A baby potato living with PCOS

Living with PCOS for 15 years. I love food as much as taking care of my health! Follow my PCOS journey fill with humor, tips, information and of course food pics Follow me on Instagram

[ababypotatowithpcos]

Meh :/

It has been one of those days where you try to find an ounce of happiness and positive vibes in your life lol.

Sometimes I wonder if this is all a test from God? Is life just a series of tests and at the end of it, someone tells you if you have passed or failed? You are faced with one issue and you try your best to solve it and then another issue comes your way and another and moreee....

Some months my PCOS symptoms are so bad that it feels like I have depression. It's one of those times this month! I feel low, disgusted at my skin and hair, and generally just meh about my overall self. Will there be a time when I don't have to worry about PCOS and let it not ruin my life. How do you tell yourself that everything is okay and you don't look too bad! How do you tell yourself that it is not the end of the world when you have acne, acne scars and oily hair. It is so hard to do that sometimes :( I feel like no one understands this.

I have also been feeling very sad and miserable about my relationship. How do you know when and how to let go? What do you do if your partner tells you that they are not happy being with you or feels annoyed talking to you sometimes? Does this mean we are not meant to be? Why does he have these expectations and why can't he just be happy with what he has and focus on the good things and the person that I am? I feel so lost and it is slowly killing me. I cannot imagine losing him as he is also my best friend but I don't want to be sad in my relationship too. We have tried counseling but it doesn't seem to work. My partner still feels this way. Is it too late for us? You can't really lower your expectations or compromise on what you want in a person or in a relationship right?

If anyone out there has any advice or recommendations, please send them through. I am just feeling really low and MEH :/

[ababypotatowithpcos]

What are Periods like When You Have PCOS?

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal condition that affects 12-21% of women of reproductive age. Women with PCOS may experience a range of health complications including reduced fertility.

PCOS is attributed to varying symptoms including hair loss, ovarian cysts, chronic fatigue, and changes in a woman’s menstrual cycle. Despite being a relatively common condition, the differing symptoms of PCOS can make it difficult to diagnose, resulting in up to 70% of women with PCOS remaining undiagnosed.

That’s why it’s important for women to learn what periods are like with PCOS. As it’s not a ‘one size fits all’ condition, you may be experiencing a symptom of PCOS and not be aware of it.

Let’s look at some common characteristics of periods with PCOS.

1. Consistently irregular periods

Some women’s periods run like clockwork, and some do not. But while it’s completely normal to have the odd period that arrives a day or two late, when your periods are consistently sporadic, it may be an indication of PCOS.

The average menstrual cycle is 28 days, but anything between 21 and 35 days is considered within normal range. An irregular period can be defined as having eight or less cycles each year, or having cycles that last longer than 35 days.

Sporadic timing of your period may be attributed to a number of factors, including PCOS, so it’s important to get checked out if your cycle is out of regular range.

2. No periods at all

Some women with PCOS experience an absence of periods for three or more consecutive cycles. This is known as amenorrhea, and it’s one of the major causes of infertility in women with PCOS. After all, if there are no periods, that means no egg is being released as part of a menstrual cycle.

It’s a good idea to keep note of your cycle, so you can always tell how long it’s been since your last menstruation. If you notice a three month break between periods, see a GP about a referral to a gynaecologist who can investigate the cause.

3. Very heavy periods

Sometimes women with PCOS experience heavier bleeding during their menstrual cycle. The technical name for this is menorrhagia, and it’s caused by low levels of progesterone associated with PCOS.

Menorrhagia is characterised by severe bleeding that lasts for seven days or longer. The average blood loss during a regular period is usually 40-40ml. Women suffering from menorrhagia can pass more than 80ml of blood, and also experience clotting during their period.

Many women are raised to believe that heavy periods are just a ‘part of being a woman’. While periods are typically a bit heavier in adolescence, overly heavy periods may be a sign of an underlying issue, and should be investigated.

4. PCOS Painful Periods

Heavy periods usually go hand-in-hand with more uncomfortable symptoms such as cramping (dysmenorrhea). While many women often feel relief after applying a hot water bottle and taking Paracetamol, for others menstrual cramps can be absolutely debilitating.

