Understanding PCOS

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects 1 in 10 women – and the numbers are rising. While many women have never heard of PCOS before they are diagnosed, it is the most common cause of infertility. Symptoms include weight gain (though many women with PCOS are thin), acne, infertility, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, hair where we don’t want it – and losing hair on our heads.

What Causes PCOS?

More women are being diagnosed with PCOS every day, both because of more awareness about PCOS and because more young women are being affected. There is still a lot of debate in the medical community about the exact causes of polycystic ovary syndrome – but we do have some good ideas. Genes definitely play a role – many sufferers can point to a family history of diabetes, heart disease and other health issues related to this syndrome.

The standard Western diet is a major risk factor for developing PCOS – white flour, white sugar, hydrogenated oils, corn syrup and other unhealthy foods combined with too few vegetables, fruits and whole foods. Lack of exercise, too little sleep, stressful careers and families – all of these contribute to the problem.

Living With PCOS

The most common question I get is, “Will I ever be able to have a baby?” For the vast majority of women with PCOS the answer is yes.

Women with PCOS also have questions about how to lose weight, how to manage their symptoms, and how to understand what is happening in their bodies. As we learn more about the side effects of PCOS – we also learn that there are long term health issues that can be real risks for women with this frustrating disorder.

Polycystic ovary syndrome is a risk factor for infertility, heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and cancer. There is good news though! The more we learn about the potential diseases that can follow PCOS – the more we know about treating and preventing these issues. Having PCOS is a warning sign – not a guarantee of future health problems.

With good diet, supplements, exercise and possibly medication – the chances are very good that you can lead a healthy life with PCOS. PCOS is very treatable. It is not easy – but changing your lifestyle can often reverse your symptoms and drastically reduce your risks of developing complications.

What is PCOS Coach?

When I was first diagnosed in the early 1990′s – there was almost no information available. Doctors would not listen to me or even insulted me when I complained of my symptoms. While information and research have drastically improved over the last decade or so – but many women are still struggling to get the information and help they need to live well with PCOS. A surprising number of doctors are still in the dark about the best treatments and related symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome.

As I came to know more and more women who shared this syndrome – I started sharing what I had learned. Today, there are a lot of books and resources available about PCOS. Yet there are still so many women in need of real answers. This is why PCOS Coach was born. My goal is to share information in a targeted way that helps women to make real progress in dealing with their symptoms.

I have been helping women with PCOS for more than a decade  now. I have also been able to drastically improve my own health – and get pregnant with my beautiful daughter. I hope that the information I have gathered will help you too.