a grapefruit is its ability to help with weight loss because it’s high in fat-burning enzymes and low in sodium. Cutting salt in your diet can help flush out excess water caused byhigh sodium food.

Grapefruit also helps the proper digestion of food and boosts liver function, as well as providing a rich source of Vitamin C. Because it boasts a high concentration of lycopene, it may also help to prevent the onset of tumors.

Try and eat one grapefruit a day. Don’t cut it in half. Peel it like an orange for maximum benefit.

Sincerely,

Christine DeZarn Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Association,Inc. (PCOSA)

Join PCOSA newsletter to receive tips each week!

SOURCE: http://www.pcosupport.org/

Check out Bedsider.org!

Sun, 05 May 2013 12:33:20 -0400

Check out Bedsider.org!:

alittlebitofpcos-andtea:

Research birth control methods that are best for you, and/or find out if you are eligible for free birth control. Find health centers near you, as well as emergency contraception. Even sign up for a daily text reminder to take your birth control!

although i have never been officially diagnosed by a physician, i am certain that i suffer from PCOS. i began noticing the symptoms/red flags (irregular cycles, weight gain, and hirsutism) when i was about 15/16, and i even confronted my parents with my concerns of the possibility, but never took these concerns to a doctor. now im 23 and my symptoms worsen as each day passes. i have had multiple blood tests, countless gyno visits, and even an ultrasound, and still NOTHING. i am losing my mind:'(

Wed, 01 May 2013 15:46:26 -0400

PCOS can be difficult to diagnose and not all doctors are aware of PCOS, so it can be much more difficult than it should be. I would suggest looking into a new doctor, either an OB/GYN or GP. I am not aware if Endocrinologists have to be referred to by GP’s, but it wouldn’t hurt to look into, try to find one in or around your area because they specialize in hormones and the endocrine system. If you have symptoms and are not satisfied, make sure you keep pushing until you find that one doctor who won’t give up. There is a list of specific blood tests to get done that can help with diagnosing PCOS, which I will look for and post in this response, so please keep an eye on this message. I understand what you’re going through, though— it took a few years for a proper diagnosis and I wouldn’t stop until I found out the cause to the symptoms I was experiencing. Keep fighting and have hope! Don’t stop until you are satisfied with your diagnosis.

Welcome & Thank You

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 18:27:20 -0400

I would like to welcome all those who recently followed within the past two months. Last April, I created OurPCOS, and it was the best decision I made. I am so happy to connect and share experiences with those who have PCOS. When I was first diagnosed, I was devastated because PCOS was completely new to me, and like many of you, I had no one to turn to when in need of understanding.

There is plenty here — articles from PCOS websites, latest information, a range of recipes, fitness routines and videos, and plenty more. Now I am currently without a charger for my laptop so post from my phone, but I wanted to inform you all of the categories OurPCOS has to offer. Simply check out this link: http://ourpcos.tumblr.com/tagged/categories and you can explore! I will be updating as soon as I am at a working laptop.

I want to thank each and every one of you for making this past year wonderful. I have come to accept PCOS, realize it will always be a part of me, but I know it will never define who I am as a person, and I hope the same for all of you.

Sincerely,
Coleen— OurPCOS

A little positivity

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 14:03:50 -0400

Hello Beauties.
I just wanted to send a little but of positive energy your way on this lovely day! Remember, PCOS doesn’t go away on its own, we simply learn how to live with it and adopt a healthier lifestyle to combat it. Keep your head held high, and keep fighting!
Don’t let something as silly as genetics get in the way of you reaching your goals! You are beautiful just the way you are.
Love always,
OurPCOS

Learning to Lose Weight Permanently

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 11:45:27 -0400

If you are overweight, the excess weight contributes to PCOS. Practicing certain techniques to lose weight for PCOS health before you begin altering your diet may be the key to making sure those extra pounds don’t return.

A new Stanford University study suggeststhatlearning how to maintain your current weight without at first trying to reduce it helps prevent you gaining back lost pounds later.

Researchers divided more than 250 overweight women into two groups. In one group, the women began dieting right away by eating healthier food and exercising regularly. In the other group, the women were asked simply to maintain their weight for eight weeks by practicing such measures as weighing themselvesdaily and being mindfulof portion sizes and calorie intake.

That “practice run” allowed the second group to “work out the kinks” involved in maintaining a regular weight “without the pressure of worrying about the amount of weight they had lost, ” said study author Michaela Kiernan.

After the eight weeks had passed, the women in the second group launched into the same diet program as the other group and shed roughly the same number of pounds.

But in the year following their diet, the women in the second group only regained half the weight that the other women who took the more traditional, immediate approach to dieting found themselves putting on.

