#Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

[interactyouth]

Intersex is an adjective. Some people with PCOS feel it fits. If we’re just talking about women, there are tall women, big women, skinny women, feminine women, butch women, and everything in between. For some, intersex is just another adjective: intersex women. Using intersex as an adjective takes back power. It can be a language shift that says “actually, I’m okay with my [facial hair/high testosterone/other sex differences]. Those things don’t make me less than.” 

[lordmushroomkat]

《The strong association of PCOS with cis womanhood, the defining of it as a disorder or syndrome, and its framing as a “women’s health issue” obscures the fact that PCOS is a natural hormonal variation, an endocrine difference that is illustrated through secondary sex characteristics. 

During my initial search for resources and community, I also learned that PCOS, given its characterization as a hormonal variance, falls under the intersex umbrella. This intersex umbrella covers a wide range of “individuals born with a hormonal, chromosomal, gonadal or genital variation which is considered outside of the male and female norms,” and PCOS meets that definition. 

This is not an attempt to sway every person who has PCOS to identify themselves as intersex��though it is an acknowledgment that we have the option and the right to do so if it rings true to us. Rather, this is to say that shifting my perspective on PCOS and viewing it through an intersex lens allowed me to better understand it as a natural human variation rather than an affliction causing my body to do the “wrong” thing. 

“I believe that someone with PCOS has every right to use the term intersex for themselves if they want, but I also understand it if they don’t,” said writer and intersex advocate Amanda Saenz.

“As an advocate and an intersex person, I opt to use a definition of intersex that is open ended and expansive,” Saenz explains. “The experiences that a term like ‘intersex’ hopes to define include differences in hormonal production and hormone reception, and the phenotypic effects these differences have on the body. To me, this is inclusive of things like PCOS.”

Discussing PCOS in this way is often met with indignation and resistance. Our society has a hard time separating gender from sex. This has resulted in a widespread misunderstanding of intersex identity as equivalent to transgender identity. Many who vehemently resist the idea of PCOS being under the intersex umbrella do so because they categorically link “female” with “woman,” and therefore misinterpret any acceptance of intersex identity as a denial of womanhood. Moreover, the stigma around and marginalization of intersex communities prevents many people from feeling comfortable with embracing it. 

“You can be intersex and cisgender, transgender, or nonbinary. The ‘opposite’ of intersex is endosex, not cisgender,” explained Eshe Kiama Zuri, founder of U.K. Mutual Aid. As a nonbinary intersex person, Zuri approaches these ideas with a clear understanding of how the bodies of intersex individuals as well as many people with PCOS interrupt binary thinking about both sex and gender. 

“The resistance to PCOS falling under the intersex umbrella is due to a white supremacist society’s desperation to cling to binary genders, which we know [have been] used as a colonial tool of control,” they offer. 

The same medical and surgical interventions that legislators seek to ban trans and nonbinary people from accessing—which would be gender-affirming, life-saving care for them—are often forced on intersex infants and children who are unable to consent. This is done in efforts to align intersex bodies with social expectations of female and male, man and woman; the same logic undergirds the societal and medical pressure to “feminize” the female-assigned bodies of PCOS patients. 

PCOS is “shockingly common [and] the most frequently occurring hormone-related disorder.” However, according to Medical News Today, “up to 75% of [people] with PCOS do not receive a diagnosis for their condition.” If we were to understand and accept something like PCOS as intersex, considering how “shockingly common” it is, the dominant idea of binary sex, with intersex being thought of as nothing more than a fringe occurrence, would be shattered. 

“PCOS is only one of many conditions that could fall under the intersex umbrella, and care for people with PCOS would be considerably better if it wasn’t for the forced gendering and resistance to providing actual support for people with PCOS, even if it challenges society’s ideas of gender,” says Zuri. 

Combating myths built around the gender and sex binaries would create more space to understand PCOS traits as part of normal human variation, rather than inherent problems to be fixed, symptoms to be eradicated. As Zuri so beautifully put it, “When we start to accept that this is not a body behaving ‘wrong’ and it is just a body, we stop blaming and punishing people for how their bodies work and start challenging societal expectations.”》

I was fucking right!

[thediktatortot]

Hey!! I just learned something today. My brother has been a medical professional for about fifteen years (He started as a nurse but I have no idea what his qualifications are now, he's just really good lol) and he showed me something I didn't even know existed.

