#PCOS a Systemic Breakdown

#PCOS a Systemic Breakdown

Author: Ashley Levinson

Twitter: @pcosgurl

November 21, 2014 – Mantua, New Jersey

Many are faced with a conundrum when learning and dealing with PCOS which is; What am I really dealing with?

What PCOS is, and what it does to women who have it, is complicated to explain as symptoms and severity of the syndrome can vary from person to person. Some of the classic symptoms are drastic weight gain, hair loss, depression, fatigue, thyroid problems, high cholesterol, panic attacks, headaches, dizzy spells, poor memory or muddled mind, sleeping disorders, constant thirst, extreme cravings, insulin resistance, cystic acne, cystic ovaries, menstrual cycles without ovulation, irregular cycles, severe mood swings, high testosterone levels, infertility problems, excess facial and body hair, not to mention a seven times greater risk than an average woman for four major health concerns affecting women in the United States today including heart disease, diabetes, endometrial cancer and stroke.

Even though #PCOS was first recognized over 75 years ago, we are no closer to understanding its cause or its treatment.  There is no singular test that can conclude whether a woman or girl has the syndrome instead it is a collection of symptoms, history and diagnostic testing. As a result once a doctor concludes it is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, they manage the symptoms to prevent long-term health consequences such as infertility, diabetes and heart disease.

So by now you are probably wondering if you do not already know, 

What is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (#PCOS)?

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is the most common hormonal problem in women. It is also a metabolic disorder that affects several body systems and can cause significant long-term health consequences. PCOS is often characterized by enlarged ovaries, with multiple small painless cysts or follicles, that form in the ovary. Two other key features of PCOS are production of excess androgens (male sex hormones) and anovulation (the failure to ovulate properly), which makes PCOS the leading cause of infertility.

So How does PCOS Affect my Body?

PCOS or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome got its name because many women with PCOS have changes in their ovaries including small cysts that surround the ovary looking as if it is a pearl necklace on ultra sounds.  However PCOS is not a gynecological problem, rather an endocrine disorder that changes how your body reacts to some hormones, like insulin. The body uses insulin to turn food, especially sugar, into energy with #PCOS insulin sensitivity and insulin resistance can make it harder to process insulin. High levels of insulin cause more androgens (male hormones) to be made in a woman's body. With higher levels of androgens, which all women have, a woman can show some male signs like acne, male patterned baldness or extra hair on the face or body.

Other issues that can wreak havoc on women with PCOS are weight gain, especially around the mid-section (apple shape) and infertility as hormone changes can keep a woman from having an ovum (egg) released from her ovary every month which can cause her to skip periods (amenorreah) or have problems getting pregnant.  As insulin increases in a woman with this syndrome it can also lend itself to (acathosis nigracans) or darkened skin in the neck, armpits and skin tags.

So Why is getting diagnosed so difficult?

There are two reasons why so many women with PCOS are undiagnosed for years:

1. Some doctors may think that girls will "grow out" of irregular periods, not recognizing that it is not normal to have irregular periods

2. Other doctors, mostly gynecologists, KNOW that a woman or girl has PCOS, but fail to mention or discuss it with their patients

PCOS is diagnosed by taking a history, doing a physical exam, getting blood tests, and possibly getting an ultrasound. Of these 4 things, the most important is a history of irregular periods: if you tell a doctor your periods are irregular, chances are nearly 100% that you have PCOS.

The number one, two and three warning signs of PCOS are irregular periods, irregular periods, and irregular periods!

Also: trouble conceiving.

What treatments are available for PCOS?

PCOS is probably multifactorial, and has different causes in different women. However, in most women, the insulin levels are very high. The high insulin levels drive the ovary to produce too much testosterone. So in most women, the key is to lower the insulin levels, which in turn will lower the testosterone. The most effective ways to lower insulin are:

1. exercise, both aerobic and weight-training

2. avoid simple carbohydrates. Period.

3. take insulin-lowering medications to help make exercise and diet more effective

What is being done to learn more about treatment and diagnosis for PCOS?

Although the etiology of the syndrome is unclear, there are currently markers being researched. A forum in 2013 outlined the possible causes and effects of #PCOS and is calling for government recognition and research into these areas. 

Potential areas of further research activity include the analysis of predisposing conditions that increase the risk of PCOS, particularly genetic background and environmental factors, such as endocrine disruptors and lifestyle

PCOS Forum: Research in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Today and Tomorrow

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3742326/

In closing PCOS affects various women in various ways however it should never be left unchecked! Even if you don't want children, it is essential to treat PCOS. The high insulin and testosterone lead to high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol and eventually diabetes. These are the big three conditions that lead to heart disease.

If you suspect you or someone you knows has PCOS be sure to speak with a PCOS friendly doctor and stay informed. Information is key to living a healthier life with any condition you face!

Answering The #PCOS Question??????

Answering The #PCOS Question...

