Hi 💕 for those that are new here, welcome to my blog page! My name is Akira, I am 25 and I healed my PCOS symptoms naturally over the course of 3 years.
I made mistakes, I learned the hard way, I bought the wrong supplements and wellness products so that you don’t have to.
And I wanna use this space here to share tips on how you can heal your PCOS symptoms too.
So first off what exactly is PCOS?
PCOS stands for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and it’s a hormonal disorder that affects 1 in 10 women around the world.
Having PCOS can be a journey filled with confusion and misinformation because it’s labelled as the ‘Lazy Fat Girl’ disease.
But as a certified health coach and someone who had PCOS, it’s become my mission to provide clarity and empower women with a deep understanding of this condition.
So let’s delve into what PCOS truly is, how it impacts women’s lives, and bust the myths surrounding it ⬇️
PCOS is characterized by hormonal imbalances that can lead to a variety of symptoms.
The exact cause isn’t fully understood, but it’s believed to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors (National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, n.d.).
The name “polycystic ovary syndrome” refers to many small follicles (not necessarily cysts in the traditional sense) on the ovaries, which can be found during an ultrasound.
However, it’s important to note that not all women with PCOS have these visible cysts, and conversely, the presence of cysts alone doesn’t mean you have PCOS (Mayo Clinic, 2022).
There are 4 criterias you must have to get diagnosed with PCOS. According to these criteria, you must have at least 2 of the 4:
- Irregular or absent periods (this also indicates inconsistent or absent ovulation)
- Clinical and/or biochemical signs of hyperandrogenism (this means high levels of the “male” hormones (androgens and testosterone) which leads to symptoms like excess hair growth in unusual places, acne, and hair loss. Biochemical signs can be confirmed through a blood test.
- Polycystic ovaries on ultrasound (an ultrasound of your ovaries will show multiple small or big follicles on one or both ovaries)
- Possible weight gain, inflammation, swollenness and or puffiness (this weight can appear on your stomach, face, arms, legs, neck, chin… and you may feel discomfort, inflamed, puffy and swollen due to stress and the hormonal imbalances)
But how does PCOS affect us women in our day to day life?
PCOS’s impact extends far beyond just trying to fall pregnant. The hormonal imbalances can have significant effects on a our overall health (gut health, emotional health, mental health)
- Menstrual Irregularities and Fertility Issues: since inconsistent or no ovulation at all is a primary characteristic of PCOS, it can cause infertility in women (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 2021).
- Metabolic Syndrome: most if not all, women with PCOS have an increased risk of developing metabolic syndrome, a cluster of conditions that includes high blood pressure, high blood sugar, unhealthy cholesterol levels, and excess abdominal fat. This significantly raises the risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2023).
Hi 💕 for those that are new here, welcome to my blog page! My name is Akira, I am 25 and I healed my PCOS symptoms naturally over the course of 3 years.
I made mistakes, I learned the hard way, I bought the wrong supplements and wellness products so that you don’t have to.
And I wanna use this space here to share tips on how you can heal your PCOS symptoms too.
So first off what exactly is PCOS?
PCOS stands for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and it’s a hormonal disorder that affects 1 in 10 women around the world.
Having PCOS can be a journey filled with confusion and misinformation because it’s labelled as the ‘Lazy Fat Girl’ disease.
But as a certified health coach and someone who had PCOS, it’s become my mission to provide clarity and empower women with a deep understanding of this condition.
So let’s delve into what PCOS truly is, how it impacts women’s lives, and bust the myths surrounding it ⬇️
PCOS is characterized by hormonal imbalances that can lead to a variety of symptoms.
The exact cause isn’t fully understood, but it’s believed to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors (National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, n.d.).
The name “polycystic ovary syndrome” refers to many small follicles (not necessarily cysts in the traditional sense) on the ovaries, which can be found during an ultrasound.
However, it’s important to note that not all women with PCOS have these visible cysts, and conversely, the presence of cysts alone doesn’t mean you have PCOS (Mayo Clinic, 2022).
There are 4 criterias you must have to get diagnosed with PCOS. According to these criteria, you must have at least 2 of the 4:
- Irregular or absent periods (this also indicates inconsistent or absent ovulation)
- Clinical and/or biochemical signs of hyperandrogenism (this means high levels of the “male” hormones (androgens and testosterone) which leads to symptoms like excess hair growth in unusual places, acne, and hair loss. Biochemical signs can be confirmed through a blood test.
- Polycystic ovaries on ultrasound (an ultrasound of your ovaries will show multiple small or big follicles on one or both ovaries)
- Possible weight gain, inflammation, swollenness and or puffiness (this weight can appear on your stomach, face, arms, legs, neck, chin… and you may feel discomfort, inflamed, puffy and swollen due to stress and the hormonal imbalances)
But how does PCOS affect us women in our day to day life?
PCOS’s impact extends far beyond just trying to fall pregnant. The hormonal imbalances can have significant effects on a our overall health (gut health, emotional health, mental health)
- Menstrual Irregularities and Fertility Issues: since inconsistent or no ovulation at all is a primary characteristic of PCOS, it can cause infertility in women (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 2021).