So, I've been avoiding asking my doctors about PCOS as I don't fit one of the common symptoms of weight gain from my hormonal issues, but my brother said that there are other types of PCOS that don't make you gain weight, so I should check out a diagnosis ANYWAY.

It's called Lean PCOS and is often hard to diagnose because of the lack of weight gain within the symptoms. Please check this out if you have been thinking the same thing as I have.

(copied medical text under the cut)

Lean PCOS is a type of PCOS that does not involve overweight or obesity. Because of differences in body composition in the types of PCOS, lean PCOS may need different treatment approaches.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex metabolic endocrine condition that affects 1 in 10 adult females. It can cause a diverse range of features, including an irregular menstrual cycle, an excess amount of androgens (a predominantly male sex hormone), and physical features such as cysts that may show up on an ultrasound.

PCOS can cause various symptoms depending on an individual’s body weight. There are two types of PCOS: overweight or obese PCOS and lean PCOS.

This article explains lean PCOS, including symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.

PCOS typically occurs in people who have obesity or overweight. However, it can affect people with a body mass index (BMI) of 25 or less. The “healthy weight” BMI range recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is 18.5–24.9Trusted Source.

Lean PCOS differs from overweight or obese PCOS in body composition and other factors. This means that doctors need to tailor treatment options to the individual needs of a person with lean PCOS.

Lean PCOS vs. PCOS

Most occurrences of PCOS involve at least one of the following characteristics:

high androgen levels

irregular periods or a lack of ovulation

small cysts on one or both ovaries

People with obese or lean PCOS typically have similar metabolic profiles, as there are similar levels of visceral adipose tissue (body fat), which is a hormonal feature of body fat that affects processes within the body.

Other characteristics that apply to both lean and obese PCOS are low grade inflammation and oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is an imbalance of free radicals and antioxidants in the body.

However, characteristics of lean PCOS can differ from those of obese PCOS in body composition and other factors, such as hormonal profiles.

Insulin resistance in lean PCOS

Insulin resistance is when cells within the body do not respond to insulin, so the tissues do not use insulin correctly during glucose metabolism. Insulin resistance can occur in either form of PCOS. Even if body fat levels are low, people with PCOS can have high blood insulin and insulin resistance.

However, rates of insulin resistance are lower in people with lean PCOS, with one study showing insulin resistance to affect 83.3% of participants with lean PCOS compared with 93.1% of participants with overweight or obesity.

Research in this area is ongoing, as it is still unclear whether insulin resistance affects people with lean PCOS to the same degree as those with overweight or obese PCOS.

Symptoms of lean PCOS

Symptoms of PCOS may include:

irregular menstrual cycles

excessive hair growth on areas of the body, such as the face, called hirsutism

acne

thinning hair

skin tags

areas of darkened skin, such as in the groin, underneath the breasts, and along neck creases

People with lean PCOS are particularly likely to experience symptoms similar to ones that affect females during puberty, such as acne, irregular periods, and depression.

[nagichi-boop]

Winter is the season of being able to wrap up warm, wear a hat to cover up the hair that you haven’t had the energy to wash, cover those legs that you haven’t had the energy to shave, put a heat pad on the part of your body causing you pain.

And then there’s summer. /neg

[self-dx-culture-is]

self dx culture is probably having pcos and endometriosis but knowing you’d get brushed off and called an attention seeker

I’m sorry you’re having to go through this :(

Be safe. Hopefully things will get better soon

[shadowbanki]

guess who just got diagnosed with PCOS

[tawneybel]

*walks you out of the sun*

Song of the day:  “Destroy Everything You Touch” by Ladytron.

Working on Ross Humboldt request. Hopefully it’ll get posted this or next werk.

On season six of The Walking Dead. Never thought I’d love a piece of zombie media as much as I love this show. It’s not exactly rewatchable, but it’s so hard to resist binging. But some things bother me:

Where are the vultures? I guess there are no maggots wriggling inside the walkers because they’d just eat them. But all those corpses and no scavengers?? (╯*□*)╯︵ ┻━┻ I

Where’s the homemade armor? If I were in the zombie apocalypse, I would dress like after Tweedledum and Tweedledee decided to do battle.

