Vitex and shorter cycle

I had my period last November 11 and guess what? I think the Vitex is working. Why did I say so? because this time I did not have any menstrual cramp or any menstrual pain as in NO PMS at all. My period  lasted for 7 days and surprisingly it is not as heavy as my normal periods before. 

So, yes I can say Vitex is slowly working and I'm hoping I'll get a positive result someday soon!

So far, from July to September my cycle count is 69 days, from September to November-it was reduced to 52 days. I can't wait for next month :) I hope I'm slowly getting at least a shorter CD and a regular one.

My husband took another additional vitamins (Rogin-E) and next month I will also add Vitamin E with Selenium to my supplements.

I really hope this all work together and that we will have our gift soon. Please keep on praying for us.

Chasteberry fruit or Vitex

It's been 23rd day since I started taking this supplement. I can not say yet if there are changes in my cycle because as I have read, I should wait for at least 3 months to see the benefit of this.

Anyways,I decided to try this herbal supplement after reading from  natural fertility website.

According to the article, Vitex Agnus Cactus or also known as the Chasteberry fruit has been shown in studies to:

Inhibit follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH): Vitex increases the secretion of luteinising hormone (LH), which in turn increases progesterone.  

 Lengthens a short luteal phase: Studies have shown vitex to be affective at lengthening the luteal phase. While it does not contain any hormones itself, it does help the body to increase its own production of luteinizing hormone (promoting ovulation to occur) which in turns boosts progesterone levels during the luteal phase of the cycle. 

Increased progesterone levels: Vitex has been shown to stimulate the formation of the corpus luteum. The corpus luteum is responsible for the secretion of progesterone. In a study of 45 women, 86% responded positively with normalized or significantly improved progesterone levels.

Reduces advancement of mild endometriosis: Vitex is used in Germany by gynecologists to treat mild endometriosis and prevent it from advancing.

May help prevent miscarriage: Vitex has a beneficial impact on progesterone levels. If miscarriages are due to low progesterone, vitex may help to normalize or increase progesterone levels. Vitex may be considered safe to use during pregnancy, but make sure to consult with a healthcare practitioner when using this herb during pregnancy. Also make sure to read our ‘Use During Pregnancy’ section below. 

Relieves PMS: Clinical research has shown that vitex may be very beneficial for PMS symptoms, especially depression, headaches, rashes, acne, allergies and sensitivity of the breasts. In one study improvement of PMS by the first month was experienced by 32% of the women. By the third month 84% of the women experienced improvement of their PMS.

Lack of menstruation (amenorrhea): In a study of 15 women with amenorrhea, 65% had resumed a menstrual cycle by the sixth month of use. Progesterone levels also increased.

Irregular menstruation: Vitex has been shown to help balance both an absent menstrual cycle as well as aid a menstrual cycle that is heavy or too frequent.

Uterine cysts: Vitex has been found to be helpful at reducing cysts that are growing within the smooth muscle layer of the uterus.

Stabilization of menstruation after stopping birth-control pills: After discontinuing estrogen-containing birth control pills, vitex taken for several months has been shown to help stabilize the cycle and induce ovulation more quickly.

Helps stimulate milk production in new mothers: For over 2,000 years vitex has been used to help stimulate mother’s milk. Begin using vitex right after birth and continue for 10 days or more as needed.
Acne: Several studies have shown an improvement in the skin with the use of vitex. Along with appropriate diet changes vitex may help acne.
Vitex can help basically any issues that one experiences that disappear once pregnancy begins and returns after breastfeeding ends.

If you want to read more about vitex and fertility, click on the link above. I've learned a lot about natural fertility in that site, not only about Vitex but also natural foods that helps you get pregnant. I hope I can have good news to you all after some more months!!

Berries for US!!

Dear Raquel,

Here is this week's Health Byte from the PCOSA. 

