the Dreaded "String of Pearls" - Life with PCOS

That doctor visit, the one where I saw that ultrasound image was both horrible and a relief.  Horrible because the diagnosis of PCOS (Poly Cystic Ovary Syndrome) came with such a laundry list of information that I heard less than half of what was told to me.  I clearly remember being told about the dreaded "string of pearls", the dark areas on the ultrasound that indicated cysts in my ovaries.  It was also a relief because I finally had a reason for why I had been having so many problems with my cycle, with weight gain and the inability to loose it.  I learned that the extra weight compounded my problems because fat stores hormones.  I learned that I was high risk for insulin resistance, diabetes, and a whole host of health problems.  

Ultrasound of a polycystic ovary
Retrieved from   http://face2facebabyscans.co.uk/blog/gynaecological-scans/  

Lots of blood tests, lots of doctor visits, lots of long discussions about treatment options and the importance of dropping some weight, and the challenges I would face to do so.  Lots of feeling like I was a failure as a woman because I couldn't even have my monthlies right.  An emotional time because following the treatment options that seemed best for me meant that any notion I had of entertaining getting pregnant was over, my time had run out.  I had uterine fibroids to deal with, too.  

I felt alone, then I started to realize that I wasn't.  I started to empower myself with research.  Here are a few of the resources that I found to be valuable in helping me find a way through this diagnosis and in taking charge of my health.

A Patient's Guide to PCOS: Understanding--and Reversing--Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

A comprehensive guide to polycystic ovary syndrome, from a leading authority on the condition One in ten American women of childbearing age is affected by polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) to some degree, and many suffer from serious symptoms, such as infertility, early miscarriage, chronic pelvic pain, weight gain, high blood pressure, acne, and abnormal hair growth. PCOS is by far the most common hormone imbalance in women of this age group, yet few women understand the threat it poses to their health--or how to prevent it. 
In A Patient's Guide to PCOS, Dr. Walter Futterweit, a foremost authority on PCOS in America, tells women everything they need to know about this condition and how to treat it. Drawing on his twenty-five years researching and treating the condition and his ongoing long-term study of more than a thousand women with PCOS, Futterweit discusses
• what PCOS is and how it affects your body
• what to eat and how to exercise to control PCOS
• all the treatment options, including the latest drug therapies
• how to reverse PCOS-induced infertility and restore healthy skin and hair
• resources for preventing, diagnosing, and treating PCOS

This comprehensive guide contains everything women need to know about PCOS--from identifying warning signs and seeking a diagnosis to finding emotional support in recovery--to regain their health and resume their lives.

the Insulin-Resistance Diet

Conquer insulin resistance. Reduce cravings. Eat your favorite foods. And lose weight!

If you have tried every diet and are still struggling with your weight, the real culprit may be insulin resistance. When you have more glucose than your body needs, your body responds by producing more insulin to stabilize your blood sugar level and store the excess glucose as fat. In The Insulin-Resistance Diet, Cheryle R. Hart and Mary Kay Grossman show you how to control insulin resistance and lose weight without sacrificing all of your favorite foods.

Overcome insulin resistance and lose weight with:

• The exclusive Link-and-Balance Eating Method, which balances carbs with the right amount of protein at the right time for maximum weight loss
• Self-tests to determine your insulin resistance and check your progress with linking and balancing
• Real-world strategies for eating at home and out on the town
• Easy-to-make, tasty recipes and livable meal plans

Shakeology - an important component of my diet

Shakeology became an even more important component of my diet because of the low glycemic index.  Shakeology has a glycemic index of 24, an apple varies from 33 to about 40.  It has been an essential part of my weight loss plan.  I use it as a substitute for breakfast.  On it I am satisfied, I am not hungry immediately after.  It is literally the smartest calories I intake during the day.  You can read more about Shakeology by visiting my blog post "Shakeology vs..." and much, much more by going HERE.

PCOS is a frightening diagnosis with serious health concerns, but it doesn't need to paralyze you.   Arm yourself with information, be an active participant in your health by engaging your doctor in a conversation with a list of intelligent questions, then take control of your life.  These aren't the only tools available, but they are a few.  Remember that knowledge is power, especially when being proactive about your health.

Have questions?  Want to try a FREE sample of Shakeology?  Find and LIKE the fitter Fitter on facebook.  Friend me and private message me to make your request.  I'm here for you.