Why is the walkers’ style so drab? Look up any screenshot of a walker herd/horde. I understand why production would want to avoid logos, but why bland everything? If I was ever zombified, my only hope is that I would be less generic than everyone else. Also, if they’re going to shoot me, I want Carl Grimes to take the shot. Because Carl will put me down clean.

Just started watching The Second Best Hospital in the Galaxy to fill the Tuca & Berta-shaped hole in my heart. Horsejack Boman wasn't doing that.

So far Drs. Klak and Plowp are my faves. Keke Palmer was great in Scream: Resurrection and Nope, plus she’s talked about being a member of the PCOSisterhood.

Klak is relatable, but I decided to ween myself off Lexapro. As an anxiety med, it worked great for years. Until I got cavities from dry mouth despite drinking water all the time and avoiding added sugar. Plus it was getting harder and harder to fall asleep.

Now I’ve made great strides with my mental health. It’s sunny enough for me to comfortably go outside. I’m going to the gym once a week, not just walking my dog only in the evenings and avoiding sitting. (Reading while standing in place on break worried my coworkers for some reason.)

[macapacaalpaca]

One year on since I made the post that I had been terrified to make, yet it reached such a wide and wonderful audience.

Since it’s PCOS awareness month for 2023, I just want to send the biggest hug to every single woman who is fighting the same battle. I know it’s exhausting. I know that it physically and emotionally hurts like hell. I know that it feels like nobody will ever fully understand. But if I can get through it, so can you.

I finally got to work with an endocrinology consultant who I owe so much to, for listening to me and taking every symptom and detail on board. We’re working on a treatment plan which has been trial and error (at times there was a lot of error, and that’s totally okay) but I’m finally starting to see small changes that indicate that I’m responding to treatment, which is such a relief.

The amount of hospital and GP visits, tests, stress and times where I’ve been left in so much pain that I wasn’t able to move taught me that I really need to enjoy every moment of this life. So that’s what I’ve been doing as much as I can. So far this year I’ve got a city apartment, appeared on national TV for my work in social innovation, travelled to some of my bucket list destinations and achieved some life goals that at one stage felt like they would only ever be dreams.

Also, today I finally got to meet and hold one of the newest additions to my (very large) extended family. It’s moments like these that make me pray one day I’ll become a momma and be able to hold my own little miracle in my arms, because there is nothing more precious than the gift of life, or the amount of love a little one can fuel you with.

I wish the same for everyone else who shares the same dream. Nobody could ever describe the hurt that comes with being told you’ll struggle with your fertility, but I’m a strong believer in miracles. One day, they will be ours, and until then we will continue to fight 🙏

If anyone has any questions about the help and treatment I’ve been getting, or just wants somebody to talk to, because I know how easy it is to feel isolated, please reach out to me. There is nothing I’d like more than to support and help others, because I know just how hard it is. But I promise you’re never alone 🩵

[jey-chan]

Does anoye here knows is there is a blog or a redit or a telegram or discord grup about polycystic ovary syndrome?

I just got diasnostic and rn im in hella of pain and lot of questions

[dietsandmore]

The best and worst fruits for PCOS with insights from Dt Shreya Katyal

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder that affects individuals assigned to females at birth, causing irregular periods, cysts on the ovaries, and various other symptoms. While a healthy diet is crucial for managing PCOS, not all fruits are created equal when it comes to this condition. We turn to the expertise of Dietician Shreya Katyal, a leading Dietitian In Delhi, for insights on fruits to avoid with PCOS.

Dt Shreya Katyal, known for her expertise in nutrition and Online Diet Consultation at Diets & More, the Best Dietitian In Delhi, emphasizes the importance of a balanced diet for individuals with PCOS. Fruits are generally a nutritious part of any diet, but some may have an impact on blood sugar levels and insulin resistance, two key factors associated with PCOS.

Bananas: Bananas are a common fruit enjoyed by many, but they are relatively high in carbohydrates and can cause a spike in blood sugar levels. Individuals with PCOS often have insulin resistance, and consuming high-carb fruits like bananas may contribute to further imbalances.

Grapes: Grapes, especially when consumed in large quantities, can be problematic for those with PCOS. They contain natural sugars that can affect blood sugar levels, potentially leading to insulin spikes. Opting for berries with lower sugar content is a wiser choice.