- Metabolic Syndrome: most if not all, women with PCOS have an increased risk of developing metabolic syndrome, a cluster of conditions that includes high blood pressure, high blood sugar, unhealthy cholesterol levels, and excess abdominal fat. This significantly raises the risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2023).
- Weight Management Challenges: insulin resistance issues can make weight loss difficult and increase the likelihood of weight gain, particularly around the abdomen.
- Skin Issues: elevated androgen levels can lead to acne, oily skin, and excess hair growth on the face, chest, back…)
- Mental Health: the hormonal imbalance and frustrating symptoms of PCOS can cause us to be at a higher risk for anxiety, depression, and eating disorders. The chronic nature of the condition, along with the confidence lowering visible symptoms and potential impact on fertility, can take such a significant toll on our emotional health (Legro et al., 2018).
- Sleep Apnea: studies have shown a higher prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea in women with PCOS, potentially due to hormonal influences and weight factors (Tasali et al., 2003).
- Now for some misconception and myth busting 👇🏼
- Many misconceptions surround PCOS, which can lead to delayed or misdiagnosis, quick fixes instead of management, and unnecessary anxiety and life complications… so let’s start debunking:
Myth 1: You must have cysts on your ovaries to have PCOS ❌
- Fact: As mentioned earlier, the criterias only require 2 out of 4 features for diagnosis. Some women with PCOS don’t have visible cysts on their ovaries at all (Mayo Clinic, 2022).
Hi 💕 for those that are new here, welcome to my blog page! My name is Akira, I am 25 and I healed my PCOS symptoms naturally over the course of 3 years.
I made mistakes, I learned the hard way, I bought the wrong supplements and wellness products so that you don’t have to.
And I wanna use this space here to share tips on how you can heal your PCOS symptoms too.
So first off what exactly is PCOS?
PCOS stands for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and it’s a hormonal disorder that affects 1 in 10 women around the world.
Having PCOS can be a journey filled with confusion and misinformation because it’s labelled as the ‘Lazy Fat Girl’ disease.
But as a certified health coach and someone who had PCOS, it’s become my mission to provide clarity and empower women with a deep understanding of this condition.
So let’s delve into what PCOS truly is, how it impacts women’s lives, and bust the myths surrounding it ⬇️
PCOS is characterized by hormonal imbalances that can lead to a variety of symptoms.
The exact cause isn’t fully understood, but it’s believed to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors (National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, n.d.).
The name “polycystic ovary syndrome” refers to many small follicles (not necessarily cysts in the traditional sense) on the ovaries, which can be found during an ultrasound.
However, it’s important to note that not all women with PCOS have these visible cysts, and conversely, the presence of cysts alone doesn’t mean you have PCOS (Mayo Clinic, 2022).
There are 4 criterias you must have to get diagnosed with PCOS. According to these criteria, you must have at least 2 of the 4:
- Irregular or absent periods (this also indicates inconsistent or absent ovulation)
- Clinical and/or biochemical signs of hyperandrogenism (this means high levels of the “male” hormones (androgens and testosterone) which leads to symptoms like excess hair growth in unusual places, acne, and hair loss. Biochemical signs can be confirmed through a blood test.
- Polycystic ovaries on ultrasound (an ultrasound of your ovaries will show multiple small or big follicles on one or both ovaries)
- Possible weight gain, inflammation, swollenness and or puffiness (this weight can appear on your stomach, face, arms, legs, neck, chin… and you may feel discomfort, inflamed, puffy and swollen due to stress and the hormonal imbalances)
But how does PCOS affect us women in our day to day life?
PCOS’s impact extends far beyond just trying to fall pregnant. The hormonal imbalances can have significant effects on a our overall health (gut health, emotional health, mental health)
- Menstrual Irregularities and Fertility Issues: since inconsistent or no ovulation at all is a primary characteristic of PCOS, it can cause infertility in women (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 2021).
- Metabolic Syndrome: most if not all, women with PCOS have an increased risk of developing metabolic syndrome, a cluster of conditions that includes high blood pressure, high blood sugar, unhealthy cholesterol levels, and excess abdominal fat. This significantly raises the risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2023).
- Weight Management Challenges: insulin resistance issues can make weight loss difficult and increase the likelihood of weight gain, particularly around the abdomen.
- Skin Issues: elevated androgen levels can lead to acne, oily skin, and excess hair growth on the face, chest, back…)
- Mental Health: the hormonal imbalance and frustrating symptoms of PCOS can cause us to be at a higher risk for anxiety, depression, and eating disorders. The chronic nature of the condition, along with the confidence lowering visible symptoms and potential impact on fertility, can take such a significant toll on our emotional health (Legro et al., 2018).
- Sleep Apnea: studies have shown a higher prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea in women with PCOS, potentially due to hormonal influences and weight factors (Tasali et al., 2003).
