Facts about PCOS

Upon researching PCOS I have learned that it has vast consequences on my health:

-difficulty becoming pregnant and if pregnancy is achieved there is a higher chance of miscarrying.

-difficulty lose weight and upon gaining weight, PCOS women are more likely to be apple shaped. e.g. muffin tops--stomach is larger than hips.

-higher risk for developing type 2 diabetes before the age of 40

-increased risk for cardiovascular disease.

-higher risk of endometrial cancer and ovarian cancer (from the usage of certain fertility drugs)

These are some of the more severe drawbacks but there are cosmetic drawbacks as well:

-Thinning hair or male pattern baldness

-excess unwanted hair on the face, neck, chest, legs, and arms.

-Acne

-weight gain can cause women to be depressed about their size.

There are various ways to "fight back":

-Birth Control pills help in decreasing the likelihood of developing endometrial cancer because they shed the lining of the uterus instead of letting it build up due to absent/irregular periods.

-Hair removal can be done with a shave, laser removal, or electrolysis.

-Eating healthy coupled with routine exceercise. In the book "Living with PCOS" by Angela Boss, Evelina Weidman Sterling, and Goldstein Jerald S. MD, they suggest a low-carb diet because women with PCOS tend to have a harder time losing weight.

-Staying positive. Don't let the fact that it's harder for you to get pregnant deter you. Become informed about your body. Eating healthy and exercising is something we all need to do anyhow! Now you have more motivation.