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Braav Lifestyle

PCOS: what is it and is there something you can do about it?


PCOS: what is it and is there something you can do about it?


Ever since the long legged Dutch topmodel Romee Strijd announced her pregnancy in a frank and candid Instagram post revealing her struggles with PCOS, the syndrome has never been so discussed.

Logically, because 5 to 10% of all women have a more or less severe form of the syndrome, making it the most common hormonal abnormality in women.

Time to demystify PCOS.

 

Dit bericht bekijken op Instagram

WE’RE HAVING A BABY 💗 2 years ago I got diagnosed with PCOS after not getting my period for 7 years. I was devastated because being a mom and starting a family with @laurensvleeuwen is my biggest dream.. I was so scared that I would never be able to because I got told it was harder to get babies in a natural way.. I started to research PCOS and came to the conclusion that mine was not the typical pcos.. Mine was because of my body being in fight or flight mode.. which means my body was under constant stress. I never felt mentally super stressed so it was hard te understand this, but my life consisted of travelling all the time (no biorhythm), working out every day, eating super clean (restricting foods). I think I pressured my body to much, and honestly every body is so different but I think my weight was not good for my body to function properly and couldn’t handle the constant traveling. This was the point where I started to research natural healing for PCOS and came to the conclusion that I should do way less high intensity training, don’t restrict foods, be nice to myself, and take breaks when needed. I also tried some natural supplements, acupuncture and we got a place back in the Netherlands as well, so we could spend more time with Family (since im such a family person). I’m so happy and grateful to say that I got my period back last november AND that WE’RE SOON A FAMILY OF THREE ❤ ❤❤❤ & to the women trying to conceive, believe in yourself and be nice for yourself and your body and don’t let those thoughts get to you to much 😚

Een bericht gedeeld door Romee Strijd (@romeestrijd) op


What is it? 

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder in which ovulation often fails to occur. The ovaries may develop numerous small collections of fluid (follicles) and fail to regularly release eggs.

In women who have PCOS, cysts grow on the ovaries. This can have consequences for fertility. Besides the cysts on the ovaries, there are more symptoms (like irregular menstruation, excess hair, acne and decreased fertility) that occur with this syndrome. 

What are the causes?

The exact cause of PCOS is not known. However, it is certain that genetics and environmental factors play a significant role. It often turns out that in women with PCOS the mother or sister also has the syndrome.

Certain external factors and abnormalities in the hormonal balance also play a role in the development of PCOS. 

What treatments are there?

The advice most doctors give is to keep taking the contraceptive pill, or start taking it. Losing weight is another thing that is recommended by default.

Is getting pregnant with PCOS your wish? Then you will be referred to a gynaecologist and start a (long) medical procedure. Initially often with hormone tablets or injections.

However, this is not the way to tackle the cause. It is only symptom control. When you stop taking the pill again or when you have given birth, your symptoms have not disappeared. Nor do you reduce the risk of long-term consequences.

DIY

There are three sub-areas in which you can deal with PCOS complaints yourself.

  • Nutrition: A healthy lifestyle can be of great influence in tackling PCOS. With the right healthy diet you tackle insulin resistance. Through what you eat and drink, you can ensure that your blood sugar level remains stable. Read here an interesting article about the PCOS diet and the PCOS nutrition schemes I have put together.
  • Stress Reduction & Proper Exercise: why not try one of our workout videos on a regular basis? 
  • Supplements: DCI, Tri Sense, Saw Palmetto and vitamin D3. Read this article to determine which supplements may be suitable for you.

Let us conclude with what Romee says: "Believe in yourself, be kind to yourself and your body and don't let your own thoughts drive you crazy". Amen.