February 25th, 2008
News-medical.net
Sunday, 24-Feb-2008
Contrary to previous studies, female-to-male transsexuals do not have a higher prevalence of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), though they do have significantly higher androgen levels, according to a new study accepted for publication in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism (JCEM).
PCOS is an endocrine disorder with a host of symptoms related to small painful cysts on the ovaries. It is marked by the overproduction of male hormones in females. Until now, it has been postulated that the prevalence of PCOS in female-to-male transsexuals is higher than normal.
“Several studies have reported a higher prevalence of PCOS in female-to-male transsexuals but the numbers of patients were small and ultrasound was not used for diagnosis,” said Dr. Andreas Mueller of Erlangen University Hospital in Erlangen, Germany. “This is the first prospective endocrine evaluation of female-to-male transsexuals using up-to-date state-of-the-art criteria incorporating transvaginal ultrasonography for diagnosing PCOS or hyperandrogenemia.”
Researchers used clinical, biochemical, and ultrasound criteria to diagnose PCOS in a group of 61 female-to-male transsexuals, using the complete diagnostic procedures described in the National Institutes of Health 1990 and Rotterdam 2003 criteria. These results were compared prospectively with those of 94 healthy unselected controls.
According to the researchers, the higher androgen levels are likely to be of ovarian origin, though it may be due to undetected self-medication with androgens before inclusion in the study. Female-to-male transsexuals were examined prospectively before receiving any androgen therapy. Only patients who confirmed that they had not taken any hormone preparation were included in the analysis.
Other researchers working on the study include Louis J. Gooren of Free University Medical Center in Amsterdam, the Netherlands; and Susanne Naton-Schotz, Susanne Cupisti, Matthias Beckmann, and Ralf Dittrich of Erlangen University Hospital in Erlangen, Germany.
A rapid release version of this paper has been published on-line and will appear in the April 2008 issue of JCEM, a publication of The Endocrine Society.
http://www.endo-society.org
February 21st, 2008
by Angi Ingalls
PCOS in ConnecTion
Over the years there have been some questions and thoughts that keeps arising for me. Hoping God will finally make these things a reality. So, I thought maybe I’d put them down on paper – er, computer, and share my bewildering reflections.
Why can’t pimples be brown? It would be so easy to pass them off as moles or freckles. I’ll let you in on a little secret, I have been known to color some pimples with a brown eyeliner then covered it lightly with cover-up to give that ‘mole’ impression. It’s great for that big event – and we get a little umph of Marilyn in our lives.
Why do the colored hairs fall out and not the grey ones? Better than A) passing them off as blondes with highlights or B) plucking them – which only adds to the hairloss situation.
Why can’t soaking in a tub of water get rid of wrinkles? Imagine the money we would save from buying containers and tubes to go through our beauty rituals – earth friendly too. Please recycle.
Great, scientists have finally recognized chocolate has healthy aspects to it, not to mention taming a woman’s wild beast of desire. So listen up FDA, it’s really time to add chocolate as a food group somewhere on the pyramid, don’t ya think? “Eat all of your chocolate, young lady.” “Oh, ok, ma.”
I think it’s time that for every hair we pluck, we shall be granted 1 pound weight loss. Ha? Ha? Ya! Please? Ok, how about a half a pound? Work with me, here.
“A penny for your thoughts” should be direct deposited right into my bank account. Not only would I be well off, my ramblings would be much more appreciated.
What would you like to add?
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.
February 19th, 2008
By Chris Thomas
From PCOSA Today Dec. 2007/Jan. 2008
Sensory input could contribute to an array of metabolic disorders such as obesity, diabetes and PCOS
The smell of coffee can wake many of us from a dead sleep. Chocolate chip cookies in the oven can make our mouths water. And that apple pie candle – well, it smells good enough to eat. These common sensory events may very well be stimulating the hormonal conditions that contribute to existing metabolic disorders such as Insulin Resistance and other insulin-related problems such as Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), obesity and Diabetes, among others.
Scent is biochemical information. Molecules taken in through the nose are integrated into the databank of the limbic system, the most primitive part of the brain and the area associated with emotion, memory and learning. Scent is a survival mechanism which has, over the course of evolution, helped inform the Central Nervous System of the presence of nutrients (among many other things), to ensure a steady energy supply to the body.
