#1-Weight Loss: Weight loss enhances spontaneous ovulation and also improves cyclic menstrual function along with normalising insulin and glucose levels in the body. This will help balance your body’s hormones and regularise menstrual cycle.

Dr. Duru Shah, scientific director, gynaeworld & Gynaecworld assisted fertility center, Mumbai explains, “Getting pregnant naturally with PCOS is possible. One has to make a few lifestyle changes and adopt a healthy lifestyle. Keeping your weight under control is one of the other important things.”

Losing weight with PCOS is not impossible but it's hard need someone patient. we can help you with our newsletters



#2-Healthy lifestyle: Having a healthy lifestyle is important to conceive especially with PCOS which is already playing havoc with your system. Doctors advise to quit smoking and limit alcohol intake. Recreational drugs, if any, are taken should be stopped.





#3-Beat the Stress: Stress is one of the main causes of PCOS since it affects your internal system in major ways. Try and be stress free and invest your time in things that make you happy. Take short and frequent breaks from your daily routine to keep your mind and body feeling refreshed. This will help you relax and focus on yourself.


Dr. Sheriar adds, “In a nutshell, to achieve success women with this condition should choose to make healthy lifestyle a priority, seek timely, suitable and skilled medical assistance, avoid stress and maintain a positive attitude.”

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Polycystic ovary is a pathological condition where cyst (solitary or multiple) can develop in either one or both of the ovaries in a female, due to excessive androgen secretion. In this condition, cystic ovaries and hormonal imbalance may disturb the ovulatory cycle of a woman, consequently affecting the fertility. In some cases, a women may even have complete absence of ovulation, thereby preventing her from ever becoming pregnant.
Then how to get pregnant with PCOS? As dreadful as it may sounds, you should know many women with PCOS today are having babies because of advancements in treatment and drug therapy. Many fertility clinics have been setup to assist women in getting pregnant by devising plans as for their condition.
What Is Polycystic Ovary?
PCOS is a condition where hormonal imbalance results in oligo-ovulation, that is, the irregular production of ova or an-ovulation, which is the complete absence of ovulation during menstrual phase. During every menstrual cycle, one of the ovaries will release an egg, also known as an ovum, but if the woman has cystic ovaries, the ovarian follicles may mature too quickly, and due to hormonal incoordination, the ovarian follicles are not released at the appropriate time or are not released at all.
The prevalence of PCOS is greater in Asian women, and approximately one in three women may suffer from PCOS at some point of her life.
How to Get Pregnant with PCOS
Upon visiting your doctor, you will be prescribed clomiphene, a fertility drug that exerts its action by increasing the chances of ovulation, thereby improving the fertility rate. In some cases, clomiphene is coupled with metformin, an anti-diabetic drug that enhances the therapeutic effect. It works by reducing levels of testosterone and insulin that helps in ovulation. It is important that women maintain their weight before seeking treatment. Overweight women are advised to achieve a certain weight range before initiating therapy. This is mainly because being obese or underweight can also disturb the hormonal pool that may manifest as ovulation alterations in the reproductive cycle.
Some doctors may also suggest gonadotropins, if clomiphene does not work, but the issue with gonadotropins is that it is more likely to over-stimulate the ovaries, resulting in over production of eggs that may increase the risk of multiple pregnancies.
There are some cases, where drug therapy is not very effective. For such patients, doctors may advise surgical intervention. One of the procedures used for treating PCOS is LOD (laparoscopic ovarian drilling), this procedure involves removing ovarian tissue that is responsible for overproduction of testosterones, but for many this treatment does not provide a life-long solution, as the tissues can regenerate later.

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It is possible to become pregnant with PCOS( polycystic ovarian syndrome) and have a normal pregnancy.

While some women may conceive spontaneously, others will do so with the help of appropriate medical treatment.Still,other women will find it difficult to conceive even with appropriate medical therapies necessitating trial of surgical options.In this webpage, I will look at the link between pregnancy and PCOS and what do do to become pregnant with PCOS or take a pregnancy successfully to term.

PCOS and Pregnancy
Getting pregnant with PCOS is possible though not as easily as other women without it. PCOS has two groups of effects on pregnancy issues Difficulty achieving a pregnancy due to infertility Pregnancy complications after you become pregnant.The pregnancy complications that have been linked with PCOS include

PCOS may also lead to Multiple pregnancies, twins and even triplets. This is often due to clomiphene used to induce ovulation in these women which may cause the release of more than one egg. Multiple pregnancy with PCOS is a high-risk pregnancy that requires close obstetric follow-up.Babiesat risks also. Babies born to women with PCOS have a higher risk of spending time in a neonatal intensive care unit or of dying before,during, or shortly after birth.What Should I Do?If you are wanting to become pregnant with PCOS, these are the recommended steps to take

Talk to your doctor about your pregnancy priorities for optimization of therapy and removing any medications that may prevent pregnancy. Birth control pills or injections control irregular menses but will preventpregnancy so plan carefully with your doctor.Takelifestyle measures seriously, including
Be sure to inform your doctor as soon as you get pregnant for modification of your therapy and planning of antenatal care. diet, weight loss and exercise.These are actually treatment in themselves for PCOS and will increaseyour chances of ovulating and becoming pregnant.If you have regular cycles, carrying out fertility charting may offer some benefits.When fertility drugs are prescribed, be sure to follow the instructions carefully on how to take them.Once you get pregnant, inform your doctor.If you are already pregnant, congratulations! These are some things to do to ensure that you take your pregnancy to term

Learn about PCOS and pregnancy and ask your provider any questions.
Recognize that pregnancy with PCOS is a high risk pregnancy and requires close obstetric follow-up.You will sure not want to loose a PCOS pregnancy because of negligence!
Do not fold
your arms with your diet, weight watch and exercise! Get advise from your care provider how to continue with these now that you are pregnant.
Keep
cool! Just relaxing and not being too anxious will help you and your
baby in the uterus.

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Can Sexual Health Suffer Due to Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome?


Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) affects up to 5-10 percent of women and has a long list of symptoms associated with it, as well as an influencing factor, Insulin Resistance. One little-mentioned issue that can affect women with PCOS is poor sexual health and sexual dysfunction. Most women with PCOS have reported that this condition impacts their sexual relationships and creates less satisfaction. Some of the more common symptoms of PCOS such as weight gain, acne, and male pattern baldness negatively affects sexual health and creates diminished self-esteem, which in turn lessens sexual confidence and arousal.
Sexual dysfunction is a common issue with 40-45 percent of women in general, and the likelihood of these concerns increases with age and the presence of health issues such as high blood pressure and diabetes. This means women with PCOS can experience a higher incidence of poor sexual health due to certain appearance-related symptoms and the increased risk of those physical conditions (diabetes and poor cardiovascular health) that cause sexual dysfunction. Add the documented disruption of intimacy experienced by infertile couples, another symptom of PCOS, and poor sexual health is not a surprise. It is however, something that can be addressed and even eliminated with targeted treatment options. Women with PCOS should never hesitate to discuss sexual health concerns with their doctor, and they should follow recommended strategies to address PCOS and factors such as Insulin Resistance to minimize symptoms and improve overall quality of life.
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How many times have you been to the doctor only to be told to lose weight to improve your Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome symptoms? Easier said than done, right! We know that weight gain and difficulty with weight loss with PCOS is part and parcel of the condition and we seem to be fighting a constant battle with the scale. But, why is it so darn hard to lose weight? Just what is it about PCOS that makes weight loss seem virtually impossible?
Let’s have a look at what is happening in our bodies and what some of the research says about weight loss and PCOS.

INSULIN RESISTANCE AND THE ROLE OF INSULIN IN PCOS

Insulin is an important hormone that is responsible for metabolizing glucose or dealing with sugar in our blood stream. It transports sugar to the muscles and if the body has more glucose than is needed, insulin is involved in the process of storing it as fat should we need it later (1).
Research shows that women with PCOS have some kind of dysfunction in the cells responsible for secreting insulin (Beta cells). It seems that these cells are responsible for detecting sugar in the blood stream and may over react, producing more insulin than is needed. This means that more glucose is stored as fat (2).
Also, many, but not all, women with PCOS also have insulin resistance (3). This means that your body needs more insulin than normal to deal with sugar in your blood stream. High levels of insulin cause your body to store more fat and also causes your ovaries to make more testosterone, making the symptoms of PCOS worse (4).
Unfortunately, Insulin and Insulin resistance is only one piece of this puzzle and isn’t the only reason that we struggle to lose weight…

SLOW METABOLISM

Women with PCOS have also been found to have a slower metabolic rate. Basal metabolic rate is the number of calories you need every day to function. This includes keeping your heart, brain and organs going, eating and digesting food, etc (5).
In a recent study, researchers found that women without PCOS needed roughly 1868 calories per day whilst women with PCOS only needed around 1445 calories per day, and those with insulin resistance needed even less (6).
This means that women with PCOS do not need as many calories per day as the average women as metabolism is much slower in women with PCOS. It doesn’t seem very fair, does it? We don’t need as many calories as the average woman but we fight fierce cravings and tend to feel hungry all the time. What’s up with that?

