PCOS & Our Bodies

Welome! OurPCOS is for individuals living with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. Find support, PCOS-friendly recipes, learn more about the syndrome, or meet fellow people living with PCOS by checking out the My PCOS Page section. Disclaimer: I am neither a doctor nor nutritionist, but will answer questions to the best of my knowledge and personal experience, however, it is ALWAYS best to consult with your doctor before starting any diet plan, cleanse, and/or supplements. All articles are sourced to the original post. No recipes, information, or articles are mine unless stated otherwise. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrine disorders that affects in numbers as high as 1 in 10. While it has been recognized and diagnosed for over seventy-five years, less than 50% of people are diagnosed due to the lack of knowledge, and awareness. PCOS cannot be diagnosed with just one test, and can often be overlooked due to symptoms varying from person-to-person. In order to be diagnosed with PCOS, you need 2 of the following present: androgen excess, irregular/absent menstrual cycles, and/or ovarian cysts. PCOS is a condition in which the female sex hormone’s are imbalanced, which can cause ovarian cysts, weight gain, changes in menstrual cycle, infertility, and other symptoms. An early diagnosis is important with PCOS because the condition has been linked to an increased risk of multiple medical issues including insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and heart disease. There is no exact cause of the condition, although it has been linked to genetics and environment. While there is no known cure for the syndrome, there are treatment options to manage symptoms, and improve your PCOS health.

[ourpcos]

This page is no longer active or updated as frequently as I would like to keep it, even when I allow people to come on as admins. But with the recent repeal of Roe v. Wade, I know a lot in the community are worried and looking for some support. Someone messaged about making this page active again, but I was wondering if anyone would prefer a different approach so people can communicate in a forum setting, like Reddit. Would anyone be interested in that?

[ourpcos]

This page is no longer active or updated as frequently as I would like to keep it, even when I allow people to come on as admins. But with the recent repeal of Roe v. Wade, I know a lot in the community are worried and looking for some support. Someone messaged about making this page active again, but I was wondering if anyone would prefer a different approach so people can communicate in a forum setting, like Reddit. Would anyone be interested in that?

[ourpcos]

Questionnaire

My PCOS Page is a section on OurPCOS that I started as a way for people to find others who have similar interests and might want to reach out to for support or to just meet another person who can relate. I will include some of the questions that were a part of the old questionnaire, but I removed most because they did not have relevance to what I want this section to be or allow people to open up and introduce themselves. 

For those interested in being a part of the My PCOS Page, you’re welcome to submit a little blurb about yourself with your name, age, and URL—whatever you would like to share with people who might visit the page. You can always just answer the questions below  if you feel more comfortable with that.

Name: Age: URL:

1. Share a little bit about you.

2. What year were you diagnosed with PCOS?

3. Did you know about PCOS before being diagnosed?

4. Is it difficult to talk about PCOS with family and friends? Do they show support?

5. What are some aspects of PCOS that you find the most difficult or not discussed as often? Including this question for those who would like to talk with someone else who is going through similar experiences. 

6. What are some of your interests? Hobbies? Favorite season? 7. Are there any other social media platforms you would like to share with others to connect on there?

8. Since we all need some positivity in our lives—share one positive thing that has happened in the past year, and one thing you are looking forward to.

[ourpcos]

I am sorry, but why is it "shameful" to use "her" pronouns when it is a disorder connected to female biology? Why erase those pronouns and woman? Why not use "women and other people" if we want to be so politically correct? Only biologic females can have this, and obviously most of their gender is female as well. Maybe people should respect that.

I never implied that it is shameful to to use female pronouns.Also not getting into the rest of your message because I do not have time for that. 

I started this blog 8 years ago with the intent that it would be a welcoming place for people with PCOS to have support, meet others with PCOS, and find information. Many people came forward about the use of female pronouns and how it made them feel unwelcome within the community along with their feelings on the matter. 

Using gender neutral pronouns does not change the information so there is no need for, "women and other people." Using gender neutral pronouns costs me nothing and gets across the same information without hurting people—it is really that simple.

In short, it's my blog and my decision, so should be respected. This is the only message that I am answering to address this because I'm not getting into a back and forth.

[ourpcos]

Also adding this to note.

I do not need to hear the whole, “PCOS is a female disorder” chat because I am well informed on the condition. There are people who were born female that do not identify as that gender anymore, therefore it makes them uncomfortable to see PCOS only being referenced to women. They might not identify as a female, but they still have PCOS. That means they still need information, support, and an outlet like every other individual with PCOS. They deserve to have access to information that does not cause them conflicting emotions/feelings, in a place where they are respected. 

[ourpcos]

I am sorry, but why is it "shameful" to use "her" pronouns when it is a disorder connected to female biology? Why erase those pronouns and woman? Why not use "women and other people" if we want to be so politically correct? Only biologic females can have this, and obviously most of their gender is female as well. Maybe people should respect that.

I never implied that it is shameful to to use female pronouns.Also not getting into the rest of your message because I do not have time for that. 

