September 11th, 2008
by Angi Ingalls
PCOS in ConnecTion
I thought I would share an incident that happened today as inspiration. I hope it gives you power to reach out to others and enjoy the effect you can have on others – even if it means you have to push past your apprehension.
I went to the local pharmacy store to pick up some odds-n-ends. In the beauty-care aisle I heard a mother talking to her 20-year-old daughter about finding a good foundation to cover up her acne and brown spots.. I took it upon myself to interject, always looking for an educational moment or to help out, ya know.
After learning from my experiences, they chose the product I recommended and continued shopping when another woman approached me after overhearing our conversation. “Since you’re giving advice…” she said and the four of us had a little chuckle. Just ‘Ask Ange’ if you see me >chuckle<.
After the conversations, we finished our shopping, separately of course. After arriving at the counter, I saw the mother-daughter team checking out. I got a better look at the daughter’s complexion and felt reminiscent of my younger-years.
Feeling compelled to discuss in further detail, I put down my supplies at the counter and followed them out of the building. I cautiously approached them, which was easier since we spoke earlier, and brought up the daughters complexion. They said it was fine and they seemed eager to hear more. We discussed options about how to improve her skin complexion so she would have less to cover-up. Shortly into the discussion it came out that she was informally diagnosed PCOS. We spoke in great depth on the subject; including the fact that her endocrinologist passed her off to her gynecologist because she was not diabetic. Sad, isn’t it?
This conversation turned into a touching moment when the mother turned to me and started to cry. She proclaimed that they were frustrated with doctors, frustrated at the little information they have received thus far and how it was meant to be that we met. We spoke for at least forty-five minutes in the parking lot of CVS. I gave them my card and phone number with the proclamation that my email and phone are always open to them. The daughter said she would email me right when she got home for more information that I had for her on my computer. A few hours later, that emailed arrived.
Her email was filled with several versions of appreciation for changing her life, gratitude for meeting and excitement for the possibilities of her future. It was the most affirmative email I have gotten based on what I am trying to do – educate and give the power of knowledge to others.
It may not always be easy to approach someone you think may have PCOS, and it may not always seem appreciated, but in my opinion, it’s necessary to reach out to others who may not know what is out there. Overlook your shyness and embarrassment and find ways to approach the other person. Use your environment like I did to start the conversation. You may be surprised at how many you help in doing so.
Angi Ingalls; PCOS in ConnecTion
Guest PCOS writer and Educator for over 18 years
http://angiingalls.com
pcosinct@yahoo.com
Diagnosed in 1985 at 12, living with PCOS since 1981
DISCLAIMER: The information contained in this article and the Insulite Labs website is for the sole purpose of being informative. Information obtained is not and should not be used or relied upon as medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician, nurse or other qualified health care provider before you undergo any treatment, take any medication, supplements or other nutritional support, or for answers to any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
September 11th, 2008
By Heather Bishara
There is nothing more frustrating than losing control. At work, at home, with others, with ourselves, it hurts when we see all our well laid out plans get turned upside down by factors that we can’t do anything about.
For women with PCOS, that frustration is magnified by the fact that PCOS often controls multiple factors in our lives. From health issues to pregnancies and appearance to self esteem issues, PCOS is a beast that we feel we cannot tame.
Like in every good fairytale, we girls dream that our knight in shining armor will slay the beast and give us our life back. That, of course, will not happen – it’s why they call them fairytales. But there is someone who can help us get our PCOS symptoms under control and set us on the path to improved self esteem and, as a result, a bigger and better life: Insulite Laboratories.
Insulite Labs’ 5 Element System incorporates nutrition, exercise, nutraceuticals, an awareness program for food addiction and cravings and support networks, all designed to deal with the symptoms that cause us so much angst. With Insulite Labs, we are no longer victims of pre-diabetes, weight gain, adult acne, hair loss and irregular periods. With the help of Insulite Labs, women with PCOS have a fighting chance; they are the ones who have taken control and have killed the beast that has been weighing them down most of their lives.
Still feel like Rapunzel? Stuck in the PCOS tower for life? Take a few tips from some women who have used the Insulite Labs protocol to get their health back on track:
“(With Insulite Labs) I have more energy, deeper sleep, menopause seems easier, I have already lost weight and some inches around my incredibly large midsection and my face looks younger and more refreshed.
