Avoid processed foods:

Processed foods are packed full of excess salt and sugar and toxins in the form of colorings, flavorings and preservatives. While it’s hard to avoid eating some processed foods, especially when we want a convenient option, eating a lot of them (even when they are branded “healthy”) will add unnecessary toxins to your body and disrupt things like hormone balance. I know it’s time consuming but try to prepare as many meals for yourself as possible – you can always cook batches of your favorite meals (soups, curries, chili, stew) and freeze them for convenience.

Eat Organic:

Wherever possible, try to eat organic, especially fruit and vegetables. Organic vegetables tend to have a higher nutrient content and fewer toxins, plus the flavors are so much better. Intense farming has stripped the nutritional content and flavor out of many foods. It can be expensive to eat organic, so at least try to stick to these Top 10 Foods to Eat Organically, because they are treated with more pesticides or absorb them more.

Eat Local:

Most supermarket’s stock fruit and vegetables that have been shipped from a great distance. They may seem fresh but some of them will have been sitting around for days or even weeks, with the nutritional content gradually depleting over time. If you can buy local seasonal produce you have a better chance of it still being vitamin-rich, and with the increased popularity in farmers’ markets this should be even easier to do. If you can manage organic and local, that’s even better.

Avoid Coffee and other Caffeinated Drinks:

Let me begin by saying: “My name’s Lisa and I’m a coffee addict”. This is one of the hardest things for me to do and although I’ve given up coffee in the past I usually find my way back to it. However, caffeine increases insulin levels, reduces nutrient absorption and may lower fertility rates.

Drink Plenty of Water:

I’ve already written about the benefits of drinking water including flushing out toxins, improving nutrient delivery and aiding weightloss. If you know you don’t drink enough water then make a commitment to increase your intake. Also, consider the benefits of drinking hot water and lemon to start your day.

Exercise:

Not a dietary guideline but still important to your general wellbeing and weightloss. Get moving on a regular basis!

What aspects of your diet plan do you think are the most important? Are they in this list? Please share your own guidelines below

Further PCOS Diet Plan Guidelines is a post from: PCOS Matters... Please visit the blog for more information on PCOS

What’s the Difference Between Low-GI and Low-GL

Not much!

Both focus on eating foods that release energy slowly and prevent spikes in your insulin levels. The Glycemic Index was created to show how quickly different foods affect the body’s glucose levels. The Glycemic Load refined this further by concentrating on average portions of each food, as low-GI doesn’t take this into account and can therefore exclude some foods (like my favorites – Broad Beans) as being higher GI.

I’m going to focus on the Low-GI guidelines, which are better known, but if you want to refine things further you should read up on Low-GL.

Main Guidelines for a Low-GI Diet

All carbohydrates are given a GI number between 1 and 100 based on how much glucose is released into the bloodstream after consumption. Levels were taken at regular intervals and are based on 50g of the carb in all cases.

Foods with a number of 1 to 55 is considered Low-GI, 56-69 is moderate, and 70+ is high-GI.

• Enjoy 3 meals and 2 snacks every day. Don’t get hungry but don’t feel stuffed either. Small regular meals are better than a few large ones.
• Get the majority of your carbohydrate from fruit and vegetables – the kinds of foods that have been around for years. These are mainly Low-GI. You should aim for 7+ portions of Low-GI fruits and vegetables every day.
• Avoid sugar and refined carbs – especially “white” carbs – like bread, pasta, cakes and pastries, as these are usually High-GI.
• In general, wholegrain and unrefined carbs are more likely to release energy slowly but check their GI value, as many are classed as medium or high GI and should be eaten in moderation.
• You can still eat some higher GI foods but make sure you consume them in moderation and combine with Low-GI or high protein foods. The general guideline seems to be that for every meal, half of it should have a GI below 50 and no component should have a GI above 70.
• Eat more pulses such as lentils, beans and chickpeas. Base your meals around these rather than the higher GI rice or potatoes. They also tend to be higher in good nutrients.
• Avoid sugary drinks and replace with water, herbal teas and juices. Be careful when choosing fruit juice as many of them are packed with sugar, and with the fruit’s fiber removed can become high-GI. Experiment with vegetable juice or a mix of fruit and vegetables.
• Eating Low-GI is not an excuse for eating high fat and mega calories. Stick to good fats and lean proteins. Mix up your proteins with oily fish, seafood, eggs and lean meats.
• If you’re a vegetarian or vegan, make sure you get plenty of protein from a mixture of sources, including quinoa and beans.
• Dairy products are mainly Low-GI and the general guideline is to eat low fat dairy products to ensure you get the necessary calcium. I’m torn on the topic of dairy as most animal dairy (cow’s milk, cheese etc.) contains hormones, traces of antibiotics and other toxins. I would suggest you get as much of your calcium as possible from leafy green vegetables and legumes instead.

These are the general guidelines for a Low-GI diet plan. In the next blog post I’ll include some additional recommendations you might want to follow. If you’re interested in a Low-GI diet then these resources may also help.

Low GI Diet Plan Guidelines is a post from: PCOS Matters... Please visit the blog for more information on PCOS

As children we instinctively understand that to achieve something we have to learn new skills – nothing happens instantaneously. Passing an exam can take years of study, playing a sport well can take hours of practice, and even learning to walk requires us to hone certain skills and a lot of trial and error. Yet, as adults we start to expect things to happen quickly and to be able to achieve things with little effort.

Dieting is a case in point. We’ve been conditioned by the dieting industry and our own desires for quick results to believe if we find the “definitive” diet and follow it precisely, we will lose weight quickly and effortlessly and all our problems will be resolved.

The reason many diets fail is because we treat it as an “all or nothing” experience. This year on January 1st thousands of us will have resolved to lose weight. We start following our diet of choice. By the end of the month the majority of us will have already given up for one reason or another…many of us will be looking for the next diet to follow because this one didn’t work well for us.

Firstly, I want you to avoid thinking about your PCOS diet as being a “diet” in the sense we have come to know it. Instead think of it as a lifestyle change – or series of lifestyle changes.

Next, throw out any ideas of this diet being “all or nothing”!

Changing your eating habits for the long term requires a mental shift just as much as it requires a shift in behavior. If you believe that this diet is all or nothing and your will power alone will keep you following it exactly then you will soon be disappointed.

Building will power takes time. Most of us have weak self-control – that’s why we find ourselves needing to change our diet and exercise regime – and in the same way as you need to build your lifestyle changes gradually, you also need to strengthen your will power steadily.

Something is going to happen that will weaken your resolve or make you lapse in your new regime. I can guarantee it.

I’ve just come down with a cold bug. The last thing I feel like doing is worrying about what I’m eating so I’m not worrying about it (thankfully, all I feel like eating is soup, so not too bad). Many of you will still have chocolate and other treats left from the holidays and may have already succumbed to temptation. Or maybe a friend invited you to dinner and you gave in to the pressure to eat that sticky, sweet dessert. If you’re doing an “all or nothing” diet you’re going to feel like a failure as soon as you slip up. The first failure may not stop you but each little slip will eventually lead to you giving up…after all, it’s just “too hard” to stick to the diet so precisely.

Learn to realize that failure is not a bad thing. Mistakes help you learn lessons so that you can change your responses the next time temptation comes along. A long term change in habits requires mistakes to be made.

So, don’t beat yourself up over making slips, and instead adjust your thinking that these mistakes are a bad thing. Each slip is just an indication that an adjustment needs to be made to your journey.

The Problem with the All or Nothing Diet is a post from: PCOS Matters... Please visit the blog for more information on PCOS

Happy New Year and a special welcome to all of you who have committed to making 2012 the year you make changes in your life to help kick your PCOS in the butt!

Many of you are asking me what this PCOS diet is, and I thought it would also be useful to tell you what it isn’t:

• It isn’t a specific step-by-step diet that everyone should follow. Personally I’m starting off by doing the Insulite way, but some of you may choose to follow a specific Low-GI diet, Weightwatchers, Slimming World or similar. You need to know there is no specific diet that will work for all (no matter what the diet “gurus” tell you) and the most important thing is to commit to starting “something” and then adapting as you go along
• It isn’t a miracle diet that will make the weight miraculously disappear, along with your PCOS symptoms. It’s important to realize there are no miracle diets and that by jumping from one diet to another is not going to help you.
• It isn’t an all or nothing diet. If you enter this thinking the moment you make a mistake that you’ve failed, then you will give up quickly. Gradual changes are more important and will last longer.
• It isn’t a fad diet that will help you lose weight in a matter of months so you can return to unhealthy living choices.
• It isn’t an opportunity to beat yourself up all the time about failing, or to feel deprived – these kind of thought processes are as unhealthy as some of the foods we put in our bodies.

So what IS this?

1. It’s a long term commitment to eating healthily, taking any necessary supplements, exercising, and getting yourself mentally in a good place.
2. It’s a gradual process to change your unhealthy habits into healthy ones and maintain them for life.
3. It’s about eating wholesome, natural foods and a well-balanced diet that provides your body with every it requires, while removing toxins, processed foods and stimulants.
4. It’s about discovering what’s best for your body and your PCOS and integrating those changes into your lifestyle.

If you’re not sure where to start then I suggest you explore the Low GI route – there are some useful resources on this page that can help – and find a way to integrate it into your lifestyle. You can also read here about why Low GI is one of the best long-term solutions for eating with PCOS.

Find options for low GI meals you can eat for breakfast, snacks, lunch and dinner that you will enjoy, and this week start to integrate them into your life. Next time you’re at the supermarket start to make sensible food choices, and if you have a family find ways to include them in it. This is a healthy lifestyle change that will benefit everybody, whether they have PCOS or not.

Welcome to 2012 and a Healthier You is a post from: PCOS Matters... Please visit the blog for more information on PCOS

Actually, I haven’t put any weight on, but the situation meant that my focus was very much elsewhere, and when my Dad died I lost the desire to do anything but get through it emotionally, while still trying to earn a living. However, in the back of my mind I knew I was still committed to following a diet and exercise program that would benefit my PCOS and help me lose some weight.

So, with Christmas over I’m ready to really kick my PCOS in the butt and adjust my lifestyle even more.

Do You Want to Join Me?

I’ve written before that I don’t make New Year’s Resolutions, however the start of the New Year is symbolic of being able to make a fresh start so I’m encouraging as many of you as possible to join me in eating, exercising and getting into the right mental state to help your PCOS in 2012.

If you’re interested, you’ll find this website will feature regular, more detailed posts on the topic of PCOS health, fitness and diet, while the My PCOS Diet blog will contain shorter posts, weight and eating updates, and inspirational stuff to help you on a day to day basis.

If you want to get involved then I’d urge you to visit the dedicated Facebook Page at Your PCOS Diet, make your commitment, and tell us about yourself. Then keep us updated every week and share your triumphs and your problems. You can post pictures of the scales going down as you lose weight, your favorite recipes, or even your own before and after photos when you start to see a difference.

If you have your own blog or Facebook page where you’d prefer to share this information, then let us know where to find you by posting a link or adding a comment below here.

Will I Still Be Following Insulite?

I’m still committed to continuing with Insulite and I recommend you read about their program as the information on their site is extremely useful. However, I know that money is tight for many and you may not be able to afford it at the moment. This will not prevent you from joining in with this 2012 (and beyond) challenge. There are many routes to achieving your goals and the information I share here will be useful to all. We’re also going to tackle some of the mental stuff that gets in the way of you (and me) losing weight, staying on track and achieving our goals.

So, let’s get started!

Are You Ready to Kick Your PCOS in the Butt in 2012? is a post from: PCOS Matters... Please visit the blog for more information on PCOS

I’m going on a PCOS Diet.

I hate that word – diet. We’re are always on a diet – our diet is whatever we choose to eat every day – but the connotations of it are that we’re following some extreme measures to lose weight.

My PCOS diet isn’t going to be extreme but it is more focused on dealing with the symptoms of PCOS and I will be trying to lose weight in the process.

Why Am I Dieting?

I haven’t focused on a specific diet since I followed the Vegan detox a few years ago which, while I did lose weight, was more about feeling healthier and eliminating my body of toxins. In fact, during my 30s I’ve pretty much avoided traditional dieting (apart from 2 unsatisfactory stints at Weightwatchers) in favour of just trying to eat healthily on a regular basis.

But, I recently stepped onto the scales (not something I do very often) and discovered I’ve piled on an awful lot of weight since I did that detox (and I was pretty hefty even then). The funny thing is I still think of myself as being the weight I was 15 years ago and when I look in the mirror I don’t see myself as being anywhere near as big as I am (your mind prepares you for what you see so you get a skewed image of yourself). But, recent photos and tighter clothes have left me quite shocked at how big I am now.