I started this blog 8 years ago with the intent that it would be a welcoming place for people with PCOS to have support, meet others with PCOS, and find information. Many people came forward about the use of female pronouns and how it made them feel unwelcome within the community along with their feelings on the matter. 

Using gender neutral pronouns does not change the information so there is no need for, "women and other people." Using gender neutral pronouns costs me nothing and gets across the same information without hurting people—it is really that simple.

In short, it's my blog and my decision, so should be respected. This is the only message that I am answering to address this because I'm not getting into a back and forth.

[alittlebitofpcos]

Reblog or Like if You Have PCOS

Especially if your blog is about your personal life, PCOS, getting healthy, and/or weight loss.

I love catching up with others, and blogs that aren’t filled with reblogs.

[alittlebitofpcos]

Mass PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) Post

PCOS Awareness Posts

Print Outs

Volunteer Opportunities

Types of Testing

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

Success Stories

30 Interesting Facts about PCOS

Books for PCOS, Fertility, and Insulin Resistance

Find Experts with Expertscape

The Amateur’s Guide to Insulin Resistance

The Endocrine System Explained

Pamphlet for Close Relatives and Friends of Women with PCOS

PCOS-Friendly Recipes

Grocery Shopping on a Budget

Things to Remember if You Have PCOS

How to Control Hirsutism Naturally

Free Glycemic Index to Download

Simple Video Explaining PCOS (Great for family and friends)

Dr. Tara Dall Explains Insulin Resistance

Cope PCOS and Weight Management Best Strategies for Healing

PCOS Explained to Your Partner

What You Need to Know

Myths & Misconceptions

What is PCOS? Info-graphic

A Couple’s Guide to PCOS

What Happen’s if I have a Ruptured Ovarian Cyst?

An Open Letter to Teens with PCOS

Resources for those with PCOS

PCOS Foundation

SoulCysters

PCOSChallenge

PCOS Diva

PCOS Network 

PCOS Nutrition Center

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Association

The Hormone Foundation

WomensHealth.gov

Insulite Laboratories

PCOS: A Guide for Teens

Androgen Excess and PCOS Soceity

PCOS Diet Support

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Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common female endocrine disorders that is affecting women in numbers as high as one out of ten, although many cases remain undiagnosed because symptoms differ from one woman to another. While one woman may experience a range of symptoms, another may have little to none. PCOS is a condition in which the sex hormones in a female’s body are imbalanced, which can cause cysts on the ovaries, weight gain, changes in menstrual cycle, trouble getting pregnant, and other problems. If left untreated, it can lead to heart disease and endometrial cancer. At this time PCOS is not curable but with medication, exercise, and healthy eating, the symptoms can be treated.

We are the voice of PCOS. Raise awareness.

[ourpcos]

PCOS Confidence Grant

We are midway through 2020 and I forgot to share information on The PCOS Diva/PCOS Challenge Confidence Grant but there is still time to submit for the FALL grant. I know a lot of people struggle with the skin and hair aspects of PCOS but cannot afford to see a dermatologist or pay full price for treatment so this is worth looking into if you are interested.

It was created to help people struggling with hair and skin issues associated with PCOS. The grants are awarded twice a year, in amounts up to $500 per individual to assist in costs with dermatology treatments, laser hair removal, or electrolysis. Please note that when you access the site, they do use female pronouns and reference to women/girls. The payments are made directly to the provider who is performing the treatments.

You can find out all the information at the link below, but here is some info.

There are only 3 restrictions at this time:

You MUST be diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome by a physician.

You MUST be a legal permanent US resident.

You MUST be at least 18 years of age or application must be completed by a parent or legal guardian if the prospective grant recipient is less than 18 years of age.

You need to include a personal statement and other supporting materials, such as physician statement, a head shot, and photo showing why you are applying (acne, hirsutism, hair loss, etc).

Dates of Interest

Grant submission deadline for SPRING consideration 5/1/20

Grant decisions announced for SPRING funding 7/14/20

Grant application is available online for the FALL beginning 8/19/20

Grant submission deadline for FALL consideration 11/3/20

Grant decisions announced for FALL funding 12/9/20

For full details (terms and disclosure, questions, etc) and to apply, you can click here.

Note: I am not affiliated with either PCOS Diva or PCOS Challenge, or the grant. I discovered the grant while doing research and wanted to pass it along for those who would be interested.

[ourpcos]

I only just read the first post but periods without blood are a symptom??? Which means I had my period this month???

Hi,

I received your other message, and it’s fine! Are you referring to the post about Ovasitol, when I said that I would spot for a day or two, or experience period symptoms without an actual period? I wasn’t meaning I was having a period without blood or that it’s a symptom of PCOS. I was experiencing period symptoms without actual bleeding, but I wouldn’t consider that a period without blood—if that makes sense. Irregular or absent periods are a symptom of PCOS, though! I hope that clears it up!

[ourpcos]

PCOS Nutrition with Angela Grassi, MS, RDN - 051 by Less Stressed Life : Upleveling Life, Health & Happiness - Stream At PodParadise.com

For the most common endocrine disorder, PCOS is certainly misunderstood. PCOS Nutrition Expert Angela Grassi, MS, RDN gives us the juice of the REALITY of PCOS diagnosis and what you can do to help...

