PCOSgurl's Guide to PCOS

  How is PCOS Diagnosed? PCOS is often diagnosed by taking a medical and family history, doing a physical exam, getting blood tests, and possibly getting an ultrasound. Of these 4 things, the most important is a history of irregular periods. If you tell a doctor your periods have been irregular for a prolonged period of time, chances are very high you have PCOS. There are a series of things that need to be considered and explored to arrive at a diagnosis for PCOS. There is no singular test or criteria that can identify the syndrome as the symptoms and severity of symptoms can vary from patient to patient. This means PCOS is a diagnosis of exclusion, other possible causes for symptoms are ruled out to arrive at a diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome. Most doctors will do the following 1. physical exam 2. Medical History 3. Family History 4. Bloodwork 5. Possible ultrasound A person must have two of three following criteria to be diagnosed with PCOS... 1. Androgen Excess 2. Irregul...

  PCOS Medications & Supplements What they are and what they do There are so many options to treat PCOS but, many only know the treatments by name. The following is a list of some of the more popular treatments for polycystic ovary syndrome and why they're used. Please note this is for informational purposes only.  Any medication or supplement should be discussed with a provider who can help you determine the best treatment plan for you Metformin: Can help with metabolic abnormalities, insulin resistance and even improve fertility.  When taken regularly, the medication will lower blood glucose levels by balancing insulin levels and decreasing other metabolic effects. Spironolactone: Also known as Aldactone works by blocking the effects of androgens. Androgens are hormones such as testosterone,  Androsterone and DHEA that are often in excess with pcos.  spironolactone can help treat  some of the symptoms of PCOS like acne, hirsutism and hair loss Inosito...

From time to time I like reviewing the statistics on #pcos to see how the syndrome is affecting our #global population and the numbers never cease to amaze me! While it's always great to read about pcos, the #symptoms and #treatments, actually seeing the numbers of how #patients are affected has the greatest impact. Global  prevalence  of  PCOS  is now estimated to be between 6% and 26%. Bozdag et al. conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis on published studies that reported the  prevalence  of  PCOS  according to at least 1 diagnostic criteria subset. This means approximately 1 in 5 females assigned at birth have pcos #worldwide PCOS has a very high percentage of individuals who remain undiagnosed when visiting their #doctor, estimated to be as high as 75% This is likely due to variability of patient presentation and lack of provider knowledge, according to a study posted in The Journal of Environmental Research and Publuc Health. #Mental...

Baseline screening laboratory studies for patients suspected of having PCOS may include the following: Thyroid function tests  (eg, TSH, free thyroxine) Serum prolactin level DHEAs Total and free testosterone levels Free androgen index Serum hCG level Cosyntropin stimulation test Serum 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHPG) level Urinary free cortisol (UFC) and creatinine levels Low-dose dexamethasone suppression test Serum insulin-like growth factor (IGF)–1 level Anti-Müllerian hormone  ( AMH) Estrogen Other tests used in the evaluation of PCOS include the following: Androstenedione level FSH and LH levels GnRH stimulation testing Glucose level Insulin level Lipid panel

  Author: @PCOSgurl 11/6/21 What is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome? Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is the most common hormonal problem in women and ftm transgender males. It is a metabolic syndtome that affects several body systems and can cause significant long-term health consequences, if left untreated. PCOS is often characterized by enlarged ovaries, with multiple small painless cysts or follicles, that form in the ovary. Two other key features of PCOS are production of excess androgens (male sex hormones) and anovulation (the failure to ovulate properly), which makes PCOS the leading cause of infertility in women. Emerging research is also identifying the important roles of insulin receptors and chronic inflammation's role in PCOS. What are the symptoms of PCOS? The symptoms of PCOS can be not only physically debilitating, but also emotionally and psychologically wrenching. While no two patients may have the same symptoms of PCOS, they are likely to include any or all of the f...

  Use caution and talk with your doctor before taking any herbal supplement, as their claims haven’t been evaluated by the FDA! Introducing any new herbs or supplements, although they are natural can cause chemical changes in the body! This post is for informational purpose only. Please consult a provider before starting any regimine including herbs. HERBS/NATURAL for PCOS Agnus Castus has been found to stimulate and normalize the function of the pituitary gland and help regulate hormone production. In particular it appears to increase the level of LH (luteinising hormone) that helps maintain ovary health Apple Cider Vinegar is beneficial because it helps control blood sugar and keeps your body from producing too much insulin Ashwagandha is a natural stress reliever. Also known as the hormone balancing superhero, it reduces depression, and improves memory.   Black Cohash Root very effective for PMS, excessive menstrual cramps and hormone related symptoms. Chasteberry also...

PCOSgurl's Guide to PCOS What is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (#PCOS)? PCOS is a hormonal, reproductive and metabolic syndrome affecting up to 21% or one in five patients worldwide. It is estimated approximately 70% of patients with PCOS remain undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is caused by an imbalance of reproductive hormones and is considered the most common hormonal (endocrine) condition in women. PCOS is also a metabolic disorder which can include; insulin resistance, inflammation and androgen excess, all thought to be potential contributing factors in the development, symptoms and severity of polycystic ovary syndrome. Two other key features of PCOS are production of excess androgens (male sex hormones) and anovulation (the failure to ovulate properly), which makes PCOS the leading cause of anovulatory (no ovulation) infertility. PCOS is called a syndrome, as opposed to an illness or disease because it manifests itself through a group of signs an...