- Now for some misconception and myth busting 👇🏼
- Many misconceptions surround PCOS, which can lead to delayed or misdiagnosis, quick fixes instead of management, and unnecessary anxiety and life complications… so let’s start debunking:
Myth 1: You must have cysts on your ovaries to have PCOS ❌
Fact: As mentioned earlier, the criterias only require 2 out of 4 features for diagnosis. Some women with PCOS don’t have visible cysts on their ovaries at all (Mayo Clinic, 2022).
- Myth 2: PCOS only affects fertility ❌
- Fact: While PCOS is a significant cause of infertility, it also has wide-ranging metabolic, cardiovascular, and mental health implications. Managing these aspects is crucial for long-term well-being and healing (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 2021).
- Myth 3: Losing weight will cure PCOS ❌
- Fact: While weight loss can significantly improve and heal many PCOS symptoms, including insulin resistance and ovulation, it’s not a cure. PCOS is a lifelong condition that requires ongoing management (National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, n.d.).
- Myth 4: All women with PCOS have the same symptoms and look and feel the same ❌
- Fact: PCOS appears differently in every woman. Some may primarily struggle with irregular periods, while others may experience more prominent skin issues or metabolic problems. This variability highlights the importance of personalized care. (which is what i specialize in and can help you with)
- Myth 5: There’s nothing you can do about PCOS ❌
- Fact: While there’s no “cure” per say, PCOS symptoms can be effectively managed through lifestyle modifications (diet and exercise), supplements to address specific symptoms (like berberine or ovasitol), and fertility treatments…
As I mentioned before, my goal is to empower PCOS women with knowledge. Knowledge I didn’t have when I was going through this journey. In a way, I started this to heal and help a little part of myself and now getting to heal and help others on their journey too. What a bonus!
As health coaches, we have the vital role to educate our clients about PCOS, by providing accurate information, compassionately listening to their concerns with empathy, and offering personalized management strategies 💪🏼 We can empower women with PCOS to live healthier and more fulfilling lives. Now, understanding the complexities, multifaceted impacts, and the common misconceptions is the first step towards providing that effective and compassionate care so thank you for taking the time to read my blog 🌸 and I hope this information helped you.
Hi 💕 for those that are new here, welcome to my blog page! My name is Akira, I am 25 and I healed my PCOS symptoms naturally over the course of 3 years.
I made mistakes, I learned the hard way, I bought the wrong supplements and wellness products so that you don’t have to.
And I wanna use this space here to share tips on how you can heal your PCOS symptoms too.
So first off what exactly is PCOS?
PCOS stands for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and it’s a hormonal disorder that affects 1 in 10 women around the world.
Having PCOS can be a journey filled with confusion and misinformation because it’s labelled as the ‘Lazy Fat Girl’ disease.
But as a certified health coach and someone who had PCOS, it’s become my mission to provide clarity and empower women with a deep understanding of this condition.
So let’s delve into what PCOS truly is, how it impacts women’s lives, and bust the myths surrounding it ⬇️
PCOS is characterized by hormonal imbalances that can lead to a variety of symptoms.
The exact cause isn’t fully understood, but it’s believed to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors (National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, n.d.).
The name “polycystic ovary syndrome” refers to many small follicles (not necessarily cysts in the traditional sense) on the ovaries, which can be found during an ultrasound.
However, it’s important to note that not all women with PCOS have these visible cysts, and conversely, the presence of cysts alone doesn’t mean you have PCOS (Mayo Clinic, 2022).
There are 4 criterias you must have to get diagnosed with PCOS. According to these criteria, you must have at least 2 of the 4:
- Irregular or absent periods (this also indicates inconsistent or absent ovulation)
- Clinical and/or biochemical signs of hyperandrogenism (this means high levels of the “male” hormones (androgens and testosterone) which leads to symptoms like excess hair growth in unusual places, acne, and hair loss. Biochemical signs can be confirmed through a blood test.
- Polycystic ovaries on ultrasound (an ultrasound of your ovaries will show multiple small or big follicles on one or both ovaries)
- Possible weight gain, inflammation, swollenness and or puffiness (this weight can appear on your stomach, face, arms, legs, neck, chin… and you may feel discomfort, inflamed, puffy and swollen due to stress and the hormonal imbalances)
But how does PCOS affect us women in our day to day life?
PCOS’s impact extends far beyond just trying to fall pregnant. The hormonal imbalances can have significant effects on a our overall health (gut health, emotional health, mental health)
- Menstrual Irregularities and Fertility Issues: since inconsistent or no ovulation at all is a primary characteristic of PCOS, it can cause infertility in women (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 2021).
- Metabolic Syndrome: most if not all, women with PCOS have an increased risk of developing metabolic syndrome, a cluster of conditions that includes high blood pressure, high blood sugar, unhealthy cholesterol levels, and excess abdominal fat. This significantly raises the risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2023).
- Weight Management Challenges: insulin resistance issues can make weight loss difficult and increase the likelihood of weight gain, particularly around the abdomen.