Mangoes: Mangoes are delicious, but they are also high in natural sugars. People with PCOS should be mindful of their sugar intake, and choosing lower-sugar fruits like berries or kiwi can be a more suitable option.

Pineapple: Pineapple is another fruit that individuals with PCOS may want to consume in moderation. It has a higher glycemic index compared to some other fruits, meaning it can cause a faster spike in blood sugar levels.

Watermelon: While watermelon is a hydrating and refreshing fruit, it is also relatively high in sugar. Moderation is key, and individuals with PCOS may consider other fruits with lower sugar content.

Furthermore, Dt Shreya Katyal emphasizes the significance of incorporating fiber-rich fruits into the diet of individuals with PCOS. Fiber plays a crucial role in regulating blood sugar levels and promoting overall digestive health. While some fruits may need to be limited, others can be embraced for their positive impact on insulin sensitivity.

Berries: Dt Shreya Katyal recommends including berries such as strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries in the diet of individuals with PCOS. These fruits are not only rich in antioxidants but also lower in sugar compared to some other options. Their fiber content helps slow down the absorption of sugars, supporting better blood sugar control.

Apples: Apples are a great choice for individuals with PCOS. High in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, apples provide a satisfying sweetness without causing rapid spikes in blood sugar levels. Including apples in various forms, such as slices or whole, can be a wholesome addition to a PCOS-friendly diet.

Avocado: While not a traditional fruit, avocado is a nutrient-dense option that can be beneficial for those with PCOS. Packed with healthy fats and fiber, avocados contribute to satiety and may help in managing weight, a crucial aspect for individuals with PCOS.

Kiwi: Kiwi is a refreshing fruit that is relatively low in sugar and high in vitamin C. It adds a burst of flavor to meals and snacks while providing essential nutrients without causing significant spikes in blood sugar.

Pears: Pears are another fiber-rich fruit that individuals with PCOS can include in their diet. The combination of soluble and insoluble fiber in pears aids in digestion and helps regulate blood sugar levels.

Dt Shreya Katyal emphasizes that the key lies in creating a well-rounded and individualized diet plan that meets the specific needs of each person with PCOS. Additionally, incorporating a variety of nutrient-dense foods, including vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains, is essential for overall health and hormonal balance.

In conclusion, while some fruits may need to be moderated or avoided by individuals with PCOS, there are plenty of delicious and nutritious options available. Dt Shreya Katyal's expertise provides valuable insights into making informed choices that support better management of PCOS symptoms. Through a combination of mindful eating, regular physical activity, and personalized nutritional guidance, individuals with PCOS can take positive steps toward improving their overall well-being.

[interactyouth]

Black Women's Bodies Matter, Too

This is a guest post by Victoria Kirby York, the Director of Public Policy and Programs at the National Black Justice Collective. She has polycystic ovary syndrome, and provides relevant insight into her experiences with it. I'm including two quotes below, but I encourage a full reading, as well!

Black women are often the Olympians targeted by transphobic and racist people who wish to minimize our success in sports by labeling us as men instead of celebrating the athletic achievements of all women. In addition, they refuse to educate themselves on the diversity of womanhood and femalehood, which includes a variety of sex characteristics.

Khelif’s harassment involves unfounded speculation about her testosterone levels. As a person who lives with polycystic ovarian syndrome, it is unfathomable that I would be targeted or denied the opportunity to play women’s sports because of the amount of testosterone in my body at any given time. Testosterone is naturally produced in all types of human bodies, and testosterone often becomes estrogen, so the amount of any hormone constantly changes based on the day a person is tested in their cycle. People living with PCOS, like me, often have irregular periods, making estimations of our chemical imbalances difficult, if not impossible, to chart or manage ahead of athletic competition.

[pcos-uno-reverse]

Hey pcos, fuck you!!!

Starting this blog (and a tiktok) to document my pcos journey. So here's the beginning, for those who are interested or also struggling:

In eighth grade (2012ish), I woke up for school like normal. Took a shower, did my makeup, etc. After I got up from sitting down, a stabbing pain radiated from my left lower abdomen. I told my mom I feel sick, and laid down. My mom is a nurse, so her immediate thought as I pointed to my right side was that my appendix had ruptured. Every bump we went over in the car had me crying out in pain. She hauled ass to the emergency room.

The doctors also originally thought my appendix had ruptured. Until they did an ultrasound.

