A Acne is a common symptom of PCOS and can be helped by some medications or topical cleansers but speak to your GP or dermatologist/endocrinologist as some have side effects.
B B Vitamins are often low or lacking in PCOS so it is useful to be tested for deficiencies and if you take metformin be aware it is linked to B12 deficiency.
C Cysts can form on the ovaries but you can have cysts and not have PCOS and also the term cysts is somewhat misleading as they are in fact immature follicles not cysts.
D The sunshine vitamin, Vitamin D, is one that is commonly low in women with PCOS so get it tested and supplement if necessary.
E Everyone…is different. PCOS is a syndrome and although there are 4 main types its important to remember that no two people with PCOS have the same problems.
F Fertility – There are treatments like Clomid, gonadotrophins, ovarian drilling or IVF. Different treatments have different success rates but many women with PCOS conceive with treatments – again everyone is different and some don’t. Check out the side effects carefully.
G Groups are available for support. Check out Facebook for PCOS Vitality Peer Support Group
H Hirsutism is a real challenge to control in PCOS but there are many treatments available including Eflornithene cream (if you can convince your GP to prescribe it) or electrolysis or laser hair removal (both expensive and take time) and the usual shaving, waxing, plucking or bleaching methods. See which works best for you.
I Inspiration is what you need – surround yourself with positive PCOS people – learn as much from them as you can and share your problems and be inspired to live your best life.
J Just be yourself – there is no need to try to be anything else – Sometimes we pressure ourselves to conforming to stereotypical expectations of what it is to be a woman…just find your comfort zone and just be.
K Keep going – never quit.
L Love your PCOS body and mind.
M Mindfulness not mind full. Look after your mental health as well as your physical health.
N No – saying No is something you may have to do when your PCOS body needs rest and that is perfectly ok. Know when you need to recharge those batteries.
O Outdoors – Fresh air, walking, nature and exercise – its all great for PCOS.
P Peace is important as stress can make the symptoms of PCOS worse. Create quite spaces for times when you need to chill.
Q Questions – my favourite thing – keep asking questions – we all need to learn more about PCOS, be curious.
R Rollercoasting – those dam hormones can cause havoc with our moods and we can go on a little bit of a rollercoaster ride. Find what helps you stay steady!
S Support – its important to get some good emotional support if you have PCOS – find a good group and use it wisely but be cautious that all on the internet is not 100% accurate 100% of the time.
T Trust your body – get in tune with your body and listen to what it is telling you in relation to activity, energy and food. Adjust yourself accordingly and move forward.
U Uplift – use whatever you find uplifting, be it exercise, music or a favourite hobby to uplift your spirit, motivation and mood.
V Vaginas and vulvas – remember vulva on the outside, vagina on the inside, check your vulva for changes regularly.
W Wombcancer – its serious – be aware and get any abnormalities checked out.
X X-rated – Don’t let PCOS stop you from having a great sex life – it shouldn’t - you should have great orgasms and have pain free sex - if not see your gynaecologist immediately.
Y You – Make you a priority.
Z Zen – try to achieve a sense of calm by emptying your mind of worries regularly and focusing on you, even if only for short time, everyday.
(c) M Busby, 2019
This information is not intended as medical advice. Always speak to your healthcare professional.
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