APPETITE CONTROL

There are a number of hormones involved with hunger and appetite control. Some of these include ghrelin,
Cholecystokinin and leptin. Recent research has shown that women with PCOS do not feel as full or satiated after meals as women who don’t have PCOS (7).
This means that women with PCOS will continue to feel hungry, even if they have eaten all of the nutrients and calories they require.

SUMMING IT UP:

So, this is the frustrating story for many of us with PCOS. We gain weight quickly and struggle to lose it as a result of our:
  • Difficulties with insulin
  • Slower metabolic rate
  • Disordered appetite control
Thankfully, though, this isn’t the end of our story and there are some things we can do to help us lose weight. We’ll get on to this in the next blog post.
This may seem like a hopeless article but I do want to encourage you! Yes, losing weight is important in managing our symptoms, but it isn’t an easy road. If you are struggling with weight loss, take heart that it’s probably not through lack of trying and it’s not all in your head. Your fight to lose weight is real and it is shared by thousands of other women who also have PCOS! please share it with you freinds.
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The cause of PCOS is unknown but several factors, including genetics could play a role. Diet is an important part of managing PCOS and that’s where Jane Plan can help you! Eating well, staying active, and maintaining a healthy weight and BMI can improve the way you feel.

Insulin and PCOS

Insulin is a hormone that’s produced in the pancreas. Its main role is to control your blood sugar level. Insulin acts mainly on fat and muscle cells, causing them to take in sugar (glucose) when blood sugar level rises. Another effect of insulin is to act on the ovaries to cause them to produce the male hormone called testosterone. Women with PCOS have what is called insulin resistance and it means that cells in the body are resistant to the effect of a normal level of insulin.  As a result, more insulin is then created to regulate levels.  This raised level of insulin in the bloodstream is thought to be the main underlying reason why PCOS develops and it can also cause the ovaries to make too much testosterone. A high level of insulin and testosterone interfere with the body and produce the myriad of symptoms mentioned above. Increased insulin also contributes towards weight gain.

Knowledge is power

It’s a good idea to understand how certain foods can impact the insulin levels in the blood when living with PCOS. Foods that have a high glycaemic index (GI) can result in a quick rise in blood sugar levels and have often been processed to remove fibre and other nutrients. They might be tasty but they are quite often high in calories! Foods to watch out for include carbohydrates found in grains, such as white bread, jasmine and white rice, potatoes, rice cakes, muffins, cakes, cereal, most snack foods, including biscuits cookies and even some fruits.

Mix and match

Protein helps to regulate the sugar spike resulting from fruit, so why not mix in some nuts or seeds with your next fruit snack? Stock-up on cherries, apples plums, coconut, grapefruit, apples, pears, prunes and berries. Other things to pop in your trolley next time you’re at the shops are protein foods such as beans, hummus, nuts, peanut butter, tofu, eggs, fish, chicken, meat, and vegetarian meat substitutes are all good options in a PCOS diet. You can also incorporate good fats such as oil, salad dressing, plant-based protein and avocado as they are needed by the body.

Love your greens

Green, leafy vegetables have the most nutrients per calorie than any other food. They’re rich in iron, magnesium, calcium, potassium, and, as well as vitamins K, C, E, and many of the B vitamins. Buy lots of kale, spring greens, rocket and spinach and just think of all of the yummy salads you can make!

Thumbs down fats

Saturated, hydrogenated and transfats are all fats to avoid when coping with PCOS. They can lead to weight gain and high cholesterol. Saturated fats, found in red meat and dairy products can cause an increase in oestrogen production and block the absorption of some nutrients and can cause weight gain. The trans and hydrogenated fats, from cooked oil and processed foods.

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While most teenage girls were growing boobs in high school, I was growing a lady beard.
Hormones cursed me in a horrid way. Not with weight gain. Not with a bigger butt. Not with longer hair or longer legs.
Nope. None of that.
I was "blessed" with unwanted excessive facial hair by the time I hit 9th grade. And if you can imagine, I dealt with my small share of cruel comments due to my appearance.
Now, as a 32 year old mother of two, I can't help but cringe for the poor teenage girl who is dealing with roller coaster hormonal changes, likely from the banes of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) during school.
Since starting my hair removal blog, pcos support, I cannot begin to tell you how many times young women have contacted me completely drained of trying to understanding why they have more sideburns than their husbands. Or, I hear from the poor teenager who is so terrified to be seen in public or approach a boy because of her facial fur or another embarrassing side affect of PCOS.
And while some may say to simply shave it and get over it, let me very kindly ask you to pump your judgmental brakes.
PCOS is a very bothersome and complex disorder for women. It's a condition of the endocrine system caused mainly by follicles growing on the ovaries. These follicles throw hormonal levels out of whack, often producing higher than usual testosterone levels.
Why these follicles appear is unknown, though doctors often say the culprit is genetics.
Several unwanted body changes happen when a women contends with PCOS including unwanted body hair, unexpected weight gain in the stomach area, irregular periods, hair loss, infertility, and acne. If left unmonitored, PCOS could encourage diabetes or heart problems.
So, hopefully you can now understand why a teenage girl may be feeling some kinda way about her body, especially while in school. Fortunately, there are many ways to deal with the strain of hormonal imbalance as a young woman.
I only wish I made it a point to practice what I'm now preaching 15 years ago.
Know That You're Not Alone
PCOS affects 1 in 10 women so it's not an uncommon syndrome. It's likely there's at least 1 or 2 other young women in the same classroom dealing with the same thing. Take comfort in knowing there are others like you. Join a reputable online forum so you can chat with others dealing with PCOS without fear of face to face judgement or comments or someone noticing your flaring acne. Some of my favs include Soul Cysters and PCOS Challenge.
Educate Yourself
I knew I had hormonal imbalance well before any doctor. And that was because I simply educated myself. I know PCOS can be so embarrassing you don't even want to type the words into a Google search but knowing what is wrong is the first step in overcoming any hardship. Especially one that affects you on a personal and physical level so deeply. When I was dealing with excessive body hair, I Googled terms like "excessive facial hair," "hirsutism," and "hirsutism treatments." Within a few minutes, I was able to narrow down that I had a potential case of mild PCOS and severe idiopathic hirsutism. Fortunately, I also came across key treatments for hirsutism. A popular anti-androgen in the U.S. called Spironolactone drastically reduced my body hair! While educating yourself, share your findings with your parents who may not take your body changes seriously. It could mean you getting a handle on your PCOS earlier in life than most women with this disorder! But more importantly, educating yourself could help remind you that you're normal and flawed like everyone else.
Don't Be Ashamed of Being A Recluse
Dealing with unusual body changes could put you in a state of confusion and fear. Will I look like this forever? Will he like me if he sees my chin hair? Will I ever lose this weight? Teenage girls deal with enough image issues and having PCOS makes things far more difficult than life should be. However, you should not be ashamed of being shy about it. Frankly, the alone time could provide the necessary time to research the changes your body is experiencing. Many girls want to be popular, yet you just wanna feel normal. I get it. Don't feel ashamed of being ashamed of PCOS. Trust me when I say it's part of the process.
Make It A Point To Enjoy What You Love
Ok, so you have a little more facial hair, acne or love handles than the rest but does that mean you can't join the swim club? Hell no! Life doesn't stop simply because it confronts an son of a biscuit like PCOS. It keeps trucking away! The sadness and anxiety sets in and before you know it, you could be dealing with a bout of depression. Make it a point to not give up on the things you love. If you love swimming, what's stopping you from joining the swim club? And if that's too much for you, consider the local gym where your classmates are less likely to dwell. I personally found that writing and blogging takes my mind off my hormonal imbalance. I also make it a point to take a walk at least once a day or read a few pages of a good book. Please , please, please don't make my mistake and allow years of fear and anxiety due to PCOS stop you from living.
Pick Your Friends Wisely
I said earlier that many girls are so worried about being popular but you simply don't want to feel like you have a grizzly bear growing out of your jaw. Making friends with the right people will help make your school years more normal. I use to distance myself from "friends" who made half-hearted comments about my body including how skinny I was or how bushy my side burns were. It's one thing to crack a joke; it's another thing to blatantly insult someone. Only hang out with friends who accept you, make you feel comfortable and make you want to be a better person. Yes, this may mean that your friendship pool may look a little scarce but rather have 1 or 2 really good friends than 10 flighty ones that make you feel uncomfortable.
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Adopting a PCOS diet regimen is essential for those suffering from Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, as the foods we choose have a profound impact on how this disorder expresses itself in its hosts. While it isn’t exactly understood how many women end up with PCOS in the first place, it is understood at this point that its effects and symptoms can be aggravated by eating certain foods. Many of these foods, which contain excessive amounts of simple carbohydrates, cause insulin spikes, which in turn can lead to problems relating excessive testosterone release from the ovaries, causing multiple cysts to form on them. This inhibits fertility, in addition to a multitude of problems caused by high testosterone levels.

