The Burden of Not Getting To The Root Cause of Your PCOS Diagnosis.
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is almost impossible to navigate on your own, with not one person presenting the same and each individual having their own setbacks and challenges. The condition tends to come with more questions than answers, leaving those suffering feeling helpless and confused.
Image via: @charlotte_lapalus @garibaldistudio
If you’ve recently been diagnosed, or feel the symptoms below line up with your own, then I’m here to tell you that PCOS can be reversed and symptoms can be managed. The way we do this is by getting to the root cause and delving deep into your health history.
PCOS is systemic, meaning it affects the whole body and not just the reproductive system. Symptoms can look like:
Irregular menstrual periods
Excessive hair growth on the face and body
Acne
Thinning hair
Weight gain around the midsection (even in lean women)
Skin tags
Darkening of skin around skin folds e.g. neck creases, groin, under breasts
Anxiety and depression
Beneath these symptoms is a body burdened with chronic inflammation, poor blood sugar control, hormonal imbalances and more often than not, deep emotional distress. Navigating PCOS is an emotional roller coaster and often those who suffer, do so in silence. However, the emotional side is integral to healing as this has a strong effect on hormones, weight and overall quality of life.
Due to the varying symptoms, diagnosis can often be delayed or overlooked. An ultrasound of the ovaries is not always needed when it comes to PCOS, despite the name telling you otherwise. Often women are told they have PCOS from an ultrasound alone and when we explore further through indicated blood tests, we find this is incorrect, which can obviously impact treatment. A combination of hyperandrogenism and ovarian dysfunction can confirm the diagnosis. Read more on that HERE
Not treating your PCOS will leave you at an increased risk of developing diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and also endometrial cancer due to the lack of ovulation. As a naturopath we want to empower, educate and reconnect you to your body - understanding that each symptom is your body trying to tell you something. Treatment involves a combination of lifestyle interventions, dietary adjustments, stress management techniques and herbal medicine.
Your journey to balancing your hormones and feeling confident in your body is yours alone - always remember that what works for one person, may not work for you.
If you’re someone who is ready to dig a little deeper, please don’t hesitate to reach out - I’m here to support you, each step of the way.
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DISCLAIMER: The content provided in this blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet, exercise routine, or medical treatment plan. The author and publisher of this blog are not liable for any adverse effects or consequences resulting from the use or misuse of the information provided herein. Any reliance you place on the information in this blog post is strictly at your own risk.