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
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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
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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	-	-	-	-