- Skin Issues: elevated androgen levels can lead to acne, oily skin, and excess hair growth on the face, chest, back…)
- Mental Health: the hormonal imbalance and frustrating symptoms of PCOS can cause us to be at a higher risk for anxiety, depression, and eating disorders. The chronic nature of the condition, along with the confidence lowering visible symptoms and potential impact on fertility, can take such a significant toll on our emotional health (Legro et al., 2018).
- Sleep Apnea: studies have shown a higher prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea in women with PCOS, potentially due to hormonal influences and weight factors (Tasali et al., 2003).
- Now for some misconception and myth busting 👇🏼
- Many misconceptions surround PCOS, which can lead to delayed or misdiagnosis, quick fixes instead of management, and unnecessary anxiety and life complications… so let’s start debunking:
Myth 1: You must have cysts on your ovaries to have PCOS ❌
Fact: As mentioned earlier, the criterias only require 2 out of 4 features for diagnosis. Some women with PCOS don’t have visible cysts on their ovaries at all (Mayo Clinic, 2022).
Myth 2: PCOS only affects fertility ❌
Fact: While PCOS is a significant cause of infertility, it also has wide-ranging metabolic, cardiovascular, and mental health implications. Managing these aspects is crucial for long-term well-being and healing (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 2021).
Myth 3: Losing weight will cure PCOS ❌
Fact: While weight loss can significantly improve and heal many PCOS symptoms, including insulin resistance and ovulation, it’s not a cure. PCOS is a lifelong condition that requires ongoing management (National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, n.d.).
- Myth 4: All women with PCOS have the same symptoms and look and feel the same ❌
Fact: PCOS appears differently in every woman. Some may primarily struggle with irregular periods, while others may experience more prominent skin issues or metabolic problems. This variability highlights the importance of personalized care. (which is what i specialize in and can help you with)
- Myth 5: There’s nothing you can do about PCOS ❌
Fact: While there’s no “cure” per say, PCOS symptoms can be effectively managed through lifestyle modifications (diet and exercise), supplements to address specific symptoms (like berberine or ovasitol), and fertility treatments…
As I mentioned before, my goal is to empower PCOS women with knowledge. Knowledge I didn’t have when I was going through this journey. In a way, I started this to heal and help a little part of myself and now getting to heal and help others on their journey too. What a bonus!
As health coaches, we have the vital role to educate our clients about PCOS, by providing accurate information, compassionately listening to their concerns with empathy, and offering personalized management strategies 💪🏼 We can empower women with PCOS to live healthier and more fulfilling lives. Now, understanding the complexities, multifaceted impacts, and the common misconceptions is the first step towards providing that effective and compassionate care so thank you for taking the time to read my blog 🌸 and I hope this information helped you.
Hi 💕 for those that are new here, welcome to my blog page! My name is Akira, I am 25 and I healed my PCOS symptoms naturally over the course of 3 years.
I made mistakes, I learned the hard way, I bought the wrong supplements and wellness products so that you don’t have to.
And I wanna use this space here to share tips on how you can heal your PCOS symptoms too.
So first off what exactly is PCOS?
PCOS stands for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and it’s a hormonal disorder that affects 1 in 10 women around the world.
Having PCOS can be a journey filled with confusion and misinformation because it’s labelled as the ‘Lazy Fat Girl’ disease.
But as a certified health coach and someone who had PCOS, it’s become my mission to provide clarity and empower women with a deep understanding of this condition.
So let’s delve into what PCOS truly is, how it impacts women’s lives, and bust the myths surrounding it ⬇️
PCOS is characterized by hormonal imbalances that can lead to a variety of symptoms.
The exact cause isn’t fully understood, but it’s believed to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors (National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, n.d.).
The name “polycystic ovary syndrome” refers to many small follicles (not necessarily cysts in the traditional sense) on the ovaries, which can be found during an ultrasound.
However, it’s important to note that not all women with PCOS have these visible cysts, and conversely, the presence of cysts alone doesn’t mean you have PCOS (Mayo Clinic, 2022).
There are 4 criterias you must have to get diagnosed with PCOS. According to these criteria, you must have at least 2 of the 4:
- Irregular or absent periods (this also indicates inconsistent or absent ovulation)
- Clinical and/or biochemical signs of hyperandrogenism (this means high levels of the “male” hormones (androgens and testosterone) which leads to symptoms like excess hair growth in unusual places, acne, and hair loss. Biochemical signs can be confirmed through a blood test.
- Polycystic ovaries on ultrasound (an ultrasound of your ovaries will show multiple small or big follicles on one or both ovaries)
- Possible weight gain, inflammation, swollenness and or puffiness (this weight can appear on your stomach, face, arms, legs, neck, chin… and you may feel discomfort, inflamed, puffy and swollen due to stress and the hormonal imbalances)
But how does PCOS affect us women in our day to day life?
