Have you ever fallen down the Reddit rabbit hole in a desperate attempt to seek answers about a medical condition? First of all, no judgment, and second of all, it’s completely understandable! Platforms like Reddit offer a sense of community for those of us trying to wrap our heads around frustrating diagnoses that can affect our fertility, like, say, PCOS.The problem with these online forums is they don’t always offer evidence-based medical advice. Sometimes, these discussions can even create more questions than answers! For example, one query that’s come up from these Reddit chats is whether...
Whether you’ve been dealing with Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) for a number of years or you’re in the same camp as approximately one-third of people who wait two years or more for a PCOS diagnosis and have yet to be diagnosed, one common thread is that you probably feel exhausted all.of.the.time. The PCOS fatigue might feel particularly debilitating around your heavy flow days that seem to chain you to your couch or bed, but you might also feel constantly tired and drained all throughout your cycle, too. It can make it nearly impossible to still get...
Remember when you used to have long, voluminous hair? Perhaps you were a teenager or a young adult. For many people, not only does the aging process have a profound effect on hair growth, but also the presence of reproductive or hormonal issues. More specifically, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) has been shown to increase hair loss in 20-30% of patients. If you're reading this, then it's safe to say that either yourself or a loved one may be experiencing PCOS-related hair loss. You're not alone. We spoke with an expert about why this happens, as well...
Have you heard of Ovasitol? The supplement has been making waves on TikTok, with proponents touting its ability to improve insulin resistance and support healthy ovulation. But what is Ovasitol, and what are its benefits for women's health? Let’s discuss. First, what is Ovasitol? Ovasitol is the brand name for inositol, an over-the-counter dietary supplement designed to support healthy insulin and hormone levels, menstrual regularity, and fertility.* It’s a combination of two sugar alcohols, myo-inositol and d-chiro-inositol, which are naturally occurring in the body as well as in foods like fruits, beans, grains, and nuts. Myo-inositol...
Anyone who lives with PCOS knows that it can impact everything from your mood to your diet. If you’re trying to conceive, it’s natural to also worry about whether PCOS will affect this aspect of your life in unwanted ways. There is research available that points to connections between PCOS and difficulty conceiving. Still, there are also tools, resources, and tests that can help you better manage the risk of miscarriage or other unwanted pregnancy conditions. According to Dr. Dorothy Bestoyong, an OB/GYN based in Orlando, Florida, one of the first things you should do before...
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects millions of women worldwide, and finding effective treatments can sometimes feel like an uphill battle. Enter Ozempic, a medication originally designed for type 2 diabetes that's now showing promise for PCOS management. But as with any new treatment option, one of the first questions that comes to mind is: Will insurance cover it? The answer, as we'll explore, is a hopeful "maybe." Before we dive into the insurance aspect, let's take a moment to understand what Ozempic is and why it's generating buzz in the PCOS community. Ozempic, also known by...
If you have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and the thought of having sex makes you cringe, your PCOS could be to blame. Don’t worry; you’re definitely not alone. Many women with PCOS struggle with the same issue — and there are solutions to help you feel more comfortable and confident in the bedroom. What is PCOS? Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder affecting 1 in 10 women of reproductive age. Experts don’t know exactly what causes PCOS, and although there’s no cure, there are ways to manage your symptoms. According to the Mayo Clinic,...
For women experiencing the effects of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) — such as metabolic and hormonal imbalances — all eyes are on two particular ingredients, and for a good reason. Myo-inositol and D-chiro-inositol aren’t new (they are actually very well-researched), but they are currently trending in the social media world. Both supplements help support a properly functioning metabolism and help balance the body’s naturally occurring hormones, key areas of focus for women with PCOS. PCOS is rooted in hormone imbalance, and its symptoms include everything from fluctuating weight and menstrual cycle irregularity to skin problems...
If you ask “the interwebs” if ovarian cysts cause infertility, you’ll be led down a windy, confusing road of Yes…No…Maybe? Truthfully, it is impossible to answer this question with a simple yes or no because the definition of “cyst” is so broad. A cyst is a fluid-filled sack. Some are completely benign and don't cause any negative symptoms, while others can be problematic due to their size, impact on hormones, or even malignancy. To help us understand the different types of cysts and how they can affect fertility, we spoke to Levica H. Narine, MD,...
If you struggle with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), you have probably tried everything imaginable to help manage your symptoms. But what if an effective treatment for PCOS was already widely available, without any major side effects? It turns out that a decades-old diabetes medication has quietly emerged as a promising treatment for women with PCOS and other "off-label" conditions. So, what is metformin, exactly, and is it truly a miracle treatment option for PCOS? Let’s discuss. What is metformin? Metformin is no new kid on the block: it has been used as a first-line treatment...