PCOS. What’s a girl to do?

Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) often have a range of concerns related to their health and well-being. Some common worries among women with PCOS include:

  1. Fertility: Many women with PCOS are concerned about their ability to conceive and have a healthy pregnancy due to irregular periods and potential ovulatory issues associated with the condition.
  2. Hormonal Imbalance: PCOS can cause irregular menstrual cycles, acne, unwanted hair growth (hirsutism), and hair loss, leading to concerns about appearance and self-esteem.
  3. Weight Management: Women with PCOS often struggle with weight management and may be worried about the challenges of losing weight and often have concerns the extra weight gain may lead to other health issues..
  4. Long-Term Health Risks: PCOS is associated with an increased risk of developing health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and endometrial cancer. Women with PCOS may worry about these long-term health risks.
  5. Emotional Well-Being: Anxiety, depression, and mood swings are common concerns for women with PCOS, particularly due to the hormonal and emotional imbalances associated with the condition.
  6. Understanding and Support: Many women with PCOS worry about the lack of understanding and support from healthcare providers, as well as the general public, which can impact their ability to manage the condition effectively.

Understanding these worries and addressing them with empathy and support can make all the difference in your healing journey.

Which of these do you most relate with?

 

If you are suffering from PCOS, you may also have various feelings and desires regarding your health and well-being. While everyone is unique and may have different experiences, here are some common desires I hear women with PCOS share:

 

She wants to:

 

  1. Feel Understood and Supported: Women with PCOS often want to feel understood and supported by their healthcare providers, family, and friends. It can be a complex condition that affects many aspects of their life, so having a strong support system is crucial. Oftentimes, women come to me after feeling dismissed or misunderstood by their doctor.
  2. Get guidance on how to take control of their health: With so much conflicting information on the internet, many women with PCOS want to feel empowered and in control of their health but don’t know where to start. This may involve making lifestyle changes, but which ones & how? PCOS is multi-layered and complex, deciding on  diet and exercise routine, managing stress, and taking medications is unique to each woman.
  3. Relief from Symptoms: The symptoms of PCOS are no fun!  Irregular periods, acne, weight gain around the belly, fertility issues and hair in unwanted places are among some of the symptoms women with PCOS experience. Women with PCOS often want relief from these symptoms! And oftentimes, women want natural approaches to address these issues.
  4. Get Pregnant and Have a Family: For women who wish to have children, fertility can be a significant concern. Some women worry whether PCOS is going to stop them from having a baby. This can be very stressful. 
  5. Improvement in Emotional Well-being: PCOS can impact emotional well-being, leading to feelings of anxiety, depression, loss of confidence and concern about the future.. Women with PCOS want to feel emotionally stable.
  6. Understand her Options and Have Support She Can Trust: Many women with PCOS want more education and awareness about the condition. They desire access to accurate information, resources, to help them better understand , manage and even eliminate their condition.
  7. Body Positivity and Self-acceptance: PCOS can sometimes lead to weight gain, especially around the belly, or changes in body image. Women that we work with often have grown hair in places they don’t want it (ie. face, chin and/or chest) and they are losing it in places they don’t want to (ie. scalp and edges). Women with PCOS want their bodies back and to feel good in their skin! 

 

I know it can feel overwhelming to find the right path for you, and I get it! I used to be there!  I want to make sure you know there is hope and there are solutions that can support you to have all of your desires realized!

 

I have resources available to help you feel empowered to make informed decisions about your well-being. It’s important for healthcare providers and loved ones to offer empathy, assistance, and encouragement to support you during your PCOS journey. Unfortunately family members and even some doctors do not always know how to support you, especially if they have not had this experience themselves.

 

Below is some information to support you now, and I will also share what I can do to support you in creating a Personalized Approach to Wellness:

 

Women with PCOS can find relief from their symptoms through a combination of lifestyle changes, medical management, and holistic approaches. 

 

Here are some strategies that can help alleviate symptoms:

  1. Healthy Diet: Following a balanced diet that is low in refined carbohydrates and sugars can help manage insulin levels, which are often elevated in women with PCOS. A diet rich in berries, healthy fats, and quality protein can support overall health.
  2. Regular Exercise: Engaging in regular physical activity can help improve insulin sensitivity and support weight management, which can in turn help regulate menstrual cycles and reduce symptoms.
  3. Stress Management: Stress can exacerbate PCOS symptoms. Practicing stress-reducing activities such as yoga, meditation, deep breathing exercises, and mindfulness can be beneficial.
  4. Medical Treatment: Depending on specific symptoms, women with PCOS may benefit from medical interventions, but it’s important to choose a provider that you feel aligned with and to trust your gut. The choice for medication or surgery is always yours.
  5. Supportive Supplements: Some women find relief from PCOS symptoms with the help of certain supplements, such as inositol, which may help improve insulin sensitivity, and omega-3 fatty acids, which can have anti-inflammatory effects. Depending on your specific symptoms and comprehensive lab work, we can tailor a plan that is personalized to you. Please book a consultation with me if you desire a customized plan.
  6. Education and Support: Understanding your condition and connecting with  providers who specialize in PCOS can provide women with the support, education and guidance they need to manage their symptoms effectively.

Are you ready to feel empowered around your health again, and receive personalized support for your PCOS?

Please book a consultation with me, or apply for a VIP day. You deserve to feel healthy and confident, and the solution is right here! I look forward to connecting with you.

Dr. Alicia Newsome

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