Power Over PCOS

I am a young woman and this is the documented journey of my struggles with polycystic ovary syndrome and how I am staying positive. my personal : catsandmountains.tumblr.com

[spectrometrie]

[pcos-living]

What I Drink Every Day To Balance My Hormones

As a hormone expert, I recommend that women drink their way to health with some easy, potent beverages that can have a big impact on the endocrine system.

[poweroverpcos]

perioral dermatitis

Anyone else experience a breakout around their mouth that looks a little like acne, but definitely isn’t and doesn’t heal?? I just experienced this and it took 3 doctors to diagnose and realize it wasn’t acne. Curious if anyone else has because I’m thinking it’s birth control/hormone related!!

[ourpcos]

10 Things a Woman with PCOS would like You to Know | PCOS Diet Support

It's PCOS awareness month. Here are 10 things a woman with PCOS wants you to know...

September is PCOS awareness month. This is an important one for us and as PCOS is such a personal syndrome, affecting us intimately, it’s something that many of us don’t talk about too much.

When people ask me what I do, I’m very open about PCOS Diet Support and the fact that I blog about Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. People either start glazing over or if they ask me more about PCOS, I tend to give a brief overview. How do I explain to someone how deeply PCOS affects me; how it impacts on my mood, self esteem and the fact that it goes beyond just being a fertility problem?

So, to celebrate PCOS awareness month, I asked many of my readers what they want others to be aware of when it comes to PCOS. I’m going to share with you some of the things that they wanted others to know. If you are reading this article and have PCOS, my hope is that you would see that you are not alone in your struggle. If you are reading this and don’t have PCOS, thank you for taking the time to learn about something one of your loved ones may be struggling with!

[alittlebitofpcos]

Woman with PCOS writes letter to her younger self, inspires us all

Harnaam Kaur, a 24-year-old UK-based woman, has grown up to become the role model she never had. At the age of 11, Kaur was diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (also known as PCOS) after hair began sprouting on her face. Before long, she was growing a beard to accompany the abundance of body hair on her chest and arms. This caused for unimaginable bullying to plague the young woman's life, leading her to tragically consider suicide when she was only 16 years old. Kaur began to embrace her condition as an adult. After she was baptized as a Sikh – which is a religion that prevents members from cutting their body hair – the strong woman wanted to promote body positivity. She wanted to help others find the self-confidence she lacked during the formative years of her life. When she discovered makeup brand Illamasqua's #LetterToLittleMe campaign, Kaur felt inspired to participate. This endeavor motivates women to write letters to their past selves, ...

Dear Little me,

I have not spoken to you in such a long time. It’s your older self here writing you this letter. I hope you are well.

I can see the struggles that you are facing; I can see it in your eyes that you feel like you don’t belong. I feel it in your soul that you are struggling and you need some guidance. You quiver at the sight of people, you shudder at the touch of a stranger, and you drag your lifeless body everywhere that you go.

If only you could see your own self worth and the gems that you have embedded inside your own beautiful heart. You have a heart of gold and you will empower many one day. Don’t you see it? Can’t you see just how amazing and beautiful you are? You drag yourself through life in the shadow of an unconfident girl. When will the spark inside you flame up and thunder across your body? When will you realise just how wonderful you are? How long before you actually stand up for yourself and shout out your inner voice? You need to make it heard.

You don’t see your self-worth, you don’t love yourself, and you haven’t embraced the compassion inside you that your soul is waiting for you to unleash. When will that time come when you unleash the real you? You need to speak louder, hold your head higher, make yourself be noticed, show people that you have a voice. You need to take strides with confidence; you need to be a bit prouder. Be proud of the beauty that you hold inside your body. Be proud of the strength that you have inside you that you will one day unleash.

