I’m sure by now you have made your New Year’s Resolution. I wonder what may be on that list? “Get out of debt?” or “Get organized?”, surely “Lose weight” or “Exercise more” is on there somewhere.
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PCOS in ConnecTion
Empowering Women
Knowledge is power and what could be more powerful then research? If you have some tidbits to add, feel free to email me at pcosinct@yahoo.com
You can read more of my articles by clicking here.
You can read more of my articles by clicking here.
| Questioning Our World by Angi Ingalls PCOS InconnecTion ”How is a birth control pill that encourages loss of menstrual cycles an altogether good idea?” As I drive through the streets of New Haven, Connecticut, I am often disgusted by all the waste I see. I wonder if my neighbors got the memo on recycling, not littering and living green. Do they live in the same world I do? Do they watch TV? Read the paper? Listen to the radio? It makes me wonder. Read the rest of this article here |
The Pain of it All
by Angi Ingalls
PCOS in ConnecTion
When you live with endometriosis, you expect pain at the most inopportune times. Once I was walking down the aisle of a store and was immediately impeded by sharp stabbing pains in my leg and vagina. Imagine me leaning against a display of paper towels trying to regain composure; now imagine most of them all on the floor and my ‘whatever’ expression.
Read the rest of this article here
by Angi Ingalls
PCOS in ConnecTion
When you live with endometriosis, you expect pain at the most inopportune times. Once I was walking down the aisle of a store and was immediately impeded by sharp stabbing pains in my leg and vagina. Imagine me leaning against a display of paper towels trying to regain composure; now imagine most of them all on the floor and my ‘whatever’ expression.
Read the rest of this article here
A Better Me
by Angi Ingalls
PCOS in ConnecTion
“There is an upside to hurt and pain. When you make it to the other side you will be a stronger person with new growth.”
I can’t tell you how often I have heard from women who are intimidated by dating, being seen in public (especially in a bathing suit), or even dressing in fashionable clothing.
To read entire article, click here
by Angi Ingalls
PCOS in ConnecTion
“There is an upside to hurt and pain. When you make it to the other side you will be a stronger person with new growth.”
I can’t tell you how often I have heard from women who are intimidated by dating, being seen in public (especially in a bathing suit), or even dressing in fashionable clothing.
To read entire article, click here
This Year I Change
by Angi Ingalls
PCOS in ConnecTion
by Angi Ingalls
PCOS in ConnecTion
Can birth control pills affect PCOS?
Many women with PCOS are often prescribed oral contraceptives to help regulate an irregular or absent menstrual cycle.
Read more of this article here
Many women with PCOS are often prescribed oral contraceptives to help regulate an irregular or absent menstrual cycle.
Read more of this article here
At the Heart of It All
by Angi Ingalls
PCOS in ConnecTion
"Ya, right! I am too young to have heart problems” says the twenty-five-year-old patient.
Read the rest of this article here
by Angi Ingalls
PCOS in ConnecTion
"Ya, right! I am too young to have heart problems” says the twenty-five-year-old patient.
Read the rest of this article here
Square One
by Angi Ingalls
PCOS in ConnecTion
“I haven’t had a period in almost a year and I gained like thirty pounds in the last six months. What’s wrong with me?”
“You have PCOS. Are you trying for a baby?” asks the doctor.
“No, not now” she replies.
“Ok, well here’s some birth control pills, quit eating junk food and lose that weight. Come back to see me when you want a baby” he says.
Sound familiar?
Read the rest of this article here
by Angi Ingalls
PCOS in ConnecTion
“I haven’t had a period in almost a year and I gained like thirty pounds in the last six months. What’s wrong with me?”
“You have PCOS. Are you trying for a baby?” asks the doctor.
“No, not now” she replies.
“Ok, well here’s some birth control pills, quit eating junk food and lose that weight. Come back to see me when you want a baby” he says.
Sound familiar?
Read the rest of this article here
Better Living?
by Angi Ingalls
PCOS in ConnecTion
“When I was your age, I had to walk 5 miles to school, up 3 hills, both directions, in the snow, barefoot.” Ahhh the comments our pappys and nannas used to make.
To read entire article, click here
by Angi Ingalls
PCOS in ConnecTion
“When I was your age, I had to walk 5 miles to school, up 3 hills, both directions, in the snow, barefoot.” Ahhh the comments our pappys and nannas used to make.