However, just as eating certain foods can cause your PCOS to flare up aggressively, other foods can dampen its effects. This can help minimize the effect of this disorder on your life, whether you are seeking to finally conceive before your biological window closes, slim down your stubborn cellulite, or clear up your complexion.

The following ten super foods will slot in well with your PCOS diet, granting you tons of energy, nutrients and minerals to help you face everyday with vigor, all while kicking the butt of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome into next week. Let’s learn about each of them in more detail:

cumin-grilled-chicken-breasts-recipe1) Chicken Breast

Since any PCOS diet cuts back on the carbohydrates responsible for inflammation and excess insulin production, replacing that portion of calories needs to come from increased consumption of protein and healthy fats. Skinless chicken breast is an excellent source of the former, as its contains 21 grams of protein for every 100 grams of breast you buy.

Additionally, it contains ample amounts of vitamin B6, which serves a vital function in helping to reduce the stressors that cause PCOS. Vitamin B6 help keeps your hormones at balanced levels, which is very helpful for those seeking to stem the flow of excessive testosterone and androgen (1).

Cocoa powder and cocoa beans on wooden background2) Raw cacao powder

Looking for a way to perk up the food and drinks that dominate the menu of many PCOS dietary plans? Adding some raw cacao powder is the perfect way to achieve this, as not only will this introduce much desired hit of chocolate-like flavour into your routine, but it also allows minerals like magnesium into your system, which helps to improve insulin sensitivity (2), and iron, which can help to improve hemoglobin counts in PCOS sufferers that have heavy periods (3).

Enjoy this predecessor chocolate by tossing it in the blender as an ingredient when you go to make a smoothie in the morning, but if you decide to throw it in your coffee, beware: when chocolate is heated, nutrients and minerals are destroyed, so stirring it in after your cup has had a chance to cool down would the best way to work it into your day.

Goji-Berry3) Goji Berries

Getting required amounts of nutrients on a PCOS diet is going to require some intelligent substitutions to satisfy your bodies’ needs while minimizing the disorder’s symptoms. Out of all the foodstuffs in this article, Goji berries are likely the nifitest hack, as this raisin-like fruit contains a wide spectrum of amino acids, 21 trace minerals, and a laundry list of many other nutrients that your body needs on a daily basis. 12.3 grams of protein can be had with a single 100 gram serving of Goji berries, with all eight essential amino acids being present within the berry, making it an excellent way to ensure that you get enough of it throughout the day.

In addition to it being a quick and easy way to fuel up on a bunch of nutrients at once, make sure your husband joins in the feast, as it has been shown that Goji berries increase sperm count and their collective vitality (4), thus increasing your chances of getting pregnant.

spinach4) Spinach

While dark green vegetables are highly spoken of in general for those on the PCOS diet, spinach is likely the best of the lot. Few comparable greens can match its nutrient density, which keeping your overall calorie count low. Among a bucket load of other minerals and nutrients, it is also an excellent source of vitamin K, vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin B6, all of which have significant roles in reducing inflammation in the body.

avocado5) Avocados

At some point in the past, you might have read that avocados were just loaded with fat. In those days, they were all considered universally bad … thus, avocados were deemed to be a forbidden fruit, only to be consumed on precious few occasions. Today, we know that most of the fats contained in avocados are in fact healthy when consumed in moderation. What’s more, they are actually anti-inflammatory in nature, as they contain omega-3 fatty acids that have been proven to reduce inflammation within the body (5).

Finally, those seeking to sop up more oil-based nutrients will want to toss some avo into their salads, as they help with their absorption. Vitamins A, D, E, and K all fall into this category, and with each also playing a role in reducing inflammation, ensuring that they get absorbed into your body efficiently will aid you in repairing the damage done by the excess insulin that flows through your veins.

mushroom6) Crimini Mushrooms

If you are a fan of fungi, getting acquainted with crimini mushrooms is a tasty way of loading up on vitamins B2. Vitamin B2 plays an integral role in normal thyroid function and metabolism, which is vital for those with PCOS, as those with the disorder also tend to have a thyroid that doesn’t produce sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) in sufficient quantities (6). Getting sufficient Vitamin B2 allows androgen and testosterone to be better restrained, preventing them from causing a whole host of undesired symptoms from thinning scalp hair to acne.

cinnamonspoon7) Cinnamon

Whether you sprinkle it in your tea in the morning, or work it into a meat rub, adding cinnamon to your PCOS diet will go a long way to increasing your insulin sensitivity. All you need is ½ teaspoon a day to reduce your appetite and normalize your blood sugar to insulin ratio.

Hydroxychalcone, the compound responsible for this effect, mimics insulin’s action in controlling blood sugar, leading to an overall reduction in insulin levels in the bloodstream (7). Cinnamon also slows the rate at which your stomach empties after a meal, acting as an effective appetite suppressant for those concerned about snack cravings between meals (8).

walnut8) Walnuts & Almonds

What if you do enjoy snacking, or what if your friends do it within your social circles? Bring some walnuts or almonds to your next gathering, as they are low on the glycemic index. What’s more, they also lower the glycemic index of other foods that you eat in conjunction with these nuts, so feel free to add them to PCOS diet friendly desserts, salads, and other meals you make (9).

One thing to be careful of is the overall calorie count of nuts. For example, a serving of 100 grams of almonds contains an eye-popping 576 calories, so nibble in moderation!


Bragg-Apple-Cider-Vinegar9) Apple Cider Vinegar

Thinking about having a decadent cheat day meal, but want to limit the damage that this carb bomb will do to your system? Take about a 20 gram shot of apple cider vinegar (you can mix it in water if the idea of drinking vinegar turns your stomach) before your chow down. Doing so will improve your bodies’ sensitivity to insulin, allowing you to tear through that pizza or consume a line of cupcakes with nary a guilty thought (10).

tuna10) Tuna

There are many types of seafood that fit well with a PCOS diet, but few have the nutrient density and convenience of a can of tuna. Each one has 33 grams of protein within its tin housing, with no pesky carbohydrates to worry about. In addition to this, it contains B vitamins (which we have already discussed at length) and vitamin D, both of which are vital to fighting back against PCOS.

The main reason why we don’t promote heavy use of tuna (leading to its placement at the end of this article) is due to the unfortunate bioaccumulation of heavy metals like mercury in the tissues of sea life from water pollution over the past few generations (11). As such, limit your tuna habit to no more than six servings per month, and when you do become pregnant in the future due to your aggressive PCOS diet, reduce it even further, as these toxins will accumulate in your baby as well as you if you consume too much.
Farmers markets offer a wide variety of fresh farm produce, which makes them an ideal place for your grocery shopping. Generally, these markets provide almost any fruit or vegetable you’d like to buy, plus, the prices can be even more reasonable than those at a supermarket if you shop wisely.
When choosing the nutriments you want to buy, you should know that different fruits and vegetables offer various nutrients, vitamins, and minerals and in different quantities.



You can get the most of your fruits and vegetables if you know which produce contains the most nutrients. The first step you need to take to improve your health is find out which produce is most nutritionally-packed.

The 8 Most Nutrient Dense Superfoods You’ll Find At The Grocery Store (and how to pick them)

Carrots are Rich in Beta-Carotene

Many people don’t know that carrots are healthier when cooked, which is not the case with most other vegetables that are best eaten fresh. Carrots release beta-carotene when cooked and this nutrient is extremely beneficial for both your skin and hair health.

Lycopene in Tomatoes Fights Cancer

Tomatoes are abundant in lycopene, which is a powerful anticancer agent. Lycopene content is up to 18 times higher in grape and cherry tomatoes compared to the more common beefsteak tomatoes. Tomatoes are quite versatile and can be added to salads, sandwiches, and soups.