Painful periods are a very common symptom of both PCOS and endometriosis. If you are experiencing pelvic pain during your period or between periods, it’s important to find the root cause. There are a number of options available to treat the underlying condition and manage your symptoms so you don’t continue to suffer.

Where to seek further advice

Every woman’s body is different. The menstrual symptoms mentioned above are not necessarily a sign of PCOS, but they may also be. The only way to know for sure is to seek advice from a GP or women’s health specialist.

[ababypotatowithpcos]

Man, if I had a dollar for every pimple I have had on my face, I would be a millionaire!

PCOS sucks :(

[ababypotatowithpcos]

Right Foods to Eat for PCOS

What is the best diet for PCOS?

One of the most frustrating things about PCOS is how under-researched it is. While there is scientific data about PCOS-related conditions such as insulin resistance, there is limited quality data on whether there are specific effective diets for PCOS. In saying this, there are good dietary guidelines that can potentially help reduce weight and manage PCOS symptoms.

Here are five dietary tips for those with PCOS that you can follow:

1. Choose the right carbs (and the right amount)

One of the most important factors in the area of diet and PCOS is the quality of carbs.

This doesn't mean cutting out carbs completely but you may choose to lower your percentage intake of carbs.

Particularly focus on lower GI foods like fresh vegetables, fruits, quinoa, legumes, barley, grainy breads and oats, and less processed carbohydrates.

2. Eat healthy fats

Like processed high GI carbohydrates, saturated fats can have a negative impact on weight and PCOS.

We do know that saturated fat does worsen insulin resistance and increases diabetes risk so try to minimized the intake of saturated fat and choose healthy fats from salmon, nuts, seeds, avocado etc.

3. Limit red meat and processed meats

High intake of processed meat and red meat can increase diabetes risk, but protein found in many plant foods like legumes, nuts, seeds and soy products are good for you.

4. Reduce takeaway and junk food

Not surprisingly, the foods which are high in saturated fats and high GI carbs are those which fall under the 'takeaway' and 'junk food' categories.

Women with PCOS should focus on homecooked meals using the core food groups like vegetables, whole grain bread, and cereals, fruit and quality sources of protein and calcium.

5. Have a good diet and exercise regularly

We're all busy and we all have important things to do, but it's especially important for people like us to make diet and exercise a priority.

If you can incorporate some or all the steps above, you are in a good position to control your insulin levels and this will hopefully help manage your PCOS. Good luck!

[ababypotatowithpcos]

How long are your periods?

Hi all, I have got a general question to ask all the PCOS peeps out there. How long do your periods usually last for?

Mine is just 2-3 days and it's over. Is this normal? Should I see a doctor about it? Obviously I suffer from PCOS. My periods has been regular but they are very short.

Hoping to hear back from some of you :) Thanks!

[ababypotatowithpcos]

Hello! Very quick question: I know passing blood clots on your period is more common for people with PCOS, but when does it become something concerning that should be checked out? Thank you!

Hi @anonymousgeekhere thanks for reaching out! I am not sure if passing blood clots on your period is specifically more common for people with PCOS. I have heard people without PCOS also having this. However, I got this from an article about heavy period flows and blood clots. I think as long as your period is not soaking your tampon or having to change your pads every hour or two, I don't think it is anything to be alarm about. I have this as well but it's usually on the first or second day and it just goes away. Hope this helps!

Are Large Menstrual Clots Serious?

If you get heavy periods, you may sometimes come across large and somewhat terrifying blood clots. While many people suffer from heavy bleeding during their periods and pass blood clots, it doesn’t necessarily mean that something bad is going on.

“During menses, the body releases anticoagulants to keep the blood from clotting as the lining sheds from the uterus. When bleeding is heavy (released at a quicker pace), there is not enough time for the anticoagulants to do their job and therefore clots form,” explains Dr. Heidi Strieb, an OBGYN in West Reading, Pennsylvania.

Should you be worried? “If you continue to pass clots larger than a quarter or are saturating a tampon or a pad in an hour,” says Strieb, “you need to be evaluated by a doctor to determine the cause.”

[ababypotatowithpcos]

Myoinositol and it's role for PCOS

Inositol is a vitamin-like nutrient that the body needs in small amounts for normal cell function, growth, and development. Inositol is also considered a popular supplement for women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), but is it actually helpful?

What is Inositol?

