PCOS GURLS BLOG: September is The Teal Deal for MIllions of Women W...

PCOS GURLS BLOG: September is The Teal Deal for MIllions of Women W...: A September Celebration - The Teal Deal Millions of Women living with #PCOS or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome are hoping September&#3...

September is The Teal Deal for MIllions of Women Worldwide!

A September Celebration - The Teal Deal

Millions of Women living with #PCOS or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome are hoping September's PCOS Awareness Month will bring much needed recognition to a syndrome not often talked about!



Author: Ashley Levinson
Twitter: @pcosgurl

Mantua, NJ (September 1, 2015)

This September people will be seeing profiles, pictures, tweets and more going teal and talking about ‪#‎PCOS‬.... But, many may be wondering why?

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/

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.

So now that you now what it is what can you do to help raise Awareness?

1. You can very simply go Teal for #PCOS by putting a twibbon in your profile with the Teal Ribbon which represents ‪#‎PCOSAWARENESS‬

Please help support PCOS Awareness, add a ‪#‎Twibbon‬ now! http://twb.ly/PrYa5w

2. Sign on to the National Initiative

Add your signature to the #PCOS Petition asking legislators to make #PCOS a health initiative providing funding, services and coverage for all women with #PCOS to be diagnosed and treated
Recognize #PCOS Polycystic Ovary Syndrome as a significant health concern demanding national attention and government support.

Recognize #PCOS Polycystic Ovary Syndrome as a significant health concern demanding national attention and government support.
https://www.change.org/p/nih-recognize-pcos-polycystic-ovar…

3. Spread the word

Invite your friends and families to share this great initiative...
As 1 in 10 women are affected by the syndrome yo most likely know someone with #PCOS
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!

 

PCOS GURLS BLOG: The #HeartforPCOS Campaign is coming this February...

PCOS GURLS BLOG: The #HeartforPCOS Campaign is coming this February...:   The #HeartforPCOS Campaign is coming this February Author: Ashley Levinson Twitter:@PCOSGurl Woodbury, New Jersey (January 6, 2015) Febru...

The #HeartforPCOS Campaign is coming this February

 

The #HeartforPCOS Campaign is coming this February

Author: Ashley Levinson
Twitter:@PCOSGurl

Woodbury, New Jersey (January 6, 2015)

February Marks the birth of a campaign aimed to increase awareness for women and girls with #PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)

The #HeartforPCOSCampaign in conjunction with Cysters and their Misters will unveil events and initiatives through the month of February, with the goal to raise awareness for PCOS and the health risks associated with the syndrome such as Heart Disease and Stroke, in which a woman with PCOS is at seven times greater risk.

The hope of the campaign is to enlighten people as to the need for more PCOS Awareness to help avoid future serious health complications..

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is the most common metabolic disorder of reproductive-age women in the United States, it is associated with life-threatening medical illnesses putting American women at grave risk for heart attack, stroke, diabetes, high blood pressure and cancer and they don’t even know it.

Many women with PCOS, have gone years without the proper diagnosis and have silently suffered not knowing what was truly wrong. Even in today’s medically advanced era, women from around the country are experiencing the same lack of response from a medical community with little understanding of PCOS, except in rare cases when the infertility aspect are addressed.  As a result, single women, older women and those not trying to get pregnant have little chance of being diagnosed.

Did you know?
·PCOS affects an estimated 10% of reproductive-age women in the U.S.
·Over 50% of PCOS patients are obese; 50% have diabetes by age 40
·PCOS patients are at higher risk to develop high blood pressure, lipid disorders and coronary    artery disease
·New studies have shown that as many as 40% of PCOS patients as young as age 30-45 may have coronary calcification (a warning of heart attack risk)


The good news is with this campaign and use of social media, the word is spreading.  Physicians are now recognizing the symptoms and sending women to endocrinologists for testing. In addition, research on PCOS and its causes has increased, greatly. Now with the help of many dedicated volunteers from across the country, There is an outlet for people who want to dedicate their time to help women, girls and the public at large learn about and understand PCOS!

The #HeartforPCOSCampaign, Cysters and their Misters and their volunteers plan to speak very openly about their struggle, symptoms, and avenues they have taken to help other women interpret the information available about PCOS, through the resources provided by this campaigns partners and educational initiatives!  Cysters and their Misters will be a driving force in letting women and girls know they are not alone!


Remember…. Early diagnosis and treatment of PCOS can lower future health risks! To be part of our upcoming events and initiatives for the #HeartforPCOSCampaign please join the Cysters and their Misters (PCOS Support)  Group on Facebook and/or follow @PCOSGurl on Twitter



UPCOMING #HEARTFORPCOS EVENTS

2/1/15 – 2/28/15 #HEARTFORPCOS Ribbon Campaign
- Volunteer to make and send postcards and teal ribbons to family, friends and celebrities to raise PCOS Awareness

2/12/15 – #PCOS #PCOSCHAT on Twitter @7PM EST hosted by @pcosgurl
- We will be talking about #PCOS  and #Heart Health

 

2/14/15 - #PCOS Heart to Heart Campaign

- Online photos of #PCOS community members and the people whom love them

 

2/15/15 - 2/22/15 - Wear teal with some Heart

- Asking everyone to wear teal and red together to represent how #PCOS affects Heart Health and to share their pictures of wearing their red n teal with pride!

