Have PCOS? Start Here!

Have you or someone you know been diagnosed with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, or PCOS? You are not alone! Approximately 10% of women of childbearing age have also been diagnosed with PCOS!

Because there are many websites out there that do an awesome job going into great detail about PCOS, I am not going to cover the basic FAQs. Here are some credible websites regarding PCOS that I encourage you to check out.

When given a diagnosis such as PCOS, which you will be dealing with the rest of your life, it is important to study/research everything you can so you can live a long, happy, healthy life despite the diagnosis.

Here are some credible sources for updated information on Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS):

PCOS Support

Women’s Health.gov

Mayo Clinic

PubMed Health

Nichd.nih.gov

PCOS Foundation

Some Tips YOU Should Know about Living with PCOS:

• There is no cure. Do not get sucked into websites or products that say “do this/take this” and it will cure all your problems with PCOS. There is no supplement that has been proven to directly “fix” all your PCOS issues.
• Don’t lose hope! There are ways to help you better manage PCOS symptoms such as infertility, acne, abnormal hair growth, etc. to where they are no longer bothersome or noticeable. It takes a whole lifestyle change. You can’t just pop a pill or supplement and everything be better.
• Find a support group! If there is not one in your area, join one of those groups online. You can join me on facebook or google+! Be sure to introduce yourself and let me know you are a fellow “cyster”!
• Find a good doctor! Most doctors do not have a good handle on diagnosing/treating PCOS. Ask around. Find someone who has dealt with PCOS before. These will typically be your OB/GYN or endocrinologist.
• Be you own advocate! If you don’t feel you are getting the care or treatment you need, go to a different doctor/clinic. I had to go to 3 different OB/GYN once I first noticed my infertility issues before I got a diagnosis. The 1st two OB/GYNs I went to, I felt as a Registered Nurse I knew more about PCOS through my OB nursing background and all my research I did on my own. So, be sure to research and be your own advocate!
• Find a supportive family member. Be sure to communicate! Explain exactly what you are going through, emotions, what you want them to do, and what changes you are going to make. Have a cheerleader, especially if you need to lose weight.
• Read! Read! Read! There are quite a few books on the market about PCOS. Some are good and with others you would be better off saving your money. Read reviews on Amazon, but here are my favorite that I highly recommend! (I am an Amazon Affiliate which means if you buy from amazon through this link, some compensation will be made to support this blog and increasing PCOS awareness!)  (coming soon)
• Finally, don’t forget to relax, have fun, and enjoy life. Your life is not over because of this diagnosis; so make sure it doesn’t cause you to miss out on life!

Keep checking back as I will be adding more PCOS information soon!