Berries are Among the Very Best for PCOS Health  Ounce for ounce, berries have more protective heart-healthy plant antioxidants than almost any other food ... and that's just the start of the advantages of these fruits for women with PCOS. Because they're high in fill-you-up fiber, they curb hunger which aids in better management of PCOS symptoms whether you're overweight, of normal healthy weight or even lean. For this same reason, they can help to lose or control weight if you need some assistance in this area. Berries - any berries - not only lower the risk of developing a disease like cancer but also help prevent memory loss. Aim to eat a cup of berries- fresh or thawed from frozen - at least three times a week. There are plenty of ways to add them to your diet. Try: Tossing them in salads Snacking on them one by one Adding them to yogurt, cereal and smoothies Stirring them into anything you bake

Sincerely,

Christine DeZarn

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Association, Inc. (PCOSA)

PCOS and Hair Loss

I used to not worry about my thin hair because I was born with that, however since I was diagnosed with PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) I worry now about the hair loss, first because I already have thin hair and I cannot afford to lose more.

Everyday, hundreds of hair falls and that is said to be normal because another new hair will soon grow from its place. But excessive loss and the failure to grow new hair are quite scary because nobody especially we women want to go bald right?

In my case I know that I might lose more hair because of the presence of excessively high levels of androgens (male hormones) so I am making sure I do take care of it very well. femalepatternhairloss.net and other sites are big help. At least I got to learn and read about it before hand.

Are you losing some hairs too? What are you doing about it?

Hair loss and PCOS

I’ve been noticing it for more than a week now, every time I condition my hair there are lots of fallen hair I see on the bathroom floor. I already changed the brand of conditioner I use twice.

I don’t know if it has something to do with my PCO (polycystic ovary). I know a lot of PCOS symptoms but have not read anything about hair loss. I guess have to research about that.

For the mean time, do you know any hair loss prevention vitamins or foods or anything?

I already have thin hair since birth so I’m scared to lose some more.

PCOS newsletter -Food is antidepressant

In this issue of the PCOS Health Review newsletter:

1) Vitamins, Your Genes and PCOS
2) Food Is an Antidepressant
3) What Is Gratitude?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

1) Vitamins, Your Genes and PCOS

Your genetic inheritance is one of the main
reasons why you have PCOS.

The good news is that you are not a prisoner of
your genes.

You are not destined to be infertile, have excess
belly fat, acne or hair lo.ss, or develop heart
disease and diabetes just because you have PCOS.

There are things that you personally can do to
make your genes behave themselves and not cause
so much trouble.

There is medical research to suggest that your
genetic inherittance may be causing you to have
trouble properly metabolizing two specific vitamins.

Therefore, you may have a greater need for these
two vitamins.

Read the article on our website for the full story
about these two vitamins:

www.ovarian-cysts-pcos.com/news94.html

By the way, both of these vitamins are found in the
d-pinitol formula:

www.ovarian-cysts-pcos.com/store/pinitol

(copy and paste the link into your browser if link is
not clickable)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

2) Food Is an Antidepressant

No, we''re not talking about "comfort foods" that lift
you up and then let you down!

We''re talking about whole, healthier foods.

A very interesting study from the University
College London in the UK found that depressed
individuals consumed "processed food" (heavily
loaded by sweetened desserts, fried food,
processed meat, refined grains and high-fat dairy
products).

In contrast, the least depressed people consumed a
diet of "whole foods" (heavily loaded by
vegetables, fruits and fish).

Depression is a surprisingly common symptom of
PCOS.

"Convenience" foods are your enemy. They
worsen PCOS problems in all kinds of ways,
including depression.

If you need dietary guidance, we recommend this
PCOS diet book:

www.ovarian-cysts-pcos.com/book

Read the full article here:
www.ovarian-cysts-pcos.com/news94.html#sec2

(copy and paste this link into your browser if link is
not clickable)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

3) What Is Gratitude?

We all know that PCOS is a stubborn disorder that
can create a great deal of emotional turmoil. The
emotional turmoil in turn produces hormones that
make your symptoms worse, which creates even
more turmoil.

Is there a way out of this vicious cycle?

Part of the solution is to focus your thoughts on the
good things in your life. So long as you''re thinking
about the good things, you''re not thinking about the
bad things. Positive thoughts build health.
Negative thoughts damage health.

One way to develop good thoughts is to think about
everything you''re grateful for.