Inositol, also known as vitamin B8, naturally occurs in a variety of foods such as fruits, grains, nuts, beans, and organ meats. It is a type of sugar alcohol with half the sweetness of table sugar (sucrose).

Though often referred to as vitamin B8, inositol is considered a pseudovitamin simply because it is not an essential nutrient.1 Its presence is vital in the body but a deficiency does not translate to an actual medical condition. Besides, the body can easily synthesize it from glucose.

Vitamins are considered essential nutrients because the body cannot synthesize enough of them to meet bodily needs and therefore must be obtained from food and supplements.

Why is it Important?

Inositol plays an important role in providing structure to cells and helps in regulating multiple pathways:

Insulin action

Chemical messengers in the brain

Lipid metabolism

Cell growth and differentiation

Maturation of egg cells

Fertility

So what does research say about the benefits of Inositol for women with PCOS?

1. Inositol May Restore Ovulation

A meta-analysis of 10 randomized trials revealed that inositol was associated with improved ovulation rate and increased frequency of menstruation compared with placebo.

A 2010 study in 42 women with PCOS showed that the use of Myo-Inositol in combination with folic acid resulted in spontaneous ovulation in 65% of the patients with 35% obtaining pregnancy. In the metformin group, by contrast, only 50% ovulated and 18.3% become pregnant.

2. Inositol May Reduce Testosterone Levels

In lean women with PCOS, D-chiro-inositol decreased free testosterone by 73% with no change in the placebo group. Six of the 10 women in the D-chiro-inositol group ovulated in comparison with 2 of 10 women in the placebo group.

Results from a double-blind study on the use of Myo-Inositol also showed promising results. In patients treated with Myo-Inositol, the total testosterone decreased from 99.5 to 34.8, free testosterone decreased from 0.85 to 0.24. Improvement in metabolic factors was also reported.

PCOS patients with acne and hirsutism showed significant improvements after receiving Myo-Inositol for six months.11 Testosterone and free testosterone levels significantly decreased, as well as basal insulin levels.

3. Inositol May Improve Insulin Resistance

D-chiro-inositol is involved in insulin metabolism. Patients with diabetes or impaired glucose tolerance have low levels of D-chiro-inositol in the urine. Both Myo-Inositol and D-chiro-inositol seem to improve insulin sensitivity, especially in women with higher fasting insulin levels (greater than 12 µU/mL).

The enzyme epimerase converts myo-inositol to d-chiro-inositol. Supplementing with Myo-Inositol alone may have a potentially additive benefit when combined with lifestyle changes in the management of PCOS and insulin resistance.

4. Inositol May Play A Role in the Prevention of Gestational Diabetes

PCOS is linked with insulin resistance and impaired glucose tolerance, which increases your risk for gestational diabetes. It is a condition in which your glucose levels become high during pregnancy. Although evidence is limited, the use of Myo-Inositol (4 g daily) and folic acid (400 µg daily) throughout pregnancy may help prevent gestational diabetes in women with a family history of diabetes.14

What Type of Inositol is Best for PCOS?

Research shows that Myo-Inositol may have a role in improving menstrual cycles, ovulation, and improving metabolic changes in PCOS.

It appears that D-Chiro-inositol is only beneficial at a specific ratio with Myo-Inositol. Studies suggest that a ratio of 40:1 Myo-Inositol/D-Chiro-inositol may the best for PCOS treatment in restoring ovulation and normalizing hormone levels.

[ababypotatowithpcos]

Happy New Year! To new beginnings everyone! On that, check out my 2022 goals in my new blogpost :)

Hope everyone has an awesome year ahead and we will kick covid's butt and get rid of it once and for all!

[ababypotatowithpcos]

How do you know if a person is right for you?

Putting it out there because I am feeling rather confused and sad about my relationship and seeking help/advice on the matter.

I have been in and out of a relationship with my partner for nearly 3 years now. We broke up twice and got back together, and now we are seeking the help of a counsellor to help us go through some of the issues in the relationship.

We have been going for counselling sessions for the past 5 months and things are slowly looking up until I asked the question whether he wants to move in with me. He is now struggling with the idea of committing fully and is thinking about whether he will be happy in 5, 10, or 20 years time. He is worried that he won't be happy and that scares him very much. I feel so sad hearing this especially since I thought we are slowly making good progress in the sessions. I sorta blame myself for putting the pressure on him and asking him the question to commit. But to me, it is important to know that I see a future with someone I love and I can build a life with this person. I don't want to date just for the sake of dating and feeling less lonely.