I promise you that the world will one day read your story. You have no idea of just how many people will be inspired by your self-love, your strength, your self-empowerment. So baby sister, ‘Little Me’, find the inner strength to carry on living your life with pride. I know you want to end it all, I know you carve the sadness into your skin. Don’t you realise that your body loves you, can’t you see tears that your body is crying? Your body is telling you to stop as it sheds tears, tears of blood. Your body is such a blessing; your body carries your precious heart and your wonderful heart. If only you could see, if only you could hold your head up high. Open your big beautiful brown eyes and see; see what you have to [live] for, see what you are giving up and see the [lives] that you will later [save].

I can feel you self consciously quiver when you try to speak up, your eyes, your beautiful big eyes hide even before they lay eyes on another. Use your voice to speak of your difficulties, be brave and [tackle] your issues head strong. The strength that you have inside is enough to shake mountains. Use it; use it to help yourself and others. Focus on your bright future which I promise that you will definitely have.

You will grow up to be a gorgeous young woman who will shake the normal societal standards of beauty. You will grow to be an activist, and you will mature to help men and women all over the world. Your self-love, your beauty, your self-esteem, your confidence will help empower the masses to love themselves and their bodies. You will show people what beauty truly is, and yes dear little sister it is YOU who has the power to do that; you will do it with all of the strength and love inside of you!

Your soul will shine, your aura will flourish and your self-love for your future diverse body will win the hearts of compassionate people. I promise you, that you are a survivor and you will conquer all of your battles that you will face growing up with might. You have the inner power to do all of this, so I am positive that you are able to overcome all problems that you are facing right now. Be positive, know that you are able to fight against life’s battles and give it all that you have got, because Little Me you are fabulous, you are strength, you are confident, you are empowered and you are beautiful. All these qualities are embedded in you. Delve deep into your soul, reach for them and embrace them whole heartedly.

Dear Little Me.

Here I write you this letter hoping that you will read it and implant all the necessary lessons and messages into your heart and soul. This letter will be most important to you as you travel into the world of adulthood.

Dear Little Sister, little me,

I write to you this letter only to realise that you are now me that have Grown up into a beautiful self empowered young woman, and I can tell you one thing, you have done a very good job growing up. Thank you for going through all those battles and hardships with strength. Thank you for making me the woman that I am today.

I love you whole heartedly.

Kindest Regards

Harnaam Kaur

If you, too, want to write a #LetterToLittleMe, you can find out more here. Even if you don’t want to participate in the campaign itself, we highly recommend that you show your past self some love. After all, our younger selves are still a key part of who we are today.

[ourpcos]

Vegetarian Diet And PCOS

You are diagnosed with PCOS and hear you have trouble metabolizing carbohydrates and need more protein. You’re vegetarian so you’re wondering how that’s even possible. Although you may like protein, your body is constantly asking for carbs. So what’s a girl to do in this carb friendly society? How can you incorporate protein into your vegetarian diet?

First let’s discuss the importance of protein. Most women with PCOS have insulin resistance, which is a result of higher levels of androgens in the body. Insulin resistance means although your body is asking and craving for carbs, once you ingest them, it increases those cravings rather than satisfying them.

The amount of carbs per meal you are able to metabolize is variable depending on your level of insulin resistance. Eating more protein and healthy fats, with less emphasis on carbohydrates will assist with fewer cravings, improved energy and ultimately an easier time with weight management. If you are an ovo-lacto vegetarian, getting enough protein isn’t as big of a challenge as vegan diets.

Here are some easy protein ideas:

Greek Yogurt. Having a cup of plain Greek yogurt with ½ cup fruit and 2 to 3 tablespoons of sliced almonds packs almost 30 grams of protein for a healthy meal or snack.

Eggs. Eggs contain the highest quality protein there is since the amino acid profile is impeccable. Concerned about cholesterol? New research shows cholesterol in eggs does not increase your cholesterol levels. The yolks contain choline, which actually lowers stress in the body, as well as lutein and zeaxanthin which help with healthy eyes, so eating a few eggs a day helps your health bank. Two eggs provide 15 grams of protein and are an easy protein source for any meal. Enjoy hard-boiled ones for a portable and healthy snack.

