CUTLER speaks to the Cysterhood creater Tallene Hacatoryan
The Cysterhood is the largest and most supportive community of women with PCOS. It’s a place where women can talk honestly and openly about what they are going through. Good, or badyou actually receive support, advice and direction. They have access to a library of gluten and dairy free recipes, PCOS friendly workouts, monthly calls, and a private podcast.
We’ve heard that Pcos can be a hard road to go down when looking for a diagnosis. What advice would you give to those who are actively seeking treatment?
The process of finding a diagnosis can be overwhelming. There is so much conflicting information out there! Additionally, many women who suffer from PCOS can also suffer from a dismissive doctor. What worked for me was finding the confidence to fight for myself, even when I didn’t feel validated and knowing to not blame or shame myself for my diagnosis. Girl, your symptoms are real… And it’s possible to reverse them naturally! Don’t let anyone discourage you by telling you otherwise, nor should you settle for treatment that doesn’t sit right with you. I, and hundreds of women with PCOS have been able to reverse their symptoms, so you can do it too! Lastly, it is vital that you find a doctor who understands how to not only manage the symptoms of PCOS, but have a plan for recovery and healing.
It might be helpful for readers to know what tests they can ask for to help diagnose PCOS?
As useful as an ultrasound is for detecting cysts, the proper lab work is also essential for understanding your hormonal health. These are great labs to ask for from your doctor: Testosterone, Estradiol, Progesterone, FSH, LH, Cortisol [helps identify if you have adrenal issues], DHEAS [helps identify if you have adrenal issues], Insulin [helps identify if you have insulin issues], Glucose [helps identify if you have insulin issues], Thyroid panel (T3, T4, TSH, TPO, TgAb), C Reactive Protein [helps identify if you have inflammation].
What are some common symptoms to look out for?
Irregular periods, hyperandrogenism (excessive body hair), and ovarian cysts are all PCOS symptoms. Moreover, you only need 2 out of those 3 symptoms for an official diagnosis!
Are there any lifestyle/dietary changes or supplements you would recommend to help ease symptoms?
Inositol is a supplement that has shown to help with the metabolic and reproductive challenges of PCOS. However, not all doctors are familiar! They are quick to prescribe Metformin, a medication that helps with insulin resistance and many undesired side effects. Studies show that inositol supplements work just as effectively as Metformin, without all the side effects. Ask your doctor about Inositol and Ovasitol (15% OFF with code 292660)! Given the metabolic challenges of PCOS, it’s not necessarily about the quantity of foods you eat, but the type of foods you eat and how they’re paired. Gluten and dairy cause inflammation that can make weight loss all the more difficult if you’re sensitive to these foods. Dairy, specifically, can create spikes in insulin. The combination of inflammation and high insulin is a recipe for PCOS weight gain. Try going gluten and dairy free and see how you feel!
Sometimes it can be painful to exercise, yet weight gain is real when it comes to PCOS. What advice would you give to people who are struggling with this?
Start by healing your metabolism and focusing on the root causes of your PCOS first! Many women with PCOS suffer from insulin resistance and adrenal issues, which makes it really difficult to lose weight even when you’re working out really hard. It’s painful and distressing to see the scale remain the same after all that effort. But when shifting your focus to more PCOS friendly, slow, weighted workouts, you might find that it is less triggering for your PCOS symptoms and gives you much better results.
Instagram: @PCOS.weightloss
Podcast: A Cyster & Her Mister