PCOS’s impact extends far beyond just trying to fall pregnant. The hormonal imbalances can have significant effects on a our overall health (gut health, emotional health, mental health)
- Menstrual Irregularities and Fertility Issues: since inconsistent or no ovulation at all is a primary characteristic of PCOS, it can cause infertility in women (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 2021).
- Metabolic Syndrome: most if not all, women with PCOS have an increased risk of developing metabolic syndrome, a cluster of conditions that includes high blood pressure, high blood sugar, unhealthy cholesterol levels, and excess abdominal fat. This significantly raises the risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2023).
- Weight Management Challenges: insulin resistance issues can make weight loss difficult and increase the likelihood of weight gain, particularly around the abdomen.
- Skin Issues: elevated androgen levels can lead to acne, oily skin, and excess hair growth on the face, chest, back…)
- Mental Health: the hormonal imbalance and frustrating symptoms of PCOS can cause us to be at a higher risk for anxiety, depression, and eating disorders. The chronic nature of the condition, along with the confidence lowering visible symptoms and potential impact on fertility, can take such a significant toll on our emotional health (Legro et al., 2018).
- Sleep Apnea: studies have shown a higher prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea in women with PCOS, potentially due to hormonal influences and weight factors (Tasali et al., 2003).
- Now for some misconception and myth busting 👇🏼
- Many misconceptions surround PCOS, which can lead to delayed or misdiagnosis, quick fixes instead of management, and unnecessary anxiety and life complications… so let’s start debunking:
Myth 1: You must have cysts on your ovaries to have PCOS ❌
Fact: As mentioned earlier, the criterias only require 2 out of 4 features for diagnosis. Some women with PCOS don’t have visible cysts on their ovaries at all (Mayo Clinic, 2022).
Myth 2: PCOS only affects fertility ❌
Fact: While PCOS is a significant cause of infertility, it also has wide-ranging metabolic, cardiovascular, and mental health implications. Managing these aspects is crucial for long-term well-being and healing (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 2021).
Myth 3: Losing weight will cure PCOS ❌
Fact: While weight loss can significantly improve and heal many PCOS symptoms, including insulin resistance and ovulation, it’s not a cure. PCOS is a lifelong condition that requires ongoing management (National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, n.d.).
Myth 4: All women with PCOS have the same symptoms and look and feel the same ❌
Fact: PCOS appears differently in every woman. Some may primarily struggle with irregular periods, while others may experience more prominent skin issues or metabolic problems. This variability highlights the importance of personalized care. (which is what i specialize in and can help you with)
Myth 5: There’s nothing you can do about PCOS ❌
Fact: While there’s no “cure” per say, PCOS symptoms can be effectively managed through lifestyle modifications (diet and exercise), supplements to address specific symptoms (like berberine or ovasitol), and fertility treatments…
As I mentioned before, my goal is to empower PCOS women with knowledge. Knowledge I didn’t have when I was going through this journey. In a way, I started this to heal and help a little part of myself and now getting to heal and help others on their journey too. What a bonus!
As health coaches, we have the vital role to educate our clients about PCOS, by providing accurate information, compassionately listening to their concerns with empathy, and offering personalized management strategies 💪🏼 We can empower women with PCOS to live healthier and more fulfilling lives. Now, understanding the complexities, multifaceted impacts, and the common misconceptions is the first step towards providing that effective and compassionate care so thank you for taking the time to read my blog 🌸 and I hope this information helped you.
Hi 💕 for those that are new here, welcome to my blog page! My name is Akira, I am 25 and I healed my PCOS symptoms naturally over the course of 3 years.
I made mistakes, I learned the hard way, I bought the wrong supplements and wellness products so that you don’t have to.
And I wanna use this space here to share tips on how you can heal your PCOS symptoms too.
So first off what exactly is PCOS?
PCOS stands for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and it’s a hormonal disorder that affects 1 in 10 women around the world.
Having PCOS can be a journey filled with confusion and misinformation because it’s labelled as the ‘Lazy Fat Girl’ disease.
But as a certified health coach and someone who had PCOS, it’s become my mission to provide clarity and empower women with a deep understanding of this condition.
So let’s delve into what PCOS truly is, how it impacts women’s lives, and bust the myths surrounding it ⬇️
PCOS is characterized by hormonal imbalances that can lead to a variety of symptoms.
The exact cause isn’t fully understood, but it’s believed to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors (National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, n.d.).
The name “polycystic ovary syndrome” refers to many small follicles (not necessarily cysts in the traditional sense) on the ovaries, which can be found during an ultrasound.
However, it’s important to note that not all women with PCOS have these visible cysts, and conversely, the presence of cysts alone doesn’t mean you have PCOS (Mayo Clinic, 2022).
There are 4 criterias you must have to get diagnosed with PCOS. According to these criteria, you must have at least 2 of the 4:
- Irregular or absent periods (this also indicates inconsistent or absent ovulation)
- Clinical and/or biochemical signs of hyperandrogenism (this means high levels of the “male” hormones (androgens and testosterone) which leads to symptoms like excess hair growth in unusual places, acne, and hair loss. Biochemical signs can be confirmed through a blood test.