To read entire article, click here
Alone in the Mass
by Angi Ingalls
PCOS in ConnecTion
Isn’t one of the most basic functions of a woman is to reproduce? And why did I have to be cursed with hair growing in places only a man should have to endure? The pimples are so attractive, how can any man resist? Maybe I’ll just curl up under my covers for, oh, let’s say, the rest of my life? Yah, that should do.
I'm sure some of you have felt or thought these. Going through infertility is stressful as it is, add to that the mixture of PCOS, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and a dash of inferiority and you got yourself a nice big bowl of life! Swoon, isn’t it grand? Unfortunately, some of us are blessed with added issues in our lives. We may not know why but we can try to manage.
Being that PCOS is so different from woman to woman, there is no set way to help yourself, there’s no one method. You have to work with different options and see what works for you. It can take months to get it right, and unfortunately, once you do, there’s no guarantee that it will hold out.
One of the biggest stressors, in my opinion, was dealing with the public on this whole PCOS/Infertility issue. Let’s face it, many parents have the most ignorant comments to say. I have heard some doozies. “Ya know, you just need to relax and you will get pregnant” – THEE MOST annoying comment ever. Yeah, “relaxing” is going to reverse my pre-diabetes and “relaxing” will fix all of my hormones. Now that would be a cure everyone would use.
Dealing with the public is very hard, added stress and often brings on greater sadness. I suggest sitting down and thinking up some witty-yet-nice replies to some future comments you may receive. Rehearse them. You will be better prepared and able to fend off ignorance. It will also make you feel empowered. Also, if you are comfortable, you can make it an educational experience. I always refer to PCOS as “prediabetes” before I say “PCOS” – giving them an opportunity to see the impact of PCOS – who knows, you may help someone else by empowering others with information.
Whether you are trying to conceive or not, it is always important to treat yourself well and manage the PCOS. If you are trying for a baby or want one in the future, there’s no time like the present to start working on your body. The quicker you can get the PCOS under control, the better long term health you will have.
OPTION 1 (an absolute must)
Diet!
The best thing you can do for yourself is make sure you are living a diabetic lifestyle - that includes diet. When you go to buy something, always read your labels. The rule of thumb is if anything is over 20 grams of total carbs per serving, don’t eat except on occasion. My advice is to try to avoid anything over 14 grams per serving, regardless of Sugar Grams. If the Sugar Grams is more then 14, I won’t touch it, unless it’s a sweet-treat. I do try to keep my carbs in the single digits per serving. These are just guidelines. It is ok to splurge once in a while but watch your portions.
OPTION 2 (also an absolute must)
Exercise!
Movement is key! Find any excuse to move. Sit on a yoga ball during TV time or at the computer, shoot, even ask your boss if you can replace your office chair with one – I have and love it! Walk at lunch time. Park farther away from the entrance or destination. Do squats while brushing your teeth. How about some scrunches right when you get in bed or before you get out of bed? Bike ride instead of driving. Walk a few bus stations away from where you normally get picked up at. Use the stairs instead of the elevator/escalator. Stand on one foot while doing something else – preferably not in the shower. You might be surprised what these small changes will do for yourself
OPTION 3
Ovarian Drilling
This will give you a nice cleaning, regardless if you have cysts or not. During the procedure they can also remove any endometriosis and scar tissue.
OPTION 4
Medications
Many PCOSers are on Metformin or similar. Do some research and bring it to your doctor.
OPTION 5
Naturals
Many many PCOSers use some form of natural product to help deal with their PCOS. There are many vitamins and minerals that can help such as Saw Palmetto, Vitex, Flax Seed, Evening Primrose, etc. Do your homework!
With these options there are always precautions to take and homework to do. Make sure you are aware of any issues, conflicting medications/naturals, foods you shouldn’t eat, etc before implementing these into your daily lifestyle. Consult with your doctor.
Many use a couple, several or all to help deal with their PCOS. Again, it really comes down to what works for you. It will take time and patients to find the key for your lock. Be strong and vigilant.