Other reasons for the focus on my diet and exercise:

1. My PCOS symptoms are getting worse…seriously, hairs on my chin and neck…what’s that all about?!
2. I’ve been feeling totally unfit and taking part in a 5km charity event recently made me realise just how bad I am (those hills were killer)!
3. I have no energy
4. I’m also dealing with Hypothyroidism and I’m positive that improving my overall health will improve the effects of that too.
5. Although I eat a generally healthy diet I have become addicted to sugar again and have been eating too many simple carbs.
6. 40 is approaching fast and I know that if I don’t do it now it will be even harder as I get older.
7. I’m sick of not being able to find nice clothes that fit
8. So many of you ask about losing weight with PCOS (most asked question) and I want to offer some help in that area

What Diet and Why?

I’ve chosen to sign-up to one of the few diet plans that is dedicated to dealing with PCOS and Insulin Resistance – Insulite – for a number of reasons:

• Like I mentioned, it’s focused specifically on the problems I have
• I often recommend Insulite to women with PCOS and have always been happy to do this (based on reputation, recommendation and investigation) but I would like to be able to have first hand knowledge of Insulite and what it can do for women.
• The primary component of Insulite is their Nutraceuticals, which are blended and designed to deal specifically with PCOS and Insulin Resistance (trying to balance your own supplements, vitamins and minerals can be a mammoth task).
• They advocate a good, healthy diet and regular exercise – no fads, no major deprivation.
• Insulite offer their own support system too, so you can get good advice from people who know all about your PCOS and have experience of dealing with it. I’m sure we’ve all been frustrated by bad advice or lack of PCOS knowledge when it comes to diets.

Now, I am aware that Insulite requires a financial commitment and that put me off for a while (especially as I’m in the UK – US shipping is currently free but International shipping is $50). However, as someone pointed out to me on the PCOS Matters Facebook page, what price do you put on your health?

I don’t want to be flippant about this as I know some of you are still financially strapped, regardless of how important your health is to you. But, if you’re wavering on signing up because it seems just a tad too expensive, consider this: the actual cost works out at just over $3 a day – the cost of a daily cup of coffee. I worked out how much it would cost to buy the equivalent supplements that make up the Insulite formulations and it was seriously pricey!

If you would like to follow along with my progress then I’ll be sharing as much as I can online. For those of you that aren’t really interested in the day-to-day progress, stick with this blog and our main Facebook page where I will only be posting overall lessons learned and general PCOS diet information.

But, if you want more details on how I’m doing, and especially if you want to join me, then I’ve set up a My PCOS Diet Tumblr blog and a Facebook Page called Your PCOS Diet, where you can read my regular updates, discuss the diet further and share your own results.

I’d love you to join me in this, if you’ve been considering making changes and want some support. You don’t need to be following the Insulite System, but I won’t be encouraging fads or starvation – it will be the triumvirate of supplements, healthy diet and regular exercise that will dominate discussion, and any adjustments I have to make along the way.

I’m on a PCOS Diet is a post from: PCOS Matters... Please visit the blog for more information on PCOS

While I was prepared to believe that the exact amount – 6 to 8 glasses – was indeed part of some marketing campaign once upon a time (just as having 5-a-day for veges and fruits was never based on scientific fact), it has its benefits and so I went in search of the original study to see whether the media had simply twisted the results to make better and more controversial news stories.

What I discovered was that the “study” was in fact an opinion piece written by a doctor for the British Medical Journal. What it actually stated was that a new initiative called “Hydration for Health” to promote drinking more water and fewer sugary drinks is sponsored by Danone, a company with a huge vested interest (they produce Volvic, Evian and Badoit mineral water).

The doctor also questioned the NHS guidelines for drinking 6 to 8 glasses of water to avoid dehydration and states that drinking too much water can be bad for you as it causes your kidneys to work harder. She uses a 2002 study by Heinz Valtin that questioned the US health advice for citizens to drink “at least eight 8-oz glasses of water a day” (this amounts to around 1.9 liters whereas in the UK the recommended amount is around 1.2 liters) to back up her piece.

Why Am I Annoyed By This?

I’m not a medical expert and I’m not going to get into a discussion about exact amounts of water consumption or whether this is all a ploy by the mineral water companies to sell more bottled water. I simply felt that it was an irresponsible thing to write, as the media did exactly as could be expected and suggested that you don’t need to drink water regularly every day!

I know too many people who will jump on a story like this and use it to justify why they don’t drink much liquid during the day, or why they choose to drink sugary soft drinks, juices and caffeine drinks instead of water.

The truth is that, whether you have PCOS or not, keeping your body properly hydrated is important, and plain water should be the preferred method for doing this. It’s also very hard to over hydrate your body unless you choose to drink liters of water all in the space of a couple of minutes.

Reasons Why Drinking Water is Good for You

It helps promote a healthy heart

Drinking plenty of water decreases viscosity of your blood and so improves its flow around your body. A study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology (this time a real study carried out over 6 years) found that those who drink more than 5 glasses of water a day were 41% less likely to die from a heart attack than those who drank less than two glasses. If you have PCOS you have a greater risk of heart problems, so it’s important to do simple things like drink more water in order to help your heart stay healthy.

It flushes out the toxins

Our cells retain toxins. Some come from the environment and others you produce yourself. Either way, they’re in your body and you need to get rid of them. Just like you use water to flush your toilet; your body uses water to get rid of toxins. Eliminating this waste helps you function more effectively and feel better.

It improves nutrient delivery

Your body uses water to transport nutrients around your body. There’s no point eating healthy food if you’re not giving your body the proper means to deliver those nutrients to where they’re needed.

It gives you an energy boost

Think you can’t get through the day without your morning caffeine boost? Well, water can give you energy as well, and not the short-lived energy boost of a cup of coffee or sugary drinks. Your body is made up mostly of water. It loses it throughout the day through perspiration, breathing and urination, so you have to replace it for your body to work efficiently, particularly the heart and digestive tract. The more efficiently your whole body works, the better you’ll feel and the more energy you’ll have – and as a woman with PCOS, you can appreciate how important some extra energy can be.

It’s good for the skin

Many people question whether this is scientifically true, so I’m prepared to be questioned on this one, but from my own experience, when I’m dehydrated my skin looks tired and unhealthy too. As mentioned above, staying properly hydrated flushes out the toxins in your body, and that includes the skin.

I had to see a speech therapist for a while a few years ago and she told me that the vocal cords are one of the last parts of the body to benefit from hydration. The body basically makes the decision on which parts need water the most and so it’s natural to assume that the body will provide hydration to your vital organs before anything else. Drinking plenty of water ensures your body doesn’t have to ration it and neglect the less important organs. If you have dry skin problems, try drinking more water and see if it improves (it won’t be instant and will take at least a few weeks).

Good for weightloss

Water helps to suppress the appetite and it doesn’t have any calories. A win win! The body’s process of burning calories requires plenty of water to be efficient, and then more water to help flush the resulting toxins from your body.

Why Water and Not Other Liquids?

Many people find it hard to drink water. It’s not really something I understand as it has very little taste and has always been my drink of choice, even as a child, but I can accept that some of you would prefer to drink squashes, juices and soft drinks instead.

While not all soft drinks are bad for you, and some will provide the water you need during the day, there are a number of reasons to opt for water over anything else (and I don’t have a vested interest in a mineral water company):

No sugar added

While fruit juices may contain many nutrients, they also contain a whole lot of sugar. This is especially true for juices you buy from the store, as many of them add sugar for taste, but even freshly squeezed fruit juice has a lot of natural fruit sugar. This sudden burst of sugar triggers your insulin response and can make you tired and sluggish. If you’re dealing with Insulin Resistance than sugary drinks are the last thing you need.

Sugary sodas will produce the same reaction and they usually contain no nutrients at all. You can’t get round it by drinking the “diet” kind either, as these use sugar substitutes or artificial sweeteners that can cause other health issues.

Caffeine is a diuretic

Drinks that contain caffeine actually cause you to lose water throughout the day. You retain some of the water content of the beverages, but not as much as when you drink pure water. You can try decaffeinated beverages, but these often have added chemicals to strip out the caffeine. Look for a decaf version that uses a pure water process to remove the caffeine, and if you like to drink tea then herbal teas (without added sugar) are best.

How Much Water Should You Drink a Day?

I think the amount of water you need to drink each day varies, depending on factors such as your own body’s requirements and your environment, and you will have to find what works for you.

As a voiceover, I drink water regularly throughout my working day in order to improve and maintain my voice, but I also like drinking water. I find I dehydrate very quickly and first thing in the morning have to drink a couple of glasses of water before I lose that thirsty feeling. I’m also a coffee addict and know that if I’m going to have a few cups of coffee each day I have to balance it out with more water.

Don’t rely on thirst to tell you if you need more water. If you are thirsty then you are already dehydrated. The color of your urine can be a good indication – if it’s very dark then you need to rehydrate (first thing in the morning you will notice that it is particularly dark as you’ve had 6-8 hours of no fluids).

You may not need to drink 8 glasses of water every day but try always to have water on hand and, if you’re not a big fan of water either consume it in small sips regularly or treat it like medicine and pick certain times of the day to drink a glass down quickly (don’t drink liters all in one go – that’s dangerous and your kidneys will have trouble coping).

The US and UK guidelines may not be scientifically accurate but they are there for a reason – your body needs water to be healthy!

How Much Water Should You Drink a Day (and is it all just a marketing ploy to sell bottled water)? is a post from: PCOS Matters... Please visit the blog for more information on PCOS

The show was interesting because:

(a) it proved a number of dieting “myths” (things you may have heard about dieting but were unsure if they were true or not) and

(b) it was presented by a doctor who admitted he needed cold, hard scientific proof. Like most doctors he was taught at medical school (and tells his patients) that weight loss is a simple case of burning more calories than you eat. The programme proved to him that while this is still the basis for any diet, there are some things you can do to improve your chances of weightloss.

Another interesting point was that he had a full body scan to see how much fat he was carrying. Although he wasn’t particularly overweight (carrying extra pounds but by no means fat) the scan showed that he had a dangerous amount of fat around his internal organs. Not too many years ago the idea that even thin people might have “internal fat” was considered nonsense but now it can be proved.

The 10 Things You Need to Know About Losing Weight

1) Don’t skip meals (especially breakfast). It will make you crave higher calorie food.

The doctor’s brain was monitored while he looked at pictures of low and high calorie foods. When he missed breakfast and was hungry, he craved higher calorie foods than when he had eaten. The brain tries to compensate for your hunger by making you want to fill-up on higher calorie foods.

2) Use smaller plates.

This one is simple and one I’m sure you’ve heard before. Although you might think that you can’t fool yourself this way, if you use smaller plates (reducing from a 12 inch plate to 10 inches), you will reduce and control your portion sizes. Experiments show you will eat 22% less food overall.

3) Count your calories.

Again, this is an obvious one, but the point was that it’s not always clear which foods are low in calories. You can eat more but consume fewer calories by substituting lower calorie options.

4) Don’t blame your metabolism.

Some people do have a metabolic disorder, but in many cases a slow metabolism isn’t the problem. What’s more likely is that you’re forgetting exactly what you’re eating or not realising some of the hidden calories. We under report what we eat by as much as 50%.

5) Protein will make you feel fuller for longer.

Food triggers the hormone PYY which tells the brain you’re not hungry. Protein triggers more PYY and suppresses hunger pangs for longer.

6) Soup keeps your stomach fuller for longer.

Soup increases the overall volume of the meal and then cannot drain out of the stomach as quickly. It should be noted that the soup must be well blended and thick and that the experiment was done with the same amount of food and a glass of water, but one group drank the water (which expanded their stomach) and ate the meal while the other group had it all blended together.

7) The wider the choice, the more you eat.

You are likely to eat 30% more when you are given more variety because it triggers the instinct to try everything.

8 ) Low fat dairy helps you excrete more fat.

This one is hard to believe, especially as these are usually the things we give up first when dieting (due to their fat content), however if you eat the same calories (and same amount of fat) in a meal but include low fat dairy (where the only difference is the calcium content) then double the amount of fat is excreted.

9) Exercise goes on burning fat even while you sleep.

This is one I thought was a total myth (mainly because I’ll make any excuse not to exercise and this did sound too good to be true). As you’ll know if you use any kind of monitoring device, when you exercise you might (at a push) lose 100-200 calories. In this experiment, after 90 mins of walking, the doctor burned 19g of fat – the equivalent of a regular bag of crisps/chips.