Although this study focused on a short-term diet, and we know that following a low-glycemic diet on an ongoing basis is the core of PCOS treatment, the lessons learned from this study help us to understand how to be “in touch” with our bodies and achieve lasting results.

Sincerely,

Christine DeZarn Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Association, Inc. (PCOSA)

SOURCE: http://www.pcosupport.org/

Source:...

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 12:20:52 -0400

Source: http://www.pcos.insulitelabs.com/pcos-and-infertility.php#.UXFuYhrCvQM

Highly recommend checking out the Insulite Labs website for information!

easypeasypaleo: Seedy Biscuits You will need. 1 cup desiccated...

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 09:22:01 -0400

easypeasypaleo:

Seedy Biscuits

You will need.

1 cup desiccated coconut (organic)

1 cup mixed dried fruit (i use blueberries and cranberries)

1/2 cup sunflower seeds

1/2 cup pepitas

1/2 cup sesame seeds

1/2 cup almonds

1/2 cup chia

4 tablespoons butter

4 tablespoons raw honey

1 teaspoon vanilla essence

pinch salt

Preheat oven at 170 degrees.

Blitz all dry ingredients for about 30 seconds in food processor and place in a large bowl.

Blitz the dry fruit and place in the bowl. It may clump once blizted.

Mix fruit into the rubbing out clumps.

Melt butter in saucepan and add honey and vanilla essence.

Bring to boil and let foam for about 30 seconds

Pour melted butter mix over seeds and mix thoroughly.

Spoon into silicone patty pans and press down with the back of a spoon.

Bake in oven for 15-25 mins or until a little browner.

Let cool before removing from patty pans.

Kali Orexi!

The link between PCOS and obesity may be overstated says new research

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 07:42:56 -0400

Polycystic ovarian syndrome, or PCOS, has long been implicated as a cause of obesity in some women and can, in fact, develop as a woman becomes obese, however, new research published in the current issue of the Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism published April 11, has found that the link between PCOS and obesity may have been overstated.

The relationship between obesity and polycystic ovary syndrome may have been exaggerated, the researchers hypothesize, because the women who actively seek care for the condition tend to be heavier than those identified through screening of the general population.

PCOS affects about 10 percent of women, though some estimates put that figure as high as 25 percent. The condition appears to be more prevalent in lesbian women than in heterosexual women, though it is not known why this is. Polycystic ovarian syndrome is characterized by excess levels of male hormones which are triggered by excess levels of insulin which act upon the theca cells of the ovaries stimulating them to produce testosterone, irregular ovulation and menstruation which can lead to infertility and is associated with an increased risk for insulinresistance, which can lead to diabetes and heart disease. PCOS is the leading cause of female infertility and the disease greatly increases the risk of premature cardiovascular disease including heart attack and stroke.

yogachick: health-teaa: BEGINNERS WEEK 1 Day 1: Morning...

Thu, 04 Apr 2013 14:34:19 -0400

yogachick:

health-teaa:

BEGINNERS

WEEK 1

Day 1: Morning Sequence with Kate Holcombe

Day 2: Happy Days practice with Lilias Folan

Day 3: Yoga for Morning with Jason Crandell

Day 4: Standing Poses with Jason Crandell

Day 5: Core Focus with Rebecca Urban

Day 6: Shoulder Openers with Kate Holcombe

Day 7: Hip Openers with Rebecca Urban

WEEK 2

Day 1: Awakening Practice with Jason Crandell

Day 2: Standing Poses with Jason Crandell

Day 3: Core Focus with Rebecca Urban

Day 4: Forward Bends with Elise Lorimer

Day 5: Yoga for Better Energy with Jason Crandell

Day 6: Quieting Practice with Jason Crandell

Day 7: Evening Sequence with Kate Holcombe

WEEK 3

Day 1: Morning Sequence with Kate Holcombe

Day 2: Backbends with Elise Lorimer

Day 3: Hip Openers with Rebecca Urban

Day 4: Yoga for Noon with Jason Crandell

Day 5: Gentle Flow with Kathryn Budig

Day 6: Sidebends with Jason Crandell

Day 7: Yoga for Restful Sleep with Jason Crandell

INTERMEDIATES

WEEK 1

Day 1: Morning Sequence with Kate Holcombe

Day 2: Standing Poses with Jason Crandell

Day 3: Core Focus with Rebecca Urban

Day 4: Hip Openers with Rebecca Urban

Day 5: Sidebends with Jason Crandell

Day 6: Backbends with Elise Lorimer

Day 7: Evening Sequence with Kate Holcombe

WEEK 2

Day 1: Shoulder Openers with Kate Holcombe

Day 2: Core Focus with Rebecca Urban

Day 3: Practice Standing Poses with Jason Crandell

Day 4: Forward Bends with Elise Lorimer

Day 5: Bakasana with Jason Crandell

Day 6: Fun Flow with Elise Lorimer

Day 7: Evening Sequence with Kate Holcombe

WEEK 3

Day 1: Hanumanasana with Elise Lorimer

Day 2: Hip Openers with Rebecca Urban

Day 3: Backbends with Elise Lorimer

Day 4: Wheel Pose with Jason Crandell

Day 5: Shoulder Openers with Kate Holcombe

Day 6: Bakasana with Jason Crandell

Day 7: Sidebends with Jason Crandell

Hmmm. Sounds cool!

NVN Therapeutics Supports PCOS Challenge in the $4 Billion Fight Against Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

Thu, 04 Apr 2013 12:39:37 -0400

SACRAMENTO, Calif., March 20, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — NVN Therapeutics (www.nvnth.com) today announced its sponsorship of the non-profit support organization, PCOS Challenge, Inc., to help address one of the most common and critical issues impacting women’s health today, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).

“As the developer of Glucorein™ PCOS for women, we understand how important reliable support resources are to individuals and families when dealing with any health or medical condition,” said Susan Derence, director of sales for NVN Therapeutics. “We’re extremely proud to sponsor the education and awareness efforts of PCOS Challenge. They are one of the leading support organizations for women with PCOS and are having a significant impact on the lives of thousands of women.”

NVN Therapeutic’s patent-pending Glucorein™ for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is patent-pending proprietary blend of chlorogenic acid and L-cysteine, which collectively reduce the incidence of metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance, both thought to be key contributors to PCOS.

“We are grateful for the support and commitment demonstrated by NVN Therapeutics,” said Sasha Ottey, executive director of PCOS Challenge, Inc. “NVN Therapeutics’ support will significantly help in our mission to make PCOS a public health priority and to help bring answers to the millions of women and families affected by the condition. Despite affecting one-in-ten women, PCOS gets very little attention in the media and most people are unaware of the condition. PCOS is often under-diagnosed and those who have been diagnosed are left wanting for more resources. With the help of visionary companies like NVN Therapeutics, this can change.”

I'm so frustrated because I feel like I literally can't lose weight, & I have a lot to lose. I think being on BC might be making it worse, but I feel like I have to take my BC pills due to PCOS. I've tried going on different types of diets & sticking to them & the weight just won't come off. I feel like I should go to an endocrinologist but I guess I'm scared of what they'll do or if they'll even help me lose weight or confuse me even further, and I'm scared of the side effects of metformin.

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 21:05:00 -0400

:( I promise everything will work out! PCOS doesn’t ever go away, and sometimes you just have to relax and take baby steps to work with it. It can be FRUSTRATING as all heck, but it can get better!
Endocrinologists are going to help you a whole lot more in the long run with PCOS because they understand how different chemicals and hormones will react with your body. Its super scary and seems like a big deal but it really isn’t! Just be very clear with him or her about what your needs are and they can really help! There are certain types of medications such as metformin that can help a PCOSer lose weight.
Metformin is also kind of scary but not every horror story is accurate to you and your body. Nausea, dizziness, and fatigue are the most common symptoms and can easily be treated, they can also give you a slow release metformin to help ease these symptoms! A lot of treating PCOS is trial and error until you find exactly the right fit for you and your lifestyle. I really recommend talking to your doctor about seeing and Endo. He/she can really help you so much with weight loss as well as getting everything in your body regulated.
Good luck! I really hope this helps you!
—If anyone else has any words of encouragement or advice, feel free to weigh in! remember we are all here to support each other!—
~Ashley

Hello! I recently went to the doctor for irregular periods and hair growth, as well as swollen inguinal lymph nodes. My blood tests came out perfectly fine, so I didn't get an ultrasound done, as the doctor thought it wasn't necessary... plus, she thought I was too young for one. Do you think PCOS is something I should still be concerned about? And perhaps get my symptoms checked out (if they persist, that is), once I'm older? :/ Thanks so much! <3

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 20:45:33 -0400

As of right now, I would continue watching your symptoms. I suggest writing them down on a calendar or in a journal that way you can keep on top of how these symptoms are changing or progressing. Also ALWAYS track swollen lymph nodes, sometimes they can lead to major health problems like cancers and whatnot. If they do not drain or heal and get really hard, go to a doctor asap.
But, yes, I would recommend just watching your body, and going in for regular check ups and talking to your doctor about what’s going on. If the symptoms persist have her do blood work again and request an ultrasound if possible!
best of luck to you!
—Ashley