- Polycystic ovaries on ultrasound (an ultrasound of your ovaries will show multiple small or big follicles on one or both ovaries)
- Possible weight gain, inflammation, swollenness and or puffiness (this weight can appear on your stomach, face, arms, legs, neck, chin… and you may feel discomfort, inflamed, puffy and swollen due to stress and the hormonal imbalances)
But how does PCOS affect us women in our day to day life?
PCOS’s impact extends far beyond just trying to fall pregnant. The hormonal imbalances can have significant effects on a our overall health (gut health, emotional health, mental health)
- Menstrual Irregularities and Fertility Issues: since inconsistent or no ovulation at all is a primary characteristic of PCOS, it can cause infertility in women (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 2021).
- Metabolic Syndrome: most if not all, women with PCOS have an increased risk of developing metabolic syndrome, a cluster of conditions that includes high blood pressure, high blood sugar, unhealthy cholesterol levels, and excess abdominal fat. This significantly raises the risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2023).
- Weight Management Challenges: insulin resistance issues can make weight loss difficult and increase the likelihood of weight gain, particularly around the abdomen.
- Skin Issues: elevated androgen levels can lead to acne, oily skin, and excess hair growth on the face, chest, back…)
- Mental Health: the hormonal imbalance and frustrating symptoms of PCOS can cause us to be at a higher risk for anxiety, depression, and eating disorders. The chronic nature of the condition, along with the confidence lowering visible symptoms and potential impact on fertility, can take such a significant toll on our emotional health (Legro et al., 2018).
- Sleep Apnea: studies have shown a higher prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea in women with PCOS, potentially due to hormonal influences and weight factors (Tasali et al., 2003).
- Now for some misconception and myth busting 👇🏼
- Many misconceptions surround PCOS, which can lead to delayed or misdiagnosis, quick fixes instead of management, and unnecessary anxiety and life complications… so let’s start debunking:
Myth 1: You must have cysts on your ovaries to have PCOS ❌
Fact: As mentioned earlier, the criterias only require 2 out of 4 features for diagnosis. Some women with PCOS don’t have visible cysts on their ovaries at all (Mayo Clinic, 2022).
Myth 2: PCOS only affects fertility ❌
Fact: While PCOS is a significant cause of infertility, it also has wide-ranging metabolic, cardiovascular, and mental health implications. Managing these aspects is crucial for long-term well-being and healing (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 2021).
Myth 3: Losing weight will cure PCOS ❌
Fact: While weight loss can significantly improve and heal many PCOS symptoms, including insulin resistance and ovulation, it’s not a cure. PCOS is a lifelong condition that requires ongoing management (National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, n.d.).
Myth 4: All women with PCOS have the same symptoms and look and feel the same ❌
Fact: PCOS appears differently in every woman. Some may primarily struggle with irregular periods, while others may experience more prominent skin issues or metabolic problems. This variability highlights the importance of personalized care. (which is what i specialize in and can help you with)
Myth 5: There’s nothing you can do about PCOS ❌
Fact: While there’s no “cure” per say, PCOS symptoms can be effectively managed through lifestyle modifications (diet and exercise), supplements to address specific symptoms (like berberine or ovasitol), and fertility treatments…
As I mentioned before, my goal is to empower PCOS women with knowledge. Knowledge I didn’t have when I was going through this journey. In a way, I started this to heal and help a little part of myself and now getting to heal and help others on their journey too. What a bonus!
As health coaches, we have the vital role to educate our clients about PCOS, by providing accurate information, compassionately listening to their concerns with empathy, and offering personalized management strategies 💪🏼 We can empower women with PCOS to live healthier and more fulfilling lives. Now, understanding the complexities, multifaceted impacts, and the common misconceptions is the first step towards providing that effective and compassionate care so thank you for taking the time to read my blog 🌸 and I hope this information helped you.
Hi 💕 for those that are new here, welcome to my blog page! My name is Akira, I am 25 and I healed my PCOS symptoms naturally over the course of 3 years.
I made mistakes, I learned the hard way, I bought the wrong supplements and wellness products so that you don’t have to.
And I wanna use this space here to share tips on how you can heal your PCOS symptoms too.
So first off what exactly is PCOS?
PCOS stands for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and it’s a hormonal disorder that affects 1 in 10 women around the world.
Having PCOS can be a journey filled with confusion and misinformation because it’s labelled as the ‘Lazy Fat Girl’ disease.
But as a certified health coach and someone who had PCOS, it’s become my mission to provide clarity and empower women with a deep understanding of this condition.
So let’s delve into what PCOS truly is, how it impacts women’s lives, and bust the myths surrounding it ⬇️
PCOS is characterized by hormonal imbalances that can lead to a variety of symptoms.
The exact cause isn’t fully understood, but it’s believed to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors (National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, n.d.).
The name “polycystic ovary syndrome” refers to many small follicles (not necessarily cysts in the traditional sense) on the ovaries, which can be found during an ultrasound.