Cottage or Ricotta cheese. Both cottage and ricotta cheese are easy vehicles for protein and can be dressed up with sweetness by adding fruit, nuts, and cinnamon, or savory when topped with tomato, cucumber and avocado. They both have approximately 28 grams of protein per cup.

Cheese. One of the most vilified foods around, cheese is a great source of protein and calcium. Cheeses that come from grass-fed or European cows contain higher levels of omega 3 fats, which are anti-inflammatory. A snack of 2 ounces of cheese packs 15 grams of protein to add to your protein bank account.

Nuts and seeds. Nuts and seeds are versatile and provide 7 to 8 grams of protein per 2 tablespoons. Have as a snack with fruit, or add to salads, yogurt, and veggies to add extra protein, fiber, healthy fats, and nutrients. Current research shows that there is an inverse relationship between nuts and weight: those who consume nuts on a regular basis weigh less since they are more satisfied and have higher levels of fiber in their diets.

Nut butters. Don’t just settle for peanut butter. Now there’s almond, cashew, pecan, sunflower and a few others. They all have different tastes and provide flavor, and satisfaction as well as 7 to 8 grams of protein per 2 tablespoons. Stick to the natural for the healthiest fat and have with a square or two of dark chocolate for a treat.

Beans and Lentils. Beans and lentils have approximately 15 grams of protein per cup, along with almost half the recommended amount of fiber per day. Beans also contain approximately 40 grams of carbohydrates per cup so if you are watching your carbs this is something to take into account at a meal.

Protein Powder. If all else fails, having a smoothie can be a good option with protein powder. Looking at the integrity of the protein powder is essential: i.e. how many ingredients, it contains what is the source of the protein, etc. I recommend ones with protein coming from whey, pea, and hemp that have minimal ingredients, and no sweeteners or extra fillers in them.

Mix and match your protein sources to satisfy not only your taste buds, but quell hunger, help cravings, and assist with blood sugar balance. A little protein goes a long way towards helping your metabolism and insulin resistance besides assisting with mood, energy and sleep; key essentials to every woman with PCOS.

- See more at: http://www.pcosnutrition.com/links/blogs/vegetarian-diet-and-pcos.html#sthash.wfZCNyU4.dpuf

[alittlebitofpcos]

[pcos-living]

5 Things You Can Do Right Now to Manage Your PCOS

September is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Awareness Month, and the annual occasion always hits home for me. Like millions of other women in the U.S. and around the world, I suffered from PCOS in my

[ourpcos]

Thyroid disorders and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are two of the most common (and perhaps overlooked) endocrine disorders in women. Although hypothyroidism and PCOS are very different, these two conditions share many similar features. Here's what you need to know.

Read all the information at the above link.

[ourpcos]

10 Ways to Improve Your PCOS Symptoms | PCOS Diet Support

When I was first diagnosed with PCOS, I had no idea what PCOS was or what was happening in my body. I immediately got my hands on some books and started reading up on my condition and all that it meant for me (the internet didn’t have nearly as much info on PCOS as it does now). Since being diagnosed 6 years ago, I have spent countless hours researching and talking to experts and piecing together a PCOS management that works. I’ve already shared some of my experiences and knowledge on PCOS Diet Support. Now, I want to share more of the things that I have learned with you so that you don’t have to spend all of your time researching and can spend more time doing things to better your PCOS symptoms. So, here is my list of the 10 things that you can do to improve your PCOS symptoms (there will always be more to add to the list but this is a good starting point).

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Important Facts and Research Regarding PCOS

PCOS is a complex hormonal, metabolic and reproductive disorder that affects 1-in-10 women of childbearing age.

PCOS is a leading cause of infertility in women.