Author: Ashley Levinson
Twitter: @pcosgurl


Over the years I have had the pleasure of working with some of the leading pioneers, health advocates, doctors and organizations to bring awareness and information about PCOS to the spotlight.  The following   is a compilation of insight, information and facts to answer the many questions surrounding #PCOS


Even though #PCOS was first recognized over 75 years ago, we are no closer to understanding its cause or its treatment.  There is no singular test that can conclude whether a woman or girl has the syndrome instead it is a collection of symptoms, history and diagnostic testing. As a result once a doctor concludes it is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, they manage the symptoms to prevent long-term health consequences such as infertility, diabetes and heart disease.

So by now you are probably wondering if you do not already know, 

What is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (#PCOS)?

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is the most common hormonal problem in women. It is also a metabolic disorder that affects several body systems and can cause significant long-term health consequences. PCOS is often characterized by enlarged ovaries, with multiple small painless cysts or follicles, that form in the ovary. Two other key features of PCOS are production of excess androgens (male sex hormones) and anovulation (the failure to ovulate properly), which makes PCOS the leading cause of infertility.

What are the symptoms of PCOS?

The symptoms of PCOS can be not only physically debilitating, but also emotionally and psychologically wrenching. While no two women may have the same symptoms of POCS, they are likely to include any or all of the following:

·       Infertility

·       Irregular or absent periods

·       Excess hair growth on face and body

·       Male-Pattern hair thinning

·       Acne

·       Obesity

·       Lipid Abnormalities

If a woman has two or more of these symptoms, she should go to a physician, such as a reproductive endocrinologist, for an accurate diagnosis and treatment of symptoms.

It is estimated now, that approximately ten to twenty percent of women may have PCOS, as opposed to the early statistics indicating #PCOS affecting five to ten percent of women. As the numbers continue to rise it is becoming apparent that #PCOS is reaching epidemic proportions an demands attention as a National Health Initiative.  As more women and girls become aware of the syndrome they are ofen left to ask .....

What Causes PCOS?

The susceptibility to PCOS is often inherited, however the precise cause is unknown.

How is PCOS diagnosed?

While many physicians diagnose a woman with PCOS based on symptoms confirmation of the diagnosis requires obtaining blood samples for a variety of hormones, including those produced by the ovaries, adrenal glands, pituitary gland and thyroid gland. A full physical examination and screening for cholesterol, trygleceride, glucose and insulin should also be part of a complete evaluation.

Is PCOS life-threatening?

PCOS can be associated with a number of serious medical conditions. PCOS is frequently associated with decreased sensitivity to insulin (i.e., insulin resistance), which in turn may lead to an increased risk of adult on-set diabetes mellitus, stroke and cardiovascular disease. PCOS can also be associated with uterine and endometrial cancers.

Is there an overall treatment for PCOS?

Unfortunately, at the present time doctors can only treat the individual symptoms of women with PCOS, rather than the entire syndrome. Once diagnosed, in most patients it can be managed effectively to help patients lead healthier and more satisfying lifestyles. In the meantime, research continues to determine the cause and look for new and better treatments for PCOS.

Is PCOS a gynecological or an endocrinological disorder?

Since many of the symptoms involve a woman’s reproductive system, PCOS is often mistaken for a gynecological disorder. It is, however, a disorder of the endocrine system, involving hormones and hormone production. Therefore a specialist in the endocrine system, such as a reproductive endocrinologist, should be consulted to confirm diagnosis.

Are there other issues related to PCOS?

There is often a stigma attached to many of the symptoms of PCOS, particularly facial and body hair, infertility and obesity. Some women may even suffer from depression as a result of the symptoms. Women with PCOS need emotional and social support to deal with the effects of this condition on their lives Research has shown that a strong network of friends and family greatly enhances an individual’s ability to cope with the distressing effects of the syndrome.

Why is public awareness of PCOS so critical?

The symptoms of PCOS can vary significantly from one woman to the next, therefore a woman often does not realize she may have the syndrome. Public information and awareness about the symptoms and the serious nature of the disorder are crucial to identifying women in need of treatment.

For women to make informed decisions about their health management, the information upon which they base their decisions should be accurate, current, based upon well-performed research studies, and obtained from well-informed and well-trained physicians and other caregivers. This information must be easy for the general public to find and understand. There are many sources of information available on the internet please visit @pcosgurl on Twitter to be connected with more information and professionals treating PCOS and their symptoms and support initiatives such as the PCOS National Initiative petition

Sign and Share the PCOS National Initiative Petition

Source: Ashley Levinson, Founder 

Project PCOS, 2008 http://www.projectpcos.org

Lifestyle Management for PCOS

Lifestyle Management for PCOS

Lifestyle management is not just about loosing weight, it is about incorporating changes into your life to help you manage the symptoms of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Physical Activity, Proper Nourishment and a Healthy Mind are the keys to living a healthier life with any life-altering syndrome, especially polycystic ovary syndrome. Size, age, or where you are in life does not matter, lifestyle management is important to minimize long-term health consequences associated with PCOS such as; heart disease, diabetes and forms of cancer as well as the psychological strains such as depression and anxiety.

Diet and Nutrition

Choosing a weight management plan that works for you is the key to your success. It is not a one size fits all approach. Whether you are trying to loose weight our just maintain your health, making the right food choices to maintain your health with PCOS is important.

