November 20th, 2008
By Angi Ingalls
PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) was originally named “Stein-Leventhal Syndrome” after the two doctors who classified this disease back in the 1930s, having found polycystic ovaries to be the number one symptom in their patients. It was considered the defining symptom to diagnose what is now called Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS).
Medical research has come a long way since then. New discoveries are made everyday and improved technologies surface to help us find answers.
Typical symptoms of PCOS are menstrual issues, lack of or inconsistent ovulation, ovarian cysts, hormonal imbalances, skin conditions, excess hair growth and/or loss of hair, depression, mood swings, infertility and changes in weight – just to name a few. As you see, PCOS is properly categorized as a “Syndrome” meaning “a complex of symptoms that together indicate the existence of an undesirable condition or disease.”
Having said that, a woman can have all, some or even none of these symptoms present to live with PCOS.
You may be thinking “How can that be if Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome indicates cysts on the ovaries? It implies polycystic ovaries right in the name! Wouldn’t that mean I would have to have cysts to have PCOS?”
Absolutely not. Remember, the term “PCOS” has been used for decades – before we knew that PCOS begins in the endocrine system and that reproductive issues are only symptoms of the underlying cause, insulin resistance.
Polycystic Ovaries
Polycystic Ovaries or PCO is a symptom and in many cases, its own diagnosis, not the defining issue of PCOS. In fact, a female at any age can have PCO – regardless of their medical conditions or lack thereof. Cysts are natural and are not always considered alarming. The cysts become of medical concern when they are long-lasting and problematic.
You may be the victim of an unknowledgeable doctor if (s) he dismisses PCOS because you don’t suffer from polycystic ovaries.
PCOS is diagnosed using, at the very minimum, two tools. Blood work and medical history are absolutely vital. In some cases, a pelvic or abdominal ultrasound is used, and some doctors perform a laparoscopy. Whatever approach your doctor decides to use, make sure they are using more than one medical method for diagnosing.
If a doctor looks at you, without doing any test, and tells you that you do or do not have PCOS, seek another opinion. I would encourage you to find an Endocrinologist or a Reproductive Endocrinologist for this particular disease as PCOS is linked with insulin resistance.
If you are a woman with PCOS, with polycystic ovaries, you have several treatment options available to you.
1) Treating the PCOS – This is always a must, not just for the cysts but for your body as a whole. I strongly recommend a health care protocol including the basic needs: nutrition, exercise and support to help the process and remain focused. Many, including myself, have also used or needed supplements to help the process along. Let’s face it, our bodies do not function properly and usually need something to tell our system “hey, this is what you are supposed to do.” That said, I highly suggest the very popular system called the Insulite PCOS System at www.pcos.insulitelabs.com.
2) Ovarian Drilling – This is a medical procedure performed with a laparoscopy and you do not have to have cysts to have it done. The purpose is to burn away any cysts and/or part of the ovary with hormonal build-up. The benefits can last up to 2 years – if not more! I had this procedure done in 2001 and will do it again if necessary. Before my ovarian drilling, I was lucky to have my menstrual period every 3 to 4 months. With the surgery, Metformin, eating healthily and exercising, I have been regular and ovulatory ever since.
3) Medications (i.e. Clomid, injections) – If you are trying to conceive, this is another option. These medications can help you ovulate. You can also use medications even if you do not want children; just make sure you use other methods of birth control such as condoms, diaphragms or abstinence. For some, once you ovulate, it’s like kick starting your body into motion. The benefits can last up to 6 months or more.
4) Having a baby – Yes, believe it or not, this is an option. The same applies as the previously mentioned but the lasting effects can be much longer – for some women, it has been said up to two years!
I hope you feel more confident about dealing with ovarian cysts. For some women, it can be utterly painful, others might not even know they have them. Dealing with them is quite frustrating, I’m sure. Knowledge is power!
Published originally in PCOSA Today
About the author
Angi Ingalls has been living with PCOS since she was 8 years old. Her support for women with PCOS began when she was 15 and started her own personal outreach and education program to both the medical community and her peers. On moving to Connecticut in March 2007, she was concerned with the lack of PCOS, pre-diabetes and diabetes support and started a local support group – PCOS in ConnecTion. A PCOSA Ambassador, Angi is active in the organization’s Connecticut chapter.
October 14th, 2008
By Ed Edelson, HealthDay Reporter
Oct. 12, 2008
New genetic links to male pattern baldness have been discovered by researchers in England and Germany.
It’s the second genetic connection to the kind of hair loss that many men — and women — experience as they grow older, said Felix F. Brockschmidt, a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Bonn and one of the authors of a report published online Oct. 12 in the journal Nature Genetics.
“The first gene known until now is on the X chromosome,” Brockschmidt said. “It is the most important for alopecia [hair loss]. We are sure that this new locus we found is the second most important.”