I had 3 cysts on one ovary, 4 on the other. One, about 5cm, had ruptured, which is what was causing my pain. It took them 8 hours to figure this out.

At my follow up doctors appointment with my pediatrician, he told my mom I can't possibly have pcos because I don't have hairy nipples. I remember this conversation vividly. This was also the day I got on birth control. Apparently, it could help stop new cysts from forming.

I recieved no education and no diagnosis.

Years later, senior year of high school, debilitating periods were second nature to me. Throwing up, and then passing out on the bathroom floor were regular occurances. That was IF I got my period. Even with the placebo week on birth control, I still had very irregular periods. I just kept being told that it's normal. Switching birth controls. I ended up on depo Provera.

I originally attributed my 80 lb weight gain to the depo. So I switched back to the pill. Lost 0 weight. I eventually found a nurse practitioner who actually listened to me, ran blood work, and diagnosed me with pcos. This doctor has since left my state, so I am once again without anyone who will listen. Searching for a new one as we speak.

I remember being SO angry, because this was something I could've been diagnosed with in 8th grade. The painful periods, the cysts, the weight gain, all might've been able to be prevented if that original doctor knew what he was talking about. I was able to get my medical records about that day. They KNEW. And yet they didn't diagnose me, because my nipples weren't hairy.

Fun fact: you don't need to be showing signs of hirsutism (excessive hair growth) to have pcos. But that doctor didn't care or didn't take the time to research.

So now, I'm 25.

I've been on and off metformin, diagnosed pre-diabetic. I work out, daily, and do not lose weight. 800 calorie diets do not work for me. I've learned that this is very common for those with pcos. I am no longer on birth control. I was able to conceive and have a healthy pregnancy, which resulted in my daughter.

However, I still struggle. The biggest struggle I have is the fatigue, and painful periods. It got worse after having a baby. I was able to go from 250 lbs (post pregnancy) to now about 190ish. I am not certain what the exact number is, because I've given up on the scale (that bitch). I have not lost any weight in the months since then. I think breastfeeding benefited my weight loss more than anything.

The depression and anxiety have also been debilitating. Once again, all things that could've been prevented. I wonder how much different my life could've been if I'd learned about this in 8th grade.

I've also been diagnosed with Binge Eating Disorder. Caused by dieting or starving too much. I am currently recovering from that, and am now many months binge free. Did you know that if you have pcos, you're far more likely to have an eating disorder? I had no idea.

Well, tomorrow I'm beginning my PCOS journey. I had a 90 minute appointment with a dietician who specializes in pcos. And I'm going to share all that info with you.

I'm tired of finding website after website, promising free help with pcos but then "Hey, spend $300 if you actually want any info"

I pledge here and now that if this works, if I'm able to reverse my symptoms, I will NEVER sell the information. And shame on those who have.

My end goal here is to help people like me, who have struggled for years with no help.

My tiktok is active, search pcos.uno.reverse. The first video will be posted tomorrow (6/20).

Tomorrow, my life changes for the better. Follow along with me.

[cyberfemboyfungusprince]

Just found out I might be intersex and so much stuff is starting to make sense to me. I'm still unsure about it however and also scared to claim the label for myself since I'm not sure that my kind of variation would be accepted as inter by the community. I also plan on doing a cromossome exam next semester.

[nagichi-boop]

“Why is my period late?” I ask myself, knowing full well I have a medical condition that causes irregular periods.

[neuroticboyfriend]

if you don’t mind me asking, what IS your disability? i’ve only heard of genetic disorders causing or being related to intersex

i have many disabilties, but im assuming you're only asking about the ones related to my intersex variation. but i haven't been properly diagnosed, so all i can give are possible.

my intersex variation is either PCOS or NCAH (the more likely one). i also have POTS, which would be connected to NCAH if i have it. and i may have hEDS... which could also be connected to NCAH due to how close the CYP21A and TNXB/TNXA genes are (CAH-X Syndrome).

but if it is PCOS, it's still genetic and poses me some health issues, which exacerbates my other health issues.

[self-dx-culture-is]

Self dx intersex PCOS culture is feeling for a long time a weird connection to being intersex and being mildly obsessed about actually being intersex, finding out you probably have PCOS, getting it confirmed later on (no idea if it's actually written down), then finding out because of your PCOS you're considered intersex (which makes sense)

-CCC

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