Initially, exercise will burn the easiest energy source – mainly carbohydrates – but once that’s depleted and until it’s replenished (22-24 hours) the body is forced to take its energy from fat in the body. By the following day the doctor had lost 49g of fat and his body was still burning fat at a faster rate.

10) You don’t need to join a gym to burn off extra calories.

Keep moving and lose weight. Even if you hate exercise, adding more activity to your day will help you burn fat. Raising your heart rate by moving around (taking the stairs, moving around while on the phone, walking a little further) and making small changes will result in significantly more calories being burned.

So, there you have them. Of course, this information is not targeted solely at women with PCOS but, in general, it’s excellent advice to boost your weight loss efforts.

10 Things You Need to Know About Losing Weight is a post from: PCOS Matters... Please visit the blog for more information on PCOS

Can you believe we are already 3 days into 2011?

I’m sure many of you made the New Year’s Resolution to lose weight this year (I’m sure some of you make that resolution every year). Or maybe you have given something up you know is bad for you (like sugar).

So, how’s it going so far?

I Don’t Like New Year’s Resolutions

I never make New Year’s resolutions. It’s not because I don’t feel I need to lose weight or get fitter or give up some of the bad things in my life…it’s because I find they rarely work.

We resolve to lose weight as soon as the new year begins (even though the chocolate and cake is still hanging around from Christmas, begging us to eat it) and within a few days, or even a few weeks, we already feel we have failed.

Resolutions tend to be based on negatives – what you don’t want, what you won’t do any longer. The negatives usually leave us feeling deprived and, when we give in to temptation, we then feel as if we have failed.

The other problem with resolutions is they tend to be too abstract – “I’m going to lose weight”-  and don’t focus on the actual baby steps you need to take to achieve this.

Set Goals Instead

Goals are much more positive and constructive.

Set yourself an overall goal for the year and how you will feel when you achieve it. Make that goal realistic, manageable and measurable.

“I will lose 100 pounds by the end of the year” may not be achievable for the average woman with PCOS. That’s over 7lbs a month or 2 lbs a week. It’s possible but may lead to discouragement if you find some weeks you are “only” losing half a pound, when in truth any weight loss is fantastic!

“I will lose 50 pounds by December 31st 2011” is much more achievable and can be broken down into monthly targets of 3.5lbs a month.

Notice I listed the goal as “I will…” – make it a definite to add more weight and positivity to your goal.

Believe It

Quite often we sabotage our resolutions immediately because in our minds we don’t believe we will achieve them.

Think about what this weight loss will mean to you and your future. How will you feel at the end of the year if you do this? What will you be able to do as a result?

Imagine how great you will feel to go to the park with your kids and run around with them without feeling out of breath. Or, if you have been trying to conceive, imagine how great it will be when the doctor says you are at your optimum weight and have improved your chances of conception. Or how about fitting into that evening dress or swimming costume you’ve been holding on to all these years in the hope it will fit again?

Picture those things happening. Play them in your mind and feel the positive emotions you will feel when they are happening as if they have already happened.

Have you always had an inkling to try surfing but are too embarrassed to put on a wetsuit? Do you want to travel but get embarrassed asking for a seatbelt extension on planes? Do you wish you could walk into any high street shop and buy clothes that fit?

Imagine it, feel the positive emotions, believe it will happen!

Set Smaller Goals

December 2011 is a long way off. It’s easy to become discouraged along the way if you have only one big goal to achieve, so break your goal down into smaller monthly and even weekly goals.

Again, make them positive, manageable and measurable.

This week, you could set yourself the goal of adding 3 more vegetable portions to your meals. Or, fit-in 3 sessions of walking briskly for 15 minutes.

This month, think about your clothes feeling looser and maybe even dropping a clothes size, being able to build up your fitness to walking a brisk mile every other day, or finding 3 new healthy recipes to add to your repertoire.

Massive change cannot happen overnight so give yourself a break and work out what you need to do to build up your healthy eating and fitness.

Make Yourself Accountable

When you have set your goals, make yourself accountable. Write them down, tell others. If you feel uncomfortable telling family or friends (who often roll their eyes as if to say “we’ve heard it all before”), then find a forum to share those goals with like-minded women. At the very least, put them down in a personal journal.

Don’t forget to write down and celebrate your achievements as well. The little successes are just as important as the big ones as they make you realise you CAN do it and the bigger goal becomes ever more achievable.

Sit down and write your goals now for the year and for the coming month. Then close your eyes and see it already happening and revel in the great feelings of achieving that goal.

If you’d like to talk about your goals with other women with PCOS and set yourself some mini goals “out loud” each month, please visit the PCOS Matters Facebook page. We’d love to encourage and celebrate with you!

For help in achieving your PCOS diet and fitness goals for 2011 you might be interested in these PCOS resources I’ve compiled.

PCOS Diet: I Never Make New Year’s Resolutions is a post from: PCOS Matters... Please visit the blog for more information on PCOS

What does this mean and what does it have to do with your choice of PCOS diet?

Let’s start by explaining what Insulin Resistance is…

We all need glucose in order to provide energy to our cells, and insulin is the hormone our bodies use to convert our food into glucose. When you are Insulin Resistant, the insulin your body produces doesn’t do its job properly and struggles to convert your food into energy. The body creates much more insulin than normal to try to metabolize the food. This leads to you putting on weight and, eventually, can cause your body to stop being able to produce insulin at all, resulting in Type 2 Diabetes.

What Does this Mean when Looking for the Best Diet for PCOS?

The modern Western diet tends to be high in sugar and refined carbohydrates (breads, cakes, cookies, pasta etc.), causing your body to work overtime trying to metabolize it, and boosting those insulin levels even higher. We also consume fewer nutrients in our diet, meaning your body doesn’t always have the things it needs to repair and protect itself.

Any eating plan you choose to follow needs to focus on foods that will not cause sudden sugar spikes (and the resulting insulin spikes). Instead you want to focus on foods that release their energy slowly and more evenly. You also want to concentrate on foods packed with natural vitamins and minerals.

This is why women with PCOS are often recommended to follow a Low-GI (Glycemic Index) or a Low-GL (Glycemic Load) diet, or might be referred to a Diabetic diet.

A Low-GI (or Low-GL) diet simply means you eat foods and combinations of foods that release the energy slowly. The Glycemic Index was created to show how quickly different foods affect the body’s glucose levels (with each one being given a numerical value between 0 and 100). The Glycemic Load refined this further by concentrating on average portions of each food.

At its simplest level, low GI foods tend to be: most fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, pulses and nuts. The foods you should avoid and that fall in the high-GI category are the refined carbohydrates – anything made from white flour, many breakfast cereals, most forms of potato and refined sugar.

Of course, this is a little too simplistic and I recommend you learn more about it from the experts. There are plenty of books written on the subject and I have added 2 to the PCOS Diet section of the website.

Insulin Resistance PCOS Diet is a post from: PCOS Matters... Please visit the blog for more information on PCOS

We all know that being a healthy weight will help with our PCOS symptoms, give us a better chance of conceiving (if we want to have children) and help combat some of those health issues that women with PCOS are more prone to. I’m sure you’ve heard this from your doctor. But being told it and actually losing the weight are a million miles apart!

I’ve been promising to write a blog post about dieting for PCOS for weeks now and started making some notes, but when it came down to it I realised this warrants more than a single blog post. There is so much to say on the topic when it comes to diet, exercise and supplements that will help with the weightloss for women with PCOS.

So, this is the first in a series of blog posts on the topic of PCOS diet.

Avoid Fad Dieting

There’s no quick fix to losing weight with PCOS. In fact, there’s no quick fix or magic pill for losing weight whether you have PCOS or not. Losing weight is tough. If it was easy there wouldn’t be so many obese people in the world – we’d all take a special pill and stay skinny!

But the unfortunate truth is that if you have PCOS you are likely to find it harder to lose weight than most people, especially if you simply follow a generic diet plan. We all know what it’s like – we lose a few pounds, feel great, then can’t seem to shift any more, get fed-up, and soon revert back to our old eating habits telling ourselves “it’s the PCOS”!

Eating for Life

Most of us want to know that we can follow a “diet” for a few months, lose loads of weight and then revert to our old eating habits. This isn’t a healthy way to view weight loss, whether you have PCOS or not. It will only result in you putting the weight back on quickly and usually even more than before. And the more you follow a pattern of yo-yo dieting, the harder it will be to lose the weight the next time.

Any diet needs to be a change of eating for life. Your diet should be about your health not just your weight. That doesn’t mean you have to give up occasional treats but it does mean you should take care of your body by feeding it good, nutritious foods and taking enough exercise.

It’s a Mind Game

One of the keys to successful weight loss isn’t what you put in your body… it’s what’s going on in your head.

The right mindset is vital to changing your eating habits and sticking to them (including not getting mad at yourself and giving up the moment a piece of chocolate passes your lips). This also involves creating realistic, achievable goals and learning not to use food as an emotional crutch.

Great Resources

Just a reminder that I’m not a medical professional and what I have learned about dieting for PCOS I have learned from talking to PCOS experts, doctors and natural health experts, as well as reading many resources on the subject.

If you would like find out more on the subject from the experts, I have made a PCOS Diet page so you can check out some of these great resources. Click here to take a look at those resources now.

Diet for PCOS: Which One is Best? is a post from: PCOS Matters... Please visit the blog for more information on PCOS

One topic that came up was what questions to ask the doctor about PCOS and I remembered this short report I wrote a few years ago. It offers some general questions you should ask at various stages of being diagnosed with PCOS but also encourages you to write down any new ones that occur to you.

You can download it by right clicking on this link: Questions to Ask Your Dr About PCOS and “save as” or “save target as” depending on your internet browser. The file is a pdf so you will need Adobe Reader or another pdf reader to open it.

I hope it helps

Questions to Ask Your Doctor About PCOS is a post from: PCOS Matters... Please visit the blog for more information on PCOS

PCOS Acne Treatment

I have had experience with both.

In my teens the doctor gave me a strong topical cream for acne. I hated it. It made my skin so sensitive and itchy, and dried it out so it looked very flaky. It was a choice at the time between flaky skin or acne so I chose acne.

I had a better result with the BCP. If your acne is fairly minor any birth control pill can help just by balancing your hormones. However, some pills are designed to help acne more than others, and these can be quite strong. I had great success with a pill called Dianette (its generic name is Diane and it contains the active ingredients cyproteronacetate and ethinyl estradiol), but I wasn’t happy about being on medication for such a long time and I am now no longer on any PCOS medication (I do suffer still from spots especially around my TOM but not the same acne of my teens and 20s).

If you have the kind of acne that knocks your confidence so much you don’t even want to leave the house then go and see your doctor and see what they prescribe. Due to your PCOS they are most likely going to try to tackle both problems by offering the BCP (as long as you do not suffer from high blood pressure).

But, my advice is to tackle the root of the problem – the PCOS – naturally in order to improve all your symptoms, or if you can’t wait that long to get rid of your acne, start with using a natural approach to dealing with acne like Acne No More™.

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PCOS Acne is a post from: PCOS Matters... Please visit the blog for more information on PCOS

If you are a Facebook user, please come along to the PCOS Matters Facebook page, “Like” us (that basically means becoming a follower of the page) and start chatting about PCOS.

I hope we can make it a great place to hang out with women who understand what we deal with every day, and especially a place to ask your PCOS questions and share your own tips and experiences.

Come on over now and tell us exactly how you feel about your PCOS. How do you view yourself? Are you angry and depressed by it or do you love your life regardless?

PCOS Matters on Facebook is a post from: PCOS Matters... Please visit the blog for more information on PCOS

The first question came from Michelle – @Mies10:

Is Pelvic Pain a Symptom of PCOS

Women with PCOS do experience different levels of pelvic pain and discomfort. Although many doctors still insist it isn’t a symptom of PCOS, a good number of women on PCOS forums would be quick to disagree (as would many specialists).

Women with PCOS often experience a dull ache or minor discomfort in their ovaries, because they are heavier than normal, but if you are experiencing pain (and not simply the pain of menstrual cramps), and that pain doesn’t go away, you should consult with a doctor as soon as possible.

The reason for pelvic pain in PCOS can be due to congestion in the pelvic area as a result of an enlarged uterus and thicker endometrium (inner membrane of the uterus) caused by higher levels of oestrogen (or a greater sensitivity to it).  Women with PCOS often have a dominance of oestrogen (due to too little progesterone).

However, pelvic pain can be a sign of other problems too so it’s worth getting it checked by a doctor. For example, pelvic pain can be a result of a ruptured cyst or endometriosis, so getting the right diagnosis and treatment is very important.

