9|30|24Hello, Gem. How’s your heart? I pray it’s thriving. Let me tell you what’s been on mine.
PCOS 101 x K.M.
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Today, let’s focus on something that affects millions of women but often remains misunderstood and misrepresented: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, commonly known as PCOS. If you’ve been diagnosed with PCOS or suspect you might have it, you’re far from alone. About 1 in 10 women of reproductive age are affected by PCOS, making it one of the most common hormonal disorders in women. But despite how prevalent it is, it can feel isolating, confusing, and downright frustrating to deal with.
Can we talk about it, Gem? Like really discuss what it means for our bodies and how we can navigate this journey with understanding and empowerment? Bet! Settle in; I have some research findings to share with you.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder that affects how a woman’s ovaries work. It’s characterized by three key features: irregular or absent menstrual periods, elevated levels of male hormones (androgens), and small cysts on the ovaries. Gem. despite the name, not everyone with PCOS has cysts, and having ovarian cysts doesn’t automatically mean you have PCOS.
The condition is linked to a variety of symptoms that vary from woman to woman, including:
Irregular Periods: One of the most common signs, PCOS can cause infrequent, prolonged, or completely absent menstrual cycles.
Excess Androgens: Higher levels of male hormones can lead to physical signs such as excess facial and body hair (hirsutism), acne, and sometimes even male-pattern baldness.
Polycystic Ovaries: Ovaries may become enlarged and contain follicles that surround the eggs, which can lead to fertility complications.
The exact cause of PCOS is still unknown, but it is believed to result from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Researchers have found that insulin resistance, high levels of inflammation, and hormonal imbalances play a significant role in the development of PCOS.
Insulin Resistance: Many women with PCOS have insulin resistance, meaning their bodies struggle to use insulin effectively, leading to higher levels of insulin in the blood. This can cause the ovaries to produce more androgens, disrupting normal ovulation.
Hormonal Imbalance: An imbalance in hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and androgens disrupts the natural menstrual cycle, often making it difficult for the body to release eggs properly.
Genetic Factors: PCOS often runs in families. If your mother or sister has it, you may be at a higher risk.
*Zoom into the next few photos if you need to see them better, Gem. We want to keep you as informed as possible.
Living with PCOS is more than just managing physical symptoms—it’s an ongoing journey that can affect your emotional and mental well-being. From struggling with weight gain that doesn’t seem to budge to dealing with the heartbreak of infertility or the constant battle with self-esteem due to acne and excess hair, PCOS can feel like a never-ending uphill climb. Research published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism highlights that women with PCOS are more likely to experience anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem compared to those without the condition.
Gem, the hormonal roller coaster this condition causes can affect mood, energy levels, and overall mental health, making it even more crucial to approach it with a compassionate and informed mindset. While PCOS can be a challenging condition to manage, there are ways to take control and live a healthier, happier life with it.
Here are some strategies to help:
Explore Treatment Options: Treatment is highly individualized and depends on your specific symptoms and goals. Options can include lifestyle changes, medications like birth control pills to regulate periods, or insulin-sensitizing drugs like metformin. Speak with your healthcare provider to find the approach that best suits you.
Prioritize a Balanced Diet: A healthy diet plays a significant role in managing PCOS. Focus on whole foods, high in fiber and low in processed sugars, to help manage insulin levels. Foods like leafy greens, lean proteins, berries, and whole grains can help stabilize blood sugar levels and reduce inflammation.
Get Moving: Regular physical activity can improve insulin sensitivity and help with weight management, even if the scale isn’t always your friend. Doesn’t matter if it’s a brisk walk, yoga, strength training, or finding what feels good for you… make it part of your routine.
Manage Stress and Sleep: Stress can worsen symptoms, and poor sleep can throw off hormones even more. Prioritize good sleep hygiene, and find stress-reducing activities that work for you, whether meditation, reading, or simply spending time with loved ones.
Join a Support Group: You don’t have to navigate PCOS alone. Connecting with others who understand what you’re going through can be a game-changer. Support groups, either in-person or online, can provide a safe space to share experiences, ask questions, and feel less isolated.
PCOS does not define you, and it’s not your fault. Our bodies are complex and so much of what we go through is out of our control. But you have the power to make choices that support your health and well-being. And that can be seeking medical guidance, embracing a healthier lifestyle, or simply taking each day as it comes — every step matters.
Once again, you are not alone in this journey. With the right information, support, and self-compassion, you can navigate PCOS and feel empowered in your skin. Remember, your worth is not measured by your symptoms, and your beauty goes far beyond any diagnosis. At SheIsTreasure, we will always remind you of these affirmations.
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Gem, share this blog with your community of women. PCOS may be a part of our lives, but it doesn’t have to define who we are, period. Let’s keep learning, asking questions, and supporting each other every step of the way.
Until next time, remember that you are strong, resilient, and badass. -K.M.
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