Find out what three prominent writers have to
say about gratitude. It will inspire you.

Read the full article here:
www.ovarian-cysts-pcos.com/news94.html#sec3

(copy and paste this link into your browser if link is
not clickable)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Go here to read any of our past newsletters,
including this current issue:

www.ovarian-cysts-pcos.com/news.html

(copy and paste the link into your browser if the
link is not clickable)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Best of Health,

Bill Slater, Editor
PCOS Health Review

"To live is to choose. But to choose well, you must
know who you are and what you stand for, where
you want to go and why you want to get there."
-- Kofi Annan

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Learn about our Healthy PCOS diet book:
www.ovarian-cysts-pcos.com/book

PCOS Nutritional Supplements Store:
www.ovarian-cysts-pcos.com/store

(copy and paste the links into your browser if the
links are not clickable)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

PCOS Health Review is a newsletter providing
natural health information for women with PCOS
or ovarian cysts.
Issue #094 - November 30, 2009

Published by Bill Slater, co-author of
"The Natural Diet Solution for PCOS and Infertility"

You can get in touch with us here:
newsletter@ovarian-cysts-pcos.com

Please whitelist this newsletter to ensure that you will
continue receiving it:
www.ovarian-cysts-pcos.com/whitelist.html

Not a subscriber? Please go to:
www.ovarian-cysts-pcos.com/pcos-subscribe.html

Don''t forget to get the latest information from our
RSS feed. Just click on the orange "RSS" button in
the right column of any web page to find out more.

(C) 2002-2009 Bill Slater. All rights reserved.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Natural Health Solutions for PCOS
110 NW 51st St.
Seattle, WA 98107

Health and PCOS Update

If you are a regular reader of my blog (of course I hope there is one out there) maybe by now you know that I am PCOS. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Both ovaries. Had my first TVS last 2007 and consulted OB for a couple of months and then we stopped, we didn't have any fertility work-ups because honestly we can't afford it. All the consultation,medicines and those fertility treatments will cost us an arm and a leg. So we decided to leave it up to the Lord and just wait for His miracle.

Obviously we haven't given one until now. How are we? I can't say we're doing great about it because really we are not.

We long to hold our own baby in our hands, buy some cute stuff, cradle, carry and see that sweetest smile.

But we are are certainly not losing hope. So while we are on hold for the treatment, we plan to continue next year, I read and try to equip my self in relation to PCOS, pregnancy and childbirth, mostly though about coping up with this syndrome I had. Internet has helped me a lot about this because there are thousand of articles out there where you can read and learn about PCOS and pregnancy. Articlealley.com is one of them. I get good reads about fertility, maternity and almost about everything with regards to pregnancy and childbirth.

I bought some books also.

So far up to this time I am still overweight ( do not know my exact weight now, weighing scale is one of my greatest enemy) but my menstrual period is better. Before I get it once in six months or once in four months but now the span is shorter like every other month or sometimes I'll have regular period in three months. So I hope when we go back to OB next year, there would be some improvements and she will say we have a big chance.

For now, I'll keep reading and hoping.

Sick again

I don't know why I have been sickly these last few months. I have always been healthy since childhood days and as a matter of fact I was never admitted to hospital for confinement in my whole 36 years of existence. And I am so thankful for that.

So yesterday, I was not able to come to office again because I have to stay in bed and rest, severe cough and colds and I just felt so weak. I am not still feeling well today but I forced my self to report to work otherwise I'll be reprimanded na. Hay buhay slave talaga.

I wonder what's wrong with me? I'm taking vitamins naman and am not doing any physically hard work naman. Ist it because I'm really becoming so old? sigh..or it has something to do with PCOS or weight problem? Do you think it is time for me to enroll in weight loss program? I guess yes.

I need to motivate my self for that. Lose weight in the healthiest way possible. Be healthy again and hopefully conceive someday di ba?

Anyways, got to go now..wishing you all a nice and healthy day! (unlike me)

Conceiving soon?

Happy Monday Morning everyone!

It was a busy weekend for me and hubby. We had loads of tasks and we didn’t have enough time to stay home and fix more of our things so we are still sleeping in a room that is not so organized yet a lot better than the one we had before. I am serious on making it as organized as I can and making it clutter free.