Women with PCOS constitute the largest group of women at risk for developing cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) estimate more than 50% of women with PCOS will become diabetic or prediabtic before age 40.

Some studies have shown women with PCOS to be at three times higher risk for endometrial cancer, two times higher risk for ovarian cancer, and two to four times higher risk for breast cancer.

Some studies have shown due to symptoms of anxiety and depression, suicide attempts are up to seven times more common in women with PCOS than other women.

Pre-teens and teens can develop PCOS. Earlier diagnosis can give them the opportunity to better manage the emotional, internal and physical effects of PCOS. It can also help them prevent the onset of more serious illnesses related to PCOS.

Despite affecting millions of women and the serious health consequences, PCOS is unknown to most people and a staggering 50% of the women living with PCOS are going undiagnosed.

Source: PCOS Challenge, Inc

[ourpcos]

Jillian Michaels on treating PCOS with diet and excercise

[poweroverpcos]

Rant on confidence...

My mother criticizes me all the time about my choice of makeup, in particular my choice of lipstick. The other day while wearing a dark shade of lipstick she told me for the millionth time how “it didn’t suit me” and I replied simply by saying I don’t wear it for her, I wear it for me. She said “we (women) wear it for men.”

Except she’s wrong. There are types like her that wear it for men because they feel like they should or have to, and types like me that wear it because they want to.

If we feel sassy we will throw on some cat eyes and eye-catching red lips. If we’re feeling bold we might wear some dark eyes or dark lips. If we want to take a day off from wearing makeup or even never wear it, we aren’t ugly or unpresentable, we’re BOLD and have CONFIDENCE. Guaranteed if a woman is anything like me she won’t be wearing/not wearing it for anyone but herself.

[eatcleantraininsaine]

How to Reverse Diabetes Naturally – Are You At Risk?

[busket]

"This is why you can’t trust women! They’re so good at makeup and wear it to fool guys into thinking they’re hot!"

shit. girls he’s on to us *washes off makeup to reveal lizard face and climbs up a wall* we will return with a new disguise. soon the power of earthly men will fall

[poweroverpcos]

It's been forever...

My skin is basically back to normal and doing well, which is why I haven’t posted in forever. Sorry!

I do have some updates though. I retract my other post about tazorac…I do not like tazorac. It is way too drying even for my oily skin AND it caused me to breakout on my nose a lot. It caused me to have two little bumps filled with pus that keep returning! Luckily, cortisone shots fix that. It may have subsided if I had kept using it but I couldn’t use it often enough because of how harsh it was. I do not recommend. It only worked for a short period of time.

But I’m on two new medicines. I use azelex cream in the morning and ziana gel at night. My skin is less oily and it’s doing a great job keeping my skin clear. I’m back to the point where I’m not constantly worried about my skin and I don’t wake up with several new breakouts. I had never even heard of these until now but they seem to be working the best for my skin. The scars are slowly but surely going away.

[poweroverpcos]

Zinc or no Zinc?

I have been taking 50 mg. zinc supplements every morning for almost two weeks now. It is not quite long enough to tell if it's making a huge difference, but I have been taking pictures and it is the only thing I have changed in my skin regimen and I have noticed my skin is more calm.  My skin seems to be progressing in the healing process faster since I have started taking zinc.  Zinc deficiencies have been thought to be linked to acne and many people are zinc deficient and don't even know it.  

Zinc is an important mineral for cell regeneration and skin turn over, and if you don't get enough of it in your daily diet it could be part of your skin issues.  Zinc also allows vitamins to reach your skin.  I have also heard that it is good for decreasing oily skin and helping to regulate insulin. 

Make sure you don't take more than 50 mg. a day because it can cause you to develop a copper deficiency! And make sure to take it with food! 

Keep in mind that this is obviously not a miracle worker.  I'm using birth control to regulate my hormones for right now, a personal microderm, a topical retin a gel, and I have changed my diet.