Working in concert, the endocrine system then triggers hormonal changes in appetite, in response to stress, in fat storage and in other metabolic functions. If the insulin signaling process is impaired, then, in theory, each incidence of sensory input could contribute to an array of metabolic disorders such as obesity, Diabetes and PCOS. In fact, a recent study published by the Diabetes Association (1) supports this theory.
Scented candles and essential oils are thought to be a gentle art, and you can check the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (www.naha.org) for good information. They outline some of the more worrisome oils and list some of the medical conditions that are problematic. Of those mentioned as toxic, Sassafras, Wormwood, Tansey and Wintergreen are probably most recognized, however, Pennyroyal oil, Parsley herb oil, and Almond herb oil have formulations that should also be avoided. And while any scent that stimulates an appetite reaction should probably be avoided, there is a study that tested cinnamon, fenugreek, cumin and oregano and found evidence that they may lower circulating glucose levels as they increase insulin sensitivity. (2) Most importantly, use caution – everyone responds differently to scents and as we have indicated, they can trigger undesirable reactions.
About the author
Chris Thomas is a writer/designer of educational material structurally focused to create cognitively sound, visual tutorials which enable non-technical learners to understand complex issues. Specializing in new media, her projects include web content, computer animation, electronic and traditional illustration and video and film production. An interest in biochemistry and medicine has enabled Chris to design presentations for many biotech patent litigations as well as the physiology tutorials for several of the anti-tobacco trials.
(1) Insulin Signaling in the Central Nervous System, A Critical Role in Metabolic Homeostasis and Disease from C. elegans to Humans; Daniel Porte, Jr.; Denis G. Baskin; Michael W. Schwartz -Diabetes. 2005;54(5):1264-1276. ©2005 American Diabetes Association, Inc.
(2) Diabetes, Obesity & Metabolism. 7(2):193-199, March 2005. Talpur, N. 1; Echard, B. 1; Ingram, C. 2; Bagchi, D. 3; Preuss, H. 1
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February 14th, 2008
by Fighting Back in Colorado
A Woman with PCOS tells her Laser-Hair-Removal Story
I just finished my fifth round of laser hair removal treatments. Yes, it was expensive. Yes, it kind of hurts. Yes, it was worth it!
Like many women with PCOS, I suffer from Hirsutism, which is just a fancy word for women sprouting goatees and chest hair.
Things definitely improved when I followed the Insulite PCOS exercise and nutrition plan and took their nutraceuticals. I lost weight and my excess hair was dissipating.
But I still had enough growth on and around my chin to be embarrassing. Tired of waxing and plucking, I finally decided to have it permanently removed.
After much Googling on the subject, I found that having dark hair and fair skin makes me the perfect candidate for successful laser hair removal. Apparently, the contrast helps attract the laser to the hair. I called a nearby clinic and made an appointment for a consultation.
I was surprised when the esthetician I consulted with was familiar with women and PCOS, who she said were “some of my best clients.” I was told I would need three to seven rounds of thirty-minute treatment sessions to achieve maximum results. Much to my dismay, she also informed me that results are not always permanent and that maintenance sessions may be necessary. With the treatments costing about $150 each, I prayed for permanence! I left the clinic that day with a tube of topical anesthetic (numbing cream) and an appointment for the following Monday.
As instructed, I applied the anesthetic to my chin thirty minutes prior to my appointment. When I slathered the cream onto my freshly shaved face, as instructed, at the red light of a large intersection, I began feeling a little nervous. If it was only “mildly painful,” why did I have to apply a numbing cream?
Palms sweating, I positioned myself into the treatment chair. The esthetician came in and handed me a pair of pink eye glasses. “For eye protection from the laser,” she said. She then donned a pair herself and went to work on me. The description of the pain I had read on the Internet, “a rubber band snapping against your skin,” was pretty close to how it felt, not unbearable, but certainly annoying. Over the course of twenty minutes she moved the laser gun systematically across my chin and jaw line. Afterwards, she applied some sort of soothing gel to calm the irritation.
Once home again, I inspected my chin in the mirror. Even though I had shaved, some of the hairs, looking rather fried, had literally popped out of their follicles. I could just pull them out. Slightly disgusting, nevertheless, this seemed like progress!
After four more rounds of treatments I am happy to say that I am virtually beard free! Now, when I kiss my husband I know I am just feeling his stubble, not our stubble.
To be continued…
