HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!

Hey girls, I hope you all had an amazing Christmas and i hope you all have a fab new year!

i hope 2012 brings you all what you wish for, good health, BFP's and just a brill year with the people you love :)

Sorry this has been a bit inactive these past few months but ive been very busy, in the new year there will be more regular posts from the girls and I xxx

Nadine xxx

Let's get awareness out there...

As all us 'cysters' well know the most annoying thing to be asked is 'what is PCOS?' Along with 'when are you going to have children?'
So I'm asking you all a favor.
As we need to raise more awareness could I ask you to share our blog to get the information out there and educate people on our daily struggles. And maybe, we can raise enough awareness to finally get some more research done to help find a cure.

Hope you have an amazing day :)

Nadine xxx
Sent from my BlackBerry® smartphone

Bromocriptine, is it any better than Clomid?

Bromocriptine... Never heard of it? Neither did i until about 3 hours ago, Its less used than Clomid as its only used for ovulation problems with with a particular cause, Women with ovulation problems caused by an excess of the hormone prolactin (hyperprolactinemia which is produced by the pituitary gland) may benefit from this particular medication. Excess prolactin can be caused by a pituitary adenoma (a benign tumour on the pituitary gland), by a reduction in dopamine in the brain or by an unknown cause.
Excess prolactin reduces levels of the hormone oestrogen and inhibits ovulation making it difficult to get pregnant. Too much prolactin can also cause you to produce breast milk even though you haven't been pregnant or breastfeeding.

Anyway... Ive been reading quite a few web articles about it and i like what I'm reading, with a 50% success rate I'm loving it...

So how does it work? Bromocriptine, also known by its brand name Parlodel, comes from the group of drugs called dopamine receptor stimulants. These drugs are commonly used to treat Parkinson's disease, but they are also used to treat fertility problems specifically related to too much prolactin. The drug acts on the pituitary gland, reducing the production of the hormone prolactin. It is taken orally in the form of tablets, capsules or vaginally.
You need to take the pills two to three times a day. The dose is increased slowly, under the supervision of a specialist doctor. Once your prolactin level is within a normal range, you will begin to menstruate and ovulate again.
You can then try to conceive naturally, unless you have other types of fertility problems as well, in which case you may need to try assisted conception treatments like IUI or IVF. As soon as pregnancy is confirmed, the drug is discontinued. This treatment is considered safe even if it goes on for several years.

Some women experience nausea, dry mouth, nasal stuffiness, dizziness, low blood pressure and headaches. Bromocriptine can also make you feel drowsy, On rare occasions the drug has caused people to fall asleep suddenly. If this should happen, seek advice from your doctor as soon as possible.
Side-effects are most severe at the beginning of treatment, but often subside as your body adjusts to the drug. Taking the medication with meals or just after a meal can help. Women who use the drug vaginally often report fewer side-effects.

so..... 50% of women taking Bromocriptine ovulated within 3-5months of treatment, and all apparently conceived, I'm going to do a bit more research but i might ask the doctor about it...

I'm sorry i haven't done much blogging lately, Ive been very very busy, still waiting on my sister to have my niece, so afterwards i'll be posting more often <3

Nadine xxxxxxx

Please don't say........

Please don't ask me when I am going to have children. It breaks my heart. I try and try and try but I have PCOS. It doesn't come naturally to my body, apparently. One of the girls I work with who is one of my best friends said to me the other day," I never met anyone like you before. I always knew that some people had a problem getting pregnant but I never knew what it was like until I met you." Yes, it is awful. There is no easy or nice way to say it. It is awful. If you don't know someone's personal business, please please please don't ever ask someone when are you going to have kids? The last time I heard that question I burst into tears. I try every day of every month. I have tried for years. I desperately want to have children. I think about it every day. I cry every month when it doesn't happen. I try every cliche idea that someone has. I try vitamins. I count days. I have a calender marked with circles and dots and highlights. I have tried infertility drugs. I have tried not trying. Anyone else remember that episode of Roseanne where she was laying on the bed with her feet in the air? Yep, tried that too. Not every one works the same way. My body just doesn't find having children a natural thing I guess. The worst thing some one can say to me is "Your getting older now. You should start thinking about having children." I just want to scream at the top of my lungs,"don't you think I have been trying for years!!" I just nod my head politely and say I will see what I can do.

The other awful thing someone can say to me is "You're so lucky you don't have children." This is usually uttered by a parent of two, three, or even four children. Usually who just got pregnant. They didn't have to work at it. They didn't have to try. A very dear friend of mine who is a single father of three beautiful boys once looked at me and said," I am so jealous of you. You don't have any kids. You don't have any worries." All I could say to him in the sweetest voice possible and trying to hold back the tears was," I am so jealous of you. You have wonderful children." Yes, I understand that having children is a job but unless you know someone is childless through choice please don't say that.

This is really more of my ranting and venting my frustrations but I know that many of you will understand and identify with me. Please know you are not alone. When someone says something insensitive like either of these two options you have two choices. One- really lay into them. Let them have it. Give them a piece of your mind. Two- Just leave the room when the tears start to form and you can't hide how choked up you are getting. I choose option two because I am very non confrontational. I wish I could be more like the first choice but it is not who I am. Why can't everyone just be a little more sensitive to what others may be going through. Just because you have a random thought in your head does not mean it needs to come out of your mouth.

My Journey with PCOS

When I first thought of sharing my story it was overwhelming. The idea of making my very private struggle public was scary. I am the type of person that is very private. I keep my internal struggles to myself and haven't even shared this story with many people who I am the closest to. After much thinking and soul searching I have figured out that it is important I share my story in hopes of helping someone else who is going through something similar.

