PCOS
Eight years ago, I struggled a lot with cystic acne. My boyfriend’s mother at the time, recommended that I go to the gynecologist for contraceptive pills to help clear my skin. I was also struggling with my weight and hair fall. Therefore, feeling like absolute trash most of the time. The doctor diagnosed me with PCOS, which provided me with a huge relief but that was only the beginning of my struggle. I had no idea what it was but everything kind of made sense. I often questioned why and how I got this syndrome. It is a constant struggle. Growing up is hard enough on its own without having hormonal disorder. In honor of PCOS awareness month, I am sharing my personal notes that I have accumulated throughout the years to manage my own hormonal imbalance. Let’s first break down PCOS.
What is PCOS?
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder that affects women of child bearing age. When the ovaries creates excess hormones, producing unusually high level of androgens, it causes imbalances in our reproductive hormones.
Symptoms:
Irregular or missed periods
Cystic acne
Insulin resistance
Hair loss
Weight gain
Hirsutism
Fatigue
Anxiety/depression/mood swings
Darkened skin on body folds
Multifolicular cystic ovaries
Skin tags
Risks:
Infertility
Diabetes
Obesity
Depression
Sleep disorder
Hypertension or cardiovascular disease
Endometrial hyperplasia and cancer
What is the first thing to do if you suspect that you have PCOS?
Don’t panic. It can feel really frustrating but know that PCOS happens to many women, according to WHO up to 8–13% of reproductive-aged women and 70% women remain undiagnosed worldwide, so there is a lot of support out there and it is quite manageable.
Diagnosing PCOS:
Find a gynaecologist and endocrinologist experienced in treating PCOS, prioritizes lifestyle change, healthy diet and natural treatment alternatives
Get an ultrasound
Check your blood - I mostly test for hormones, thyroid, cortisol, fasting blood glucose, insulin, vitamin D
What to address:
Inflammation
Insulin resistance
Adrenals & stress
Excess androgens
Hormonal imbalances
Thyroid imbalance
Environment
Diet - having a healthy balanced diet that works for you
Lifestyle including sleep and exercise
Vitamin deficiencies - especially vitamin D & B12
Gut health
Weight & body fat percentage
Get a blood test with PRODIA X LAKSMI
To help my PCOS cysters living in Bali or Indonesia and to celebrate PCOS awareness month, I have joined forces with Prodia to give you a 15% discount on the ‘PCOS Panel’ blood test or any other tests using the code ‘PRODIAXLAKSMI’