Beets are Abundant in Betalains

Betalains found in beets are a strong cancer fighting compound. There are various ways you can include beets in your cooking – you can grill, boil or roast them, apart from eating them fresh in salads. It’s important to know that when cooking beets, you should also include the leafy tops as these contain more nutrients than the rest of the plant. The darker color of a beet, the more betalains it packs.

Kale is Packed with Nutrients

This recently proclaimed super food is nothing new to our grandmothers. Abounding in healthy nutrients, including antioxidants, vitamin C, and phytonutrients, kale does wonders for your health, especially when eaten raw. When shopping for kale always pick the freshest piece.


Ripe Watermelons Also Have Lycopene

Similar to tomatoes, ripe watermelons are also rich in lycopene, and the riper the watermelon the healthier it is. Fresh watermelon with a deep red center packs more of the cancer fighting properties of lycopene.

The Flesh of the Peach Abounds in Antioxidants

The flesh of the peach contains more antioxidants than the rest of the fruit, which is a good enough reason to never ignore this fruit on the Farmers market.

Dark Lettuce is Full of Anthocyanins

The darker heads of lettuce such as red, purple or brown lettuce have more nutrients, including anthocyanins, and have a fuller flavor than their lighter colored counterparts.

A good thing to do before heading for the Farmers market is make a list of foods you need to buy. Although you should look for new fruits and vegetables to put on your menu, always use a short list to make sure you don’t forget your essential produce. It’s important to remember that the more nutrients you include in your diet, the more health benefits you will obtain.

What’s helping you reach your health and fitness goals? Offer you to fellow us tips and advice in the comments below, and share your success story with us!


The essence of eating healthy with PCOS is to consume food in its most natural state. This lifestyle approach to eating is very beneficial to women with PCOS.   Processed and refined foods  wreak havoc with hormone levels.  So clean eating will actually help you begin to balance your hormones.  As  insulin, cortisol, testosterone, progesterone, estrogen, and thyroid become more in balance PCOS symptoms will be alleviated.

1. Avoid processed and refined foods such as white flour, sugar, breads & pasta. Instead eat whole gluten-free grains like oatmeal, brown rice, millet, amaranth and quinoa.

2. Drink two liters of purified water per day.  You can flavor your water with fresh citrus, cucumber, mint or berries

3. Avoid refined sugar, high-fructose corn-syrup,  artificial sweeteners, artificial sweeteners and colors, MSG, trans-fats and high saturated fat.

4. Eat packaged foods with 5 or less all- natural ingredients. Any product with a long ingredient list is generally usually highly processed.

5. Make alcohol an occasional indulgence – not an everyday occurrence. A glass of red wine is fine once and a while. But after a glass the benefits are reversed.

6. Eat every 3-4 hours.

7. Always combine a lean protein and complex carb at every meal/snack.

8. Pack and stash.  Take your food with you. Make sure you have snacks packed with you so you have healthy choices wherever you go.

I have created over 100’s of  PCOS-friendly recipes to help you manage your symptoms AND satisfy your taste buds in my Seasonal Meal Plans.

What’s helping you reach your health and fitness goals? Offer you to fellow us tips and advice in the comments below, and share your success story with us!


Being healthy is a habit.  At first, you choose to exercise every day because you know it will make you healthier.  Eventually, “moving it” daily becomes a habit that keeps you healthy. It feels strange not to do it!
PCOS can often seem overwhelming.  “Where do I start?” may be the question I am most commonly asked.  In my practice, I often tell women, “Small hinges swing big doors.”  The key to treating PCOS is to try making little changes here and there.  “Getting healthy” can’t happen overnight.  There is no magic pill, no shortcut.  Make good choices and small changes; your little healthy habits will add up in to a happy and healthy life.
Here are the top 12 habits of women who manage their PCOS naturally and THRIVE!
  1. They do not consume sweetened (with natural sugar or artificial) beverages– Sugar (even artificial sugar) causes changes to your insulin levels with negatively cycling side effects. The more sugar you consume, the more sugar you will crave and the more harm it does to your body. In addition, sugary drinks (especially sodas) dehydrate you. They are diuretics that actually elevate your blood pressure and increase urination.  You are not peeing because you are hydrated; you are peeing to get rid of the contaminants! Let’s not even get started on the toxic load the chemicals in these drinks put on your body.  Try sparkling water or green tea.  Add a wedge of citrus, some frozen berries or pineapple and mint for a refreshing change of pace.
  1. They move it every day. Movement is a habit that all women with PCOS must have in order to thrive. There are tons of effective alternatives. You just need to find a few activities that are right for your body and that you look forward to doing.  Go for a walk.  Take a swim. Take a class at the local gym or online at gaiamtv.com. Try HIIT, strength training or yoga!  Movement releases endorphins that make you feel good right away and has countless positive long term effects on everything from cardiovascular and skeletal heath to reducing depression.
  1. They love themselves and their bodies nowEmbrace who you are today- not who you will be after you get a better job, the kids move out, you lose another 10 pounds or you fit into your jeans from junior high. You must love and respect yourself and your body today and treat yourself with that love and respect.  That respect will lead you to make important changes to benefit your health.
  1. They do not see themselves as victims. Women who thrive with PCOS are not helpless victims of their disease. They have the will and the power to overcome their symptoms and embrace their health and happiness. They choose to act and overcome.
  1. They educate so they can advocate. You must be your own advocate. Many doctors are not well educated about PCOS and look for the quick (chemical) fix. Educate yourself about the causes, tests and treatments, and be prepared to demand considered care from your health care providers..
  1.  They have a low dairy, whole food diet without gluten and processed soy. Many women with PCOS benefit from eliminating gluten, soy and most dairy. These foods cause inflammation which exacerbates PCOS symptoms. Eliminating gluten and limiting dairy may seem like big steps- and they are.  Start small.  Have asmoothie for breakfast instead of cereal with milk or a bagel.  You won’t regret it.
  1.  They get adequate sleep. Sleep is critical for body (and especially brain) function. Rest helps your body re-energize and detoxify.  It is hard to maintain other good health habits if you are dragging through your day- too tired to exercise and taking in sugar and caffeine to keep you awake.  No-one benefits from a drowsy, foggy brain.  Hit the sack at night for at least 8 hours, and for your best sleep, turn off electronics 1 hour before bedtime.
  1. They manage their stress. We all lead busy and stressful lives. The way we approach the stress can make all the difference.  Healthy women have learned coping mechanisms to take on less stress as well as to effectively manage and have a positive perspective on the stress they do have. Stress triggers the production of cortisol in our bodies which wreaks havoc on our hormonal system and PCOS symptoms and gives you belly fat! Who needs that?!
  1. They take high quality supplementsThe most balanced and healthy diet still has gaps day to day. Healthy women understand this and fill in those gaps with high quality supplements such as a multivitamin, fish oil,vitamin D. Depending upon their symptoms, they may choose to also supplement with herbs like berberine or specialized vitamins like those in Ovasitol.  Remember, not all supplements are created equal.  Be certain that the supplements you choose are third party certified.
  1.  They plan and cook meals. Planning is the key to a healthy diet.  You are much less likely to enjoy a healthy dinner if you rush home from work and eat whatever is in the refrigerator.  Careful planning can save you from a bowl of pasta on the couch or calorie, fat and sodium packed take-out.  Plan healthy meals and cook enough for leftovers on nights when you will have no time to prepare an entire meal.
  1. They practice extreme self-care. The need for self-care cannot be over emphasized. Taking care of your mind, body and spirit is not selfish. You are more able to give your friends, family and coworkers your whole self when you have taken the time to refresh. Self-care means eating well and exercising, but just as importantly, it means taking a few minutes to yourself every day to recenter and relax. You may chose to meditate, take anEpsom salt bath or write in a journal.  Whatever you choose, give yourself over to the experience wholly and see the difference it makes in your life.
  1.  They practice progress not perfection.  No-one is perfect; we all know that. Still, we often strive for perfection in our work, relationships and our bodies. This never ending pursuit causes unnecessary and unreasonable stress. Healthy women know that absolute perfection is impossible.  There is pleasure in doing your best and loving who you are right now. Life is a journey, after all.
What’s helping you reach your health and fitness goals? Offer you to fellow us tips and advice in the comments below, and share your success story with us!