The discovery could open the way for genetic tests to single out men most likely to lose hair as they age, Brockschmidt said. “Screening for the X chromosome locus and also for this new one can possibly show the risk of male pattern baldness,” he said.
But whether something can be done to prevent hair loss in people with the gene variants is another story, Brockschmidt acknowledged. One of the new studies was financed, in part, by Glaxo SmithKline, a pharmaceutical company that might seek commercial benefit from its support. And one small company already markets a $149 genetic screening test for male pattern baldness.
That test looks at variants of a gene governing receptors for androgens, which are male hormones. That gene location, on the X chromosome, was identified only a few years ago. A man has only one copy of the X chromosome, inherited from his mother. The new gene locus is on chromosome 20. Men and women alike have two copies of chromosome 20, inherited from both father and mother.
Any preventive treatment is far in the future, Brockschmidt stressed. “As soon as we know the gene and how it functions, we can do something,” he said. “Right now, we have identified the locus but not the gene.”
The work done in Germany paralleled a study led by researchers at Kings College London, with the results of that study differing slightly. It included 1,125 men assessed for male pattern baldness. Two regions on chromosome 20 were found to be associated with the condition. And a further study of another 1,650 men found a sevenfold increase in the incidence of baldness in the one in seven men carrying variants in both the X chromosome and chromosome 20 regions.
The new results “are certainly putting us closer to a genetic test for developing alopecia,” said Dr. George Cotsarelis, director of the Hair and Scalp Clinic at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.
But, he added, a negative reading on such a test would be more informative than a positive result showing the presence of the baldness-related genes
“If you don’t have the genes, there is a negative predictive value of 96 percent,” he said. “If you do have the genes, there is a positive predictive value of about 14 percent.
The currently marketed genetic test got a low grade from Cotsarelis. “It can predict baldness 60 percent of the time, and 50 percent of men will become bald,” he said.
http://www.healthday.com/Article.asp?AID=620210
Angi Ingalls, founder, PCOS in ConnecTion comments on this article:
I found this article very interesting because, as a PCOS educator, I am often approached by women with comments like “I’m losing my hair” or questions of “will I go bald?”
Unfortunately, that question cannot be answered affirmatively until it starts to happen. Genetics definitely is the key to figuring it out. What I tell women with PCOS is to look at the men in their family. If they suffer from baldness then their risk increases, especially without treatment.
It will be interesting to see the end results with this study. In the meantime, here are some options for treating baldness that I’m aware of:
1) Treating the endocrine disease with a healthy diet, exercise, medications or nutraceuticals.
2) Rogain/Progain
3) Massage Therapy
4) Improving your environment by reducing the chemicals, poisons and “unnaturals”
PCOS symptoms are always frustrating to deal with and having symptoms that are hard to hide are even more aggravating; however, there are a few options to help hide your baldness:
1) Wigs – Wigs are not always noticeable. High quality wigs are usually made of human hair and can be cut, styled and washed like your own hair.
2) Weaves – Weaves are a great option that come in several different application techniques. Find a technician in your area to discuss options. They come in a lovely array of synthetics that mix well with your own.
3) Euro Locs or Extensions – This is another option that also available via several techniques. You can even buy clip-on extensions or extensions created on barrettes. Look online for a resource near you. (Hint: usually there is a Kiosk in the mall that sells barrette-style extensions)
Dealing with this symptom can be frustrating but with the right treatment, you can improve how your hair looks and how you feel about yourself.
Source: http://health.yahoo.com/news/healthday/newgeneticlinkstobaldnessdiscovered.html
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 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.
July 7th, 2008
by Angi Ingalls
PCOS in ConnecTion
How do you take care of your health and still be able to afford to get to work or heat your home? It’s a shame that many have to choose between gas/oil and the necessities to treat our PCOS.
There are ways you can adjust your lifestyle slightly to put more money in your pocket thus help you be able to continue your PCOS treatments and lifestyle.
CLOTHING
Hand-soak special clothing (according to tags on clothing) in your favorite laundry soap for an hour, rinse and hang. This will help save on washer and dryer usage and at the same time, increase the longevity of your clothes. Increasing the longevity of your clothing also means fewer purchases of replacements.
Avoid drying your clothes and invest in a fold-a-way wooden or plastic wrack (metals leave imprints and can rust). Again, adding longevity and saving energy and money on using that energy.
Check out your local thrift, consignment and Work for Women shops. Many people are resorting to selling their clothing they don’t need to help with their wallets, in turn saving you a great deal on something needed.
Bargain shop. Don’t be afraid to check out the mini-strip malls or flea markets. Often times they sell new clothing at a fraction of the cost of stores. If you must buy name-brand, try the outlets or online shopping. They often have better bargains and clearances.
Wardrobe-Share: Find a friend that has a similar size and see if you can borough and loan. This is a great way to stay connected with your friends and keep more money in your pocket. Co-workers are not off limits but make sure you aren’t sharing work clothes.
