Pcos.cysters2021

Sometimes we have to have these hard conversations. There is a relationship between depression and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). As much as 40 percent of women with PCOS experience depressive symptoms. 

But why is that? Well I believe that there are a number of factors which contribute to mood disorders thT many women are affected by when suffering from PCOS:

A related imbalance in s*x hormones or insulin could be to blame. 

Being faced with more or worsening metabolic complications of PCOS such as pre-diabetes, type ii diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular disease can be difficult to cope with.

Higher levels of androgens  (male hormones) may contribute to higher rates of mood disorders in women with PCOS.

Beyond the hormonal influences of PCOS that can contribute to depression, the difficulties and frustrations of managing the symptoms of PCOS can't be overlooked. Struggles with infertility, weight gain, and dermatological symptoms (acne, hair loss, excess hair growth) can all take a significant toll on the emotional health of women with PCOS. 

There are various signs and symptoms of Depression that affect everyone in an individualized manner, namely:

Fatigue
Sadness
Loneliness
Helplessness
Tearfulness 
Sleep disturbances
Lack of motivation
Appetite changes
Changes in weight (this is also a sign of PCOS itself) 
Feelings of guilt
Difficulty concentrating 
Loss of interest in s*x
Loss of interest in hobbies or activities previously enjoyed
Poor decision-making
Headaches
Physical pains such as neck or backache
Digestive issues

It is so important to listen to your body in this time and seek help should you need it, whether it is in the form of therapy, counseling, alternative or integrative medicine- whatever you need to do to get yourself feeling "better", do it! And know that you do not have to walk this path alone.

Some helpful tips when you're trying to main a healthy weight or lose weight with PCOS:

1. Reduce Your Carb Intake: Lowering your carb consumption may help manage PCOS due to carbs’ impact on insulin levels.
Approximately 70% of women with PCOS have insulin resistance, which is when your cells stop recognizing the effects of the hormone insulin.

Eating a low-GI, low-carb diet may reduce insulin levels in women with PCOS. In turn, this could help with weight loss.

2. Get Plenty of Fiber: For women with PCOS, a diet high in fiber may help reduce insulin resistance, body weight, and excess body fat.

3. Eat Enough Protein : Protein helps stabilize blood sugar and increases feelings of fullness after a meal. Higher protein intake may boost weight loss, especially for women with PCOS. Try adding healthy, high-protein items like eggs, nuts, and seafood to your diet.

4. Eat Healthy Fats : Eating more healthy fats may be beneficial for women with PCOS. In studies, higher fat intake is linked to reduced hunger and a greater loss of body fat. Examples of healthy fats include avocado, olive oil, coconut oil, and nut butters. Combining a healthy fat with a protein source can further increase the filling effects of meals and snacks.

5. Eat Fermented Foods: Women with PCOS may have lower numbers of beneficial gut bacteria. Eating foods rich in probiotics or taking a probiotic supplement may support your gut bacteria, thus aiding weight loss.

6. Limit Processed Foods and Added Sugars:Processed foods — such as refined carbs and added sugars — increase blood sugar levels, which can lead to weight gain.Foods high in added sugar and refined carbs include cakes, cookies, candy, and fast food.

7. Reduce Inflammation: Inflammation is common in women with PCOS and has been linked to obesity. Eating a diet high in whole foods — especially fruits and vegetables — may safeguard against inflammation.

8. Don’t Undereat: Chronic calorie restriction may slow down your metabolism, possibly leading to weight gain. Instead of forcing yourself to eat less food, try to adopt a diet of whole, unprocessed foods to help with weight loss.

Hey Cysters! September is pcos awareness month. Please do us the honor of joining us in this year's Virtual PCOS CON taking place September 17th-19th. Our founder is apart of an exciting and amazing speaker line-up, and influencers all volunteering for this year's event, proudly presented by

To book your tickets, please visit : https://www.pcoscon.org/

The importance of spreading the word about couldn't be more apt in these times. It is such a pressing topic that affects so many people, whether you have it or know someone who has it. We can all agree that the key to managing it and living a better quality of life, is educating yourself about it.

Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today. – Malcolm X

Weight loss improves the insulin resistance associated with PCOS, and for some women may improve the hormone imbalance and increase fertility. The amount of weight needed to be lost is not known.

Still I rise!

We all know that making healthy choices aren’t just common sense when you have PCOS. Eating wisely, being physically active, sleeping well, and managing your stress can help reverse the hormone imbalances at the center of polycystic o***y syndrome and the symptoms those hormone changes cause.
Research has shown over and over again that managing ones weight, even shedding a small percentage of excess kilos (eg, say in the abdominal region) and exercising regularly can improve symptoms such as irregular periods and infertility, and improve the effectiveness of medications used to help manage ones glucose and improve insulin resistance in polycystic o***y syndrome (PCOS).

So what does this all exactly mean? How exactly do you improve the symptoms of Pcos? Ill expand on some of the tips referenced above 😉

1) Begin a PCOS-Worthy To help decrease the effects of PCOS, try to:

Maintain a healthy weight. Weight loss can reduce insulin and androgen levels and may restore ovulation. Ask your Healthcare provider about a weight-control program, and meet regularly with a dietitian for help in reaching weight-loss goals. In overweight individuals even losing between 5-10% of body weight has been shown to have beneficial effects in those with PCOS.

( FYI insulin resistance appears to be a common symptom that people suffering from pcos deal with-it is also a precursor to type 2 diabetes). Losing body fat may have a knock-on effect on the severity or even the complete eradication of amenorrhea ( irregular/ loss of menstrual cycle), severe acne and excess hair growth.

2)Limit carbohydrates. Low-fat, high-carbohydrate diets might increase insulin levels. Ask your Healthcare provider about a low-carbohydrate diet if you have PCOS. Choose complex carbohydrates, which raise your blood sugar levels more slowly.

3)Be active. Exercise helps lower blood sugar levels. If you have PCOS, increasing your daily activity and participating in a regular exercise program may treat or even prevent insulin resistance and help you keep your weight under control and avoid developing diabetes.

This such an apt poem. 😌 happy Friday

What is Pcos? The technical name is Polycystic o***y syndrome. It is a somewhat common health problem caused by an imbalance of reproductive hormones. Among other issues, the hormonal imbalance creates problems in the ovaries, ie. Irregular periods, complete loss of period etc.

So who gets Pcos?
Chances are that, as a female, if you do not have it, you definitely know someone who has it. And thisbis because between 5% and 10% of women between the ages of 15 and 44 ( or during childbearing years), can get PCOS. Most women find out they have PCOS in their 20s and 30s, when they have problems getting pregnant and see their doctor. But PCOS can happen at any age after puberty.

Common symptoms include irregular periods, an overabundance of facial hair, thinning hair, acne, accessible weight gain, skin tags, among others.

How is Pcos diagnosed?
There is no single test to diagnose PCOS, you would need to follow a process of elimination as there are no set symptoms that are definitive to it. Some tests include:
* physical examination by a qualified physician.
*Pelvic exam
*Pelvic ultrasound
*Blood tests
Once other conditions are ruled out, you may be diagnosed with PCOS if you have at least two of the following symptoms: Irregular periods, signs of androgens, multiple cysts on one or both ovaries.