My next plan after settling is to see a new doctor and consult again and be serious in finding help. This means I have to be so serious in helping my self too. Lose weight, established an exercise time with hubby and developed a more healthy eating habit although we started on that one already. I still praise God that PCO syndrome is not as hard as cancer treatment & prescriptions are not as expensive like other health disorders.

Guess what? A lot of people we know are commenting about us moving to that new home, new place and new environment. And it amazes me how a lot of them are saying that this time we might conceive already. Maybe because they are thinking we will now get enough rest. Well, All I can say is “hopefully yes”.

Of course I’m praying it would be soon.

Health /PCOS Update

I am planning to see a doctor (OB) again, after a year and a half of just letting it go, pass by and wait if I can be pregnant without any aid or medicines. I don’t know. I am so frustrated and a part of me doesn’t want to go to the doctor still. Just thinking of the money and the stress I will have to go through. But I know also that I need to see a doctor. I’m still looking for a good but not so expensive OB-Gynecologist, if only money is not a big issue with us I’ll probably choose the best one there is.

I’m still over weight, hubby actually noticed this morning that I am getting bigger. Well, for one I stopped dieting, I don’t take any diet pill or slimming supplements. My only exercise now is going up to my office which is in 3rd floor walking and going down again in the afternoon. I know I did not take my losing weight seriously. And I don’t want to say I am going to exercise and diet again. Promises..promises.

You see, I stopped dieting but I actually learned to eat the right way now, not a lot of sugars, small amount of everything, no midnight snacks, and we learn to get away with oily foods too. We boil instead of frying.

But I guess the PCO syndrome is really making it hard for me to lose weight. But still I am thankful I don’t have all the side effects of it like having so much hair, acne, diabetes, and etc.

I will give it a try for the second time. I don’t have much time left I am getting old and if I still don’t bear a child, well God knows BEST!

PCOS and diet pills

I do not know what the best diet pills are available in the market. I am not an expert and have not been using one for ages. Will I use one? well, maybe when I already have kids but not at this time that we are trying to conceive. The OB said it might not be of help.The best for me is to lose weight on a natural way, exercise and eat the right amount of food.

I know I am still overweight at the moment, in fact I think I am not losing weight but gaining still. This is a big issue for me specially that I have PCOS. I tell you it' so hard for me to lose those pounds. I lessened my rice intake and yet nothing happened.

Still..resorting to diet pills is not an option for me.

PCOS and EXERCISE

Improve Your Self Image with Exercise

What are you doing in terms of exercise?

Exercise is a crucial component of your personal program for gaining the upper hand over PCOS.
We've spoken before about how important exercise is for controlling insulin and balancing your hormones and metabolism.

Here we'd like to discuss how exercise relates to how you feel about yourself. Many of you have
told us that you are unhappy or depressed about how your body looks, especially if you are
overweight or suffer from acne or hirsutism.

And some of you have told us that in spite of exercise, you had difficulty losing weight and gave
up your exercise program.

Recent medical research indicates that regardless of whether you lose weight or not, you should
continue to exercise. Why? Because you will feel better about yourself.

This study was conducted by the University College London. Thirty five overweight women
with PCOS were put on a program of brisk walking for six months.

After six months, the women reported significantly improved feelings about their bodies, even though they didn't lose much wei.ght.

Bottom Line:
If you consistently exercise, you will feel much better about yourself. Make it a lifetime habit. It
will pay huge dividends in terms of your health and self-image.

__________________________________

Got this in my email. I subscribed to PCOS Review monthly newsletter. If you want to read the rest of the articles for this month. Visit this site. http://www.ovarian-cysts-pcos.com

Vitamin D and PCOS

Honestly, I've been reading a lot about PCOS ever since I was diagnosed but I only read about Vitamin D and PCOS just now, so in top of the rest of Vitamins that we have to take we still need plenty of Vitamin D. I will take note of that.

So I am now into "what are the good source of Vitamin D?"

See how this Vitamin D can help us.