I love my partner so much and sometimes I feel like I love him more than he loves me and that causes me so much anxiety. I always wish that I could do more in the relationship but I am not sure what else to do. At times, it can be very confusing and tiring. At times I wonder if he really is the right person for me? When he is happy, I am happy and things go so well but when he is not, things look so bleak :(

What do you do if you have a partner who has a fear of commitment? Does anyone have any advice on what to do?

[ababypotatowithpcos]

Soooo, just providing an update on my hair loss after a visit to the doctors last week and taking my blood test. The doctor checked for iron levels, thyroid, a full blood count, and fasting sugar levels. And....all the results were NORMAL! No other health issues diagnosed associated with hair loss so the only thing is possible is PCOS >.< which was my initial thought.

So the doctor gave me a referral letter to a dermatologist. Rang the dermatologist office and guess what, the next available appointment is next May!! SIGH...what should I do in the meantime?

I am afraid to wash my hair now cuz I am scared that more hair will drop and the cycle continues until I really have no hair left! Should I go back on spironolactone and bcp? I am trying to do things the natural way but it's just so hard!

I was thinking to call the doctor again to let her know to give me another referral letter to another dermatology center but I have to now wait until the new year cuz she is on holiday.

What other suggestions are good for hair loss? I really appreciate anyone's help and recommendations.

[ababypotatowithpcos]

Different Ways to Combat Hair Loss

Hey guys, check out my new blog post of different ways to combat hair loss. Please support me on my new blog and let me hear your thoughts on what you do to manage hair loss?

A bit of an update: I went to see the doctor today about this and she did a hair pull test (not the best test for someone who is already losing so much hair!) but nevertheless she told me that I do have active hair loss and shedding! I wanted to cry so badly. She said my scalp is healthy but she asked me to do blood tests to eliminate any other health issues before going back to see the dermatologist for a proper diagnosis! Will it get better???? I am feeling so down :(

[ababypotatowithpcos]

HAIR LOSS and PCOS

I feel so depressed today looking at my hair. For a small asian person, one of the best features I always get complimented on is the amount of hair on my head. When I was younger, hairdressers would often tell my mum that I have a head full of healthy hair and I was so blessed with thick hair. Fast forward 20 years later, hairdressers are now asking me to buy better shampoo and conditioner for my hair cuz it's so dry, brittle, and frizzy :( Just one of the many symptoms of PCOS >.< Argh! Even since stopping spiroaldactone 3 years ago, my hair has fallen dramatically and I can see my hairline receeding. When I look into the mirror, I can see a bald patch at the back of my head where my hairline meets. I am taking to go back on spiroaldactone but I am scared to lose all the hair again once I come off spiroaldactone. I don't want to go back on birth control pills again which was what I had to do the last time I was on spiroaldactone. Does anyone here take only spiroaldactone without BCP? How have you found it?

I am currently on metformin, myoinositol, minoxidil 5% and I am also using hair loss shampoo but it doesn't do much for my hair. My hair is still shedding every day and it's everywhere around the house. I am so scared and worried that I will go bald when I am in 40s.

I have read so many different things that could help with female hair loss but I don't know which is to believe. Some articles mentioned saw palmetto is good, some said MSM is good and the list goes on. I have also seen laser combs/hats that supposedly help with hair loss. Does anyone have any good experience to share with natural supplements to take to combat female hair loss?

I am really feeling so down about this and I am slowly losing confidence in myself. I envy people with thick hair because I was that person once upon a time but I am not anymore. Why isn't there help given for women fighting female pattern hair loss! :(

[ababypotatowithpcos]

Since you mentioned hair loss, do your have any tips for that? I’ve noticed recently that I’ve actually lost a lot of hair. I didn’t notice because my hair is curly and poofy, but when my hair was wet the other day I tried gripping it in one hand and found I easily could, which I couldn’t do before. It’s not excessive hair loss but I am a bit worried about it, esp cuz my hair is my favorite physical quality of myself 😔