If you have a question about PCOS please write it in the comments section below, visit our Facebook Page or send me a @pcosmatters message on Twitter.

PCOS and Pelvic Pain is a post from: PCOS Matters... Please visit the blog for more information on PCOS

Obviously I was excited to discover it because (a) there isn’t a good digital online resource specifically aimed at PCOS sufferers that I can refer people to and (b) Katie’s approach promises natural methods (and you all know I prefer the natural health approach whenever possible).

But, before I started recommended it I wanted to check it out and give you a detailed review of the resource including what I like (and dislike) about it so you can decide for yourself if it is something you can use to overcome your own PCOS.

What I Liked about “Freedom from PCOS”

1. A personal story I can identify with. Katie’s life with PCOS very much mirrors my own (although she discovered she had PCOS much earlier) and I was drawn into her story and the similarities between us
2. This resource has not been written by someone just trying to cash in on the PCOS market. Katie has PCOS herself and has overcome it. She also works regularly with women who have PCOS, including as a support person for Insulite
3. Katie offers an holistic approach to dealing with PCOS and explains why not everything can be solved with a pill and synthetic drugs
4. She backs everything up with science, experience and the resources of a few well-known health professionals
5. “Freedom from PCOS” offers a sensible method of dealing with PCOS through her Triple Threat approach. There is no magic wand, but she does explain why the right combination of these elements will work a lot better than just dieting or general diet and exercise alone.
6. This isn’t about traditional dieting – HOORAH! In fact, Katie makes an excellent case against doing “diets” and explains why you should be eating well and often. This is about eating the right foods in combination with the other elements of the Triple Threat approach.
7. It isn’t so regimented that you feel you can never have treats or miss a day of exercise. This is a sensible approach at gradually introducing a lifestyle change that will work for life.

What I Didn’t Like about “Freedom from PCOS”

• Actually the first thing is something pointed out to me by someone on Twitter, and that’s the “sales page” for “Freedom from PCOS”. These can be a turn-off for some people although,  as someone who works in marketing, I tend to tune them out and just scan for the vital information. So, if you don’t like sales pages like this you may be turned off or skip to the end – don’t let it stop you buying if you think this may be something that can help you

• When you get to the Nutraceuticals section there is a huge emphasis on the Insulite system, which Katie recommends. Now I think Insulite is excellent but I was initially annoyed that I had paid for “Freedom from PCO”S only to be pushed towards buying a much more expensive program. BUT, she did redeem herself quite well by:

1. still explaining the most important supplements every PCOS sufferer should be taking
2. giving a full rundown of what is included in the supplements that come with the Insulite program
3. explaining that, while they are not cheap, the Insulite system works out as a cheaper option for buying the best supplements for PCOS than actually having to buy all the supplements individually (and they provide them in the right dosages and combinations).

Who Will Benefit from “Freedom from PCOS”?

This program will work for you if you want good sensible advice on dealing with your PCOS and Insulin Resistance, and are prepared to gradually introduce the Triple Threat process into your life (again, Katie is sensible enough not to suggest you do everything all at once).

It’s perfect for anyone who has ever reached a plateau in their weightloss and wondered why they can’t get over it.

This is ideal for you if you want to rid your body of synthetic drugs and find a natural solution to overcoming your PCOS.

Who Shouldn’t Buy “Freedom from PCOS”?

This program will not work for you if you want a magic pill that will solve all your problems immediately. While we’d all like one of those, they don’t exist and Katie is thorough in explaining why traditional diets do not work, or appear to work but are not sustainable and eventually all the weight returns (and more).

This program is also not for you if you need your menus for the next 6 months mapped out for you and to be told exactly what to do and when. Katie offers all the information and sample meal planners etc. you need to get started but the rest is up to you.

(Note: Katie is in the process of setting up a “Freedom from PCOS” Inner Circle to provide support, exercise plans, menus, videos and teleclasses, and members’ forum, so if you are in need of that extra support and information that is probably the ideal opportunity for you and should be available in August 2010)

Am I Happy to Recommend Freedom from PCOS?

Absolutely! I found the whole resource well-written and engaging, and I really connected with Katie’s story and her sensible, natural approach to dealing with PCOS and Insulin Resistance. It will not be right for everyone (see reasons above) but it is the best online resource I have come across that is focused specifically on women with PCOS and offers exactly the kind of natural, alternative and balanced program I recommend here at PCOS Matters.

To pick up your own copy of “Freedom from PCOS” by Katie Humphrey click here, and make sure you come back and tell us about your own experiences with it.

Freedom from PCOS Review: Overcome PCOS is a post from: PCOS Matters... Please visit the blog for more information on PCOS

I’ve always been cautious about promising cures to PCOS because the general medical opinion is that it can be managed but not cured – it’s always with you. I don’t like the idea of giving false hope.

However, my belief in the power of natural, holistic treatments and the experiences of some of my own friends and contacts over the years absolutely convince me that PCOS CAN be cured.

The difference between conventional medicine and alternative therapies is that conventional medicine – for all its wonderful breakthroughs and benefits – tends to treat one thing at a time based on symptoms. Holistic medicine treats the body as a whole. So, in my own case, when I discovered I had an underactive thryroid my doctor said there was no relation to the PCOS even though they are both endocrine disorders. In conventional medicine each is treated separately with separate drugs, but in natural medicine the body is treated as a whole and everything is related.

If you’re not prepared to accept a non-medical point of view then at least accept that PCOS can be reversed to the point that you can live a very normal life without dealing with the symptoms of Polycystic Ovaries. It isn’t easy – even with the use of the popular PCOS drugs – and requires a commitment to a low-GI diet (preferably eating natural and organic foods and avoiding processed foods), balancing good nutrition, vitamins and minerals (cutting out sugar and stimulants like caffeine), and exercising regularly.

I truly believe you can eliminate your PCOS (whether you see it as a cure or a reversal) and hope this blog can offer you some of the support and guidance you need to do so.

Cure for Polycystic Ovaries is a post from: PCOS Matters... Please visit the blog for more information on PCOS

I recently found the interview on my computer and realised the PCOS information and advice offered by Christine in the interview is as relevant today as it was back then.

So, I’ve uploaded it again and would love you to download the interview to take a listen to.

In the interview we discussed topics like:

• the basics of PCOS
• how to live a “normal” life with PCOS
• can you still get pregnant with PCOS?
• what research is being done to help women with PCOS

Part one of the interview can be listened to here just by clicking on the play button:

To download and listen to the rest of the interview please add your name and email below. You will receive an email with all the download details in. It will also mean I can keep you updated on any other PCOS Matters I think you might be interested in:

Don’t worry, you can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the link at the bottom of each email and I will never let anyone else have or use your email.

PCOS Interview with Christine DeZarn from the PCOSA is a post from: PCOS Matters... Please visit the blog for more information on PCOS

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Having Kids [Video] is a post from: PCOS Matters... Please visit the blog for more information on PCOS

PCOS and Hirsutism [Video] is a post from: PCOS Matters... Please visit the blog for more information on PCOS

So, I hope they don’t mind if I feature them here as I’m sure they will be of interest to you.

This video describes what PCOS is:

As Dr John Eden says,the aim of the video is to inform and empower women with PCOS so they can get the help they need.

I hope it helped you.

PCOS – An Expert’s Guide [Video] is a post from: PCOS Matters... Please visit the blog for more information on PCOS

How Did I Get PCOS and What Is It? [Video] is a post from: PCOS Matters... Please visit the blog for more information on PCOS

Trying to Conceive with PCOS? [Video] is a post from: PCOS Matters... Please visit the blog for more information on PCOS

PCOS and Pregnancy [Video] is a post from: PCOS Matters... Please visit the blog for more information on PCOS

Agnus Castus can be a useful natural treatment for PCOS and has been used to help regulate female hormones for centuries.

It can lengthen the menstrual cycle in women who are experiencing menstruation too often, but shorten it in women who are not experiencing it often enough. This is due to it raising production of the luteinizing hormone (LH), while decreasing the follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). This in turn increases Progesterone levels.

In simple terms, that means a better ratio of oestrogen to progesterone and so a more natural cycle.

The Benefits of Agnus Castus

Studies into Agnus Castus have shown it can:

• increase fertility (due to the increase in progesterone during the 2nd half of the cycle)
• reduce PMT/PMS (water weight, bloating, irritability, fatigue, cramps and headaches)
• reduce acne and excess hair by neutralizing excess testosterone
• reduce the health risks of excess oestrogen, such as breast cancer and obesity

Risks and Side Effects of Agnus Castus

In general, Agnus Castus has been proven to have very few side effects and can be taken consistently for long periods of time (18 months is the recommended max).

However, due to the way it alters your hormone levels, you should avoid taking it:

• as soon as you think you might be pregnant
• if you are on the Birth Control Pill or Hormone Replacement Therapy
• if you are taking a dopamine agonist (used for treating Parkinson’s disease, Restless Leg Syndrome and some pituitary tumors)

What Else Should I Know About Agnus Castus?

To really see the benefits of Agnus Castus you should continue taking it for at least a month to start to see the benefits and 6 months to really see it take full effect.

I prefer to take a tincture rather than capsules and stick to the recommended dosage (usually 20-30 drops in a little water first thing in the morning).

If you are concerned about taking Agnus Castus then consult a qualified herbalist or natural health professional for more information and recommended dosages. This blog post is not designed to be a substitute for professional medical advice.

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Try Agnus Castus (Chaste Tree Berry) Tincture from Herbal Remedies

Ingredients: Certified Organic Chaste Tree Berry (Vitex angus-castus) Herb Strength Ratio 1:3.

Agnus Castus and PCOS is a post from: PCOS Matters... Please visit the blog for more information on PCOS

But then I read Jennifer’s comment on the Welcome to PCOS Matters post, and realised it was wrong of me to disguise some areas of my life with PCOS just because I didn’t want to share my grumpiness!

Over the past few weeks I have been feeling a mixture of unhappiness, grumpiness and anger at different times. I can explain it in my head – it’s prolonged PMT (I am WELL overdue for my period), I feel heavy and haven’t lost any more weight (again due to my delayed period, I’m sure), I have a number of other stresses in my life at the moment (work and money), I fell and badly sprained my ankle last week so have had some pain and mobility problems, and my hormones are generally having a crazy ole party!

It doesn’t matter what your head tells you about WHY you feel the way you do. Unfortunately, no amount of logical reasoning can change the way you actually FEEL.

In Jennifer’s comment she wrote about her daughter trying to commit suicide due to depression caused by undiagnosed PCOS. Now, I don’t even begin to suggest that what I have been going through is depression – I have had experience of real depression in the past and it is an overwhelming dark pit of despair that I never want to have to re-visit. But it is important to understand where all these feelings are coming from and recognise the signs so you can get the help you need.

PCOS and depression are strongly linked. In fact, depression is a common symptom of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome for a number of reasons:

• slightly elevated testosterone levels have been proved to be connected with extreme cases of depression (as opposed to extreme levels – high or low) which we see in PCOS
• depression is also linked to Insulin Resistance and underactive thyroid conditions – both common among PCOS sufferers
• problems associated with PCOS such as fertility issues, excess hair, weight and acne can also play a huge role in how you feel

What Can You Do To Help Avoid PCOS Depression?

There are a number of natural methods you can use to help elevate your mood and try to maintain an “even keel”:

• diet plays a huge part in all aspects of PCOS. While you may think chocolate and pizza will make you feel better, deep down you know that isn’t true. You should aim to eat plenty of fresh vegetables – especially green leafy vegetables – and nuts and seeds.
• you may have a vitmain B deficiency (especially vitamin B6 and Folic Acid) so eat plenty of foods rich in vitamin B such as green leafy vegetables, avocado, Brazil nuts, oats and barley
• Avoid processed sugars, caffeine and alcohol, all of which will worsen your mood
• Take plenty of exercise - you may not like exercise but it is a natural mood lifter
• Take a good Omega-3 Fatty Acid supplement which aids normal brain function
• Increase your natural magnesium intake from foods such as legumes, whole grains, nuts and leafy green veg, as magnesium is required to maintain your serotonin levels (a hormone vital for mood regulation)
• Consider taking a St John’s Wort supplement – a natural remedy that has been proven to aid mild to moderate depression. BUT, please consult your doctor before taking as St John’s Wort can affect the efficacy of other drugs and is not recommended for pregnant or nursing women.