Optimal vitamin D levels are important for:

• Improved fertility (a big problem in PCOS).
• Controlling weight (a big problem in PCOS).
• Liver health (fatty liver disease and damage is common in PCOS).
• Reducing insulin resistance and avoiding pancreas exhaustion (common in PCOS plus increased risk of diabetes).
• Prevention of bone loss and osteoporosis.
• Positive mood and cognitive performance.
• Breast health.
• Gastrointestinal tract health.
• Nervous system health.
• And more!

Got that article in my monthly PCOS e newsletter. If you want to read on the rest, click here.

IN HIS TIME

In HIS perfect time. I was deeply encouraged by our Pastor’s message last Sunday. The theme was “Understanding God’s plan and timing” and as we were singing IN HIS TIME, I just cried and cried and trusted the Lord that in HIS time, he will give us the desire of our heart.

We also have to do our part. I have heard many stories of PCOS women who have successfully given birth, so it is very possible medically. The only problem is that we are not rich, we do not have the money to go through all those treatments and mind you they are not cheap. One ultrasound can cost us a thousand pesos or less than if I go to a cheaper clinic. A pill that helps you ovulate cost also more than a thousand pesos, and there are lots of treatments out there but boy oh boy, they will cost me my arm and leg.

So how do I do my part then?

Complete lifestyle change-and that should start on my food intake, I should stop blaming PCOS for my continuous weight gain. I can do something about it. If only I could make some magic to make my estrogen and progesterone balance but there is no short cut to it, I should work hard for it.

Right now, I am not taking any medications except for the ferrous sulfate vitamins, and since my CBC result is now normal I’ll start taking another vitamins soon, I heard about Rogin E from my egroup and we might try this one along with new exercise and diet program.

Easier said than done I know but I have to at least try it.

IN HIS TIME.

the reason why I am becoming the photographer now a days, I hate to see my self in the camera, such a shame, from my 130 lbs weight on my wedding day, I am now 178 lbs after 2 years and 4 months of being happily married.

Have You Rewarded Yourself Lately?

Got this in my email this morning and thought of sharing it with my PCOS sisters out there ..It's sad realizing I have not been good to my self (body) for the past 7 months.No changes except for more weight gain. ugh. I hope to do better before the year ends. It is so frustrating trying to fit in your almost new jeans and finally give up.

**************************************************************************************************

The long, pleasant days of summer will be over before long. Before you get swept up in the "busyness" of the fall season, why not take a few moments to acknowledge the positive changes you've made in your life thus far in 2008?
It's time to honor yourself and remind yourself of the good results you have created.

Self-esteem and self-respect can be major issues for those with PCOS. So it's a blessing to take time out to consider the positive changes in your life. It will help you develop a stronger relationship with yourself, and will encourage the continuance of good habits in the future.

As you reflect on the past seven months, ask yourself these questions:

• What is at least one change I have made since January to take better care of my body?
• What risks have I taken? What fears or challenges have I faced?
• How have I grown and matured as a person? What qualities have I developed? Am I more patient, focused, or financially responsible?
• How have I improved my environment? Have I cleaned up my home or office and gotten rid of unwanted clutter in my life? Have I created an environment that supports me emotionally and gives me pleasure?
• What have I done to help others improve the quality of their lives?
• What else has changed?

Never mind what you didn't accomplish. Focus on what worked instead of on what still needs to change. Make a written list of at least five positive changes you've made so far this year, no matter how modest they may be.
It's important to put this list in writing. Doing so sends a powerful message to yourself that you are worth the time and energy. And, as your self-worth increases, the world responds accordingly. You become a magnet for better life experiences.

As you acknowledge your accomplishments and growth, you build self-respect and self-trust, which support you in making healthier choices for you and your loved ones.

Living a healthier, more balanced life is more than eating a healthy diet and getting plenty of exercise. It's also learning how to be kind to yourself.

So reward yourself for what you've accomplished. Share your successes with a friend or family member. Spend an afternoon at the beach or in the mountains, take yourself to the theater, enjoy dinner with a friend, buy yourself a gift or treat yourself to a massage. You deserve to celebrate your successes!

Want to read more about PCOS? click here.