Megan K., 38, a kindergarten teacher in Philadelphia, PA, had tried to lose weight before, but nothing seemed to work. “I’ve struggled with my weight on and off throughout my life,” says Megan. “And I had always been interested in fitness, but I was never able to stick with it.” So when Megan learned about Fitbit trackers from a friend last spring, her husband took note. “He bought me a Fitbit One for my birthday,” says Megan, “and it was love at first sight.”
“I was instantly motivated by having a step goal,” she says. “Once I saw I could regularly hit 10,000 steps, I was unstoppable.” Megan spent the summer working out in the mornings, going for a walk or to the gym, and reaching her step goal by daybreak. And soon tracking steps became a family activity—Megan’s son began joining her on daily walks. “It’s really important to me to be a good example to my son,” she says.
When she returned to school in the fall, Megan was 40 pounds lighter and her co-workers were impressed. “A lot of people were asking how I did it,” she says. Megan was more than happy to share her secret. She managed to convince the school’s human resources department to purchase 10 Fitbit trackers for employees to “check out,” and use to compete against each other in monthly challenges. The other teachers love the program. “There are always 10 people using the ones from the school, and at the end of the check-out period a lot of them end up buying their own Fitbit trackers!” says Megan.
Today, Megan and several of her co-workers spend their free periods and lunches walking together, and the group of 10 has grown to over 30 teachers. “It really changed the culture of our work environment—even the students notice it,” says Megan. “We push each other to be more active, and I’ve increased my goal to 15,000 steps a day now,” she adds.
Adding more steps to her daily routine was a good start, but Megan knew if she really wanted to improve her health she wouldn’t get there with a fitness-only approach. She also made an effort to make better food choices. “Being active and eating well go hand in hand,” she says. “Once you start doing one, the other catches up.”
Her one-step-at-a-time approach is ultimately what helped Megan lose all of her extra weight. “It can be overwhelming to try to do 10,000 steps all at once,” she says. “But it’s really surprising how quickly it can all add up.” And after losing 100 pounds, it has certainly has added up!
Megan’s initial goal to simply walk 10,000 steps a day has also lead her to try new workouts and activities. These days Megan can be found running, swimming, and biking, too. “My Fitbit has changed my life,” she says, “I’m more active than I’ve ever been, and my Fitbit One has made it so easy for me to get here.”
Megan’s advice for others:
Rack Up the Steps All Day“Trying to do 10,000 steps at once didn’t always fit into my schedule, and seemed hard to do,” says Megan. “But going on a little walk in the morning, and another after lunch helped my steps add up.”
Set Goals that Work for YOU“I know some of my coworkers are hitting 30,000 steps on a regular basis, and it’s tempting to compete with that—I really hate losing,” Megan says. “So sometimes I have to remind myself that’s a lot of steps, and that number isn’t always realistic for me on a daily basis. 15,000 is what works for me, and that’s still super active.”
Believe It’s Possible!“Even if you’re someone who struggles with fitness, or if being active doesn’t come naturally to you, you can do it—and it can all be done with walking,” says Megan. “You don’t have to go out and kill yourself every day, just set a goal with Fitbit and ease into it.”

What’s helping you reach your health and fitness goals? Offer you to fellow us tips and advice in the comments below, and share your success story with us! 


#9: Sunflower Seeds

Sunflower seeds Sunflower seeds provide a slew of PCOS-fighting nutrients.
If you read the Nutrition Facts label on a bag of sunflower seeds, you will learn that they are very calorie-dense. But that should not be a reason to shy away from them. Although it is true that sunflower seeds are rich in calories, consuming these mild nutty seeds in moderation can offer great health benefits. Sunflower seeds are cram-full of nutrients that help fight symptoms associated with PCOS. They pack vitamin B2 (riboflavin) and vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), a stellar nutrient combo for fighting PCOS symptoms. A mere cup of sunflower seeds provides 31% of the recommended daily intake for vitamin B6. In addition to B complex vitamins, sunflower seeds are loaded with zinc and magnesium, two important of anti-PCOS minerals.


#10: Kale

One of the most interesting health benefits of kale is its broad nutritional profile. This nutritional heavyweight is loaded with a wide range of vitamins, and it is one of the best plant-based sources of calcium. Calcium is important for women with PCOS as it plays an important role in egg maturation and follicle development in the ovaries. The tender young leaves of kale can be eaten raw, for example as a substitute for iceberg lettuce in salads. This beautiful, green leafy vegetable can also be transformed into a hearty warm dish by sautéing the leaves and mixing them with chopped onions, crushed garlic and a little bit of extra virgin olive oil. When buying kale, it is advisable to choose organically grown produce whenever possible. According to research, conventionally grown kale is among the most contaminated vegetables in terms of pesticide and chemical content.




#11: Chicken Breast

If you are concerned about PCOS and excess weight, chicken breast is a good food to add to your shopping list. Skinless chicken breast packs a protein punch but has a very low fat and carbohydrate content. It is also a good source of B vitamins such as vitamin B3 and vitamin B6. Vitamin B3 may be particularly helpful to those whose expanding waistline is linked to insulin resistance. Vitamin B6 plays a critical role in maintaining hormonal balance and fertility. It is also needed for proper absorption of zinc in the intestines.


#12: Sesame Seeds

Sesame seeds are loaded with nutrients that are known to be particularly beneficial for women with PCOS. These little seeds are a great source of vitamin B6, with half a cup providing more than a quarter of the recommended daily intake for this vitamin. Furthermore, they are an excellent source of plant-based calcium, magnesium and certain healthful fatty acids. On top of that, they provide a very good source of zinc. Sesame seeds, which are available throughout the year, add a delectable nutty flavor and a slight crunch to many Asian dishes.


#13: Licorice Root

Glycyrrhizin in licorice root has been shown to significantly reduce plasma testosterone, which is good news for PCOS patients with elevated testosterone levels, acne, or hirsutism. Researchers in Italy gave healthy women between 22 and 26 years of age licorice containing 120 mg of glycyrrhizin daily for two menstrual cycles. At the beginning of the trial, the average plasma testosterone stood at 27.8 ng/dL. After the first cycle, it had dropped to 19 ng/dL and after the second cycle to 17.5 ng/dL. After the trial period the testosterone levels of the test subjects rapidly returned to the pre-treatment values. It appears that glycyrrhizin inhibits an enzyme required for the production of testosterone. If you intend to consume licorice in an effort to keep PCOS under control, keep in mind that frequent consumption of large quantities of licorice may cause high blood pressure, edema, depletion of potassium, headache, heart problems, and other health complications.


#14: Poppy Seeds

Sprinkle poppy seeds on top of your favorite dish. The nutritional profile of these little seeds provides a multitude of health benefits, including a decreased risk of PCOS symptoms. Despite their small size, poppy seeds are packed with calcium, magnesium, B vitamins, and zinc — all of which play a crucial role in preventing and treating PCOS symptoms.


#15: Tuna



Tuna is an excellent addition to the diets of overweight women who wish fight PCOS by losing excess weight. Each can of water-packed tuna contains about 33 grams of protein and no fat or carbohydrates. In comparison to fat and carbohydrates, protein has a very high thermogenic effect (20-30 percent), which means that the body burns a significant share of the calories provided by a protein-rich food, such as tuna, in the process of breaking down and digesting the food. Furthermore, tuna contains B vitamins and vitamin D which are important for women with PCOS. However, when adding tuna to the diet it is important keep it in moderation. Too frequent/high a consumption of tuna and other fish may predispose you to an excessive exposure to certain toxins, such as mercury. Many experts recommend eating only six servings or less of tuna (canned Chunk Light) and other similar fish per month (canned White Albacore should be consumed even less frequently). Especially pregnant and breastfeeding women as well as women who intend to become pregnant should be particularly careful because toxins in fish can be extremely harmful to fetuses and newborn babies.


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PCOS Hair Loss Causes

PCOS hair loss is just one of many symptoms PCOS causes in women, which include irregular or absent menstrual periods, acne, fertility problems, pelvic pain, patchy and discolored skin, and abnormally excessive body and facial hair. Speaking of hair, another problem is that it can cause hair loss in females. This article will discuss 25 ways to prevent hair loss for those with PCOS.

But before we get to that, let’s discuss some other details about PCOS. PCOS is associated with obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, sleep apnea, mood disorders, and endometrial cancer. Its onset is generally due to both genetic and environmental factors; one is at higher risk if they are obese, don’t exercise enough, or have a family history of PCOS. While PCOS doesn’t usually cause death, its related conditions can contribute to a fatality. PCOS currently has no bonafide cure.
This article describes the natural PCOS hair loss treatments available. It may be crass, or in some social circles, politically incorrect to admit it, but for many people, women included, physical appearance plays a major role in one’s personal and business success.
With the societal expectations regarding the appearance of women, this issue is especially compounded when it comes to women, unfair as it may seem. PCOS hair loss can be a very embarrassing side effect of the syndrome, but it doesn’t have to be.
One thing that is not debatable is this: a dramatic sudden deterioration in one’s physical looks due to disease has severe implications for the self-esteem and self-concept of those affected. PCOS, or Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, are one of these disorders, as not only does it drive hard-to-control weight gain, acne outbreaks, and cysts that inhibit infertility, but it can also drive embarrassing losses of hair, dramatically affecting their perception in society, and of themselves.
Hormonal imbalances related to PCOS can cause sufferers to lose scalp hair due to the overbearing influence of testosterone, leading to a worsening self-concept and a negative view of PCOS individuals by other people.
Indeed, most women that come to the doctor complaining of excessive sudden hair loss have been found to also have PCOS 1. The mechanisms that drive other PCOS symptoms, such as obesity, also play a role in aggressive hair attrition, as we will show in the paragraphs to come.
It is vitally important that those afflicted by this disease know that there are ways to halt and reverse the damage that this genetic condition does not just to a female’s hair follicles, but to her spirit.
In the following article, we will learn how PCOS hair loss works, and then how to take action against these causes, so that those affected can get back on the road to regaining their dignity.