Knowing what I know now I believe I have had PCOS my entire life. When I was small the pediatrician told my mother that I was over weight and I needed to be on a diet. I was in 2nd or 3rd grade. My mom had good intentions of following the doctors orders. It was then that she began logging all the food I ate and weighing me each morning. That is when the struggle with my weight started. Up until then I was ok with my body. After that I was conscience of every pound, every inch, and every new bit of fat or lump on my body. I first got my period the summer between 5th and 6th grade. I couldn't really talk about it with my mom. You just didn't talk about things like that in my house. I had learned in health class that it takes a while for your period to become regular so it never alarmed me that my period was never regular. As I got older my period became less and less frequent. By the time I had graduated from high school I was lucky if I got my period once every 6 months or so. Like most teenagers, I was very moody. I was often depressed and had my first encounter with a therapist at the age of 14 or 15. My teenage years were something I would really like to forget. I was overweight my whole life and high school was awful. I tried exercise and eating very little. When that didn't work, I tried not eating at all. I could not loose any weight. That is where my horrible self esteem began. The therapist blamed it all on depression. At one point, my hair began to thin. My once long thick hair started to fall out. That is the only thing I did complain to my mom about. She said "Oh, it's normal". Then I showed her my hair brush filled with hair and she thought it might be an issue. A trip to the doctor later I was given the task of counting all the hairs that fell out of my head. Every night I had to one by one count all the hairs in my brush. Up until then I didn't know that you loose on average 75 to 100 hairs a day. I was loosing twice that. Based on my thinning hair and my being overweight, the doctor tested me for diabetes. Those test came back normal and I was given a prescription for Rogain. As the years went on I became more comfortable with my body. I was no longer ashamed of the way I looked and once I was in college I actually allowed myself to do normal teenage things. My period was still abnormal. I started bleeding and for almost two months I suffered in silence. One day I finally was so sick that I broke down and told my best friend the problem I was having. She took me and we went to her Gynecologist. I had never been to one of those doctors before and it was a very scary experience. Her doctor was a man. How was I suppose to have a man down there? One who I didn't know? That was a problem for me so to fix the situation I was allowed to see the nurse practitioner. She put me on the pill after my describing all the problems I had been having for years with my cycle. She told me that what I was experiencing was not normal. The pill was not a solution to my problems though. After being on it for a few months I realized I was gaining a lot of weight. I tried and tried to loose it but it wouldn't go away. I took myself off the birth control pills because I needed to stop gaining weight. My cycle went back to being once every 6 months but I stopped gaining all that weight. When I was 20 or 21 I started having awful anxiety attacks. The first time I had one I thought I was going to die. I was sure I was having a heart attack. I took myself to the doctor who referred me to another doctor, a Psychiatrist. I was once again diagnosed with depression and given Anti-depressants. Those drugs made me feel like a zombie I couldn't take them for very long and eventually took myself off of them again. I learned to know when I was about to have an anxiety attack so I could control them on my own. Months went by and my cycle was never regular. I had been with my boyfriend for a long time at that point and thought "maybe I'm pregnant." Several pregnancy tests ,all negative, later and still no period for months I took myself back to a new OB-GYN. This one was a woman. I though I would be comfortable and she would understand my issues. I went in to the office and a tiny little woman of Indian descent came in to talk to me. She had a very thick accent and was hard for me to understand. She talked to me for just a few minutes and said she was going to do an ultrasound. I was confused because I knew I was not pregnant and I though that an ultra sound was for pregnant women. I laid back and she started pointing at all these spots on my insides. She said "do you see that?" I said yes. She said" I believe you have Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. You are fat and you will probably never have children." She told me to get dressed and left the room. I was 22 years old, in tears because all my life I had dreamed of having children and this cold hearted woman took that away in 2 minutes. I couldn't even think straight. I cried the whole way home. I got home, laid on the couch,and cried more. When my boyfriend came in he didn't know what to say I couldn't breath I was crying so hard. He said "What do you have?" I really didn't have an answer because she really didn't explain it to me. I had to do something so I called my insurance company. I needed a referral to a new doctor who could tell me about this. The sent me to see the most wonderful man, Dr. Steve. He explained to me what I had and that I could have children some day. He put me on Metformin. Since my period had never been regular I didn't think twice about it when I started to bleed for months at a time. It wasn't until I was so tired I couldn't keep my eyes open and still bleeding I decided there was a problem. I called and ended up in the hospital to have a DNC. A few months later it started again and back into the hospital for another DNC. I am so happy to say that every since the second DNC my cycle has been like clockwork. Things were going along quite normally and my husband and I had decided we were ready to start trying to have a child. I was on Clomid with no results. The prescription was doubled with still no results. As the years had gone on I tried to stop obsessing over the idea of having a child but with each year that went by and each baby shower I went to it got harder. My friends all had children and still I had none. I would cry myself to sleep at night. When I turned 30 I took it really hard. In my head, by the time I was 30 I should have already had two children. It had always been my plan. I didn't have any. I wanted to get pregnant so desperately and it just wasn't happening. I found myself again very depressed and sad. Then I started having problems I was getting so sick. I just didn't feel right. I thought I was getting a yeast infection but it never started to itch it just hurt. I was in excruciating pain all the time. I went to see Dr. Steve and he looked at me and said that this could be bad. He did an ultra sound and discovered I have cysts on my ovaries that were huge. One was the size of a plum. The other ovary had a cyst the size of a grapefruit. He said he would have to operate on my yet again to remove the large cysts. I was scared but he fixed me before. I went to the hospital that day with my husband and my mother and it was then that I was told the most horrific thing I could ever have been told. That the large cyst had grown to be the size of a grapefruit and it grew around my ovary. My ovary was crushed and would have to be removed. I started to scream. Why was all this happening to me? I just wanted to be normal and have a child. I had so many problems and the PCOS made it so much harder to get pregnant and now here they were, telling me that they were taking out my ovary! I just started to cry. The last thing I remember as they were putting me out was Dr. Steve telling me it was going to be ok and tears streaming down my face. When I woke up I was in so much pain. What hurt the most wasn't the idea that I had an incision like a c-section with no baby to show for it but that when I woke up I was told that my sister in law had just had their baby. That was awful. The day I got out of the hospital we went to see the new baby. I couldn't even look at it. That little boy was 6 months old before I was even able to hold him. I have been told I can still get pregnant with one ovary. Just a few months ago I was checked to see why I haven't gotten pregnant now that my cycle is regular. I have been living with PCOS for 13 years now. I now see that all the problems I have had over all these years were the beginnings of my PCOS. I believe in my heart that I will have a child one day. I have come to accept the idea that it may only be one but it will happen. I have to have hope.

NEW.... wanna' buddy??

Hey girls :)

Ive set a new PCOS BUDDIES scheme on facebook...

This groups aim is to bring more Cysters close together and get some much needed face to face support :)

If you would like to join in and get some support then join the group :D

http://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/135861053181051/

Nadine xxx

Eating Healthy with PCOS

Insulin resistance (IR) is common in women with PCOS, with as many as 40% of women being diagnosed with IR. IR is a state in which your body can't use insulin effectively, thus raising blood sugar to dangerous levels. Constant high levels of sugar (glucose) in the system can lead to diabetes. What does this have to do with PCOS? In PCOS, high levels of insulin can increase the production of male hormones (androgens such as testosterone) in the ovary. Both of these, high insulin and high testosterone, can lead to no periods, excessive hair growth, acne and trouble ovulating. For these reasons, and because there is no cure for either diabetes, or PCOS, it is important to live a healthy lifestyle, including eating well.

There are three different types of carbohydrates that your body uses: Starches (complex carbs), Sugars, and Fiber.

Starches include foods like beans, pastas, corn and potatoes.

There are two main types of Sugars, natural sugar (sugar that is already in food, such as fruit) and added sugar, which includes syrups, such as those in pop, added sugars in fruit juices, and drinks or baked goods.

Fibers include whole grains, veggies and fruits and nuts. Most people don't get enough fiber in their diet (recommendation is 25-30 grams/day), so added fiber is a benefit.

While there isn't any agreement on diets for PCOS, it is recommended that women follow a low carb diet. Eating well includes getting the recommended amount of fiber in a day, eating foods in their whole state (basically eating fruits and veggies that aren't canned, and other foods in their most basic state), limiting sugars, eating whole grains instead of white or enriched, and limiting starches.

