The important link between PCOS, depression, and anxiety #232: Why do women with PCOS have higher rates of depression and/or anxiety? Many women with PCOS attribute their depression and anxiety due to concern about physical experiences but there’s more to the story than our physical changes. Having insulin resistance and other hormonal imbalances can interfere with our mental health. It’s been known that the interactions between various hormones and the resultant feedback loops can lead to mood disturbances. In this episode, we break down the impact of PCOS on mental health as well as provide ..read more

CBD is gaining momentum in the health and wellness world, with some scientific studies confirming it may ease symptoms of ailments like chronic pain and anxiety. Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) struggle with inflammation, which after it becomes chronic, can lead to depression, diabetes, heart disease, metabolic syndromes, and more! On this episode, we explain what CBD is and whether it can be beneficial for women with PCOS! You’ll learn the symptoms that CBD can help with, why all CBD products are not equal, and how to take CBD and get the best absorption! We even talk about servin ..read more

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common condition that affects hormone levels in women of reproductive health. It’s not easy to diagnose PCOS and it usually takes a few doctor visits and a few blood tests to get confirmation. However, you can better advocate for yourself to your healthcare team by getting to know the symptoms of PCOS! You’re probably familiar with symptoms of PCOS like irregular periods and fertility problems, but there are lots of other symptoms that indicate you may have PCOS. Acne, excess body hair, weight gain, hair loss, skin darkening, mood swings, depression, anxie ..read more

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal condition that can impact a woman’s reproductive system in a big way. Women with PCOS often deal with infertility, irregular menstrual cycles, polycystic ovaries, and sex hormone imbalances that contribute to a lot of chronic common symptoms.  Since PCOS symptoms can often be rooted to sex hormone levels, often Cysters get put on hormonal birth control pills to “manage” their PCOS challenges. However, hormonal birth control doesn’t get to the core of the problem, and symptoms usually return when you get off the pill. In many cases, hormonal b ..read more

We’ve all heard the story. You go to the doctor as a female, tell them your unusual symptoms and one of two things happens: They tell you it’s normal, or they put you on hormonal birth control pills. I know this story, because it’s something almost everyone in the Cysterhood has experienced.  So, as a female, sometimes it’s important to take charge of your own health. If that’s you, congratulations! You’re on your first step to healing! Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is unfortunately very common. So, if you’re experiencing a lot of strange physical symptoms. There’s no better place to s ..read more

#230: Sonali is an amazing and inspirational Cyster from The Cysterhood! She developed symptoms of PCOS as early as 12 years old but just like many others, was not diagnosed for 10 years. It wasn’t until later that she found The Cysterhood and truly understood what PCOS was and how to manage it. She currently lives in London and is reaching her health goals step by step with PCOS! In this episode, Sonali talks about specific dietary changes and supplements that made the biggest impact in her journey as well as practices that have been the most beneficial in her mental well-being. If you are n ..read more

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal condition that affects millions of women of reproductive age. PCOS is often pretty difficult to diagnose and ultimately requires several tests and symptoms to confirm the chronic hormonal issue. However, you don’t need to have a definite diagnosis to start trying strategies or lifestyle changes to help you reverse your symptoms! One symptom of PCOS that often gets overlooked is PCOS face shape. Yes! If you’ve noticed changes in your facial features, that could be due to your polycystic ovarian syndrome (POCS.) Other things you may not know to find ..read more

Birth control is often prescribed to women as a cure-all for whatever their ailment is. Have acne? Take the pill! Have bad periods? Take the pill! Have PCOS? Take the pill! Beyond contraception, the pill is prescribed all the time for various hormonal issues. The problem is, though hormonal oral contraceptives work for many, for others, the synthetic hormones can cause terrible side effects.  If you’re someone who has taken hormonal birth control, and recently gotten off of it. How are you feeling? Great, I hope! However, if you’re experiencing symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome, you m ..read more

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a hormone condition that affects women with the disorder in a lot of ways. Unforuntately, one of the best known symptoms of PCOS is infertility. Because of the hormone imbalances that often come with PCOS, conceiving, carrying, and delivering babies can be very difficult. It’s a heartbreaking journey that I’ve seen so many women endure. If this is you, hang tight, because I can help!  There are lots of ways you can reverse your PCOS naturally and see improvements in all of your symptoms, including infertility. Exercising, changing your eating habits ..read more

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal condition that can be managed using natural, holistic methods like diet and exercise. Cysters often experience a whole catalog of PCOS symptoms, but a balanced anti-inflammatory gluten- and dairy-free diet can be really helpful to not only lose weight, but feel better!  Managing your PCOS is all about breaking the cycle of insulin resistance, inflammation, and hormonal imbalance. These three problems feed into each other and contribute to most PCOS symptoms—everything from weight gain and acne to fatigue and sleep problems. Luckily ..read more