The Evil Origins of PCOS Hair Loss

One of the key manifestations of PCOS is the insulin resistance that it causes in affected women. It is this hallmark that contributes to obesity and Type II diabetes in sufferers of this hormone disorder, but the excessive androgen, testosterone, and its converted form, DHT that results from the irritation of excess insulin also drives the process behind PCOS hair loss in patients.
According to a study conducted by the University of Oulu in Finland 2, women with insulin resistance had been shown to experience alopecia (hair loss) in much the same fashion of PCOS women, drawing a solid link between this fact and the scourge of premature loss of hair follicles.
The cause and effect relationship goes deeper than that however, as attempted hair re-growth in women that have PCOS has often hit frustrating obstacles.
One of the key discoveries that greatly aided the cause of helping these women regain their dignity was that DHT, a sex hormone that is produced in excess quantities in PCOS sufferers, was squarely behind the PCOS hair loss that this disorder induces.
With it present in abundance, the DHT compound circulates to your scalp and starts to latch onto hair follicles, starting the deterioration process of the hair strand and blocking the absorption of essential nutrients.
Eventually, the hair strand dies and falls out, but DHT’s troublemaking doesn’t end there.
It remains attached to the follicle, inhibiting or flat-out preventing the regeneration of new hair, posing a significant problem for those looking to rejuvenate the hair on their head to the way it used to be 3.

How To Stop PCOS Hair Loss And Reverse The Damage

Now that we know how the factors behind PCOS hair loss works, we can begin to craft a plan of action to start tackling the aspects that are wreaking havoc on your beautiful, luscious locks.
The good news that there is a road map that will be laid out in the coming paragraphs that will help you overcome this obstacle to your self-esteem.
The bad news is that it is going to take a lot of work.
The inputs in your daily life that have conspired to cause PCOS to manifest in the manner that it has will need to be changed, with some changes being drastic in nature.
In order to reduce the aggravating effects of insulin, androgen, testosterone, and other hormones, lifestyle changes involving the diet you eat, the drinks you consume, and the stressors you allow into your life will need to be controlled, reduced, and if possible, eliminated.
Are you up for the challenge? I know you are, so let’s get started together!
Without further ado, here are 25 ways to ameliorate PCOS hair loss.

PCOS Hair Loss Tip #1: Diet

Nutrition
A good diet is important no matter what your circumstances are, but it is even more imperative for individuals with PCOS to watch what they eat. Unfortunately, diet recommendations seem to differ when you look around the internet, but even through the differing information, it’s really quite simple. Limit artificial foods, eat a bevy of greens and vegetables, and balance carbs and proteins.
A low-glycemic diet is best; it is one that emphasizes getting a majority of total carbohydrates from fruit, vegetables, and whole-grain sources. Make sure you are not deficient in Vitamin D, as that can often be one of the culprits. and here i will share with you a cheap product you should not miss it !

PCOS Hair Loss Tip #2: Exercise

Walking or running legs in forest, adventure and exercising
Exercise helps with reducing hair loss via PCOS for a very simple reason: it reduces testosterone. Cardio is good because it can also counteract weight issues– which like hair loss are common with PCOS– but it has to be done consistently to see positive results.
Resistance training is usually the most effective kind of cardio regimen for women with PCOS. With this being said, vary your routine. Also, make sure to take off one to two days a week from exercising; doing it three to five times a week is essential. Schedule the time on a regular basis so it’ll get done. As an auxiliary exercise, consider trying yoga as well.

PCOS Hair Loss Tip #3: Reducing Stress

Yoga
PCOS and stress are not a good combination. Like many of the other items on this list, limiting stress also applies to non-sufferers of PCOS. Ultimately, stress in general has been long thought to contribute to hair loss.
Stress leads to an increase of cortisol, a hormone that not only worsens hair loss, but can causemore serious problems including interference with learning and memory; lower bone density and immune function; and an increase in weight, blood pressure, cholesterol, and likelihood of heart disease.
Yoga and exercise, which were aforementioned, can help reduce stress. Likewise, one can try deep breathing. Since hair loss takes a couple of weeks to notice, it is important to be aware of how stressed you’re feeling.

PCOS Hair Loss Tip #4: Sleep and Eat Regularly

Sleep
Not getting enough sleep can ultimately affect your mood and other functions, as sleep is regulated by two hormones: serotonin and melatonin. When these two hormones are out of balance, other hormones are affected as well.
Eating regularly keeps your blood sugar stable, which likewise keeps hormones from being subjected to lows and highs. Of course, do not overeat, but do not miss meals if you can help it.
Ultimately, if your hormones are not in a state of flux, you will notice that symptoms will be lessened– including hair loss.

Hair Loss Tip #5: Taking Care of Your Hair

Brushing Hair
There are many different ways of caring for hair that harm it for PCOS sufferers. For example, pulling hair back can lead to aggravation and hair loss, especially if one regularly transitions between different styles. Perms, dying, and bleach should be out of the question.
Limit the number of products that you use, especially those containing alcohol or sulfate, as they can deprive your hair of its health, natural growth, and essential oils. It is a good idea to experiment with how often you wash your hair; eventually, your hair will produce less oil as you wash it less.
Using a shampoo that contains organic ingredients to remove DHT (dihydrotestosterone) residue is also advisable. DHT, a derivative of testosterone, contributes to baldness.

PCOS Hair Loss Tip #6: Supplements

Young woman eating dose of pills on spoon.
Although no supplement will completely ameliorate PCOS hair loss, one can help. Saw palmetto, which is produced by many different brands, helps suppress testosterone levels. 320 milligrams daily for six weeks– or however long issues persist– is a viable option. It should not be taken when pregnant or nursing.
Seven to nine milligrams of biotin can help with hair growth. 16 ounces of spearmint tea a day has been known to reduce testosterone and balance other hormones. N-acetyl Cysteine has been shown to reduce testosterone and improve insulin resistance in women with PCOS. Of course, this is not exhaustive– other supplements can be effective as well.

Hair Loss Tip #7: Jojoba Oil

jojoba oil
Most topical treatments are not effective for PCOS– they are typically ineffective at targeting the hair follicle– but jojoba oil can help. It can provide improvement to hair quality, prevent hair loss, and even help hair regrow.
It can be incorporated into your shower routine. Before going into the shower, warm about 1 tablespoon of jojoba oil and massage it into your scalp. Wash it out of your hair as you would with shampoo.

PCOS Hair Loss Tip #8: Reduce Toxins

Organic Vegetables
Unfortunately, toxins from the environment are aplenty, especially if one lives in a big city; these toxins can interfere with normal hormone functioning. This hormonal imbalance has many consequences, including hair loss.
A big part of avoiding toxins lies in one’s diet. Try to consume organic products, for starters; don’t eat farmed fish; and avoid artificial and processed foods. Also, consider using all-natural cleaning products. These are things you can control, unlike external factors like pollution.

Hair Loss Tip #9: Get Your Thyroid Checked

Woman getting ultrasound of a thyroid from doctor
Thyroid issues can mirror or compound PCOS issues; having hypothyroidism along with PCOS is quite common. Get checked by a doctor regularly.and here i will share with you a cheap product you should not miss it !

PCOS Hair Loss Tip #10: Finasteride

PCOS Hair Loss Finasteride
You want to be careful about taking prescription drugs, but many are effective in treating the hair loss associated with PCOS. For example, there is the drug Finasteride; it blocks an enzyme that converts testosterone to its more active form, which normally leads to hair loss. Essentially, by not allowing testosterone to take over, any given woman doesn’t experience significant hair loss.