Angela Grassi, MS, RDN, founder of PCOS Nutrition Center, was recently on The Stressed Life podcast to talk about PCOS. I encourage you all to give it a listen for Angela’s perspective and insight when you have the time because it’s thorough and informative about the reality of a PCOS diagnosis and life with PCOS. 

It’s a great option for those in your life who want to be informed but do not know where to start. 

Note: Addresses people with PCOS as women/she/her in the podcast. Just wanted to make a note of it so people are aware. 

[ourpcos]

There is no end to the tricks that endocrine disruptors can play on our bodies: increasing production of certain hormones; decreasing production of others; imitating hormones; turning one hormone into another; interfering with hormone signaling; telling cells to die prematurely; competing with essential nutrients; binding to essential hormones; accumulating in organs that produce hormones. Here are 12 of the worst hormone disrupters, how they do their dirty deeds, and some tips on how to avoid them.

There is a handy pdf at the link to download or print to pass along. Also check out EWG’s app that can help buy better options for numerous household products, skincare and cosmetics, as well as food and beverages. 

You can also search here on their cosmetics database.

[ourpcos]

Hey so I just found out about PCOS through Tumblr and I want to bring it up to my mom but she doesn't know I have Tumblr. I think she would be supportive of it and bring me to a doctor but I don't think she would be supportive of me having Tumblr. Do you have any suggestions on how I should tell her about it?

Hello,

I’m glad that your mom would be willing to listen and be supportive when it comes to your health, and there certainly are different ways to approach her and provide her with information on PCOS.

The support and media acknowledgment for PCOS has improved over recent years, from television shows to magazine articles, people are finally talking about it. So think about the best way you would feel comfortable bringing the topic up to your mother, whether it is after discovering someone on Instagram or Twitter who has PCOS, a television show that mentioned it, or even coming across a website dedicated for PCOS like PCOSAA or PCOS Nutrition Center. You could even just tell her that you learned about PCOS and that it is a condition you would like to find out more about with an appointment at your doctor, and you could give her this educational pamphlet on PCOS that is available on the PCOS Foundation website, that way you can leave out where you first found out about it if you’d feel more comfortable that way.

I hope this helps!

[ourpcos]

The Power of Pulses for PCOS - PCOS Nutrition Center

What women with PCOS should know about pulses and how to fit them into a healthy meal plan.

“The plant-based powers that come from key nutrients found in pulses, makes these foods great for women with PCOS to include into their eating. Pulses are dry, edible seeds from plants parts that are held inside of a pod. Examples include beans, lentils, and peas. The key difference between pulses and other legume family members are the nutrient profile found in the dried seed verses the fresh pod. Pulses have been around for thousands of years, and are a known stable in the Mediterranean diet. Here’s what women with PCOS should know about pulses and how to fit them into a healthy way of eating for PCOS.“

[ourpcos]

piratejezebel said PCOS Nutrition Center charges too Yes, PCOS Nutrition Center does charge for a 3-month personalized PCOS nutrition counseling and coaching program for those interested, but the difference between that program and the other PCOS support pages that I am referring to is that those online courses are a sort of, “One size fits all” approach that is sometimes just a PDF file of information while the PCOS Nutrition Center offers a personalized program that is one-on-one with a registered dietitian. It is stated on their website, “Each of our RDNs have completed a bachelor’s and master’s degree in nutrition and dietetics and have extensive training in providing evidence-based nutrition counseling.”

The PCOS Nutrition Center also offers a vast amount of PCOS information on their website for free (without constantly pushing their program)—which is why they are on the list—including a webinar on PCOS supplements that is at no cost to viewers. 

Just clarifying for those who wanted info!

[ourpcos]

Is Yoga the Missing Piece from Your PCOS Self Care Routine? - PCOS Nutrition Center

Learn how yoga may be the missing piece to your PCOS self care.

“Supplements? Check. Improved nutritional choices? Check. A curated team of supportive health care providers? Check. A regular yoga practice? Haven’t gotten around to it yet? If not, it’s definitely time to consider doing so. With its ability to improve self-confidence and self-awareness, balance hormone levels, and dampen the effects of stress, yoga might be the tool to help you manage your PCOS symptoms you’ve been looking for.”

[ourpcos]

What can your period tell you about the state of your health?

Bodyform’s new sanitary towel ad uses red liquid to represent period discharge – about bloody time. Making menstruation more visible in advertising – and conversation – is good for us

Shared by the PCOS Nutrition Center on Twitter, I wanted to share the article because it’s important to be aware of when it comes to people who menstruate. Periods should not be “taboo” and actually have diagnostic potential when people know what to look for during their cycles.

[ourpcos]

Oh my god I never realized that was a pcos thing!!

Yeah, apparently it’s very common in the PCOS community! I have yet to see any PCOS sources like PCOS Diet Support or PCOS Nutrition Center speak about it, but a lot of support groups and pages have people with the condition discussing how they have the line, too, and never knew so many others had it.