Craigslist.com and your local paper is a great way to find those bargains, freebees and yardsales.
FOOD
Salads have become more and more expensive with the cost of trucking it in. Some solutions include shopping at your local flea market or farmers markets, cutting back on the quantity and slimming back the variety.. For example; instead of all the fixings, take one or two items away, avoid the croutons or bacon-bits (face it, we don’t need it) and buy in smaller batches to help avoid tossing out aging food.
Cook more at home, store leftovers and cut back on eating out. This one is very hard for me because we are always on the go. I, myself, am going to try to use that thingy attached to my fridge. Whatever, it’s that very cold doo-hicky thing that holds the ice. I think it’s called a frrr…freezer? Nah, that can’t be it, sounds too weird.
Choose foods differently. Instead of buying the prepackaged ham, try the deli. They are often times cheaper per the quantity and have sales.
Coupons are my landlords equivalency to my ice cream. I make sure I give all of mine to her and she saves a bundle. But it also depends on how you live. For me, we eat a lot of fresh foods and don’t buy brand. We don’t eat a lot of boxed goods either. So a lot of the coupons would go to waste for me. However; I do use the pharmaceutical, health/beauty and gas coupons faithfully – which she gladly donates to me. The rule is, if you have never needed it then don’t buy it just because you have a coupon for it or it’s on sale. Donate your coupon to someone else who may use it.
Instead of buying 90% lean beef, cut back to 85% or 80%. It can save you a bundle without a huge impact on your health. You can even combine 90% and 80% then freeze some. Again, saving you some money. This can be done with other foods too. Example: Spinach with broccoli; broccoli is usually cheaper. Another solution is using frozen broccoli with whole fresh spinach leaves. Frozen blueberries but fresh strawberries are a good combo. (Note: frozen strawberries are less healthy because their structure changes by becoming higher sugar content and shrinking causing you to eat more than you would if you ate fresh. Blueberries don’t change when frozen if bought without the “sauce”.)
Try the cheaper brands or store brands of foods. Often times, they are just as good as the name brands. I will admit though, I can’t do that with cereal. I love my Kashi O’s. But store brand health aids are the same as name brand, but without the cost.
PHARMACEUTICALS
As stated before, store brands or generic are the same but cheaper. Try Wal*Mart’s or Target’s $4 generic program. It doesn’t matter the size of your bank account or if you have insurance. For my Metformin and my thyroid medication, I spend $8 a month on medications – I have insurance copay of $15 per drug per month. They now have at Wal*Mart a three month $10 program – meaning if your doctor writes your prescription at 3-month refills, you can get a three month supply for $10 per drug.
Check with your doctor about getting some samples. These are usually a full month but free from your doctors hand to yours.
HEALTH & BEAUTY
Try extending your products. Instead of using them every day, try every other day. If you must use something every day try the generic version (I swear they are the same thing) or swap every other day with name band and generic or another type of supply.
In most cases, you do not have to wash your hair every day. I do rinse my hair daily and condition it every other day but I only wash it once a week. For some, you may need twice a week. As a former schooled (but unlicensed) cosmetologist, if you take care of your hair, it does not need to be washed as frequently as many have you believe. Often times, rinsing in warm water and dry-brushing are enough to get out the junk. If your hair feels a bit overly oily try rubbing-through a small amount of shampoo (not lathering up) and rinsing. This will not be a full wash but enough to cut the oily out while still leaving some healthy oils behind and saving you some wasted unnecessary shampoo. Also know that leaving your hair less washed most likely will mean less dandruff since you won’t be drying out your scalp.
I use faithfully Oil of Olay Derma Pods. I get more uses out of one pod by removing the sponge and putting on a small amount of cream. The sponge actually wastes almost 2/3rds of the cream. I can get 3 to 4 uses out of my single pod.
When using lotions, it is best to have damp skin. This helps in several ways. The lotion helps to lock in the moisture and it helps you spread the lotion better. You don’t need a lot and by doing it on moist skin, you help spread it thinner than if your skin was dry. I try to soak my hands or feet in hot water for a few minutes before lotion.
I have just become a nail-salon-junky thanks to my lovely landlord. She took me to one a couple of months ago and now I crave it. I get my toes and nails spoofed up, I get my legs arms and back massaged and some womanly contact. Now, this does not mean I do this weekly but I do aim for once-a-month. It’s a great way to feel better about yourself, feel like a sexy woman and become refreshed from the troubles of living. Here’s the trick. Take care of your hands and feet in between treatments with specific creams for specific problems. Also, search out the brand of nail polish they use and buy the color you choose for your treatment. When you have nicks you can touch-up at home thus allowing your lovely nails to stay lovely longer.
Hope these tidbits help. How much money do you think you will save? What tip can you offer to help others? What have you found works for you?
Angi Ingalls; PCOS in ConnecTion
Guest PCOS writer
pcosinct@yahoo.com
Educator for over 18 years
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.