Hair Loss Tip #11: Birth Control Pills

Birth control pills in hands of young woman
Birth control pills, also known as oral contraceptives, can in fact be used to prevent pregnancy for those with PCOS. Even if one isn’t pregnant however, birth control pills can help in that they increase two female hormones: estrogen and progestin. (Both are naturally occurring hormones in females.)
In addition to reducing hair loss, they have the benefit of making menstrual periods more regular and reducing the level of androgens produced by the ovaries. They can also decrease acne and the likelihood of onset of a variety of cancers.
Remember to ask your doctor about the side effects of any drug, including an oral contraceptive.

PCOS Hair Loss Tip #12: Insulin-Sensitizing Agents

Insuling Resistance
As aforementioned, women with PCOS often have insulin problems. Insulin-sensitizing agents are medications that make one’s body more receptive to insulin, in turn keeping glucose levels in balance. If not checked, diabetes and other maladies can result.
Other benefits of insulin-sensitizing agents include: the clearing of acne and reduction of unwanted hair growth; the growth of scalp hair; weight loss; lower cholesterol levels;
more regular periods; and the reduction of infertility commonly associated with PCOS.
Regular ovulation should occur within four to six months of taking a medication. A common medication is Metformin.

Hair Loss Tip #13: Anti-androgens

PCOS Hair loss
Although anti-androgens usually don’t affect hair growth, they can help with other issues related to PCOS. Androgens, while present in males and females, are hormones that produce male traits and mimic male reproductive activity. By reducing androgen levels, one can reduce excess hair growth and clear acne.
Anti-androgens are usually taken along with birth control, as anti-androgens can cause birth defects. Take note that no anti-androgen has been approved by the FDA for the treatment of PCOS.

PCOS Hair Loss Tip #14: Hair Transplants

Hair Transplant
Although it doesn’t address the root of the problem– namely high testosterone levels– hair transplants can be helpful for many women in that they combat male pattern baldness. Transplants allow one to combat a receding hair line or hair loss on the top of one’s head.
With transplants, follicles of hair are taken from places where there is healthy hair growth and transplanted to places where hair growth is thinning. If your entire head is experiencing hair thinning or hair loss, finding donors can be tricky.
Do understand that hair implants can be expensive; a typical graft of hair costs $5 to $7, and usually a doctor won’t bother with less than 500 to 700 grafts.

Hair Loss Tip #15: Apple Cider Vinegar and Baking Soda

Apple cider vinegar in glass bottle and basket with fresh apples
Unlike hair transplants, using apple cider and vinegar is a very inexpensive way to improve hair health. It can be applied on top of the head, and can be used to prevent hair from thinning. (Unfortunately, it doesn’t help grow new hair.)
One can also drink the solution, starting with about two teaspoons a day mixed in water, and have it in the morning before meals. Eventually, increasing to two tablespoons two to three times a day is not a bad idea. If it’s too strong for you, mix with orange juice or another kind of juice that masks the flavor.

PCOS Hair Loss Tip #16: Cut Back on Meat

Piece of red  meat and meat cleaver on a cutting board with sausages and chicken in the background
Although this could come under the banner of diet, it warrants a category on its own because becoming vegetarian is often thought of as a lifestyle choice, rather than one that is dietary.
Eating meat, for a variety of reasons, can lead to hormonal imbalances. One prime reason why is that many the animals of many meat products were injected with hormones of their own during their lifetimes; these hormones are passed onto consumers.
Japanese researchers ultimately found that eating meat led to excessive sebum production in the scalp. Sebum is what lubricates hair, but it also creates DHT, which leads to hair loss. The Japanese researchers came to the conclusion that the intake of animal fat leads to increased sebum production in many.

Hair Loss Tip #17: Don’t Smoke

smiling woman breaking cigarette and no smoking concept
Although it may sound obvious, smoking with PCOS is a horrible idea. First of all, smoking is just horrible for your health– it is linked to over 50 different diseases including lung cancer and heart disease. Secondly, studies have shown that male pattern baldness and hair loss is linked to smoking behaviors. On the more extreme side of the spectrum, it has been found that those who smoke more than 20 cigarettes a day more than double their risk of having moderate to severe hair loss than those who never smoke.
Ultimately, your androgen levels are higher if you smoke; remember, high androgen levels can lead to unwanted symptoms for females. Smoking is an expensive and unhealthy habit that should be avoided, regardless of whether you are currently experiencing PCOS or another malady.

PCOS Hair Loss Tip #18: Fish Oil

Fresh Rainbow trout and fish oil capsules
Although technically a supplement, fish oil is good for uses outside of PCOS, and it is a good supplement to start taking at any age. Fish oil is rife with omega-3 fatty acids, which help improve insulin sensitivity and reduce androgens. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition published a study which indicated that omega-3 fatty acids can improve the symptoms of PCOS by putting androgen levels into balance. Thus, like not smoking and taking anti-androgens, this is another way to avoid an influx of androgens.
Most people know about fish oil’s cognitive benefits, but taking fish oil supplements can also help reduce body fat, decrease inflammation, and fight against chronic disease. It is not dangerous to take multiple fish oil capsules a day.

Hair Loss Tip #19: Biotin

PCOS Hair Loss Biotin
Quite simply, biotin encourages hair and scalp health. It does this by improving glucose tolerance in females; many women with PCOS also have impaired glucose tolerance (IGT).
In studies done on rats by Tohoku University in Japan, it was shown that high amounts of biotin in supplement form helped rats to significantly reduce their IGT. The researchers also documented that the rats taking in the highest amount of biotin in supplement form shed weight despite an increase in food intake.
Not all women are deficient in biotin, but many are. In addition to scalp hair restoration, biotin has been known to improve the control of blood sugar and aid in insulin production; reduce triglycerides and the risk of cardiovascular disease; promote weight loss; and for pregnant women, reduce the risk of birth defects. Smoking cigarettes, mentioned earlier in this list, causes the loss of biotin; if one smokes, taking supplements can help restore a loss of biotin.

PCOS Hair Loss Tip #20: MSM

MSM methylsulfonylmethane
Methylsulfonylmethane, known as MSM, is a naturally occurring chemical often used to reduce pain and swelling in the joints. MSM is essential for hair growth, as it both aids in producing the protein keratin (which provides structure for nails, skin, and hair), and acts to strengthen hair follicles.
One study found that everyone supplemented with MSM demonstrated a reduction in hair loss, along with increased growth in only a period of six weeks. Many physicians also recommend MSM because of the purported fact that it helps build collagen, which keeps skin and hair supple. Collagen deficiency can lead to a number of maladies, such as scurvy.
All in all, MSM is probably a good thing to take just for the fact that it helps with exercise and bodybuilding– it helps repair your muscles. Its uses for hair growth are disputed by some, but as aforementioned, it has been proven to work in many clinical settings.

Hair Loss Tip #21: Rosemary Essential Oil

Rosemary essential oil in a small glass vial and plant with flowers on a wooden background
Rosemary essential oil is great for increasing circulation to the scalp. This increase in circulation is helpful in that it rejuvenates hair follicles. It can be used much like the apple cider vinegar and baking soda solution mentioned earlier in this article in that you can apply it to the head– or in the shower. (You won’t want to drink it obviously, but it sure smells a whole lot better than apple cider vinegar.)
For the shower, use two drops of oil for every ounce of conditioner or shampoo used.There are also ways to steep rosemary leaves in water in order to create your own shampoo concoction.
If you choose to massage the rosemary in, you can add two drops of rosemary oil for every ounce of a carrier oil. After three minutes of massage, you can wash or wipe your head of the oil. Hot oil treatments can be done as well, but they involve a bit more effort and preparation than the other two options.

PCOS Hair Loss Tip #22: Avoiding Hair Products Containing Toxic Chemicals

Toxic products
Although it was mentioned that hair products containing alcohol and sulfate should be avoided at all costs, there are additional hair care product ingredients that are toxic.
For example, parabens– commonly used as preservatives in shampoos and conditioners– have been shown to disrupt hormone function. Phthalates act as softeners in care products, such as cosmetics and shampoo, and they have been shown to tamper with hormones; they also cause reproductive and neurological damage.
The list goes on and on: formaldehyde, fragrance, dioxane, phenol, acrylamide, proplene glycol. Remember that many of these ingredients are in non-hair care products, and they are just as harmful. Buy natural and organic care products as much as possible.

Hair Loss Tip #23: Comfortable Hairstyles

PCOS Hair Loss
As aforementioned, certain hairstyles can lead to the loss of hair, which is unfortunate for those with PCOS. For example, cornrows or a bun might look good in the short-term, but in the long-term, they may lead to a serious loss of hair. The same goes for wearing your hair up tightly in any fashion, using rollers too often, braids, and hair extensions.
The technical term for this phenomenon is traction alopecia. The science behind it is that when hair is subjected to excessive or prolonged tension, the hair shaft begins to be pulled, damaging the follicle of the hair. Traction alopecia is usually curable, and it is most common amongst women.
Obviously, with PCOS, you want to avoid these hairstyles or habits in the first place, as you have hair loss working against you.