 

2/22/15-2/28/15 - Women with PCOS speak from the Heart

- The unveiling of a PCOS Channel for women and girls with PCOS to speak out about life, love and living with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome through vlogging

 

 

 

 



PCOS and Diabetes The Rise of an Epidemic!

PCOS and Diabetes... The Rise of an Epidemic!

Author: Ashley Levinson

Twitter: @pcosgurl

December 2, 2014

Many are unaware of what PCOS or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is, let alone it is one of the biggest contributing causes to Diabetes today!

PCOS or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is an endocrine disorder affecting between 10-20% of women worldwide with less than half knowing they are living with it. Many associate PCOS as a gynecological issue as many manifestations affect a woman's menstruation, ovulation and fertility.  PCOS, while it is the leading cause of infertility is however a metabolic syndrome affecting multiple systems in the body.  

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.

One of key factors of this syndrome with it's metabolic complications is often the overproduction of insulin and the imbalance of blood glucose which in turn leads to insulin resistance, pre-diabetes and ultimately Diabetes Mellitus II.  Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) are both obesity-related conditions that share epidemiological and pathophysiological factors. Research has indicated between 50% and 70% of American women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome experience Insulin Resistance. This means the body has become somewhat resistant to responding to insulin.  As a result, women with the syndrome have an overproduction of androgens (Male Hormones in the Female Body) which in turn affect several body systems and result in symptoms not limited to; acne, weight –gain and obesity, excess facial and body hair, thinning and balding hairline, irregular and/or absent menses and infertility. Estimates of prevalence of metabolic syndrome in women with PCOS are between 34 and 46%, using the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP ATPIII) criteria. It is also clear that hyperandrogenism is frequently associated with T2D in women

Additionally, in a blog from the ADA they state, "Women with type 1 diabetes are at increased risk for PCOS, further suggesting that insulin may be a key player. A possible link between PCOS and type 1 diabetes may be that the large swings in insulin levels that accompany insulin injections may place extra stress on the ovaries. Likewise for people with type 2, who tend to have high levels of insulin in the early stages of diabetes because their bodies whip it out to fight their insulin resistance."

PCOS carries a substantial risk of developing type 2 diabetes and is a risk factor for CVD. These are collectively referred to as CMD. Several studies from the USA report 7.5–10% of women with PCOS have type 2 diabetes and 31–35% with IGT. Furthermore, numbers of women with PCOS appear to be increasing.  A link has been reported between the increasing incidence of obesity, IGT and type 2 diabetes amongst adolescent girls with PCOS which means diabetes could reach epidemic proportions among young women predisposed to T2D and insulin resistance.

"PCOS affects about 7 million women in the USA. That's more than the number of people diagnosed with Breast Cancer, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Multiple Sclerosis and Lupus combined!" - Louise Chang, MD 

Screening women with PCOS for diabetes is seldom undertaken, largely through difficulties in diagnosis due to identification and management of PCOS continuing to focus on treatment of infertility and hirsutism. There is a need for evidence-based guidelines on screening, diagnosis and interventions to reduce CMD specifically in women with PCOS.

With more than half of the women with PCOS predestined to have prediabetes or type 2 diabetes before the age of 40, finding ways to diagnose, screen and educate on the connection between these to diseases is imperative! Without the proper education and awareness of these connected disorders, the Diabetes epidemic will continue to rise.

REFERENCES:

• Diabetes Stops Here ADA Blog: http://diabetesstopshere.org/2012/09/11/pcos-the-cousin-of-diabetes/
• Medscape: http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/759835

PCOS Overview with PCOSGurl

PCOS Overview

PCOS 101

• ·      Is also known as Stein-Leventhal Syndrome or Polycystic Ovary Disease (PCOD).
•    Affects an estimated 6-10% of all women and most don't even know they have it.
• ·      Is treatable, but not curable, by medications, changes in diet and exercise.
• ·      Is one of the leading causes of infertility in Women.
• ·      Has been identified for 75 years and they still aren't sure what causes it.
• ·      PCOS is generally considered a syndrome rather than a disease (though it is sometimes called Polycystic Ovary Disease) because it manifests itself through a group of signs and symptoms that can occur in any combination, rather than having one known cause or presentation.
• ·      There is no cure for PCOS. It is a condition that is managed, rather than cured.
• ·      Affects far more than just reproduction.
• ·      At this time, there is no single definitive test for PCOS. This is because no exact cause of PCOS has been established yet. This is why there is a wide-range of opinion on how to diagnose and treat PCOS.
• ·      Treatment of the symptoms of PCOS can help reduce risks of future health problems.
• ·      PCOS is associated with increased risk for endometrial hyperplasia, endometrial cancer, insulin resistance, type II diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and heart disease.
• ·      IT IS NOT just a cosmetic problem.
• ·      Although up to 15 million women in the U.S. alone have PCOS, less than half know they have it!

Can include the following symptoms:

• ·      Irregular or absent menses
• ·      Numerous cysts on the ovaries in many, but not all, cases
• ·      High blood pressure
• ·      Acne
• ·      Elevated insulin levels, Insulin Resistance, or Diabetes
• ·      Infertility
• ·      Excess hair on the face and body
• ·      Thinning of the scalp hair (alopecia)
• ·      Weight Problems or obesity that is centered around your mid section

What a Polycystic Ovary looks like:

The many cysts in a polycystic ovary are follicles that have matured but, due to abnormal hormone levels, were never released. In a normal ovary, a single egg develops and is rel released each month.

#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!