Natural and Alternative Therapies

Although there is not much research, the use of alternative and natural medicine in treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome has proven to be very affective for many women living with PCOS. Here's a look at natural and alternative therapies thought to improve the condition.

Exercise and Movement

Regular exercise has incredible benefits that go way beyond weight loss. It improves the mind, body and spirit improving overall physical and mental health leading to healthier lives and minimizing serious health consequences associated with the syndrome

Lifestyle Coaching and Psychology

PCOS can make you feel like you have lost control over many aspects of your life and health. The physical symptoms and complications associated with PCOS can lead to an emotional strain. However, PCOS does not have to consume your life and mental well-being, life is about so much more. Learn how a healthy mind can help you win the battle with PCOS. 

Four Letters are Making a Huge Impact on Millions of Women Worldwide!

Author: Ashley Levinson
Twitter: @pcosgurl
(Woodbury, New Jersey November 9, 2014)

Women and their supporters are speaking out to bring awareness to #PCOS Polycystic Ovary Syndrome!

In a recent petition that has been added to Change.org on behlaf of the #PCOS Community  women, girls and supporters of better healthcare for PCOS finally have a voice. While the petition has only been online for 24 hours it has already gained over 1500 signatures indicating the need for better services and information about this syndrome is paramount!
Up to 20% or 2 in 10 women and girls worldwide have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a complex hormonal disorder for which there is no cure.

While the name may be deceiving, PCOS is not a gynecological issues it is an endocrine disorder affeting many systems in the body.  If left untreated PCOS can be a precursor to many life threatening conditions including type II diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, stroke and kidney problems. This means PCOS contributes to some of the leading causes of death and disability in women today.

 The PCOS Community is now aggressively campaigning for more awareness, exposure and education for PCOS( Polycystic Ovary Syndrome ). For many diagnosed with PCOS,  Awareness and education have played a key role in helping them learn to live and deal with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and ultimately live a healthier life. That is why PCOS Awareness has to happen now to ensure women and girls do not have to go through another day, month or year of silent suffering and to ensure they are educated on how to live a healthier life with this syndrome.

What PCOS is, and what it does to women who have it, is complicated to explain as symptoms and severity of the syndrome can vary from person to person. Some of the classic symptoms are drastic weight gain, hair loss, depression, fatigue, thyroid problems, high cholesterol, panic attacks, headaches, dizzy spells, poor memory or muddled mind, sleeping disorders, constant thirst, extreme cravings, insulin resistance, cystic acne, cystic ovaries, menstrual cycles without ovulation, irregular cycles, severe mood swings, high testosterone levels, infertility problems, excess facial and body hair, not to mention a seven times greater risk than an average woman for four major health concerns affecting women in the United States today including heart disease, diabetes, endometrial cancer and stroke.

Now women who have spent their lives trying to come to terms with living with and understanding PCOS are asking for change, awareness and support with The PCOS National Health Initiative which urges the government, media, organizations and health care leaders to examine PCOS as a significant health issue demnding national recognition.

The Petition and initiative may be viewed on Change.Org

Please join this campaign: https://www.change.org/p/nih-valencia-seay-nancy-nathanson-recognize-pcos-polycystic-ovary-syndrome-as-a-significant-health-concern-demanding-national-attention-and-government-support?recruiter=78907883&utm_campaign=mailto_link&utm_medium=email&utm_source=share_petition.

Tina Braddock, a petition signer from TN validates the necessity for creating and supporting this petition, "I have suffered with this disease for over 18 years. I am almost 31 years old and will probably need a hysterectomy within the next 2 years. Had my doctors been more educated on the disease when I was a teenager, I probably would not have the health issues I suffered with today: PCOS, Endometriosis, Infertility, Sleep Apnea, Hypothyroidism, Eczema, Spastic Colon, excessive body hair and cystic acne."
Thankfully women like Tina have not only been adding thie signatures but, been expressing the reasons why more involvement from medical professionals insurance companies and the mainstream media are important.

Women like Jean Murphy of New Hampshire address some more reasons this petition is important. She states, "I run a support group for women with PCOS. I would like the House and Senate leaders to address the insurance companies so they will recognize and pay for not only treatment but complications of this syndrome. Diabetes, heart disease and cancer is costing the insurance company in unnecessary expenses if they would just pay for diagnosis and treatment of symptoms and also the costs of infertility caused by PCOS."

Because PCOS can cause so many physical and emotional complications, it is important for early detection, treatment and support. Chrisy Wise of Georgia agrees, "I started showing signs at a very young age and went undiagnosed for many years. As a young girl, it was very hard when doctor after doctor kept telling me nothing was wrong. Now, I know all the symptoms together equal pcos."

This petition is not only raising awareness and gaining support, it is giving women, their families and supporters of PCOS awareness a voice, a strong voice that will hopefully inspire and invoke change for better health, treatment and support of this syndrome.
###

<a href="http://www.blogdigger.com/" alt="Blogdigger Blog Search Engine"/><img src="http://www.blogdigger.com/images/blogdigger2.gif" border="0"/></a>