However, if you feel you are spiralling into the kind of depression that seems inescapable, please seek help immediately.  If your doctor is dismissive, then seek a second opinion or a referral. Do not let it drag on. Too often we listen to what our heads tell us about WHY we are feeling depressed and low but knowing the WHY does not solve the problem. Telling yourself to “buck up – it’s just the PCOS” is not a solution. Listen to what your body and your emotions are telling you and respond accordingly.

The offending ankle!

PCOS and Depression is a post from: PCOS Matters... Please visit the blog for more information on PCOS

In this video I talk about my experiences of natural treatment for PCOS.

In most cases, our doctors do a good job, but they tend to treat symptoms rather than the whole body. Alternative therapies are much more holistic and look at everything happening to the body, not just the symptoms.

If you feel uncomfortable about giving up your medical treatment then don’t. The two can work together.

To explore natural ways to reduce your PCOS symptoms take a look at Freedom from PCOS.

The system offers a Triple Threat approach to naturally overcome Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome and Insulin Resistance, addressing the root cause of the problem and not just the symptoms. You can tackle your PCOS using a natural, holistic approach… Click here to find out more

Natural Treatment for PCOS is a post from: PCOS Matters... Please visit the blog for more information on PCOS

In my last video, I shared a little about my journey with PCOS. In this video I talk about my experiences with the traditional medical route for PCOS treatment.

I was disappointed with my initial doctor’s response to discovering I had Polycystic Ovaries i.e. he offered no help whatsoever, so I went and found a new doctor who was more interested in PCOS. I recommend you do the same, and if you can you should ask for the referral to an Endocrinologist.

More doctors are accepting PCOS as a condition that should be taken seriously, but not all of them. And some of those that recognise the problems of PCOS are not educated well enough in it to offer any further solutions.

I urge you to find the best PCOS doctor/specialist possible and make sure you are satisfied with the treatments they offer.

PCOS Video: Fight for the Best PCOS Doctor is a post from: PCOS Matters... Please visit the blog for more information on PCOS

My body is complaining BIG TIME!

I wouldn’t usually admit to the debauchery of my last few days but I promised full disclosure, so here it is…

I fell off the wagon.

Actually, I didn’t just fall off, I leapt off…with both feet…willingly!

It all sounds so dramatic, but essentially what happened is that my sister came for a visit and I spent several days happily eating anything that came my way. Instead of following a mainly Vegan diet with a few non-vegan options, I went completely off program and ate all sorts of things I hadn’t planned – 4 days worth of… well, not exactly junk…but definitely not foods that allow for a balanced and healthful diet.

And now I feel pretty rubbish as a result. My body is telling me I need to stop and sort things out.

So, today I’m leaping back on that wagon, taking the reins and riding off into the sunset

On a much more positive note – take a look at this video my friend showed me today – it really made me cry, but in a good way:

And, if you want to know the story behind this video – this one is almost as moving:

And the overall message it conveys is awesome:

I Feel Terrible and a Positive Message is a post from: PCOS Matters... Please visit the blog for more information on PCOS

You might imagine that lemon juice in water would be highly acidic but actually the lemon (and/or lime) raises the alkalinity of your body.

Why do you want your body to stay alkaline?

An acidic environment can play havoc with your digestive system, reduce your body’s ability to store energy, damage free radicals, cause allergies, raise your cholesterol and blood pressure, inhibit the metabolism of fats….the list goes on and on.

Drinking hot water and lemon flushes your body of toxins and enables the body to work more effectively and be healthier. It cleanses and stimulates the liver and kidneys and eases digestive problems.

The benefits of drinking hot water and lemon to start your day are numerous. Lemon and/or lime both work in the same way (I personally prefer the taste of lime). Make sure you use warm water (not too hot or cold as these will make your body work harder) and then continue to drink it during the day for a healthier body.

Benefits of Drinking Hot Water and Lemon is a post from: PCOS Matters... Please visit the blog for more information on PCOS

I thought it was about time I officially welcomed you to the PCOS Matters blog and told you a little bit of my story.

I was diagnosed with PCOS in my early ’20s, but knew that things weren’t right from my teens. I was on the BCP (Birth Control Pill) from the age of around 17 until I was 34/35 continuously, except for 9 months to a year when I was exploring homeopathy.

I was fed up with pumping my body full of drugs and have a great interest in alternative therapies.

In the next video, I’ll tell you more about those alternative therapies and my experience with traditional medicine in regards to my PCOS.

PCOS Video: Welcome to PCOS Matters is a post from: PCOS Matters... Please visit the blog for more information on PCOS

Well, I maintained the detox completely up until seeing Trisha last Tuesday. She performed another health screening and overall there were some good improvements, but she was still picking up problems in the jaw and throat area.

Although I lost 9lbs during the 30 days, most of that was earlier in the process and Trisha was worried things were already slowing down and that we need to work on getting the thyroid and adrenals to function better.

What Happens Next?

We agreed that I would continue to follow the main basis of the 30 day program but that allowing myself other non-Vegan foods occasionally would be ok as long as I keep a well balanced, nutritious diet. She also gave me a homeopathic remedy to help with my metabolism.

Plus, I need to keep up the exercise.

I haven’t weighed myself yet this week, but I feel better in my clothes (and some that haven’t fitted for ages are now fitting well) and that is always a good thing.

I have had some grilled plaice in the last week when I went out for dinner, as well as some coleslaw, a little cheese and even a couple of pieces of chocolate, but overall I have stuck to the foods I enjoyed during the detox such as bean chili, rice and quinoa pilafs, and salads.

Don’t forget, to keep up with what I am doing on a daily basis, follow me on Twitter at: PCOS Matters

What Happens After the 30 Day Detox? is a post from: PCOS Matters... Please visit the blog for more information on PCOS

• work was stessful (a time when I want comfort and quick and easy food)
• things went wrong (as they are known to do in life, and my usual reaction is comfort food)
• I didn’t lose any more weight
• I haven’t been exercising
• possibly pre-menstrual?

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The last one shouldn’t be the case but I do feel like I may have a little PMS so perhaps the detox has caused my body to change in that respect. Time will tell.

So, all in all, I have been feeling quite low and craving pizza, cake and fish finger sandwiches. I had a call with Trisha Stewart on Tuesday to catch-up and talk over various things. One area of concern was that I haven’t done much exercise.

I have a love/hate relationship with exercise. When I do it and afterwards I feel great but I can always talk myself out of it! There always seems to be something else I should be doing, or not enough time, and as a result exercise is usually bottom of my list.

I’m not a gym person. If I’m going to exercise I would rather walk in the fresh air or go dancing (I especially love belly dancing, but it stops during the school summer holidays).

I know that diet and exercise should go hand in hand, and that the endorphins from exercise will lift my mood, so we have agreed on a program of 15 minutes a day on my cross trainer (or anything that raises my heart rate – which in my current fitness state is just about anything), plus 2-3 other activities such as dancing, pilates and yoga.

Today is the final day of the detox but I will continue it  until I see Trisha on Tuesday and then she can assess the results.

30 Day Detox: Toughest Week Yet! is a post from: PCOS Matters... Please visit the blog for more information on PCOS

Here are just a few of the benefits of a Vegan diet:

• less saturated fats because you are not eating meat or dairy products
• less cholesterol
• more vitamins and minerals because you are naturally eating more fresh fruit and vegetables
• less junk food and processed foods (meaning fewer chemicals) – have you ever tried to find Vegan fast food restaurants?
• a reduction in toxins (unfortunately even fish high in Omega 3 usually has high levels of mercury picked up through the food chain, and many animals we eat are pumped full of hormones, antibiotics and other chemicals)
• fewer simple carbohydrates, that raise blood sugars and can heighten your chances of Type 2 diabetes

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Of course, this does rely on eating a balanced Vegan diet. The only Vegan I knew when I was younger always looked pasty white and had constant illnesses, but we discovered that she was so fussy about her food she would live on tinned sweetcorn and bread. Can you say vitamin deficiencies?!

One of the biggest arguments against a Vegan diet is that without dairy products like milk, you cannot get enough calcium, which will lead to bone problems like osteoporosis. Actually leafy green vegetables and legumes are great sources of calcium and contain other vitamins and minerals too. Whereas animal proteins can leech calcium from your bones.

So, all in all, providing you eat a good balance of foods on a Vegan diet plan, you can benefit from all the necessary vitamins and minerals, and reap the health benefits too.

I had never considered eating a Vegan diet before, in fact my friend recommended one to me a couple of years ago and I thought it would be too tough so didn’t even entertain it. I’ve been amazed at how easy I have found it over the past few weeks since I started the 30 Day Detox – I’ve never felt hungry, I enjoyed some foods and recipes I would never have considered in the past, and I’ve already seen some weightloss and increased energy.

Will I stay a Vegan after the 30 days? Probably not totally. I do find that I have to be extra organised about preparing food, and it’s difficult to go to dinner with family and friends, but I think I will maintain it for the majority of the time and just eat eggs, cheese, fish and meat occasionally.

For more information on the 30 Day Detox and Vegan Diet Plan, I recommend you visit Trisha Stewart’s website and read her Healthy Tart book.

30 Day Detox: Vegan Diet Plan is a post from: PCOS Matters... Please visit the blog for more information on PCOS

The best way to learn what I am doing here is to visit Trisha Stewart’s website for a greater explanation and buy her Healthy Tart book. This talks a lot about good nutrition and also details the 30 Day Detox along with all the necessary recipes.

My BEST Consultation with Trisha

Essentially, I went to see Trisha because I wanted to try a totally holistic approach to my health. I have always sought out alternative therapies but after having extremely poor health last year (I was eventually diagnosed with an underactive thyroid) and putting on a helluva lot of weight, I knew I needed help to get my health back on track. I had tried to tackle it on my own, but sometimes you need assistance and shouldn’t be afraid or ashamed to ask for it.

I found Trisha Stewart on Twitter through a friend and went for my first consultation 3 weeks ago. Trisha begins by doing a health screen using the BEST system (BioEnergetic Stress Testing). This uses a non-invasive probe on Acupressure points to test for hormone levels, toxins, sensitivities, allergies, intolerances, parasites, bacteria etc. At the end of the process you receive a full printout of all the findings.

My readout showed some high scores to indicate a toxic system including some parasites, bacteria, candida and viruses. My hormone levels were not unusual, but that is probably because I am on Thyroid medication.

Trisha then recommends the 30 day detox, in order to clean the system and enable Trisha to see what we are left with once I am all cleansed and flushed of as many toxins as possible. She also gave me some homeopathic drops for the parasites and a good quality probiotic for my digestive system.

What Happens at the End of the 30 Day Detox?

Who knows?

I will go back to see Trisha and then she can assess how to progress now that the “decks are cleared.”

Certainly, in the Healthy Tart book, she advises a continued Vegan diet but if I can’t live without meat, fish, eggs etc. then she suggests keeping it to a minimum. Also, some yeast-free bread every other day.

As well as clearing the toxins, the other upside of the detox is some weightloss and an increase in energy and general wellbeing.

Hope that explains more. If you have any further questions please add them to the comments section or send me (@PCOS) or Trisha (@TrishaStewart) a message on Twitter.

A Bit More on My Reasons for the 30 Day Detox is a post from: PCOS Matters... Please visit the blog for more information on PCOS

I NEVER share my weight with anyone and rarely have in the past (doctors, nurses and Weightwatcher leaders are the exceptions). Even my closest friends don’t know my weight.

But, Trisha Stewart asked me to take a Before Photo, and then I thought I should publish it on the blog. And then, I decided that since many of you are following along with me on this detox, it was only fair to give full disclosure.

I don’t like to dwell too much on how much I weigh. I know if my clothes fit and how I feel and look in them. That to me is more important than the numbers on a scale. But the actual numbers do help you measure your success and hold yourself accountable (even if it’s just to yourself).

So, as long as you promise not to tell anyone else

Before the 30 Day Detox I was: 258 lbs

After 10 days: 252 lbs

I haven’t weighed myself yet (currently on Day 17, but will let you know when I do).

Now for the Before photos.

I suddenly realised that I hardly own any close fitting clothes but finally found a vest top and tight-ish cropped trousers:

As you can see, like many women with PCOS, I carry most of my weight around my torso – especially my stomach area.

Eek! That’s hard to look at but I plan on those pictures being much more palatable by the next photo

30 Day Detox: My Pre Detox Weight and Photo is a post from: PCOS Matters... Please visit the blog for more information on PCOS

The rest of week 2 has been pretty easy in comparison. I’ve had some cravings for coffee and ice cream (weird, as I’m not a big fan of ice cream usually) but only minor cravings.

I have been trying out more recipes from Trish Stewart’s Healthy Tart book and have a new favorite: Nut Roast with Onion Gravy. Just lovely hot or cold.

