PCOSgurl's Guide to PCOS

Author: Ashley Levinson CMA,CST, CSFA Social Media: @PCOSgurl Since PCOS is an endocrine syndrome, hormones are majorly involved in diagnosis, symptoms and figuring out appropriate treatment. The following is a breakdown of sine of the hormones that can be involved with PCOS. LH/FSH  LH (Lutenizing Hormone) FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) The hormones that trigger ovulation While many women with PCOS still have LH (Lutenizing Hormone) and FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) within normal range, their LH level is often two or three times that of the FSH level. This situation is called an elevated LH to FSH ratio or a ratio of 3:1. This change in the LH to FSH ratio is enough to disrupt ovulation. While this used to be considered an important aspect in diagnosing PCOS, it is now considered less useful in diagnosing PCOS, but is still helpful when looking at the overall picture. Testosterone All females assigned at birth have testosterone in their bodies. There are two me...

There are THOUSANDS of reasons we need to STAND UP, SPEAK UP AND FIGHT for #PCOS There have literally been generations of patients ignored, dismissed, unheard, undiagnosed and unsupported but, this is changing!!! Over 42,000 people have signed our PCOS Petition at Change.org which means there us a true need for change!!!! PCOS Challenge  has been at the forefront of change for our community and for the past 4 years has given patients, providers, celebrities and influencers like you and me a chance to be part of this change. For real impact to occur our #legislators need to hear the voices of our community. When we join #pcosadvocacyday  this gives us the opportunity to DIRECTLY tell #Congress members and their staff why #pcos matters and why they need to invest in funding for research, education and more awareness!! We are currently at 21% or 1 in 5 worldwide and up to 70% are estimated to be undiagnosed!!! We receive less than 0.1% of government funding WORLDWIDE for all the ...

  Tips for stress free holidays with #PCOS With chronic illness like #PCOS getting through the holidays can be taxing especially when others dont understand your illness. We often go through each day as most people do and because most symptoms of pcos are not evident to people, they dont think you are sick because you dont look sick.  So, when symptoms flare up, people dont realize we're in pain or have devastating fatigue, so bad that we can't cook and shop in the same day. Because what we deal with seems invisible to most, we need to ensure we have a plan in place for self-care, open communication and minimizing stress through the holidays... There are little things you can do to help get through the holidays, while enjoying the holidays at tge same time!! Plan it out... To keep your insulin levels on track carry snacks and water while shopping and traveling, this helps stabilize your metabolism and keep your blood sugar and ultimately keeps insulin levels in check with...

Twas the week before #Christmas and to my dismay my #pcos was trying to ruin my day.  As much as I prepared and tried to be merry, Things came to mind to bother me very  With the holidays ever so near PCOS has me cringing in fear... Can I eat carbs or get in a nap Have some wine or beer on tap.  Will my hormones cooperate And allow me to eat what's on my plate  Will I be watched like a Hawk Or endure the endless baby talk  Will my symptoms all be seen Will family be nice or mean  Then I remembered a little gem This is about me, not about them  So I will have my piece of pie without who, what or why  I will have my glass of wine For a jolly holiday time  I'll give myself a day to relax Enjoying people and little snacks  I'll be alright if I cheat Enjoying the day, not in retreat  Oh no PCOS the grinch you are not And therefore you'll be put to a stop  Remember no matter what your head says, with this syndrome you deserve a few d...

  Getting through the day with #PCOS  With chronic illness like #PCOS getting through the day can be taxing especially when others dont understand your illness.  Because what we deal with seems invisible to most, we need to ensure we have a plan in place for self-care, open communication and minimizing stress....  There are little things you can do to help get through the day.  Plan it out...  To keep your insulin levels on track carry snacks and water while working, shopping and traveling, this helps stabilize your metabolism and keep your blood sugar and ultimately keeps insulin levels in check with #PCOS  Give yourself me time....  Shopping, schedules and obligations can make our stress levels sky rocket.. Stress can cause inflammation which can exacerbate symptoms of #PCOS find time to decompress to alleviate stress with music, a cup of herbal tea or your favorite movie!!  Know your limitations...  Communicate with friends and family...

Your Family history plays an important role in your #PCOS diagnosis! Author: Ashley Levinson TWITTER/IG: @PCOSgurl The cause of #PCOS is unknown. But, #genetics, could play a role. PCOS tends to run in families; it is important to ask about family history as there are often genetic markers beyond PCOS that may indicate a predisposition to a woman having PCOS such as #diabetes, #cardiovascular disease, high cholesterol, metabolic syndrome, hypertension and impaired glucose tolerance. Women who have a first-degree relative (a sister, mother or daughter) with #PCOS have a 35 to 40%  chance of developing the condition.In fact, some believe if a mother has PCOS and her daughter is showing signs of it, she should be evaluated by her pediatrician or by an endocrinologist for the syndrome. But, its not just daughters, the sons of women with #PCOS tend to have a greater risk for obesity and diabetes, which are complications of PCOS. Men can also inherit the genetic abnormality that in ...