Hi @anonymousgeekhere, I am totally struggling with hair loss at the moment and I am so scared that I will be bald when I reach my 40s. How old are you and are you currently taking any medication for your PCOS? I am currently taking Metformin, Myoinositol and using this shampoo for hair loss (It's only available in Australia which is where I am) but it isn't really helping that much. I can see a bald patch forming behind my scalp where my hairline is. I am going back to see the doctor this week and see what she says but I do know Spiroaldactone and the birth control pills helps with hair loss and I have taken both of them for many years. I have researched so much on the internet about so many different things so I guess it's all really trial and error. I have also seen so many different supplements for hair, skin and nail and I have tried a few but they didn't help hair growth but did help improve skin and nails which some will say it's good. I am still looking for the answer to this question but it's really all about trying different things and finding one that works. It doesn't help that most women who have PCOS also have anxiety and stress causes more hair loss. It's best to speak to a trusted and good doctor and bring up all these issues.

[ababypotatowithpcos]

Hello! I was wondering if you had any advice on advocating for yourself when it comes to PCOS issues? Esp because I was diagnosed so young and have not been a legal adult for long; I wasn’t told much about my condition and have been constantly told my weight is the issue for everything. Recently I’ve been doing my own research and found that a ton of issues I have that were brushed off for so long (anxiety, depression, libido issues, sleep issues) are all linked to PCOS and basically I wasnt taken seriously by my doctor or my parents. How can I prevent such things from happening in the future? Thank you!

Hey, thanks for reaching out and for your question! I totally understand your struggle with PCOS and doctors not taking this condition seriously. It can be so overwhelming and disappointing especially since it's the doctors job to listen and give the best advice.

I don't know if there really is a right method or technique to solve this but what I find help is to show them what you are going through. For example if you have problems sleeping it might be a good idea to keep a track of a sleep diary and maybe relate it back to PCOS (i.e. do you struggle to sleep during certain period of the month). You can show this sleep diary to your doctor or parents so they can understand you. I would also recommend for you to find a good female doctor or get a referral for a specialist like a gynaecologist. It is important to look for someone who will care and listen because PCOS is a life long condition and there is really nothing at the moment which can cure this permanently which sucks. Therefore you want someone to be on your side.

It took me many years to find a doctor who actually cares so don't give up! I still struggle with this but persistence is key here! Keep trying until you find someone who you are comfortable with.

Your journey will be a lot easier when you find a much better doctor and you can talk through these issues with safely and with an open mind. I do have problem sleeping, anxiety, hair loss, acne and all that and I'm still trying to manage these symptoms till today. It's not easy :( unfortunately not everyone understands how we feel!

I wish you all the best in your journey! Let me know how you go ☺️

[ababypotatowithpcos]

Hi all, Happy Thursday! Glad we are almost at the end of another hectic week at work. Can't wait for TGIF!

I have started my own blog to talk about PCOS and my journey through it. I would love for you to check it out and my new post titled PCOS Meal Ideas. These are some of my favourite recipes to keep myself healthy and help keep PCOS symptoms at bay.

Let me know what you think in the comments section or drop me a question in my new blog!

[positivelyadhd]

I just wanted to make a post for anyone out there with pcos

I see you and I love you and I'm so proud of everything you're doing

I'm sorry that the beauty industry and society tries to make you feel bad about parts of your body but I'm here to tell you that there is nothing wrong with your body. it's doing it's best and you're normal and you're allowed to express yourself however you please. you're beautiful however you present <3

[ababypotatowithpcos]

Love yourself with PCOS!

More often than now, women with PCOS have low esteem and low confidence due to the physical changes in their bodies. I know I am one of them! I started feeling I was not so much of a woman after being diagnosed with PCOS and could possibly be infertile. I had terrible acne, oily skin, hair loss, hairy in all places, and was so bloated.

I had to keep reminding myself of this. Please note that you are 100% beautiful on the outside and inside. I had to re-learn to love myself and it took a long time but it was so worth it!

I understand your pain, suffering, sadness, and frustration. I have been there so many times. It hurts when I look into the mirror and go, why me???

But as long as we are healthy and we are alive, we can make changes to improve our condition and be stronger! There is no cure for PCOS but we must not let PCOS bring us down. There have been many success stories of women getting better with PCOS, having kids, and living their best lives!

We can add to that success story and be one of them!

Who is with me!