Here are a few tips to help with making the change to a more healthy you:

Substitute sweet potatoes for regular potatoes. They taste great and have less carbs. You can use them the same way (in fact, I think they taste better than white ones when they are baked). You could also use cauliflower in place of mashed potatoes.

Choose foods low in salt. I use Mrs. Dash Original in place of salt. I don't even miss it, except on my eggs.

Eat plenty of pasta, preferably whole grain. Complex carbohydrates keep you feeling full, and it takes them longer to turn to sugar in your body. This reduces the high sugar spikes after eating.

Bake, grill or steam food instead of frying it. It's more flavorful, less fat and keeps the nutrients locked into the food.

Include fish in your diet, as it provides many vitamins and is a powerful brain booster. It also improves heart health.

Eat every 3 to 5 hours. 3 meals and snacks. Make sure to include protein or fat in each meal.

Portions matter!

Find a registered dietician to help you set up a meal plan. They are able to help figure out just how many calories, and carbs you need per day and figure out a meal plan.

These are just some of the things that I try to follow. I am in no way a professional! I hope to have a small recipe collection coming soon, with some healthy food. Nadine has a list of low GI foods on the site, so please look those up. Remember that exercise, nutrition, a good doctor and great support are necessary for a healthy life, not just physically, but mentally as well!

Soy Isoflavones... The final chapter

OK girls... in all i think SI is totally worth it, in reality now i look back on it i would have waited till i had my cycle regularised before trying, but i defiantly recommend it. 1... It is cheaper than clomid, 2... Its natural and 3... Any thing is worth a try :).

I'm almost sure that i have Ovulated,but still AF isn't rearing her ugly head, i have taken 5 tests but still BFN, hoping that its just a case of being too early to test. I will keep you all posted :)

Join us on facebook (click on the facebook tab at the top of the page) and if you have anything you want written about just ask :)

Hope you all have a fab day <3

Nadine xxx

A freinds blog...

i have an amazing friend that has started a personal blog,  http://wiccanpcosmummy.blogspot.com/
she is so inspirational! she has been through so much on her journey, she has also got a Facebook page... http://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/216834345045560/

i hope you will all take a look :) you wont regret it :)

Nadine xxx

SI review Part 2.

So Soy Isoflaveones... What do I think?
I'm all most sure I have ovulated this month and have been having little 'signs' of pregnancy, so going to do a test in 2 days time, AF hasn't turned up which could be a very good thing but at the same time if I am not pregnant the SI has failed!
I would take them again. I have to admit I haven't had and horrid side effects, which is unusual for me as I always get them all full pelt lol. If you are interested in taking SI I would highly recommend it! Anything is worth a try right? And at half the price of Clomid you can't go wrong! I got mine in Tesco (UK) for just a little over £4.

I'll keep you all updated on the HPT results :)

Nadine xxx
Sent from my BlackBerry® smartphone

PETITION!!

OK ladies, if you are in the UK you will know about the story of postcode lottery when it comes to fertility treatments, a friend of mine has set up a petition which needs 1000 signatures to be even looked at by the Health Minister, so lets help her help us :)

http://www.gopetition.com/petition/43913.html

I also have the second part of the Soy Isoflavones review coming soon :)

Nadine xx

Amanda's story

Amanda's Journey with PCOS

I had no idea what my doctor was talking about when she told me I had PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome). In fact, I don't think she knew.

I was 16, and had been having horrible pains in my lower stomach for about 6 months. Pains that sent me to the emergency room twice a week for months. The doctors would pump me full of pain pills and send me on my way. They had no idea what was going on. I was getting ready to move in with my fiance at the time, trying to finish high school, you know living life. And then, I had a health issue that no body could help me with. I had the stomach pains, no period and I was growing hair in spots that I was sure there wasn't supposed to be hair, at least on a girl. I shaved almost everyday, going to great lengths to not let my fiance know I was shaving as much as he was. I was a healthy weight, so what was going on?

When I was finally able to get into the doctor, she did an ultrasound and showed me the white circles all over my ovaries. Telling me they were cysts, and there was no cure for them, that I would never have kids as I couldn't release an egg from my ovaries. She handed me the pamphlet (a whole page long), prescribed birth control pills, and sent me home. I was shocked that there was no research on this, no one I could call and ask questions about, no internet pages to look things up on. I was on my own. I started a support group on line, the first in my state. It took 1 year and a lot of practice, but I was finally able to hand it over to women who had more time to devote to the site.

I was the youngest person to be diagnosed in the state with PCOS at the time (according to the doctor) and the first in my family. My mom and grandma had similar symptoms, but back then, there wasn't any thing they knew about PCOS, in fact they didn't ever find the cause of my mom's symptoms. She had 5 miscarriages before she was lucky enough to have me ( she had my 2 sisters after wards). My grandma had diabetes and my mom developed it. The doctors said it was genetic, to prepare ourselves and eat better, so we would have less of a chance to get it. No one made a connection between it and pcos.

I had always wanted a family. My fiance and I got married, intending to start filling our home right away, as he wanted kids as much as I did. 6 months later, we still had no luck. When I went back to the doctor, I had to explain to her what PCOS was. I had continued to do research, still finding little out about everything I needed to know. I was horribly moody, to the point of picking fights just to fight. I was up one minute, down the next, crying and hiding in our room. I had no desire for sex, I felt horribly “ungirly”, and was severely depressed. One night, I was in the emergency room, my husband had long ago stopped going with me, and found out I had my first miscarriage. I was devastated. I went home, went to bed and never even told my husband. We had no clue that I was even pregnant, as we were told we would never have kids. I wept for days, and felt bad about not telling my husband that we lost a child, but I thought if he couldn't care enough to go to the hospital, why did he care about the outcome. Irrational maybe, but that was the feeling I had. The harder we tried for kids, the worse our marriage got, until a little over a year of marriage, we ended up divorced.

The internet became a wonderful thing. More and more women were being diagnosed with PCOS and looking for answers. There were more sites that had experiences of these women and the symptoms they were having. I began to feel less alone, but more frustrated at not getting answers. I couldn't even find a doctor who knew what I was talking about. I joined chat rooms, support groups, and talked to every doctor I could.

I finally met a guy that wasn't worried about having kids. I never fully explained what pcos was; how could I when I didn't fully understand it? I knew I couldn't have kids, that I had unexplained problems and that was about it. We got married and moved from my home town to Wisconsin. There, I had to find a new doctor, but, surprise! I found one that I DIDN'T have to explain what I had. She already knew! She was even considered an expert. She told me that fertility is a large problem with women who have pcos, as was insulin resistance. I wasn't diabetic, had no problems with my blood sugar, so I didn't get that connection. My doctor told me that many doctors thought that pcos was genetic, passed down from mother to daughter. That's when we made the connection that my mom and grandma probably had the same thing. I was put back on birth control to slow down the hair growth, and induce a regular period. When I was ready to try for pregnancy, I was to go back. Other than that, there was really nothing else to be done.