It is very easy to follow this health regimen which uses a systematic approach to reverse the PCOS instead of the classical approach with prescription pills which don’t even handle the PCOS and instead add side effects.
I’m eating and eliminating properly. As a chronic osteoarthritic, my improved diet and something in the supplements is helping my joint symptoms, and I am more energetic.
An old friend said “you’re starting to sound like your old self again, like you’re alive again. And, you look like you’re getting smaller.”
Anyone with PCOS should not hesitate to give this program a try!”
– NR, New York
“I have been on the PCOS System for exactly two weeks today, and I have noticed some very welcome changes!
I am getting a better quality sleep, I do not wake and toss and turn and have millions of disturbing dreams; I wake feeling more rested and rejuvenated.
My acne has improved, my face is not inflamed any more, my complexion is more evenly toned and not as greasy. I have found my food cravings dropped dramatically! I find that I sometimes forget to eat because I no longer feel ravenously hungry all the time!
My cravings for sweets has diminished, and if I do find myself hungry and in danger of eating the delicious looking Mr. Goodbar, I pop a breath mint in and the craving goes away!”
- B.G, Plymouth, MI
So go ahead Rapunzel… let down your golden hair. Climb down from the tower and battle PCOS head on. Contact Insulite Labs today!
About the Author:
Heather Bishara lives in South Riding, VA, is a mother of two boys ages 1 and 4 and works as a business consultant for www.tricalyx.com part-time from home. She continues on her journey for relief from her PCOS through a low carb diet, exercise, and the use of herbs and dietary supplements such as those found in the Insulite PCOS System.
August 29th, 2008
By Amy Medling
PCOSA Today – Summer 2008
Many women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) have tried to shed a few pounds. Research has shown that weight loss of only 5% can improve insulin resistance, leading to lower levels of male hormones and the return of menstrual function.
And, to help women with PCOS lose weight, doctors often refer their patients to dietitians for nutrition counseling. However, many dieticians may not have the training they need to effectively treat patients with PCOS. Believe it or not, some dietitians may have never even heard of PCOS!
Angela Grassi, a licensed dietician who practices in Haverford, Pennsylvania USA was compelled to write “The Dietitian’s Guide to Polycystic Ovary Syndrome” in hopes that, “dietetic professionals will gain the necessary knowledge and training to work with the PCOS population.”
Ms. Grassi states that, “Currently, PCOS may be diagnosed more often than in the past because it has recently been classified as an endocrine disorder not just a reproductive disorder. It is expected that dietitians will treat more patients with PCOS, yet little attention has been given to the syndrome in professional publications where dietitians are the main audience.” To date, only three articles and no scientific studies on PCOS have ever been published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association.
What makes this book particularly unique is that Ms. Grassi struggles with PCOS. She was misdiagnosed until she was in her late 20′s.
She explains, “When I was diagnosed with PCOS I was already familiar with the syndrome. As a dietitian, I had treated numerous women with PCOS, yet was unable to fully recognize it for myself. This led me to question: if I hadn’t been able to recognize PCOS for myself when I was already familiar with it, how are other dieticians, health professionals, or even patients going to be able to recognize it?”
This book is written to give dieticians the knowledge and training needed to recognize PCOS.
“The Dietitian’s Guide to Polycystic Ovary Syndrome” covers topics including both the physical and psychological aspects of PCOS, dietary strategies, alternative treatments, PCOS in adolescence, pregnancy, lactation and post-partum, eating disorders, case studies and sample menu plans. The book is well referenced and following each chapter is a summary and complete list of references.
Ms. Grassi acknowledges that there is much confusion regarding the proper dietary approach women with PCOS should implement to improve their symptoms and decrease risk of chronic diseases. Currently no formal dietary guidelines for PCOS exist. She recommends a moderately low GI diet (based upon the Glycemic Index) to improving PCOS symptoms.
The most eye-opening information contained in Ms. Grassi’s book outlines the connection between PCOS and eating disorders. “It is common for some to take the extreme belief that they should limit their carbohydrate intake as much as possible in order to lose weight. Unfortunately, this leads to an unhealthy preoccupation with food that often comes with dieting,” Ms. Grassi states.
