Living with PCOS

As the colder days roll in, I wanted to reminisce on this beautiful sunny day spent at Folsom Lake with Emily of Ensemble Styles and our my photographer buddy, Susan Yee!
I met Emily at the Northern Ambition event held in Sacramento, meant to aspire change in the world through pursuing our passions and helping others find theirs.
The reason Emily and I connected from across the table was we first noticed we were wearing the same outfit but in reverse, see here. Then we got to talking and realized we’re both fashion bloggers and PCOS fighters! I’ve invited her to guest post on the blog today about her experiences and tips in dealing with this.
***NOTE: I’m in no way a doctor. I just wanted to share my experience, provide awareness and hopefully connect with other women struggling with this.***
What is PCOS?
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, is a problem in which a woman’s hormones are out of balance. It can cause problems with your periods and make it difficult to get pregnant. PCOS also may cause unwanted changes in the way you look. If it isn’t treated, over time it can lead to serious health problems, such as diabetes and heart disease. Sited.
Most women with PCOS grow many small cysts on their ovaries. That is why it is called polycystic ovary syndrome. The cysts are not harmful but lead to hormone imbalances.
Symptoms:
hormonal acne around the jawline, diabetes, missed periods, trouble loosing weight, extra hair, infertility, elevated insulin levels, and depression.
Treatments:
birth control, progesterone, creams, metformin, more here.
Facts:
1 in 10 women have PCOS.
Currently known to be genetic and incurable.
Haley’s Experience:
For me, I deal with PCOS by eating clean. I know most people make fun of “low carb” diets but it actually made a word of difference for me once I made the change. My acne improved and I lost about 30 pounds post college. It is super important for me, to watch what what I eat because a big part of PCOS is insulin resistance, which leads to diabetes.
When it comes to meds, I like to go natural, I took birth control for years and I don’t feel like it helped the symptoms. I prefer to put less medication into my body whenever possible. I currently don’t have a thyroid and have to take a replacement pill everyday, for the rest of my life. Call me a hippie, but I don’t want to be dependent on any other pills.
I love getting exercise, usually 3-4 times a week, this is the best way I know how to fight anxiety and depression. If I don’t go, my body starts to ache–it’s the weirdest thing (but also the best motivator!)
Please, please, please leave a comment with your experience or any advice, I would LOVE to read it!
PS hopefully these photos don’t make this post appears like some television ad for Abilify. I got the idea for the PCOS topic after we took these. I SWEAR! haha
Other great resources on PCOS:
NY Times
Huffington Post
The Curvy Blogger
- PCOS Patient Guide: https://www.endocrineweb.com/
conditions/polycystic-ovary- syndrome-pcos/how-pcos-treated - PCOS Self-Assessment: https://www.endocrineweb.com/
guides/pcos/do-have-pcos-pcos- symptoms-quiz
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