Fast forward about 10 years. I have gotten divorced, again, found a wonderful husband, and moved back home. My husband knows all about the pcos, in fact he knows as much as I do. I have learned that pcos is connected to insulin resistance, high blood pressure and cholesterol, as well as a host of other health problems. I am on Metformin for diabetes, take natural remedies to help control some of the symptoms, and am other wise healthy. I am finally ready to try for a family. One of my pap smears came back abnormal, so I was sent to a specialist. I had a biopsy, the next pap was still abnormal. The doctor scheduled a leep to try to take some of the abnormal cells off my cervix. The day I went in, I told my doctor I was having cramps, sore boobs, all the signs of a period (of which I have had a total of 3 on my own, ever!), which made me happy as it was proving the Met was working (I was no longer on BC pills). She did a pregnancy test, which came back negative (no big shock) and then did my leep.

I was in the hospital the next day for cramps. The doctor did another pregnancy test, that one came back positive. I was stunned! My husband was shocked, we were both thrilled. I was high risk, with one miscarriage already, but was allowed to continue work, as much as possible with the horrible nausea I had. I was so ready for this little miracle, so happy to finally be a normal person again. It didn't last long, at 7 weeks, we lost the baby. This month, we would have been parents. The doctor said that most first pregnancies end in miscarriage, but that doesn't make it any easier. I am 32, if it took this long, will I ever have the chance to do it again?

After we lost the baby, I had 2 normal periods and then, a month long one. They doctor put me on progesterone to induce a period and clean my body out, reset my uterus is what she said. I am going back in 2 months to find out about clomid.

Pcos has taken a lot away from me. My ability to have children naturally, my womanhood, control of my emotions, and has affected every aspect of my life. Have I given up hope? Hell no! There is always hope. I have been through heartache, pain and sorrow. I have lost 2 children, and still don't have answers to many of my questions. But, I have found a good doctor, many natural remedies that help, a great husband, and I still have time. Maybe not a lot, but it's still hanging around. :)

My heart still hurts for the babies I have lost, and this month hasn't been easy for me. But, I will try again, I will fight through the heartache, the pain, the mental fatigue and every other issue that comes with pcos. I am a woman, no matter how this disease makes me feel. And I will win.

You can reach me at Amanda_781@msn.com. I am happy to answer questions, clarify any concerns. Be nice! It's my first blog! :)

New bloggers :D

Just want to say welcome to Amanda, Beth, Deepti, Racheal and Melissa :) im sure you girls will do an amazing job :D xxx

A Cyster has a Youtube account :D

Hey ladies :)

A friend of mine has a Youtube account, shes just starting out and it's going to be A-MAZ-ING :D

she will be uploading every week!!

so here she is http://www.youtube.com/user/PCOSux

pleaseeeeee subscribe :)

Next blog: Maximise your fertility :D

i will be writing this after my anniversary (11th sept) eeek :D excited :P xxxx

Food glorious Low GI and easy Food :)

Ladies... Hold your hands high if you find it hard to find easy, cheap and tasty Low GI recipes?

I feel your pain! I really do!

Ive got a few cheap and simple meals for you to get your teeth around. they might even leave you saying mmmmmmmm!

There area few rules when it comes to GI...

Rule 1: Eat the food near to its natural state, that doesn't always mean raw, it means don't eat it processed as processed lacks many minerals that are needed by us cysters.

Rule 2: Even though dairy is low GI, try and limit your intake... certain dairy products cause raised insulin production.

OK now its time to get to the recipes, i must tell you that these recipes will be measured in cups, just because i find it easier to measure out that lbs and Oz's or grams, all of these are personal favorites and trialled on the husband :) please note these are measurments for 1 serving.
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OATMEAL PANCAKES...

Ingredients
1/2 cup oatmeal
6 egg whites
1 tbsp raspberry jam spread (double fruit, no sugar added)
Directions
Heat a small frying pan over medium heat for several minutes. Mix oatmeal, egg whites and fruit spread together. Spray pan with non-stick spray. Pour mixture into pan. Flip after approximately 5 minutes and cook for an additional five minutes on other side.
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APPLE-BRAN

Ingredients
1 medium apple, peeled and chopped
1/3 cup Oat Bran
1 cup water
1 tsp wheat germ
1/2 tsp sugar or sweetener
1 tbsp sliced almonds
You can add nuts or raisins if you like :)

Directions
cook your Oats with 1 cup of water to the consistency of your choice, stirring continuously avoiding lumps, take off the heat and stir in your sweetener/sugar, place in a bowel and add the remaining ingredients.
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HAM N CHEESE TOASTIE

Ingredients
2 slices of wholemeal bread (soda bread would be even better)
2 slices of thinly sliced low fat cheese
2 thin slices of ham (non processed)

Directions
heat a frying pan over a medium heat until really hot, meanwhile, lightly brush one side of both slices of bread with extra virgin olive oil, on the other side of the bread place the cheese and ham, and place the other slice of bread on top, remember the oiled sides must face on top (so it touches the pan) cook for 3-5mins on both sides.
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CHICKEN FRIED RICE

Ingrediants
1 small chicken breast
2 tbsp of soy sauce
1 cup od fresh veg of your choice
1 spring onion (maybe known as scallions for you in america)
1egg or 2 egg whites
1 crushed garlic clove
2/3rd cup basmati rice
1tspn of olive oil
2tspns of almonds

Directions
cook the rice as it states on the packageing don't salt unless neccisary, heat up a wok or frying pan,
cut the chicken brest into strips, chop all the veg and spring onion, beat the egg, spray the pan with the spray oil, and add the egg and stir untill scrambled and cooked through, remove the eggs and set aside, place the olive oil in the pan and cook the chicken , remove the chicken and stirfry the vegatables for around 5mins, add the soy sauce to the rice and stir untill it is all coated, add the garlic to the pan then add the rice, egg, veg and chicken and stirfry for a further 5-10 mins, serve and sprinkle on the almonds.
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LEMON SALMON

Ingrediants
1 small salmon fillet
1 tsp fat free mayo
1 tsp lemon juice
1tsp dill(herb)
little pinch of salt and pepper
new potatoes
small green saled

Directions
spread the mayo ontop of the salmon with a pastry brush, sprinkle over the lemon juice, dill and salt and pepper and bake for 20mins in a medium heat oven untill the salmon flakes easily.
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CHOCCY  NUTTY ICE CR
Ingredients
1/2 cup non-fat, no sugar added, vanilla ice cream
1/4 cup NUT OF YOUR CHOICE
1 tsp good quality cocoa powder
Directions
Sprinkle scooped ice cream with nuts and cocoa.

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Here are some side dishes to put with any meal,

ASPARAGUS AND PEPPERS
Ingredients

12 medium asparagus spears
2 medium red bell peppers
2 cloves garlic
4 tbsp balsamic vinegar
4 tsp extra virgin olive oil
salt/pepper to taste

Directions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Trim ends off asparagus and cut into bite-sized pieces. Cut red pepper into large cubes.