Studies have shown that women with PCOS may engage in more excessive eating than women without this diagnosis because of the potential amplified physiological affect of stress on PCOS women. Ms. Grassi explains, “stress and increased eating behavior may be part of a vicious perpetual cycle that may be difficult for women with PCOS to combat, due to the fact that these women produce more of the stress hormone cortisol under repeated stress.”
New research also suggests that women who have PCOS have impaired secretion of cholecystokinin, as well as lower levels of leptin and ghrelin. These hormones affect appetite regulation. This could further explain why women with PCOS tend to crave sweets, binge eat or become overweight because of their impaired ability to feel full.
Ms Grassi recommends that dieticians screen patients with PCOS for eating disorders before recommending dieting or changes in eating behavior. If distorted eating is suspected, dieticians can help clients normalize their eating by providing conscious eating exercises, coping skills, cognitive restructuring techniques and reality checks. She wants dieticians to remember to “stress with your PCOS clients the goal is ‘healthy choices’ rather than ‘healthy weight.’”
Although the book is a bit clinical, it can certainly be helpful for a lay person. But with its hefty price tag, ($48.95 list price) this 238 page book may be a bit pricey for someone looking for just an everyday reference book (like myself). However, the book is truly a must-read for all dieticians and doctors who treat women with PCOS. I firmly believe that if they were to read “The Dietitian’s Guide to Polycystic Ovary Syndrome” Ms. Grassi could realize her goal: “It is my hope that you use this knowledge to provide effective medical nutrition therapy to help women improve their symptoms, prevent further medical complications and live better lives.”
About the author
Amy Medling is a stay-at-home wife and mother of two boys ages 8 and 4 who lives in Nashua, NH. She continues on her journey for relief from her PCOS through a low GI diet, exercise, and the use of herbs and dietary supplements such as those found in the Insulite PCOS System.
PCOSA Today Newsletter: Sign-Up Now!
http://www.pcosupport.org/support/inquiry_app.php
August 23rd, 2008
From PCOSA Today, Summer 2008
Disheartened and depressed by considerable weight gain, a miscarriage, two ectopic pregnancies and a host of other PCOS symptoms, Canadian Michelle Lonschek admits that she was once consumed by self-pity. In spite of having a caring family and friends, she longed for a community of women who could relate “exactly to what I was experiencing.”
Driven by both unhappiness and curiosity, Michelle created a group on Facebook simply called Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome which can be accessed at http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2377865557
“I was wondering just how many people out there have the same fears and frustrations about PCOS that I have,” explains Michelle, “and how big of an impact it can have on all aspects of your life especially when it starts to affect your fertility, which, in my case, happened before it had any major noticeable impact on the rest of my health.
“Is there anyone out there that knows why I feel the way I do, physically and emotionally?” she asked.
Yes. In one year, Michelle’s group has grown to include more than 1,500 members from as far away as Australia, who join in, talk about the stories, “meet” new people with similar problems, post websites and videos and support one another in their difficult journeys.
Starting the online PCOS group was “when I stopped feeling sorry for myself and decided I was going to try to help the ones who feel or felt like I did,” says Michelle. “Even if it’s only one girl out there who feels even a small bit of comfort from reading and talking with others in my group then I have done my job. Or that one woman who had no idea what was wrong with her and saw the symptoms on the front page through a friend who has joined and has been able to start treatment. I had no idea the sense of accomplishment such a small act could give a person.”
When she’s not online, Michelle works in Accounts at Ontario-based Goeman’s Appliances, considers volunteering with teenage girls to inform them about PCOS and is preparing to start the “fertility journey” all over again with her boyfriend “thankfully this time with a lot more knowledge and understanding,” she confirms optimistically.
But she’s committed to her online PCOS community. “Even though I don’t know these girls and will never have the pleasure of actually meeting them, I’ve been able to touch their lives. I’m so proud of them, and myself, for opening up and sharing everything, and encouraging others to do so, as hard and sometimes embarrassing as it may be.”
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http://www.pcosupport.org/support/inquiry_app.php
