TIP:  If you want a sweet, make yourself work for it. Don’t keep it in the house.  Go out special to buy it, then, throw half of it away immediately for better portion control.

PCOS stands for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (or Stein-Leventhal). Sometimes it’s called PCOD, “D” for disease. For a simpler way to understand PCOS, I dubbed it the “Daughter of Diabetes". Syndrome X would be the “Child of Diabetes" since both men and women can develop Syndrome X.

PCOS is a serious disorder effecting 6 to 10% of all females as young as 5 years old. Many don’t know they have it until they start to go through infertility treatments and even then they may not get diagnosed. Sadly, many PCOSers never get diagnosed.

TIP:  Become a nibbler. Have plenty of quick snacks around you. This will help keep your metabolism running and prevent hunger and over eating, especially the wrong foods.

PCOS Options

A. Nothing (makes it worse and puts you at risk)

B. Diabetic Diet/Exercise (Treats PCOS and over all health)

C. Provera (Induces AF only)

D. Clomid (=/< 6 consecutive cycles) (Induces ovarian stimulation only)

E. GlucophageXR (MetforminER), Avandia, et al (Pharmaceutical treatment to PCOS)

F. Natural products—Evening Primrose, Cinnemon, Saw Palmetto, etc

G. Ovarian Drilling (Helps "refreshen" ovaries; Helps brings down androgen levels)

Glucophage (Metformin) & Clomid together have good ovulation/conception results. Ovarian Drilling cleans you out, gives you a fresh start and allows you to be more sensitive to protocol that may have not worked in the past.

You may, of course, opt to combine several methods. I personally take naturals, Metformin, and have had Ovarian Drilling with great success.

Make sure use of any of the above under the care of a physician only.

Statistics

•6-10% of all Females; ages 5+ years, are PCOS

•30% of all PCOSers register as Insulin Resistant

•50% of all PCOSers are overweight

•40% (up to) of “Unexplained Infertility” patients  are actually PCOS and don't even know it!

•30% of all PCOSers do not present cysts

•20% of “Abnormal Glucose Tolerance” tests are PCOS

•40% of “Abnormal Glucose Tolerance” develop diabetes or impaired glucose tolerance by age 40

•20% of all infertility patients deal with ovulation problems

•5% of all infertility patients treat their infertility

•15% of all infertility patients treat their infertility in a mandated state for infertility coverage insurance

•75% of all IVF patients deliver a singleton

•20% of all IVF patients deliver twins

•5% of all IVF patients deliver triplets

•25% of normal pregnancies end in miscarriage

•35-40% of PCOS pregnancies end in miscarriage. This is a 10-15% increase risk over 'normal' pregnancies.

What Is PCOS?
PCOS stands for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (or Stein-Leventhal). Sometimes it’s called PCOD, “D” for disease, often called  “The Daughter of Diabetes", and Syndrome O.

PCOS is a serious disorder effecting 6 to 10% of all females with cases reported as young as 5 years old. Many don’t know they have PCOS until they start to go through infertility treatments or have unexplained menstrual issues and even then they may not get diagnosed.  Sadly, many PCOSers never get diagnosed.

PCOS has serious risk factors; especially when left untreated. These risks include diabetes, heart disease, cancer, strokes, and heart attacks.

PCOS SYMPTOMS  
[You may only present one symptom or none at all]

•Oligomenorrhea (Irregular) menses
•Amenorrhea (Absent) menses
•Alopecia (thinning of scalp hair)
•Hirsutism (excess unwanted hair)
•Hypertension (High B/P)
•Pregnancy complications, Infertility
•Endometriosis
•Persistent Anemia (low iron levels)
•Forgetfulness, ‘fog brained’, lack of concentration
•Cysts in many, but not all cases; Enlarged ovaries
•Weight Issues, Obesity (Centered around midsection)
•Acrochordons (skin tags), Acne, Acanthosis Nigricans (patches), Seborrhea (dandruff), Hidradenitis Suppurativa, other skin problems
•Chronic pelvic pain, migraines/headaches, bloating, water retention, swelling of hands/feet
•Frequent Yeast Infections, Urinary Tract Infections, Bladder issues
•Hyperandrogenism (+ testosterone, androstenedione &/or DHEAS)
•Restless Limb Syndrome, Sleeping problems
•Shaking, heartburn, uncontrollable hunger &/or mood swings before or after a meal
•Hyperinsulinemia (+ insulin levels), Insulin Resistance, Diabetes
•Depression, thoughts of ugliness, suicide or wishing to be dead/never born, feelings of worthlessness, low self-esteem, feeling less of a woman.

Cysts are not necessary to be PCOS. In turn, cysts do not mean you are PCOS. PCOS is diagnosed through symptoms,  blood work of hormone levels and a 5 hour GTT is recommended.