Mince garlic. Combine minced garlic, vinegar, and olive oil. Toss asparagus and red pepper with garlic mixture. Season with salt and pepper.

Bake for 15 minutes or until tender-crisp. 

LEMON BROC N COLI

Ingredients

2 cups fresh broccoli
2 cups fresh cauliflower
1/4 cup lemon juice (fresh squeezed is best)
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

Directions

Cut broccoli and cauliflower into small bite-sized pieces. Steam until tender-crisp, approximately 7 to 8 minutes. Drain well.

Lightly beat lemon juice, mustard, and oil. Toss well with vegetables. Serve.
......................................................................................................................................................................
THE MOST AMAZING SOUP EVER....... SPLIT PEA CURRY SOUP!!

Ingredients

1 1/4 cups dry yellow split peas
4 oz lean deli ham, chopped
2 medium onions, chopped
2 medium carrots, chopped
1 tbsp curry powder
1 tsp dried thyme (or 1 tbsp fresh thyme)\
1 bay leaf
5 cups chicken stock
1 cup skimmed  milk
salt/pepper to taste

Directions

This soup can be prepared in a slow cooker or stove-top.

Rinse and drain peas. Chop vegetables and ham.

For slow-cooker method, combine peas, ham, onion, carrots, curry, thyme, bay leaf and chicken broth in slow cooker. Cover and cook on high setting for 4 to 5 hours or the low setting for 10 to 12 hours. Stir in 1 cup skim milk. Season with salt and pepper.

If using stove-top method, combine peas, ham, onion, carrots, curry, thyme, bay leaf and chicken stock in a large deep pan . Bring to a boil, them reduce and simmer for approximately 2 hours. Stir in skimmed milk - but do not return to a boil. Season with salt and pepper and serve.
......................................................................................................................................................................

so there you go, simple, cheap and easy :)

enjoy ladies :D xxxx

Soy Isoflavones... What is it? How does it work? and what are my experiances?

Soy Isoflavones. The natural clomid, it works just like clomid, you take it just like clomid. and at the moment im trying it out, im currently on day 5! The final day of the coarse.

Soy Isoflavones are a natural supplement (Natural plant hormones that is found in many foods), it is proven that Soy Isoflavones can help with fertility, taken just like clomid (if taking Clomid 100mg take 200mg Soy Isoflavones for 5 cycle days such as 1-5, 2-6, 3-7 etc).

They are typicly sold in 40mg doseages from chemists and food stores. Usualy they are sold with 'Ease menopausal symptoms' but it is the right Soy Isoflavones. They must be taken at the right time in the cycle. (like what i mentioned above).
DO NOT TAKE FOR MORE THAN 5 DAYS!!!
It could have a negative impact on ovulation and could delay your cycle. You may wish to chart your cycle using the 'Basal temping' method.
(Basal temping is when women ovulate it causes an increase of one-half to one degree Fahrenheit (one-quarter to one-half degree Celsius) in basal body temperature (BBT) monitoring of BBTs is one way of estimating the day of ovulation. The tendency of a woman to have lower temperatures before ovulation, and higher temperatures afterwards, is known as a biphasic pattern. Charting of this pattern may be used to chart the best time to ttc).

It is believed that Soy Isoflavones works by tricking the body into producing more estrogen.

i have been taking these now for 5 days, so far all i have had is a very slight head ache but apart from that ive had no side effects, there are a few common side effects such as the Head aches, Constipation, Bloating and Nausea. Alot like Clomid, it suprised me how simular they really are.

I am overall quite happy with this trial, i may take another cycle if this one doesnt work, but im still un-decided.

i hope this has helped you in some way to understand what Soy Isoflavones are and how they work, i will be updating to tell you if it worked or not :) wish me luck :D xxxx

Support! Have you got yours?

Whether you're going through a illness or going through day to day life, we all need support. From partners, friends, family, even online support groups, there's a lot of it out there.

I'm very lucky, I have an amazing support network, there's 3 amazing cysters who I love like mad! The beautiful...Jenni, Sammy and Tash. Not one word in the english language could describe how important these ladies are to me, there's also my sister, we've been together through thick and thin, still going strong :) and my husband Simon, he has been to every appointment, researched new medications and even helped me set up the blog :) He is amazing :)

I can't stress enough how important it is to have support while you are going through PCOS and other things! Even if its a laugh with friends, a hug or even a internet support group, (there's a few on facebook) every little helps :).

How to tell loved ones you have PCOS?

Just casually drop it into a conversation, ok I know it sounds silly, but seriously its a great start! You never know they might even want to hear more about it. Even print some info off of the internet to show them, drag them along to a doctors appointment or even ask them if they've heard of it and then say... Well I was diagnosed with it...

Don't worry about reactions, keep a strong mind and think positive :) xxx
Sent from my BlackBerry® smartphone

Depression, Anxiety and a good old moan...

So girls, ever have them days when you just want to punch every-one in the face? Yep me too!

A lot of cysters suffer from Depression and Anxiety, I for one wishes it would just bog off! :-P

As you can probably tell, this is a random, spur of the moment blog, and I'm afraid it may get rather random ha ha

Firstly I'm waiting for AF to show her ugly un-welcomed face! Armed with pain, greasy skin and acne! She's so inconsiderate! She never shows up on time, she hardly ever makes a call to say she's on her way and to be honest it's annoying!! Just for once, can you be good please dear AF! Oh and just a few days visit instead of 2 weeks would be fab, or even, don't show up at all, but send a lil' bundle of joy my way! Or is that asking too much?

Lately I've found that I'm very agitated and I want to smack everyone whom gets in my way, my poor husband got a telling off last week for opening the fridge too loudly lol,

I also have a haribo addiction at the moment, I have heard a lot of cysters have 'sugary addictions' some worse than me! The only thing is haribo send me crazy! Like, running around like a airplane CRAZY!!

......................

If you have any topics you would like to be discussed, contact me on facebook, twitter(just click on the tabs) or on the e-mail address at the top of the page xxx
Sent from my BlackBerry® smartphone

Exercise & Diet...

STRENGTH TRAINING IS THE WAY FORWARD!!

You may not believe it but strength training is the best tool too loosing those extra lb’s…

It’s often thought of as a toning exercise but infact its a fantastic fat burner.

The majority of the calories you burn throughout the day are used to support your body and its functions, such as digestion. Highly active tissue such as muscle requires more fuel than fat, which means the more muscle you have, the more calories you will burn at rest.

Each pound of muscle burns 35 calories a day -- this might not sound like a lot but if you have several pounds of muscle, you could increase the calories you burn daily by the hundreds just by being more muscular. strength training two to three times a week for about 30 minutes. Examples include using free weights and doing pushups, squats and lunges.

Ok... i have a tip for the diet part of this post.