I also managed to get up early enough to make the Buckwheat Pancakes on a couple of mornings. Again, they taste great with some organic berries, but are a little dry – I’m still trying to perfect the recipe.

Over the weekend I have been on the 2 days of juicing – more on that tomorrow.

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30 Day Detox: End of Week 2 is a post from: PCOS Matters... Please visit the blog for more information on PCOS

I knew that Days 7 to 9 were going to be tough in terms of temptation.

Traditionally in my workplace Friday is known as Chip Friday (a phrase I actually coined) because we usually buy-in Fish and Chips or some other takeaway and all eat together. It’s more a chance for us to see each other and have lunch together which doesn’t usually happen the rest of the week.

I naturally wanted to join the others for lunch but was worried the smell of chips would be too much. Thankfully, my sense of smell seems to be impaired still because I sat with my huge salad while they munched down on chips and sausages and I didn’t feel the cravings once.

On the evening of Day 7 my friend appeared to stay in my house for the weekend while he painted and cleaned his rental house down the road before new tenants arrived. I’ll be honest, the sight of the Stilton he put in my fridge was a little difficult to endure but, as I was heading off to my parents for the weekend on the morning of Day 8, I was able to resist and never had to see him eat it (he joined me in Vege Stew on the Friday night).

My parents are a 4 hour drive from my home, so it’s one of those occasions when I usually have something (sweets, chocolate, crisps) next to me to nibble on to relieve the tedium of the journey. On the way there I didn’t notice it so much and had a few oatcakes to keep me going in the holiday traffic jams, but on the way back I did feel the pangs for something sugary as well as a hot drink (it didn’t need to be coffee although that would have normally been my drink of choice). I did stop at a service station but was unimpressed with their selection of herbal teas so decided against anything, and again had a few oat cakes.

Saturday night was the toughest. I was attending a friend’s baby shower. Her sister had said (in a last minute email the day before) there would be food, but I expected a finger buffet, whch is always easier to be picky over. When we arrived it was a full sit down Mexican-style dinner. I avoided the Chicken Fajitas, cheese and soured cream, and helped myself to plenty of avocado salad, a small baked potato, some refried beans and salsa. While I had no control over what had actually gone into these I felt pleased that my choices were not taking me off the detox much (if at all).

It was the desserts that drew attention to the fact I was not eating like everyone else: a huge mountain of profiteroles, Key Lime pie and Eton Mess. Normally I would have had a portion of each like everyone else, but I held firm and my friend’s mum actually found me some kiwi fruit to eat instead. Part of me would have loved to have dived headfirst into the profiteroles, but I told myself that 30 days is not a long time to totally avoid sugar, and my health is more important. When I’m at a normal weight, like the rest of the women at that table, I can enjoy occasional desserts too.

Note: I’m not saying that in 30 days I will have solved all my health problems and lose enough weight to be considered a “normal” weight, but it’s important to stick to the detox to flush the toxins out of my system and hopefully lose my addiction to caffeine and sugar.

Finally, the Baby Shower games involved a big prize bag of sweets and lollies. Aaaargggh!

Sunday at Mum and Dad’s is typically roast dinner day, and I would usually be happy to sit down to roast beef, Yorkshire puddings and roast potatoes. Mum knew that I was on the detox but she still had to cook a calorific meal for my dad (he is recovering from Oesophageal Cancer and needs to build himself up again). I took some leftover bean chili with me and mum cooked loads of fresh veg to go with it. The notion of a Vegan diet is completely alien to my mum – she couldn’t even work out what it involved – and she can be a bit of a “feeder” but she was extremely supportive and could see I was taking it seriously.

So, all in all, the potential for pig-out this weekend was immense, but I survived relatively unscathed from the whole event!

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30 Day Detox: Day 7 – 9 – A Weekend of Temptation is a post from: PCOS Matters... Please visit the blog for more information on PCOS

On Day 4, I was still wiped put from my “cold” (I think it was some virus now, not a cold). I spent all morning in bed and then felt much better in the afternoon. I still had a niggling headache and couldn’t focus on anything, but I started to have an appetite again which is a good sign.

That evening was the first time I experienced any cravings – only minor one, but I wanted something sweet and sugary to eat after dinner.

I’ve really been enjoying the food, so far. In her Healthy Tart book, Trisha Stewart offers a full diet plan as well as a number of recipes (she also has a separate recipe book).

I’ve enjoyed a number of those recipes, including last night’s Cashew Nut and Vegetable Pilaf. The recipes tend to make enough for at least 2 meals, which is fine by me. Some people don’t like eating the same thing 2 days in a row, but I love it because it saves me time (as long as the food tastes good).

Some of you will be cooking for one and some for the whole family, which will make a huge difference to how often you need to create something new.

The meal I care the least about is breakfast. There was a time I couldn’t leave the house without breakfast but in recent years I often eat breakfast on the run or wait until I reach work and scoffed a breakfast bar or some fruit. I have had to return to good habits on this program, but I could eat porridge everyday and not mind in the slightest (although I may try the lentil patties or buckwheat pancakes at weekends when I have more time to enjoy the cooking process).

I’m not even missing coffee much, although there have been a number of times I’ve thought “I’ll just grab a coffee and then….” I think that is more habit than desire at the moment.

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30 Day Detox: Day 4-6 – Minor Cravings and Food Variety is a post from: PCOS Matters... Please visit the blog for more information on PCOS

During the detox, dairy products are not permitted. I’ve never been a fan of soya milk, although I think I wouldn’t mind it in porridge with the other bits mixed in. But for some reason, the organic farm shop I went to didn’t have any soya milk at all. Trisha Stewart also suggests (in her Healthy Tart book) using rice or almond milk so I may give them a chance when I next get to the supermarket.

Anyway, the porridge made with water was surprisingly yummy and kept me going for most of the morning.

I arrived at work to find sweets and chocolate everywhere! And then one of my co-workers came in with some of my favorite lemon biscuits (cookies). And, to make it worse they kept waving them around under my nose.

To be honest, if I wasn’t still experiencing the remnants of my cold I would probably have found it harder to deal with, but my appetite is limited. From mid-morning my niggly headache was back and I gradually started to feel worse and worse. I ate some more of the bean chili for lunch but then headed home around 3pm and went back to bed.

When I finally emerged from bed this evening, I had a small snack of some oatcakes and then prepared my evening meal. I dry roasted some bell pepper and sweet potato and added them to a big green salad.

Salads can be a bit boring but I love adding loads of different things to them to add to the flavor (I don’t really like salad dressings much, so I don’t usually add flavor that way). My salad had a variety of salad greens, some fresh basil leaves, sprouting aduki, fenugreek and various beans, cucumber, and sesame, pumpkin and sunflower seeds. Add the roasted veg, and it was totally yummy!

I’m still happily on track with everything but know my evil co-workers will probably be armed with more sweets, cookies, chocolate and coffee in the morning

To find all the posts related to the 30 Day Detox, simply do a search (top right of the blog) for #30daydetox.

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30 Day Detox: Day 3 – My Co-workers Suck! is a post from: PCOS Matters... Please visit the blog for more information on PCOS

I’m pretty adventurous when it comes to trying out new juices, and since I have a fridge full of fresh, organic veg I added a little bit of all sorts of things: pear, spinach, brocolli, cucumber, aduki and chick pea sprouts, and ginger. And it tasted pretty good!

I always think it’s a waste to throw out the pulp left over from juicing, because it is still packed with vitamins, minerals and fiber, so I added it to a bean chili I made for dinner: onion, garlic, chili pepper, fresh chopped tomatoes, and various beans (red kidney, butter, aduki, haricot, chick peas).

Apart from this, I also ate some cashews, a nice crisp Braeburn apple, and some organic oat cakes with herbs and pumpkin seeds.

If it wasn’t for this cold, I’d be feeling quite good!

To find all the posts related to the 30 Day Detox, simply do a search (top right of the blog) for #30daydetox.

30 Day Detox: Day 2 is a post from: PCOS Matters... Please visit the blog for more information on PCOS

My day has been filled with sleeping, and drinking lots of fluids – namely water, herbal teas and hot water infused with lemon, lime and ginger (great for the immune system). I didn’t feel much like eating but eventually made some vegetable soup for this evening.

In some ways this may have worked for the best. Not that I want to be ill, but I was dreading coming off the coffee and sugar, and expected some pretty bad headaches from the caffeine withdrawal (it’s happened before). So, feeling a bit grotty meant I didn’t feel like coffee or sugary foods anyway and, while I did get headaches, I expect them when I have a cold.

I’m already straying from the exact 30 Day Detox eating plan that Trisha Stewart lays out in her book Healthy Tart, but I figured that would happen a little bit anyway (and she says that’s OK) but I will be sticking to the main principles.

And, as soon as I feel like eating more, I’ll be trying some of those great recipes.

To find all the posts related to the 30 Day Detox, simply do a search (top right of the blog) for #30daydetox.

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30 Day Detox: Day 1 – I Got a Cold! is a post from: PCOS Matters... Please visit the blog for more information on PCOS

Before you panic and tell me that detoxes are too extreme, even dangerous, this isn’t the sort of detox where participants avoid food for weeks and only drink juice. Her detox plan is a lot more gentle and involves eliminating as many toxins as possible from the diet, eating a Vegan, organic diet, and learning to change eating habits to more nutritious and healthful foods.

The first 7 days are called a gentle detox, easing the body into things as it learns to do without bread, bad carbs, sugar, caffeine etc. It also limits fruit intake to just apples and pears.

I’ve become a complete caffeine and sugar fiend over the last couple of years and use them as a crutch when I’m tired and need more energy. Yep, I know it’s a false buzz and not very healthy but old habits are hard to break. Actually, saying that, if you can stick to a new way of doing things for 30 days it becomes a habit – that includes healthy eating.

The main focus of the detox is not weightloss, it’s more of a focus on overall health and wellbeing, but hopefully it should include weightloss as well.

To find all the posts related to the 30 Day Detox, simply do a search (top right of the blog) for #30daydetox.

Why the 30 Day Detox? is a post from: PCOS Matters... Please visit the blog for more information on PCOS

The reason that women with PCOS sometimes experience problems becoming pregnant is because they don’t always ovulate regularly. If an egg isn’t released it can’t be fertilized.

Can you still get pregnancy with PCOS? Absolutely! Is conceiving going to be a problem for all women with PCOS? No, it will be harder for some than others.

My initial advice would be that if you know you have PCOS and want to try to get pregnant soon, consult your doctor or PCOS specialist who will be able to advise you on any changes you need to make — whether in your medications or your lifestyle.

If you have already been trying to conceive and have only just discovered you have PCOS, your doctor should be able to offer possible solutions (and if they don’t you should seek a referral to an Endocrinologist or Gynecologist).

One of the most common treatments is Clomid (Clomiphene), a fertility drug that encourages ovulation. Tests have also shown that the drug Metformin has a good success rate for PCOS sufferers trying to conceive (and is safe to continue taking after conception).

In terms of lifestyle changes, make sure you are fit and healthy (apart from the PCOS). Specialists agree that your chances of conceiving, and of reducing your PCOS symptoms, are greatly improved if you are at a sensible weight.

Everyday, women with PCOS are getting pregnant – I receive emails from people all the time to tell me their good news. For some it will be easier than for others, but before you start considering the more expensive and radical treatments make sure you have consulted with your health practitioner and pursued all the other options.

PCOS and Pregnancy is a post from: PCOS Matters... Please visit the blog for more information on PCOS

While, it is important to know where it has come from, you can’t change your genes, so it is important instead to focus on solutions.

It is easy to see why most people initially feel that PCOS is a gynecological problem – after all, it is called Polycystic OVARIAN Syndrome.

But, it is becoming widely accepted that PCOS is actually an endocrine disorder. In simple terms, the endocrine system is a group of glands that make hormones. These hormones control the way your body works, such as reproduction, metabolism and growth. When the hormones don’t work properly – as with PCOS – it creates a knock-on effect throughout the body.

In the case of most PCOS sufferers, too much insulin is created, which in turn affects the hormones controlling the reproductive cycle. There is excess production of male hormones (androgens).

Women with PCOS also find they have low energy levels because the insulin is not releasing the energy from food properly.

An endocrinologist is trained to diagnose and treat hormone problems by helping to restore the normal balance of hormones in your system.

How Did I Get PCOS and What is it? is a post from: PCOS Matters... Please visit the blog for more information on PCOS

Initially, the doctor will take a medical history and learn more about your symptoms. Then you will most likely have a physical exam to check your blood pressure, weight, waist measurement and any unusual skin changes and hair growth patterns.