However, it’s important to note that not all women with PCOS have these visible cysts, and conversely, the presence of cysts alone doesn’t mean you have PCOS (Mayo Clinic, 2022).
There are 4 criterias you must have to get diagnosed with PCOS. According to these criteria, you must have at least 2 of the 4:
- Irregular or absent periods (this also indicates inconsistent or absent ovulation)
- Clinical and/or biochemical signs of hyperandrogenism (this means high levels of the “male” hormones (androgens and testosterone) which leads to symptoms like excess hair growth in unusual places, acne, and hair loss. Biochemical signs can be confirmed through a blood test.
- Polycystic ovaries on ultrasound (an ultrasound of your ovaries will show multiple small or big follicles on one or both ovaries)
- Possible weight gain, inflammation, swollenness and or puffiness (this weight can appear on your stomach, face, arms, legs, neck, chin… and you may feel discomfort, inflamed, puffy and swollen due to stress and the hormonal imbalances)
But how does PCOS affect us women in our day to day life?
PCOS’s impact extends far beyond just trying to fall pregnant. The hormonal imbalances can have significant effects on a our overall health (gut health, emotional health, mental health)
- Menstrual Irregularities and Fertility Issues: since inconsistent or no ovulation at all is a primary characteristic of PCOS, it can cause infertility in women (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 2021).
- Metabolic Syndrome: most if not all, women with PCOS have an increased risk of developing metabolic syndrome, a cluster of conditions that includes high blood pressure, high blood sugar, unhealthy cholesterol levels, and excess abdominal fat. This significantly raises the risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2023).
- Weight Management Challenges: insulin resistance issues can make weight loss difficult and increase the likelihood of weight gain, particularly around the abdomen.
- Skin Issues: elevated androgen levels can lead to acne, oily skin, and excess hair growth on the face, chest, back…)
- Mental Health: the hormonal imbalance and frustrating symptoms of PCOS can cause us to be at a higher risk for anxiety, depression, and eating disorders. The chronic nature of the condition, along with the confidence lowering visible symptoms and potential impact on fertility, can take such a significant toll on our emotional health (Legro et al., 2018).
- Sleep Apnea: studies have shown a higher prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea in women with PCOS, potentially due to hormonal influences and weight factors (Tasali et al., 2003).
- Now for some misconception and myth busting 👇🏼
- Many misconceptions surround PCOS, which can lead to delayed or misdiagnosis, quick fixes instead of management, and unnecessary anxiety and life complications… so let’s start debunking:
Myth 1: You must have cysts on your ovaries to have PCOS ❌
Fact: As mentioned earlier, the criterias only require 2 out of 4 features for diagnosis. Some women with PCOS don’t have visible cysts on their ovaries at all (Mayo Clinic, 2022).
Myth 2: PCOS only affects fertility ❌
Fact: While PCOS is a significant cause of infertility, it also has wide-ranging metabolic, cardiovascular, and mental health implications. Managing these aspects is crucial for long-term well-being and healing (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 2021).
Myth 3: Losing weight will cure PCOS ❌
Fact: While weight loss can significantly improve and heal many PCOS symptoms, including insulin resistance and ovulation, it’s not a cure. PCOS is a lifelong condition that requires ongoing management (National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, n.d.).
Myth 4: All women with PCOS have the same symptoms and look and feel the same ❌
Fact: PCOS appears differently in every woman. Some may primarily struggle with irregular periods, while others may experience more prominent skin issues or metabolic problems. This variability highlights the importance of personalized care. (which is what i specialize in and can help you with)
Myth 5: There’s nothing you can do about PCOS ❌
Fact: While there’s no “cure” per say, PCOS symptoms can be effectively managed through lifestyle modifications (diet and exercise), supplements to address specific symptoms (like berberine or ovasitol), and fertility treatments…
As I mentioned before, my goal is to empower PCOS women with knowledge. Knowledge I didn’t have when I was going through this journey. In a way, I started this to heal and help a little part of myself and now getting to heal and help others on their journey too. What a bonus!
As health coaches, we have the vital role to educate our clients about PCOS, by providing accurate information, compassionately listening to their concerns with empathy, and offering personalized management strategies 💪🏼 We can empower women with PCOS to live healthier and more fulfilling lives. Now, understanding the complexities, multifaceted impacts, and the common misconceptions is the first step towards providing that effective and compassionate care so thank you for taking the time to read my blog 🌸 and I hope this information helped you.
Hi 💕 for those that are new here, welcome to my blog page! My name is Akira, I am 25 and I healed my PCOS symptoms naturally over the course of 3 years.
I made mistakes, I learned the hard way, I bought the wrong supplements and wellness products so that you don’t have to.
And I wanna use this space here to share tips on how you can heal your PCOS symptoms too.
So first off what exactly is PCOS?
PCOS stands for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and it’s a hormonal disorder that affects 1 in 10 women around the world.
Having PCOS can be a journey filled with confusion and misinformation because it’s labelled as the ‘Lazy Fat Girl’ disease.