EAT WHAT YOU WANT!! just make it healthy! If you want do eat a burger, then eat one! just make it home made and healthy.
Instead of frying it put it in the oven.
Instead of bread, wrap it in lettuce, or use whole grain bread.
Instead of deepfried chips (fries) par boil in slightly salted water untill the potato is tacky (thats the starch) but not cooked take out of the water and put in the oven and use oil spray instead of lashings of oil.
Make your own ketchup!!
instead of fizzy drinks try a smoothie or even no-added sugar diluted juice...

ul be suprised how much calories you will save just making tiny changes, And you never know... healthy might taste better ;D

Soon il be putting some recipes up :) xxx

Sleep? What's that?

I and many other cysters find that insomnia is a major pain in the backside when it comes to bed time, i have been taking 'kalms' http://www.boots.com/en/Kalms-Sleep-50-Tablets_16650/ and ladies it works :D... Theres actually a way out of the sleep monsters grip :)...

there  are two reasons why PCOS and Insomnia is connected


(1) glucose intolerance / insulin resistance
(2) an imbalance of the ratio of oestrogen to progesterone

Insulin Resistance / high blood sugar levels put pressure on the adrenal glands, which as a conciquence release of too much cortisol. This excess of cortisol causes anxiety and makes it difficult to relax, and ultimatly fall asleep.

Also, an excess of oestrogen and lack of progesterone are huge factors  these are two female hormones. Progesterone is the ‘feel good’ hormone.

Here’s a list of some of the things it does:

• Reduces mood disorders (eg. anxiety, depression)
• Relieves endometriosis and PCOS
• Increases energy and libido
• Balances blood sugar levels and thyroid function
• Is necessary for fertility and maintaining pregnancy
• Relieves menopausal symptoms
• Reduces hair loss
• Improves sleep

Progesterone levels can be increased by using a progesterone cream.

Sleep pnea is also connected to PCOS as many cysters suffer with it due to the hormoanal imballence and weight issues that cause a rise in the insulin resistance. there are 3 different  types of Sleep Apnea.

1. central sleep apnea (CSA),
   
2. obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and
   
3. mixed sleep apnea (both central sleep apnea and obstructive sleep apnea).

During sleep, the brain instructs the muscles of breathing to take a breath.

• Central sleep apnea (CSA) occurs when the brain does not send the signal to the muscles to take a breath, and there is no muscular effort to take a breath.
  
• Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when the brain sends the signal to the muscles and the muscles make an effort to take a breath, but they are unsuccessful because the airway becomes obstructed and prevents an adequate flow of air.
  
• Mixed sleep apnea, occurs when there is both central sleep apnea and obstructive sleep apnea.

If you have any questions then leave them in the comments below, or join us on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/groups/209288612428596/

xxx

lovemannequin...

my friend josie has an amazing blog, if you're intrested in fashion and make-up then give it a read, its awesome!! xxx

http://www.lovemannequin.com/

Some natural treatments to help with PCOS and helpfull hints.

Ive had people bug me for weeks to do something on the natural way to help with PCOS.

Along with a healthy Low GI diet and daily exercise there are quite a few suplements you can take to help level out those runaway hormones and help raise any vitamin deficancys we may have.

There is a few helpful hints that maybe the doctors forget to include when your PCOS is confirmed...

When the body is insulin resistant, it simply does not remember how to use carbohydrates for energy. It can only store them as fat. Therefore, a low carbohydrate diet for PCOS is recommended. Choose low GI carbohydrates from fruit and vegetables and limit your grains.

Ensure there is adequate protein with every meal – seafood, white meat, eggs, nuts and seeds and yoghurts.

Include phytoestrogens in your diet – alfalfa, soy (fermented form), linseeds, lentils and chickpeas. Phytoestrogens may help reduce excessive endogenous oestrogen by bypassing oestrogen binding.

Buy organic foods whenever possible.

Reduce your intake of saturated fats.

Drink two litres of filtered water daily.

Avoid additives, preservatives and chemicals such as artificial sweeteners.

Avoid caffeine and alcohol.

Avoid sugar on its own and hidden in foods.

Include essential fatty acids in your diet - nuts, seeds, some oils (linseed/flaxseed) and oily fish (including mackerel, mullet and salmon).

vitamins.
If you taking the contraceptive pill to regulate your periods, you may have an even greater imbalance between a number of key vitamins and minerals. Correcting this imbalance will go a long way towards treating the root cause of the problem.
PLEASE NOTE, YOU MAY FIND IF YOU TAKE THE CONTRACEPTIVE PILL OR ANY ANTI-DEPRESSENTS YOU MAY NEED TO TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR!!!!!!!

A good multivitamin and mineral tablet will provide a ‘little bit of everything’.

Chromium is essential for insulin’s response on blood sugar, cravings, hunger and weight loss.

Zinc helps with appetite control and is necessary for the correct action of insulin, promoting a healthy blood sugar balance. It also functions together with selenium and vitamins A and E in the manufacture of thyroid hormone.

Magnesium balances blood sugar levels. There is a strong link between magnesium deficiency and insulin resistance. It is an important mineral to include if you are suffering from PCOS.

Co-enzyme Q10 is essential for energy production and normal carbohydrate metabolism (the way our bodies break down the carbohydrates we eat to turn them into energy).

B Vitamins are important for energy production, fat burning and hormone imbalances, including your thyroid gland and metabolism.

DIM (Diindolylmethane) in a supplement form helps the liver convert oestrogen into a healthier form. The dose is dependent on body weight.

TO GET THE BEST RESULTS AND TO FEEL/SEE A DIFFERENCE SUPPLEMENTS SHOULD BE TAKEN OVER A PERIOD OF 3-6 MONTHS.


herbal.
I cant stress how good herbs are in the treatment of PCOS i take a few my self. please DONOT take any of the below if you are on any fertility drugs or the bcp.

Chaste tree (Vitex Agnus castus) is one of the most important herbs for PCOS because it helps stimulate and normalise the function of the pituitary gland, which controls the release of luteinising hormone (LH). Chaste tree has been successfully trialled in the treatment of PCOS as well as infertility. It enhances progesterone levels, which lengthen the menstrual cycle. Chaste tree has been shown to improve fertility due to its effects on decreasing oestrogen and androgens which, when elevated, are responsible for cycles with no ovulation (anovulation).

Adrenal tonics such as Rehmannia, Rhodiola, Siberian Ginseng and Withania support the adrenal stress response and help the adrenal glands return to a state of balance.

Paeonia lactiflora (peony) is another valuable herb as it positively influences low progesterone, reduces elevated androgens (testosterone) and modulates oestrogen and prolactin.

Licorice, especially combined with peony, helps regulate hormones, reduce androgen levels and improve the LH to FSH ratio.

Gymnema is helpful in reducing carbohydrate and sugar cravings, thereby assisting in weight loss. Gymnema is one of the most significant herbs to improve insulin resistance.

Tribulus helps restore menstrual regularity and regulate ovulation.