Angi Ingalls; PCOS in ConnecTion
pcosinct@yahoo.com
Educator for over 18 years
Diagnosed in 1985 at 12, living with PCOS since 1981
Dealt with Infertility for 16 years
2 conceptions:
One ended at 7 weeks due to nonviable egg
One stillbirth at 20weeks due to Incompetant Cervix
Living Childfree by Choice
by Angi Ingalls
PCOS in ConnecTion
Isn’t one of the most basic functions of a woman is to reproduce? And why did I have to be cursed with hair growing in places only a man should have to endure? The pimples are so attractive, how can any man resist? Maybe I’ll just curl up under my covers for, oh, let’s say, the rest of my life? Yah, that should do.
I'm sure some of you have felt or thought these. Going through infertility is stressful as it is, add to that the mixture of PCOS, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and a dash of inferiority and you got yourself a nice big bowl of life! Swoon, isn’t it grand? Unfortunately, some of us are blessed with added issues in our lives. We may not know why but we can try to manage.
Being that PCOS is so different from woman to woman, there is no set way to help yourself, there’s no one method. You have to work with different options and see what works for you. It can take months to get it right, and unfortunately, once you do, there’s no guarantee that it will hold out.
One of the biggest stressors, in my opinion, was dealing with the public on this whole PCOS/Infertility issue. Let’s face it, many parents have the most ignorant comments to say. I have heard some doozies. “Ya know, you just need to relax and you will get pregnant” – THEE MOST annoying comment ever. Yeah, “relaxing” is going to reverse my pre-diabetes and “relaxing” will fix all of my hormones. Now that would be a cure everyone would use.
Dealing with the public is very hard, added stress and often brings on greater sadness. I suggest sitting down and thinking up some witty-yet-nice replies to some future comments you may receive. Rehearse them. You will be better prepared and able to fend off ignorance. It will also make you feel empowered. Also, if you are comfortable, you can make it an educational experience. I always refer to PCOS as “prediabetes” before I say “PCOS” – giving them an opportunity to see the impact of PCOS – who knows, you may help someone else by empowering others with information.
Whether you are trying to conceive or not, it is always important to treat yourself well and manage the PCOS. If you are trying for a baby or want one in the future, there’s no time like the present to start working on your body. The quicker you can get the PCOS under control, the better long term health you will have.
OPTION 1 (an absolute must)
Diet!
The best thing you can do for yourself is make sure you are living a diabetic lifestyle - that includes diet. When you go to buy something, always read your labels. The rule of thumb is if anything is over 20 grams of total carbs per serving, don’t eat except on occasion. My advice is to try to avoid anything over 14 grams per serving, regardless of Sugar Grams. If the Sugar Grams is more then 14, I won’t touch it, unless it’s a sweet-treat. I do try to keep my carbs in the single digits per serving. These are just guidelines. It is ok to splurge once in a while but watch your portions.
OPTION 2 (also an absolute must)
Exercise!
Movement is key! Find any excuse to move. Sit on a yoga ball during TV time or at the computer, shoot, even ask your boss if you can replace your office chair with one – I have and love it! Walk at lunch time. Park farther away from the entrance or destination. Do squats while brushing your teeth. How about some scrunches right when you get in bed or before you get out of bed? Bike ride instead of driving. Walk a few bus stations away from where you normally get picked up at. Use the stairs instead of the elevator/escalator. Stand on one foot while doing something else – preferably not in the shower. You might be surprised what these small changes will do for yourself
OPTION 3
Ovarian Drilling
This will give you a nice cleaning, regardless if you have cysts or not. During the procedure they can also remove any endometriosis and scar tissue.
OPTION 4
Medications
Many PCOSers are on Metformin or similar. Do some research and bring it to your doctor.
OPTION 5
Naturals
Many many PCOSers use some form of natural product to help deal with their PCOS. There are many vitamins and minerals that can help such as Saw Palmetto, Vitex, Flax Seed, Evening Primrose, etc. Do your homework!
With these options there are always precautions to take and homework to do. Make sure you are aware of any issues, conflicting medications/naturals, foods you shouldn’t eat, etc before implementing these into your daily lifestyle. Consult with your doctor.
Many use a couple, several or all to help deal with their PCOS. Again, it really comes down to what works for you. It will take time and patients to find the key for your lock. Be strong and vigilant.
Angi Ingalls; PCOS in ConnecTion
pcosinct@yahoo.com
Educator for over 18 years
Diagnosed in 1985 at 12, living with PCOS since 1981
Dealt with Infertility for 16 years
2 conceptions:
One ended at 7 weeks due to nonviable egg
One stillbirth at 20weeks due to Incompetant Cervix
Living Childfree by Choice