Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects millions of women worldwide, and finding effective treatments can sometimes feel like an uphill battle. Enter Ozempic, a medication originally designed for type 2 diabetes that's now showing promise for PCOS management. But as with any new treatment option, one of the first questions that comes to mind is: Will insurance cover it? The answer, as we'll explore, is a hopeful "maybe." Before we dive into the insurance aspect, let's take a moment to understand what Ozempic is and why it's generating buzz in the PCOS community. Ozempic, also known by...
If you have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and the thought of having sex makes you cringe, your PCOS could be to blame. Don’t worry; you’re definitely not alone. Many women with PCOS struggle with the same issue — and there are solutions to help you feel more comfortable and confident in the bedroom. What is PCOS? Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder affecting 1 in 10 women of reproductive age. Experts don’t know exactly what causes PCOS, and although there’s no cure, there are ways to manage your symptoms. According to the Mayo Clinic,...
For women experiencing the effects of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) — such as metabolic and hormonal imbalances — all eyes are on two particular ingredients, and for a good reason. Myo-inositol and D-chiro-inositol aren’t new (they are actually very well-researched), but they are currently trending in the social media world. Both supplements help support a properly functioning metabolism and help balance the body’s naturally occurring hormones, key areas of focus for women with PCOS. PCOS is rooted in hormone imbalance, and its symptoms include everything from fluctuating weight and menstrual cycle irregularity to skin problems...
If you ask “the interwebs” if ovarian cysts cause infertility, you’ll be led down a windy, confusing road of Yes…No…Maybe? Truthfully, it is impossible to answer this question with a simple yes or no because the definition of “cyst” is so broad. A cyst is a fluid-filled sack. Some are completely benign and don't cause any negative symptoms, while others can be problematic due to their size, impact on hormones, or even malignancy. To help us understand the different types of cysts and how they can affect fertility, we spoke to Levica H. Narine, MD,...
If you struggle with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), you have probably tried everything imaginable to help manage your symptoms. But what if an effective treatment for PCOS was already widely available, without any major side effects? It turns out that a decades-old diabetes medication has quietly emerged as a promising treatment for women with PCOS and other "off-label" conditions. So, what is metformin, exactly, and is it truly a miracle treatment option for PCOS? Let’s discuss. What is metformin? Metformin is no new kid on the block: it has been used as a first-line treatment...
Dealing with irregular periods can be frustrating, especially when you’re trying to expand your family. The typical methods for calculating ovulation may be less precise when dealing with an unpredictable cycle. However, you can still use them to gain a rough estimate of when you might be ovulating. We’re here to help guide you through the mysteries of your monthly cycle and provide some helpful tips on identifying that elusive fertile window. The role of ovulation in conception Making a baby is like a science experiment. The right ingredients must align precisely at the right...
About 1 in 10 people in the U.S. have the hormonal condition polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Given its prevalence, there are thousands of blogs, forums, and social media accounts that share what they think is the best option for treatment. One question that pops up a lot? How effective hysterectomies can be for PCOS. Hysterectomy is one of the most common surgeries for people with uteruses in the U.S. But unlike some other treatment options, hysterectomies make pregnancy impossible. So, for those of us who want kids, the surgery may not be the right move. Still…...
PCOS — or polycystic ovary syndrome — is an endocrine (hormonal) condition that comes with a plethora of unwelcome symptoms. Specifically, PCOS occurs when the body’s ovaries create a higher-than-normal level of hormones called androgens. From fertility problems to irregular periods, to headaches and pelvic pain, to excess body hair, anyone living with PCOS knows that the condition is certainly not a walk in the park. One of the side effects you may have heard of is “PCOS belly." But what exactly is PCOS belly, and what differentiates it from other types of weight gain? PCOS and weight...
As someone who struggles with hormonal acne, I’m no stranger to treatments and products that promise to clear my skin and fix my life, and believe me when I say I have tried them all: harsh, burning peels that left my face angry and red, facials, extractions, topical antibiotics, and just about every spot treatment and medicated cleanser on the shelf at CVS. But the one thing that has helped my skin the most? Talking to my dermatologist about PCOS. She told me to drop the acids and instead prescribed spironolactone, a pill to treat...
Anyone with PCOS symptoms knows that living with the menstrual condition is a juggling act. One day, you’re worried about your insulin resistance issues, while another day, you may be thinking about the long-term impacts the condition may have on your life. For instance, according to the CDC, PCOS puts over 5 million women at risk for longer-term conditions, like infertility, type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, or high levels of “bad” (LDL) cholesterol. These are all important facts to know, but often, for those who struggle with PCOS, the fear of what can happen in...