Blue Cohosh is a particularly useful herb. It acts as a uterine and ovarian tonic and a pelvic anti-inflammatory.

Saw Palmetto, a traditional male reproductive herb used to control excess testosterone, offers promising results for hirsuitism.

Milk thistle, rosemary, Bupleurum and Schizandra are excellent liver herbs, aiding in the removal of excess oestrogen.

These are some other natural remedies.

Lymphatic drainage may be helpful to reduce congestion. Try massage, skin brushing and exercise such as rebounding.

Try castor oil packs (link) or linseed packs (link) for pain relief.

Try natural progesterone cream. The dose depends on your symptoms and imbalances.

Acupuncture is helpful for PCOS. It helps facilitate the free flow of energy through the body. Some acupuncture points are used to move blood, break up stagnation and stop pain.

Aromatherapy can assist and support the reproductive system, and gently contribute to rebalancing your hormones.

Here is a table of supplements and what they are used for.
i hope this has helped :) xxx

Supplemental Nutrient	Fertility & Sex Hormone Balance	Insulin or Glucose Control	Hair	Acne	Weight or Appetite Control	Anti- Oxidant	Need if Taking Drugs
5-hydroxy- tryptophan	-	-	-	-	Yes	-	-
Alpha lipoic acid	-	-	-	-	-	Yes	-
Bilberry	-	-	-	-	-	Yes	-
Biotin	-	Yes	Yes	-	-	-	-
Carnitine	-	Yes	Yes	-	Yes	-	-
Chromium	-	Yes	-	-	-	-	-
Cinnamon root	-	Yes	-	-	-	-	-
CLA	-	-	-	-	Yes	-	-
D-chiro-inositol	Yes	Yes	-	-	-	-	-
d-Pinitol	Yes	Yes	-	-	Yes	-	-
Fish Oil	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	-	-
Gymnema	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
Indole 3 carbanol	Yes	-	-	-	-	-	-
Inositol	Yes	Yes	-	Yes	Yes	-	-
Licorice	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
Magnesium	-	Yes	-	-	Yes	-	-
Momordica	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
Multi-vitamin/mineral	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
NAC	-	Yes	-	-	-	Yes	-
Natural progesterone	Yes	-	-	-	-	-	-
Quercetin	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
Saw Palmetto	Yes	-	Yes	Yes	-	-	-
Vanadyl sulfate	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
Vit. B12 & folic acid	-	-	-	-	-	-	Yes
Vitamin B6	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
Vitamin D	Yes	Yes	-	-	Yes	-	-
Vitex (chasteberry)	Yes	-	Yes	Yes	-	-	-
Zinc	-	Yes	Yes	-	-	-	-

Low GI diet!

OK, the low GI sometimes gets bad press for being confusing... heres a simple and easy way of figuring out this diet... hope it helps xxx
Low GI = 55 or less
Medium GI = 56 - 69
High GI = 70 or more

Breakfast Cereal Low GI All-bran (UK/Aus) 30 All-bran (US) 50 Oat bran 50 Rolled Oats 51 Special K (UK/Aus) 54 Natural Muesli 40 Porridge 58 Medium GI Bran Buds 58 Mini Wheats 58 Nutrigrain 66 Shredded Wheat 67 Porridge Oats 63 Special K (US) 69 High GI Cornflakes 80 Sultana Bran 73 Branflakes 74 Coco Pops 77 Puffed Wheat 80 Oats in Honey Bake 77 Team 82 Total 76 Cheerios 74 Rice Krispies 82 Weetabix 74 Staples Low GI Wheat Pasta Shapes 54 New Potatoes 54 Meat Ravioli 39 Spaghetti 32 Tortellini (Cheese) 50 Egg Fettuccini 32 Brown Rice 50 Buckwheat 51 White long grain rice 50 Pearled Barley 22 Yam 35 Sweet Potatoes 48 Instant Noodles 47 Wheat tortilla 30 Medium GI Basmati Rice 58 Couscous 61 Cornmeal 68 Taco Shells 68 Gnocchi 68 Canned Potatoes 61 Chinese (Rice) Vermicelli 58 Baked Potatoes 60 Wild Rice 57 High GI Instant White Rice 87 Glutinous Rice 86 Short Grain White Rice 83 Tapioca 70 Fresh Mashed Potatoes 73 French Fries 75 Instant Mashed Potatoes 80

Bread Low GI Soya and Linseed 36 Wholegrain Pumpernickel 46 Heavy Mixed Grain 45 Whole Wheat 49 Sourdough Rye 48 Sourdough Wheat 54 Medium GI Croissant 67 Hamburger bun 61 Pita, white 57 Wholemeal Rye 62 High GI White 71 Bagel 72 French Baguette 95 Snacks& Sweet Foods Low GI Slim-Fast meal replacement 27 Snickers Bar (high fat) 41 Nut & Seed Muesli Bar 49 Sponge Cake 46 Nutella 33 Milk Chocolate 42 Hummus 6 Peanuts 13 Walnuts 15 Cashew Nuts 25 Nuts and Raisins 21 Jam 51 Corn Chips 42 Oatmeal Crackers 55 Medium GI Ryvita 63 Digestives 59 Blueberry muffin 59 Honey 58 High GI Pretzels 83 Water Crackers 78 Rice cakes 87 Puffed Crispbread 81 Donuts 76 Scones 92 Maple flavoured syrup 68 Legumes (Beans) Low GI Kidney Beans (canned) 52 Butter Beans 36 Chick Peas 42 Haricot/Navy Beans 31 Lentils, Red 21 Lentils, Green 30 Pinto Beans 45 Blackeyed Beans 50 Yellow Split Peas 32 Medium GI Beans in Tomato Sauce 56

Vegetables Low GI Frozen Green Peas 39 Frozen Sweet Corn 47 Raw Carrots 16 Boiled Carrots 41 Eggplant/Aubergine 15 Broccoli 10 Cauliflower 15 Cabbage 10 Mushrooms 10 Tomatoes 15 Chillies 10 Lettuce 10 Green Beans 15 Red Peppers 10 Onions 10 Medium GI Beetroot 64 High GI Pumkin 75 Parsnips 97 Fruits Low GI Cherries 22 Plums 24 Grapefruit 25 Peaches 28 Peach, canned in natural juice 30 Apples 34 Pears 41 Dried Apricots 32 Grapes 43 Coconut 45 Coconut Milk 41 Kiwi Fruit 47 Oranges 40 Strawberries 40 Prunes 29 Medium GI Mango 60 Sultanas 56 Bananas 58 Raisins 64 Papaya 60 Figs 61 Pineapple 66 High GI Watermelon 80 Dates 103 Dairy Low GI Whole milk 31 Skimmed milk 32 Chocolate milk 42 Sweetened yoghurt 33 Artificially Sweetened Yoghurt 23 Custard 35 Soy Milk 44 Medium GI Icecream 62

Treatments and Information.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition in which the ovaries aren't working properly. PCOS can affect hormone levels, periods (menstrual cycle), fertility, appearance and long-term health.
If you have PCOS, you will usually have two out of three of the following.