PCOS Hair Loss Tip #24: Crash Diets and Extreme Weight Loss

Knife and fork next to a plate with a single green pea isolated over white background
With crash diets and extreme weight loss, you are likely not only shedding pounds; you’re very likely shedding hair. The hair loss probably won’t be immediately evident– it may only take three to six months to notice any effects– but it will be shocking when it does happen. It typically only happens to individuals who lose 15 or more pounds.
To avoid hair loss from weight loss, try to not change your diet too drastically, and try to limit weight loss to two pounds a week. Make sure you’re getting enough protein, calories, and nutrients as a whole. The condition of losing weight from hair loss is typically known as telogen effluvium.

Hair Loss Tip #25: Making Sure You Don’t Have Other Medical Conditions

Nurse Assisting Patient Undergoing Mammogram
Although hair loss is common for women with PCOS, there is the possibility that another condition is masking it. For example, scalp psoriasis can cause the shedding of hair, and for many it can be difficult to treat.
Alopecia areata or alopecia universalis both cause hair loss, as they are autoimmune diseases that attack hair follicles. Folliculitis is the inflammation of hair follicles; ringworm can cause hair to fall out; and seborrheic dermatitis is a condition that causes temporary hair loss.
Ultimately, it is important to know what is affecting you, which can be achieved best by consulting medical assistance.
https://www.aad.org/dermatology-a-to-z/diseases-and-treatments/e—h/hair-loss/who-gets-causes

Drugs, Drugs, Drugs: Some Are Good, Some Are Bad!

Those looking to treat the PCOS induced loss of their hair have several treatment options available to them, such as Finasteride, which blocks an enzyme that converts testosterone to its more active form, thus suppressing the activities of this hormone that contributes to PCOS hair loss in women.
Side effects of this drug include breast tenderness and increased libido (e.g. it puts you in the mood to get busy). While this may seem like a good thing for women suffering from a disease that stifles fertility, use of this drug while trying to conceive is discouraged, as it has been shown to stunt or deform the growth of male sex organs in a developing male fetus 4.
A supplement you may want to consider adding to your arsenal in your own personal war against PCOS should be N-acetyl Cysteine. Despite the scary-sounding, tongue-twisting name, this compound has been shown to markedly improve the insulin sensitivity in cells of those suffering from resistance to this normally accepted hormone 5, reducing its excess circulation that leads to the problems with androgen that you are familiar with by now.
One thing you will definitely want to avoid in your quest to retain and reclaim your hair from the ravages of this disease are hormonal therapies, such as estrogen and progesterone.
While it has been proven that these treatments do succeed in regaining lost hair, it comes at the tremendous risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer, high blood pressure, and potentially fatal blood clots.

Eating A Low-Carb, High Protein Diet

Eating a healthy diet is another big preventative step towards minimizing the PCOS hair loss associated with the metabolic ravages of the syndrome.
The overproduction of testosterone that leads to unwanted hair loss is strongly linked with insulin resistance, as mentioned in the introduction to this article. Therefore, if one consumes a diet that is low in simple carbs and high in protein, the spikes in insulin produced by very high amounts of blood sugar will become a thing of the past, reducing the amounts of harmful inputs that drive PCOS hair loss in women 6.
When you are at the grocery store overhauling your diet, it is vital to also ensure that the meats, veggies, and fruits that you are purchasing are also free of environmental pollution, hormones, and antibiotics.
The industrial nature of our modern food system has seen all of these unsavoury elements enter it, which has contributing to a creeping toxicity in people throughout the world.
In women with PCOS, compounds such as BPA, various heavy metals, and pesticides often interfere with already unbalanced hormone levels, aggravating the effects of this complex disorder 7.
One must also be consistent with regards to eating times, as irregular eating habits have been shown to cause insulin spikes 8.
Given insulin’s role in aggressively producing the androgen that is behind PCOS hair loss in women, keeping consistent meal times on a tight schedule (no skipping breakfast/lunch, avoiding later or earlier than usual dinners, etc) along with the advised diet mentioned just previously will go a long way to limiting this all too apparent symptom of PCOS.
In addition to eating properly according to low carb Paleo principles at predictable times, taking additional natural supplements may be advisable as well.
For example, it is known that taking saw palmetto suppresses hormonal and enzyme activity that converts testosterone to DHT (its more troublesome form) for PCOS sufferers, not only leading to a reduction in PCOS hair loss, but also outbreaks of acne and unwanted hair in places where they don’t normally occur in women (goodbye ugly facial hair!) 9.
Another wrinkle that you may want to add to your daily routine may also include a refreshing cup of spearmint tea. Already a perky way to begin your day or to relax after the hectic parts of it have past, the compounds within this herbal remedy have been analysed by studies, which have revealed that they have a significant effect in reducing androgen levels in the bodies of women suffering from PCOS 10, which accordingly has the effect of tripping up the mechanism by which hair loss occurs.

Chill Out, Sista! How Sweating The Small Stuff Makes Your Hair Fall Out

Controlling your stress can also go a long way to reducing PCOS hair loss. When you freak out over the myriad of stressors present in today’s hectic and harried modern world, your body produces cortisol, a hormone that brings more blood sugar out of your cells and into your bloodstream 11.
This response was likely related to our hunter-gatherer past, when constant danger lurked in the shadows, causing this metabolic pathway to evolve to allow for a quick response to any threats that arised.
These days, immediate threats to our lives aren’t nearly as present, but these mechanisms are much slower to change.
In PCOS patients, the effect of bringing excess glucose into your body also is a harbinger of excess insulin, which drives androgen that causes rapid hair loss in women in their prime.
As such, it is vital to take care of your mental health when the demands of the world hammer away at your door, lest you let it cause your hair to fall out!

Ugh, Nothing’s Working … WHAT NOW?

By following the dietary and lifestyle changes outlined above, you can enjoy much of the benefits afforded by this hazardous shortcut, while assuming none of the potential risk to your life. Better off with a little less hair and being fully alive, than gaining back a full head of hair and dying shortly after due to an illness brought on by side effects that are widely known by all in the medical community!
However, if you have done all of the above and you are still experiencing significant problems with hair loss potentially related to PCOS, you may want to book an appointment with your doctor. Ask him or her to check your thyroid gland for hypothyroidism, which can result in slow growth of hair, and hair losses throughout many areas of the body 12.
While it is not fully known whether PCOS can lead to hypothyroidism, or vice versa, women that have PCOS and who struggle with hair loss despite cleaning up their diet and lifestyle should be checked for this thyroid condition 13.
Drugs like Levothroid, Levoxyl, or Synthroid will be prescribed to treat this condition, which are generic names for the compound levothyroxine. This drug effective replaces the thyroxine that your thyroid is not producing, allowing balance to be restored to your bodies’ functions.

Dealing With PCOS Hair Loss

Losing hair in your prime can be a traumatic experience. No matter the cause, the loss of this highly valued barometer of attractiveness can cause anyone to question their self-worth, while certain judgmental gatekeepers in society may be subconsciously influenced by issues of physical attractiveness.
While the latter case is clearly unacceptable in today’s society, the presence of this bias that has predominated in the past still lingers, and while one hopes that one day appearance won’t matter when it comes to one’s merit, maintaining appearances in the present has a much larger net benefit to one’s self-esteem.
However, risking your health to validate yourself in eyes of a few people certainly isn’t worth it either. As such, it is vital to consult a physician before undertaking any of the recommended treatments and modalities laid out in this report.
It is better to take your time, do things as directed as experts in the field, than to get impatient and get sucked in by snake oil peddlers promising a quick fix, or worse, take a dangerous drug in dosages that are outside what was indicated and end up dying of an overdose, or end up getting a chronic health condition such as heart disease or cancer.
Rome took more than one day to construct, but when it was finished, it was the pride of the civilized world. With your scalp, you may not have those smooth silky strands back tomorrow, but one year out from your post PCOS lifestyle change, you’ll look back at where you were compared to the vision of loveliness that you will be, and you will beam with the pride that comes from having earned your reward.
References
1. European Society of Endocrinology
2. European Journal of Preventive Cardiology
3. Medical News Today (MNT)
4. Clinical Interventions in Aging
5. Fertility and Sterility
6. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
7. Natural Health Solutions for PCOS
8. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition
9. Longevity Medical Health Center
10. Phytotherapy Research
11. Medscape
12. Alopecia in Hypothyroidism
13. Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics

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