But as a certified health coach and someone who had PCOS, it’s become my mission to provide clarity and empower women with a deep understanding of this condition.
So let’s delve into what PCOS truly is, how it impacts women’s lives, and bust the myths surrounding it ⬇️
PCOS is characterized by hormonal imbalances that can lead to a variety of symptoms.
The exact cause isn’t fully understood, but it’s believed to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors (National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, n.d.).
The name “polycystic ovary syndrome” refers to many small follicles (not necessarily cysts in the traditional sense) on the ovaries, which can be found during an ultrasound.
However, it’s important to note that not all women with PCOS have these visible cysts, and conversely, the presence of cysts alone doesn’t mean you have PCOS (Mayo Clinic, 2022).
There are 4 criterias you must have to get diagnosed with PCOS. According to these criteria, you must have at least 2 of the 4:
- Irregular or absent periods (this also indicates inconsistent or absent ovulation)
- Clinical and/or biochemical signs of hyperandrogenism (this means high levels of the “male” hormones (androgens and testosterone) which leads to symptoms like excess hair growth in unusual places, acne, and hair loss. Biochemical signs can be confirmed through a blood test.
- Polycystic ovaries on ultrasound (an ultrasound of your ovaries will show multiple small or big follicles on one or both ovaries)
- Possible weight gain, inflammation, swollenness and or puffiness (this weight can appear on your stomach, face, arms, legs, neck, chin… and you may feel discomfort, inflamed, puffy and swollen due to stress and the hormonal imbalances)
But how does PCOS affect us women in our day to day life?
PCOS’s impact extends far beyond just trying to fall pregnant. The hormonal imbalances can have significant effects on a our overall health (gut health, emotional health, mental health)
- Menstrual Irregularities and Fertility Issues: since inconsistent or no ovulation at all is a primary characteristic of PCOS, it can cause infertility in women (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 2021).
- Metabolic Syndrome: most if not all, women with PCOS have an increased risk of developing metabolic syndrome, a cluster of conditions that includes high blood pressure, high blood sugar, unhealthy cholesterol levels, and excess abdominal fat. This significantly raises the risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2023).
- Weight Management Challenges: insulin resistance issues can make weight loss difficult and increase the likelihood of weight gain, particularly around the abdomen.
- Skin Issues: elevated androgen levels can lead to acne, oily skin, and excess hair growth on the face, chest, back…)
- Mental Health: the hormonal imbalance and frustrating symptoms of PCOS can cause us to be at a higher risk for anxiety, depression, and eating disorders. The chronic nature of the condition, along with the confidence lowering visible symptoms and potential impact on fertility, can take such a significant toll on our emotional health (Legro et al., 2018).
- Sleep Apnea: studies have shown a higher prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea in women with PCOS, potentially due to hormonal influences and weight factors (Tasali et al., 2003).
- Now for some misconception and myth busting 👇🏼
- Many misconceptions surround PCOS, which can lead to delayed or misdiagnosis, quick fixes instead of management, and unnecessary anxiety and life complications… so let’s start debunking:
Myth 1: You must have cysts on your ovaries to have PCOS ❌
Fact: As mentioned earlier, the criterias only require 2 out of 4 features for diagnosis. Some women with PCOS don’t have visible cysts on their ovaries at all (Mayo Clinic, 2022).
Myth 2: PCOS only affects fertility ❌
Fact: While PCOS is a significant cause of infertility, it also has wide-ranging metabolic, cardiovascular, and mental health implications. Managing these aspects is crucial for long-term well-being and healing (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 2021).
Myth 3: Losing weight will cure PCOS ❌
Fact: While weight loss can significantly improve and heal many PCOS symptoms, including insulin resistance and ovulation, it’s not a cure. PCOS is a lifelong condition that requires ongoing management (National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, n.d.).
Myth 4: All women with PCOS have the same symptoms and look and feel the same ❌
Fact: PCOS appears differently in every woman. Some may primarily struggle with irregular periods, while others may experience more prominent skin issues or metabolic problems. This variability highlights the importance of personalized care. (which is what i specialize in and can help you with)
Myth 5: There’s nothing you can do about PCOS ❌
Fact: While there’s no “cure” per say, PCOS symptoms can be effectively managed through lifestyle modifications (diet and exercise), supplements to address specific symptoms (like berberine or ovasitol), and fertility treatments…
As I mentioned before, my goal is to empower PCOS women with knowledge. Knowledge I didn’t have when I was going through this journey. In a way, I started this to heal and help a little part of myself and now getting to heal and help others on their journey too. What a bonus!
As health coaches, we have the vital role to educate our clients about PCOS, by providing accurate information, compassionately listening to their concerns with empathy, and offering personalized management strategies 💪🏼 We can empower women with PCOS to live healthier and more fulfilling lives. Now, understanding the complexities, multifaceted impacts, and the common misconceptions is the first step towards providing that effective and compassionate care so thank you for taking the time to read my blog 🌸 and I hope this information helped you.