• High levels of the male hormone testosterone, which is produced by your ovaries, and/or signs of having high levels of testosterone (such as excess body hair or thinning of the hair on your head).
• Irregular or no release of eggs from your ovaries (ovulation), which usually means irregular or no periods.
• Many small cysts on your ovaries called polycystic ovaries.

In the UK, it's estimated that between five and 26 of every 100 women may have PCOS

There is often confusion about what a 'cyst' is.
Cysts are fluid-filled sacs. Before ovulation, the egg develops in a small swelling on the ovary called a follicle. Cysts form when follicles stop growing too early. Instead of bursting to release the egg, they form swollen egg chambers (cysts).

Often many people don't understand what 'polycystic' means, Polycystic means 'many cysts'. A polycystic ovary generally has 12 or more cysts. These cysts are usually benign, which means they are not cancerous.

There is typically 6 different symptoms of PCOS:

absent or irregular periods

• absent/ irregular periods. 

infertility - you need to ovulate to become pregnant and you may not be ovulating regularly or at all

obesity or being overweight

excess hair (hirsutism) on your face, around your nipples or on your lower abdomen

thinning of the hair on top of your head

acne

The exact reasons why you may develop PCOS aren't fully understood at present. Several factors seem to be important.
PCOS runs in some families, so there may be a genetic link.
High levels of certain hormones may also cause PCOS. For example, you may have resistance to insulin, the hormone that controls your blood sugar level. This means the level of insulin in your blood needs to be higher than normal to control your blood sugar level. The extra insulin may cause your ovaries to make too much testosterone, which can lead to excess hair and acne. Increase in testosterone can also stop ovulation.
If you have excess body fat, this can make insulin resistance - and the symptoms of PCOS - worse.

Diagnosis.

If your GP thinks you may have PCOS, he or she may refer you to a specialist doctor such as a gynaecologist, who specialises in women's reproductive health. Your doctor will look for the signs of PCOS and rule out other problems that cause similar symptoms. Common tests include:

• blood tests - to check thyroid function, and measure your level of glucose and hormones such as testosterone
• an ultrasound scan - to see if your ovaries are enlarged and/or polycystic

Having cysts on your ovaries doesn't necessarily mean you have PCOS. It's also possible that you will be diagnosed with PCOS even if you don't have any cysts on your ovaries.

There is quite a few treatments available...

Self-help treatments

Your doctor is likely to suggest lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthy, balanced diet and exercising regularly, to help control your symptoms, reduce insulin resistance and improve your fertility.
Stress can make your PCOS symptoms worse so managing your stress levels and finding time to relax can also help control your symptoms.
If you have excess hair, you can control this with hair removing creams or by bleaching, shaving or waxing. Laser treatment and electrolysis can give longer-lasting results but should be done by qualified professionals.

Medicines

A number of medicines are available that can help you deal with the different symptoms of PCOS.

• Over-the-counter treatments containing benzoyl peroxide (eg Oxy 10 lotion) can help reduce acne. If over-the-counter treatments don't help, speak to your GP. He or she may prescribe antibiotic tablets or creams to treat your acne.
• Oral contraceptive (eg Dianette). Oral contraceptives stop ovaries from producing too much testosterone, so improve both acne and excess hair.
• Metformin. This medicine increases the sensitivity of muscle cells to insulin (reduces insulin resistance). This means your body needs less insulin to control your blood sugar levels. Reduced insulin levels in the blood means your ovaries will produce less testosterone. As the testosterone levels drop symptoms such as excess hair and irregular periods will improve, and your ovaries will start to release eggs (improve fertility).
• Fertility medicines including clomifene citrate and tamoxifen can stimulate your ovaries to release eggs. You can take these for up to a year. If clomifene makes you ovulate but you don't become pregnant after six months, your doctor might suggest intra-uterine insemination (this is when sperm is placed directly into your womb). If fertility medicines don't help improve your fertility, your doctor may offer hormone therapy or surgical treatment. You can also consider assisted conception, such as IVF (in vitro fertilisation), egg donation or surrogacy.

Surgery

Rarely, your doctor may suggest surgery to control PCOS symptoms and improve fertility, for example laparoscopic ovarian drilling. This is a type of keyhole procedure used to destroy the testosterone-producing tissue on your ovaries. As levels of testosterone fall, your PCOS symptoms improve and ovaries start to release eggs again.

living with PCOS can be difficult

If you have PCOS, you may have a higher risk of developing diabetes and heart disease later in life.
If you have periods less than every three months, you might also be at higher risk of womb cancer.
Try to follow the recommended lifestyle advice (see Self-help treatments) to reduce your risk of developing these.

i hope this has helped in some way explain it... if you have any questions don't hesitate to ask them. you can either leave it as a comment below or you can contact me on nadinespcosdiary@hotmail.co.uk

xxx

My story.

Ok my story is quite a 'normal' one in regards to PCOS.

When I was 12 I started my periods but they were really heavy and painful. I was bullied through-out school so when they stopped I thought it was because of stress and didn't think anything of it, at the age of 14 I was getting really bad craps in the area where my ovaries are and was rushed into hospital with suspected appendicitis when they did a scan they found my left ovary was covered in cysts and my right one wasn't that much better. I wasn't diagnosed then, they just sent me away and told me that if the pain returns go to the doctors, it didn't come back but I noticed some changes, like facial hair and more weight gain, I went to the doctors and my hormone levels were checked and came back raised (testosterone) plus the cysts I was diagnosed. Aswell as having to deal with the devastating news I had PCOS and maybe I wouldn't ever be able to have children, I was bullied for being the fat kid and after years of the constant teasing depression set in and I was determined I was going to get fit and prove everyone wrong, I started jogging and eating healthy and still the weight wouldn't go it just stuck. No matter what I did it wouldn't move finally I resorted to eating and making myself sick, needless to say I made myself really ill so had to stop. I gave in and couldn't care if I was huge or not. Years later I met my husband and I have to say he's been my rock, he's all ways been there for me and he's learnt about PCOS and helped me every step of the way, we've had our fair share of heart ache from loosing babies, (m/c) and we won't give up trying. I'm determined to have a child if my body likes it or not!

I'm on metformin, orlistat (to get my weight down and its working) evening primrose oil, Agnes castus, folic acid, vitamin b complex.

I have noticed a huge difference now I'm happy with my life. I have an amazing husband, fab family and friends to support me through this, so I've made this blog to give people support and get some awareness out there. Let's get our stories out there and help other cysters <3

Nadine xx
Sent from my BlackBerry® smartphone

welcome :D

OK, so I've been planning to do this blog and get some information out there. but I've been super busy and just haven't got round to it, so here it is. soon it will be full of information about different medications/treatments and different disorders that are connected/caused by PCOS and info on them. il try and do some more lighter stuff aswell instead of being all doom and gloom lol,

Nadine xxx