Lab tests may include tests for Total Testosterone, Free Testosterone, Thyroid Stimulating Hormone, Pro-Lactin and Progesterone Levels, as well as a Glucose Tolerance test and Lipid Profile. Plus, many doctors arrange a pelvic ultrasound as well.

Once all these results are in, your doctor should have a good view of your health and be able to tell you whether it is PCOS or another health problem.

What Tests Will Be Done to Diagnose PCOS? is a post from: PCOS Matters... Please visit the blog for more information on PCOS

There are two ways to discover whether it is PCOS you are suffering from, and you should explore both in order to receive an accurate diagnosis:

1. First of all, do you have any or all of the symptoms of PCOS?

These are:

* infrequent or too frequent periods (or no period at all

* unexplained weight gain or obesity, especially around the abdomen

* increased growth of hair on the face, chest, stomach etc.

* acne, oily skin or dandruff

* pelvic pain

* thinning hair

* infertility or inability to get pregnant because you aren’t ovulating

* type 2 diabetes

* high blood pressure

* patches of thickened, dark skin at the nape of the neck and in other body creases (this often appears velvety)

* skin tags

* sleep apnea (excessive snoring and breathing stops while asleep)

Not all women with PCOS suffer from all these symptoms, and some of these can also be symptoms of other medical problems, so if you recognise any of these problems in yourself you should…

2. Consult a medical practitioner

Go and see your doctor and explain your symptoms. Ask them whether it could be PCOS and, if so, if they will arrange some tests to confirm it. Be open to the possibility they may suggest it is another medical problem.

Don’t self-diagnose.

How Do I Know if I Have PCOS? is a post from: PCOS Matters... Please visit the blog for more information on PCOS

Firstly, it is critical that you check sites where the doctors are licensed and accredited by an institution specializing in this field.  You may come across websites that claim they are the only site where you can find homeopathic doctors, but check the site closely as they may not be registered with anyone.

For example, the British Homeopathic Association has a list of members who meet the guidelines in accreditation and licensing.  You can find a doctor within the UK, or anywhere else in the world, simply by clicking on the country. Within seconds several names will appear from your country.  In addition, the city and town in which they are located will be listed along with their specialty.

In addition, when you click on the details you will be directed to another page which gives personal information on the doctor, such as profession, qualifications, address, email, telephone number, and website address.

In the US, there is the Natural Center for Homeopathy.  However, because anyone can join there is no guarantee that the homeopathic doctors have been accredited, have credentials, or a license of any kind.  So, it is worth bookmarking the British Homeopathic Association website.

Secondly, if you know a friend or family member who has knowledge of, or is currently seeing a homeopathic doctor, ask for a consultation to determine if he or she is right for you.  Ask about their medical background and the methods used in treatments.  Ensure that you feel comfortable with the doctor.  Sometimes they may be good at healing, but have a lousy bedside manner (and vice versa).

Thirdly, don’t settle on the first homeopathic doctor you find.  Interview two or three and then make a decision.

Finally, read all you can about homeopathy.  This will help you to ask the right questions.  Most importantly, ensure the doctor is certified by having any of the following: A Council of Homeopathic Certification, belongs to the Homeopathic Association of Naturopathic Physicians, or the American Board of Homeotherapeutics.  If you have chosen a practitioner but the course of treatment is causing harmful affects, consult your own physician (but be aware that sometimes your symptoms may get worse before they get better).

While you have the best intentions for finding homeopathic doctors, it would be a wise decision to keep the lines of communication open with your health care provider, just in case an unforeseen problem occurs.

How to Find a Homeopathic Doctor is a post from: PCOS Matters... Please visit the blog for more information on PCOS

1. Contraceptive Pill

This is still one of the most popular treatments for PCOS, although it doesn’t treat the underlying cause of the problem, it simply masks the symptoms. There are any number of birth control pills you may be offered and it is important that you read the information contained with the pills, especially if you experience any side effects. Some contraceptives put you at a greater risk of Thrombosis so it is important to try and maintain a healthy weight and avoid smoking.

The advantage of taking the contraceptive pill is that it gives you a regular menstrual cycle meaning you are less likely to be at risk of endometrial cancer or problems resulting from a build-up of the womb wall.

2. Fertility Drugs

Clomid (or Clomiphene) is the most popular treatment given to women with PCOS who are trying to conceive. It encourages the body to create certain hormones that then tell your body to ovulate. It has a good success rate, with 70-90% of women ovulating within their first 3 cycles after starting on the drug. Clomiphene is a short term treatment and is usually only taken for around 6 months. There are other fertility drugs that your doctor may also consider prescribing, but Clomid is the most popular.

3. Diabetes Medications

A number of diabetes drugs are now available to women with Polycystic Ovaries, and the most popular of these is Metformin (Glucopage). These drugs have been proven to improve the symptoms of PCOS, by controlling blood sugars and reducing androgen production. Many women with PCOS have reported good results and it is the treatment most likely to be offered to you if you consult with an endocrinologist.

This is by no means an exhaustive list of treatments but they are the main drugs given to PCOS sufferers, which you may be offered by your own medical practitioner.

Treatments for Polycystic Ovaries is a post from: PCOS Matters... Please visit the blog for more information on PCOS

Insulin is a hormone which is vital to the body’s natural processes because it regulates our glucose levels. Every time we eat, the pancreas releases insulin to send a message to your body’s cells to tell them to use the glucose (sugar) that has been released into the bloodstream. This glucose is then used by the cells for energy. Any glucose that isn’t used immediately will be stored as glycogen which the cells can break down for further energy when you are not eating. If the glucose stays in the blood it prevents parts of the body from getting the necessary energy it needs to function and can lead to all sorts of health problems.

Insulin is also responsible for preventing the liver from releasing triglycerides (a fat) into the bloodstream after eating, which again is dangerous if it stays in the blood for too long, resulting in high cholesterol and an increased risk of heart problems and strokes.

Insulin Resistance is exactly what the name suggests. The cells of the body become more and more resistant to insulin with prolonged exposure, usually starting with the liver and then muscle tissue. The receptors in cells are “shut down” to avoid over exposure to the insulin but the pancreas responds by creating even more insulin to compensate. Over time the pancreas cannot keep up this level of insulin production leading to higher blood sugar levels which will eventually lead to Type II diabetes.

Research has shown that the modern diet plays a large role in creating insulin resistance and that it is becoming an increasing problem in our populations due to diets high in carbohydrate with lots of sugar (especially high fructose corn syrup, which is used in many processed foods).

For PCOS sufferers, research is still ongoing but it is now thought that insulin resistance may be a root cause of PCOS rather than a symptom. The excess insulin causes the ovaries to produce more testosterone and upsets the balance between male and female hormones in the body. This is turn prevents the ovaries from releasing eggs, causes an increase in weight problems and creates the cystic follicles in the ovaries that are characteristic of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. It also means that PCOS sufferers are at a higher risk of Type II Diabetes, heart disease, and obesity.

The good news is that there are practical measures you can take to reverse the effects of the Insulin Resistance and prevent it leading to more serious diseases. We will explore some of these in future posts but they include following a low-gi or low-carb diet, and exercise.

What Is Insulin Resistance? is a post from: PCOS Matters... Please visit the blog for more information on PCOS

Acne is a symptom of PCOS that can really put a dent in your self esteem

Acne treatments have come a long way over the years. Once limited to a few options that were often ineffective, acne sufferers now have numerous choices. Some of these can be obtained from the family doctor, some require a dermatologist’s expertise, and some can be purchased at your local store or health shop. Here are six of the most popular acne treatments available:

Retin-A

Those who primarily suffer from persistent blackheads and whiteheads can often benefit from Retin-A. Retin-A is derived from Vitamin A and promotes the shedding of material that clogs pores and causes blackheads and whiteheads.

Retin-A often causes irritated and flaky skin, and it takes several weeks before patients can see a difference. Those using the drug are advised to use a moisturizer regularly and avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight.

Antibiotics

Some doctors and dermatologists begin treating acne with antibiotics. These are either taken orally or applied topically. The antibiotics work by decreasing the number of acne-causing bacteria in the skin and reducing the amount of fatty acids in the sebum.

The downside to antibiotics is that they can also kill the good bacteria that our bodies need to stay healthy. They are also associated with the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. These problems are less prevalent with topical antibiotics than with oral ones.

Photodynamic Therapy

One of the newer techniques in acne treatment is photodynamic therapy, also known as blue light therapy. Previously used to treat cancer and other diseases and ailments, it has been found to be an effective alternative to systemic antibiotics in the treatment of moderate to severe acne.

Photodynamic therapy is conducted as a series of three to five treatments, with two to four weeks between treatments. It is not usually covered by medical insurance.

Tea Tree Oil

One of the most effective home remedies for acne is tea tree oil. It is used by diluting and dabbing it directly onto acne lesions. Tea tree oil is known for its antibacterial properties, and that is thought to be the reason why it is so effective against acne.

Garlic

Garlic is another natural antibiotic, and it can be used in a variety of ways against acne. You can cleanse the skin with a solution of one part garlic juice to three parts water, rub raw garlic on lesions, or take it internally. The key is to use fresh garlic, because it loses its effectiveness a short time after it is skinned. Of course, the smell can be difficult to live with!

Vitamins

Vitamins are good for overall health, and they can be a powerful weapon in the fight against acne. B Vitamins are especially beneficial, because they fight acne in several different ways, along with vitamins A, C, E, and the minerals chromium and zinc. All these vitamins and minerals are valuable for dealing with your PCOS as a whole. For example, chromium helps to regulate your blood sugar levels and reduce your sugar cravings.

All there are vitamins available in supplements you can buy from health food stores, but the best way to get these vitamins is to include them in your diet.

There are more options for acne sufferers than ever before. Whether you prefer traditional treatments, non-drug therapy or natural remedies, acne can be treated effectively while dealing with your PCOS as a whole.

PCOS and Acne Treatments is a post from: PCOS Matters... Please visit the blog for more information on PCOS

While most of us use tweezers to remove facial hair around the eyebrows, some use this implement to remove hairs on the upper lip and under the chin as well. Painful? Yes. But the hairs grow back more slowly because you are plucking out the root as well.

If your hair is dark in nature, and you would rather not use tweezers, an excellent method is to use crème bleach. This lightens excess dark hair and lasts quite a long time. In fact, it is a great alternative to plucking a sensitive face.

Another method commonly used is waxing. While it is a bit painful, it is an effective way to remove hairs from the upper lip and/or facial area. Home waxing kits are available in abundance; and it should be noted, that most home kits use cold wax to prevent burning.

You can also try sugaring or a sugar wax. The difference between a sugar wax and a regular wax is that the sugar is water-soluble therefore hairs are removed easier by simply using water.

Another popular way of removing hair is by using a facial hair removal cream. This will not last as long as waxing or plucking but is pain-free and effective, but be sure to spot test the cream beforehand to make sure you do not have an allergic reaction.

Whether you pluck, bleach, or wax, removing facial hair is a necessary evil. Be sure to use the best method your type of skin, sensitivity, and facial hair. Either way, while it has to be done, the process should be as painless as possible.

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Facial Hair Removal: Tips to Do It Yourself is a post from: PCOS Matters... Please visit the blog for more information on PCOS

The Food and Agricultural Organization defines probiotics as “live micro organisms administered in adequate amounts which confer a beneficial health effect on the host.”  In simple terms, probiotics are good bacteria found in dairy products such as yogurt.  The use of this type of bacteria improves lactose digestion in people who lack it and can have positive effects on the immune system as well.

For example, yeast infections are a common problem for women with PCOS because they flourish in high sugar environments.  Research shows that consuming yogurt would alleviate the symptoms because of the probiotics contained in natural live yogurt.

Moreover, studies have shown that three or more servings of dairy products a day can lower levels of obesity.  So, dairy products combined with probiotic bacteria can improve overall health and aid digestion.

Other conditions in which probiotics play a major role are:  diarrhoea, chronic use of antibiotics, IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), IBD (inflammatory bowel disease), lactose intolerance, hypertension, cancer, high cholesterol, and certain allergies, many of which are associated with having PCOS.

What effect do probiotics have in common with all of these conditions?

While antibiotics are often the medical solution to kill bad bacteria, it is true that they can kill off good bacteria as well.  Probiotics will replace the good bacteria that have been lost.  With reference to irritable bowl syndrome, probiotics have been known to provide some symptom relief from diarrhoea and bloating. Inflammatory bowel disease treated with high levels of probiotics has been shown to increase the period in which a person is free from the problem.

For those who cannot tolerate lactose, studies have concluded that consuming yogurt and unfermented dairy products aid in its digestion.  Probiotics have also been shown to reduce the systolic blood pressure in those suffering from hypertension.

Cancer causing agents can reside in the gastrointestinal tract and the use of probiotics can decrease the user’s exposure to cancer risks.

Also, studies to determine the effects of probiotics in dairy foods have shown a reduction in cases of high cholesterol.  However, research is still ongoing.

Probiotics and their utilization can help to treat acute intestinal infections, aid digestion, improve health, and possibly reduce the risk of disease — all good news for PCOS sufferers.  Studies are ongoing to determine the full benefits of probiotics, however, so far, there seems to be positive results.

Probiotics and PCOS is a post from: PCOS Matters... Please visit the blog for more information on PCOS

The glycemic index works like this: the body breaks down carbohydrate into sugar, which is the source of energy for the body. When consuming foods high on the glycemic index, the foods you eat are broken down so quickly that your body signals the need for more food. Sugar spikes are a particular problem for women with PCOS who are often insulin resistant, as it leads to problems with obesity, heart disease and potential Type II Diabetes. Conversely, foods which are low on the glycemic index break down slowly so that you are satisfied with the meal, control your blood glucose levels and decrease your desire to eat again soon.

When you are on the G.I. Diet, you will eat foods such as fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts, whole grains, meat, fish, and low-fat dairy. If you are not familiar with exactly what types of foods to eat, you can obtain a list of foods which you can choose from as well as those foods which should be avoided.

The good news is you will never starve. The bad news is you have to avoid potatoes and many other starchy carbohydrates. However, this is one of the healthiest diets available, and will help in reducing your chance of cancer, heart disease, and diabetes.

As long as you follow the plan, you can eat out, prepare the foods listed online at home, add special seasonings to spice up your meals, and enjoy the experience of dieting without all the stress and fuss associated with other diet plans. There is no calorie counting, and simply following the guidelines offered will afford you the joy of watching the pounds slip away.

In combination with a diet plan, incorporating an exercise program will enhance the overall results of this G.I. diet program as well. Diet and exercise combined have been proven to increase the chance of weight loss with PCOS.

PCOS and the GI Diet at a Glance is a post from: PCOS Matters... Please visit the blog for more information on PCOS

Endometriosis is a common, but not well-known condition that can occur in women of menstruating age. While symptoms normally start out mild, they can become severe and even lead to infertility. This is why it’s so important for you to understand what this disease is and how to spot it. That way, it can be diagnosed and treated before the damage is too extensive.

Every month, menstruating women develop a layer of endometrial cells inside their uterus. In women with endrometriosis, for reasons that aren’t entirely clear, these cells grow up and outside the uterus as well as inside.

When a woman has her period, these endometrial cells leave the body, but if they are not inside the uterus, they have no way to escape. These cells can grow on, into, and between the uterus, ovaries, bowels, and bladder. Very rarely, the growths can spread even further, which is much more serious. The most common location of these growths is on the ovaries.

The problem with endometriosis is that many women don’t have any symptoms, or the symptoms remain so mild that their condition is not detected for many years. Similarly, they may associate some of the symptoms with their PCOS instead. That’s why it’s important to have regular pelvic exams. While pain and infertility are the easiest ways to realize you have endometriosis, your doctor may also be able to catch it during routine examinations.

The most common symptoms are:

* Painful menstrual cramps that worsen with time. While you may have cramps when you first start getting your period, they should worsen with endometriosis due to the growth that usually occurs with each cycle.

* Persistent pain in the back or lower abdomen.

* Pain during sexual intercourse, urination, or bowel movements. These symptoms are more likely during menstruation.

* Heavy periods, short menstrual cycle (less than 27 days), and spotting between cycles. Because this is considered the cause of endometriosis, this should start before any other symptoms appear and often occurs as soon as you start getting your period. Many women with endometriosis also start their period at an early age.

* Infertility. Many women don’t discover they have endometriosis until they see a fertility specialist because they have been unsuccessful at conceiving.

* Fatigue. This may be mild or more severe.

If you have some or all of these symptoms, it’s important for you to talk to a doctor right away. Because the symptoms come on slowly or are nonexistent, it may take some time to recognize there is something wrong and can keep you from being treated. Also, many of these symptoms are associated with other potentially serious problems, such as PCOS. Your doctor can help you receive proper treatment.

Click here for further information on how to shrink fibroids naturally and the lifestyle changes you can make today to help your Endometriosis and restore your periods to normal

What is Endometriosis? is a post from: PCOS Matters... Please visit the blog for more information on PCOS

One of the most recent studies which appeared in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition showed people who drank a bottle of green tea extract everyday for three months lost more body fat than the participants who drank regular tea.

It is thought the chemical epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) found in green tea raises the metabolism while also releasing the hormone noradrenaline which is an appetite suppressant.

The study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition also indicated the consumption of catechins in green tea lead to both reduced body fat and LDL cholesterol levels.

Now that you know the many benefits of green tea, just how much do you need to drink to lose weight?

Based on the recent research you would need to consume at least 4 cups of green tea daily to see any results, but there are now also green tea supplements on the market which provide higher concentrated doses of green tea in a capsule form. The quality of the supplements will vary so it’s best to do your research.

But you don’t really need to take supplements to receive all the benefits of green tea. Try replacing your daily cups of coffee or regular tea with green tea. It’s also a good drink to have in between meals which may help satisfy your hunger pangs while providing your body with a good dose of antioxidants.

There are so many benefits to drinking green tea that weight loss is really just the icing on the cake.

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Green Tea and Weight Loss is a post from: PCOS Matters... Please visit the blog for more information on PCOS

Some women have a difficult time with this particular technique since the tendency to hold ones’ breath when exerting pressure is quite common. It’s recommended that, for example, if you are lifting a heavy object to exhale as you begin the lift and then inhale when you slowly place the object down.

Another school of thought suggests that when conducting any form of exercise, there is a tendency to breathe through the mouth, which is why so many people new to exercising get out of breath. The proper way is to breathe through the nose. All experts do agree, however, that breathing during exercise routines should be normal and not forced.

Engaging in cardiovascular or aerobic workouts is another example in which breathing should be natural. It’s advised to breathe in through the nose and out through the mouth, which allows the heart rate ad breathing to slow down. Yet, professionals who teach Yoga instruct their students to breathe only through the mouth.

Sound confusing? Well, the best advice is when in doubt breathe normally. Eventually, the more practice you have the more you will be able to get the breathing part of exercising down to a science.

While much has been written about when to inhale and exhale during exercise routines, there is a right way of breathing. The problem is, depending on which professional you talk to, their way is the only way.

Inhale and Exhale: Breathing During Exercise is a post from: PCOS Matters... Please visit the blog for more information on PCOS

The best option for getting an optimal Pilates workout is to work with a professional. The best place to find an expert is at a Pilates Studio, which can be found in many cities. They not only have people that specialize in teaching Pilates, they also have machines specifically designed to give you an optimal workout.

If there isn’t a Pilates studio in your area, you should look for a class. Many health clubs will offer these classes for a lower price than going to a studio. You will be performing the exercises on a mat instead of machines, but you will still be taught by someone who knows what they’re doing and can help you use proper form and attain the maximum benefit.

If you can’t find a class or studio near you, you have a few other options to try. The first is to buy a good book or set of tapes that teach you specific moves and how to do them. These tapes may incorporate equipment such as a ball or resistance band, which can also be purchased at most fitness supply stores.

If you have money and space to invest in this fitness regimen, you may consider buying a Pilates machine. They offer more resistance and can improve the effectiveness of your workout. There are various retailers who sell these and they are similar to those found in Pilates studios. For the best workout at the best price, you should find a machine that offers the ability to do many different exercises all on the same machine.

Pilates can be great to help with strength, balance, and posture, among other things. Just be sure not to neglect doing cardio work as well. While it can’t replace aerobic exercise, Pilates is a great addition to your exercise regime.

Pilates for Beginners is a post from: PCOS Matters... Please visit the blog for more information on PCOS

Studies have shown exercise to be a better energizer than even prescription stimulants. Fatigue can actually be caused or intensified by inactivity, not by too much activity. So if you are feeling run down and need a jump start, try adding exercise to your daily routine.

Most people start an exercise regime and expect to feel wonderfully energized and alive the same day. Those people are sadly disappointed when they find themselves sore and exhausted. After a week or two with no results, many people give up and assume it just isn’t working for them.

But studies have repeatedly shown that exercise boosts energy levels in a majority of people; the key is to be persistent. The first few weeks your body is adjusting to the extra stress of working out. Once your body is used to the additional work, you’ll begin to feel the energizing effects of a good workout.

You should never judge how much energy you have immediately after a workout. Most people feel fatigued right after they’re done, but feel more energized later. Your muscles need time to recover from the workload. If you feel extremely fatigued, or you don’t get a burst of energy within an hour of working out, you’re probably pushing yourself too hard. Try doing a little less and building up to a greater workload.

Many people decide to start a workout routine, but are too tired to actually get to the gym or go for a run. If this is the case for you, monitor your energy level throughout the day. Pick a time when you generally feel most awake and try to schedule your workouts for then. After a few weeks, you should feel energetic enough to move your workout to a more convenient time.

If you still need convincing to go out and exercise, remember that a good workout can help improve the quality of your sleep. That will make you more rested and even more energetic the next day. So, if you’re feeling sluggish, get up and get moving. You’ll be feeling better in no time.

Exercise: The Ultimate Energy Boost is a post from: PCOS Matters... Please visit the blog for more information on PCOS

Good Fats

Monounsaturated Fats:

These are the best fats for you. Replacing saturated fats with monounsaturated fats has been shown to lower bad cholesterol without lowering good cholesterol. You can find these helpful fats in most nuts, canola, olive, and sesame oil, and in avocados.

Polyunstaurated Fats:

These fats are still unsaturated, but not as good for you as monounsaturated fats. While they have been shown to lower bad cholesterol, they also tend to lower good cholesterol at the same time. These fats can be found in mayonnaise, walnuts, corn and soybean oil, and in salad dressings.

Omega 3 Fatty Acids:

These are a special type of polyunsaturated fat found in high fat fish and other nuts. They not only have anti-inflammatory effects; they have also been shown to lower triglyceride levels and help prevent you from dying of a heart attack.

Bad Fats

Trans Fats:

These fats, also known as hydrogenated fats, are man made fats. These were created to prolong shelf life of some foods. When looking for foods low in trans fat, be sure to check the ingredients list, not just proclamations on the box. When something says it has “no trans fat” that actually means it has less that .4 grams.

Saturated Fats:

Even though they are natural fats, saturated fats have been linked to higher levels of bad cholesterol and certain types of cancer. Foods that contain saturated fat include: high fat meat and poultry, milk products, cheese and some oils. Check labels; companies are required to tell you how much saturated fat is in a product.

Fats aren’t all bad; they make food taste better, have a better texture, and can help us absorb certain vitamins. So when you’re trying to cut fat out of your diet, be sure to be selective. Choosing the right fats will not only help you lose weight, it can prevent certain diseases and cancers.
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Good Fats Versus Bad fats is a post from: PCOS Matters... Please visit the blog for more information on PCOS

PCOS

Most women receive treatment from a doctor and/or a gynecologist when they believe they might have PCOS or have already been diagnosed, as these specialists can treat the individual symptoms, such as:

• problems conceiving
• adult acne
• facial and body hair
• thinning head hair
• irregular, painful and/or heavy periods
• dark, velvet-like patches around the base of the neck and in other body creases
• unexplained weight-gain

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However, it is important to be aware of the underlying cause of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome and seek the help of an endocrinologist.

There is still some debate as to how PCOS starts, but it is clear that it is an endocrine disorder. The endocrine system is a group of glands that make hormones. These hormones control the way your body works, such as reproduction, metabolism and growth. When the hormones don’t work normally – as with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome – it creates a knock-on effect throughout the body.

In the case of most PCOS sufferers, too much insulin is created, which in turn affects the hormones controlling the reproductive cycle. There is excess production of male hormones (androgens) resulting in symptoms such as excess facial and body hair, weight-gain around the abdomen and alopecia. Women with PCOS also find they have low energy levels because the insulin is not releasing the energy from food properly.

An endocrinologist is trained to diagnose and treat hormone problems by helping to restore the normal balance of hormones in your system.

While there is no current cure for PCOS, the right treatments can reduce symptoms and enable you to conceive naturally.

What is PCOS? is a post from: PCOS Matters... Please visit the blog for more information on PCOS