EveryPCOSBody
  • Home
  • About PCOS
  • Resources
    • Tests
    • Questions
    • Blog
  • Podcast
  • Shop
    • Books
  • Contact

EveryPCOSBody

Blogs by Enchanted Jeni PCOS, PCOS Support Girl, and Guest Writers!

Questions to Ask Part 2

8/25/2021

0 Comments

 
Today is Part 2 of Questions you should ask!
Of course, I need to preface that I am NOT a doctor, dietitian or nutritionist. Information shared on this page is done so from my own research. If you have any questions on what you see on this page, please discuss with your health professional team. These questions are generic questions that should be brought up with your healthcare professional or team to make sure that you are being provided with the best possible care. 

Your doctor or healthcare professional/team should know the answers to, or be willing to find the answers. Keeping in mind that not all healthcare professionals are trained on every diagnosis, that doesn’t mean that they shouldn’t be willing to learn when they have a patient present with that diagnosis. Please remember, these are generalized questions that you can ask your medical professional team regarding your care with your PCOS. Again, this will be a blog post on the website, and a list similar to all these questions are linked in the app by a comprehensive PDF provided by Monash University. Their PDF list can also be found HERE.

GENERAL
I have read that there are 4 types of PCOS, how do I know which type I have?
Is PCOS inherited (run in families)? 
Can PCOS be cured?  
Does PCOS differ between women? 
Is PCOS different in women of different ethnic backgrounds? 
Is PCOS different for women of different ages? 
I’m not overweight, can I still have PCOS? 
I’m an adolescent or teenager, how is PCOS likely to affect me now?  
I’m going through menopause or have finished menopause, how is PCOS likely to affect me?  

CYCLES
How often do women usually get their period? 
What do the ovaries do? 
What is ovulation? 
What do missed periods or irregular periods mean is happening in my body? 
How often should I have my period and what are the signs that something is wrong?  
Are irregular periods bad for me?  
What is the best treatment for my irregular periods?
What does the oral contraceptive pill do and why is it used for PCOS? 
Is there an oral contraceptive pill that is best for PCOS? 

FERTILITY
Do missed or irregular periods affect my chances of getting pregnant? 
Does PCOS make it more difficult or impossible to get pregnant? 
How is infertility treated in PCOS? 
What do I need to do to increase my chances of getting pregnant?  
Will I need fertility treatment to get pregnant?  
What should I tell my partner about fertility and PCOS?  
How long should I try to get pregnant before seeing a fertility doctor?  
Do I need to try to get pregnant now or can I wait until I am ready?  
What is the best treatment for my infertility?  
Are there tests to see if I’m fertile and who should I see about them?
Is PCOS linked to diabetes in pregnancy (gestational diabetes)? 
Do I need any special health care in pregnancy because I have PCOS?  
Is PCOS linked to any problems for me or my baby during pregnancy?  
Is PCOS linked to miscarriage?  
Is PCOS linked to any problems for me or my baby during the birth?  
How should my PCOS be managed during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?

SURGERY
Is surgery a treatment option for managing my PCOS?
What is ovarian surgery and when is it used for PCOS? 
How does surgery affect fertility? 
How does surgery affect other symptoms of PCOS? 

MEDICATIONS
What medications are there for PCOS? 
What are insulin-sensitizing medications (e.g. metformin) and why are they used for PCOS? 
What are anti-androgens medications (e.g. spironolactone, cyproterone acetate) and why are they used for PCOS? 
Is medication a better option for my PCOS than lifestyle management? 
What medication is best for my PCOS?  
Why is this medication a good option or not a good option for me?  
What are the side effects of this medication? 
Are there over-the-counter products available for PCOS?  
Do complementary or alternative therapies (such as naturopathy, traditional Chinese medicine, herbal remedies or acupuncture) help PCOS?  
Are complementary or alternative therapies safe?  
Should I take a vitamin pill or supplement of some kind such as Ovasitol?

PERSONAL
The one thing that bothers me most about PCOS is…. What is the best way to treat that?  
My main goal related to PCOS is…. What is the best way to achieve that?  
Can you help me set myself a goal related to PCOS?  
Is there anything else you think I should focus on to manage PCOS?  
What can happen if I don’t manage my PCOS? 
Will I have PCOS forever?  
What can I do to prevent long-term complications?  

Again, it's okay if your doctor or team doesn't have the answers right away to all these questions, as long as they are willing to research and get back to you with the answers. It's impossible for a doctor to know everything about every condition, so don't be surprised if your doctor can't answer all these questions. Again, as long as the doctor is willing to do the research and learn and follow up with you on the answers, you are in good hands. If not, please consider, if possible, finding a new doctor or team.

0 Comments

Questions to Ask (from podcast) Pt 1.

8/12/2021

0 Comments

 
So today we are going to do a part one of two on “What Questions To Ask With PCOS” today we are going over the general health questions for PCOS. 

Of course, I need to preface that I am NOT a doctor, dietitian or nutritionist. Information shared on this page is done so from my own research. If you have any questions on what you see on this page, please discuss with your health professional team. These questions are generic questions that should be brought up with your healthcare professional or team to make sure that you are being provided with the best possible care. 

Your doctor or healthcare professional/team should know the answers to, or be willing to find the answers. Keeping in mind that not all healthcare professionals are trained on every diagnosis, that doesn’t mean that they shouldn’t be willing to learn when they have a patient present with that diagnosis.

In Part One we will go over the more generic questions and questions that pertain to your overall health.

First of all, What is PCOS? Well, it is a complex endocrine system/ metabolic syndrome, that effects multiple systems in your body. PCOS can not be cured, however with the right maintenance for your body (such as lifestyle changes, exercise, and if needed supplements or medications), the symptoms can be subdued and maintained. 

So what are the best questions to ask regarding your general well being with PCOS? Again, it’s okay if your doctor doesn’t have the answer, as long as your doctor is willing to find the answer and get back to you with it. Or be willing to refer you to a specialist, such as an endocrinologist, to get you the answers you need. If your doctor isn't willing to find the answers for you, you may want to consider a second opinion and finding a new doctor or team to help treat you if at all possible. 

Although a lot of these questions can be answered online, it's best to have answers from your healthcare team, knowing that they are aware of your health and what needs to be done it vital to your overall health. 

  • How is PCOS diagnosed? 
  • What symptom do I have that diagnosed me with PCOS?
  • Do you have experience and expertise in PCOS?  
  • Should I see a specialist doctor (e.g. endocrinologist, gynecologist, dermatologist) and if so what kind?  
  • Should I see a dietitian or nutritionist?  
  • Should I see a psychologist or psychiatrist?  
  • Will I need to go to a fertility clinic?
  • Do I need any regular tests or checks (eg bloodwork or scans of the ovaries) because I have PCOS?
  • What are polycystic cysts and do I have them on my ovaries?
  • If I have polycystic ovaries, does that mean I have PCOS?
  • If I do not have poly cystic ovaries can I still have PCOS?
  • Is there a difference in having cystic ovaries and having PCOS?
  • Can PCOS be inherited (run in families)? 
  • Do polycystic ovaries need to be treated?  
  • I have a particular symptom that worries me, is it related to PCOS?  
  • Does PCOS cause pain?  
  • What is hyperandrogenism (high levels of ‘male-type hormones’) and how does it affect PCOS? 
  • How does stress affect hormones?

  • What is the best treatment for my acne?  
  • What is the best treatment for my excess hair?  
  • What is the best treatment for my hair loss?  
  • Are there over-the-counter treatment options for my hair or skin problems?  
  • Is there medication for my hair/skin problems/ how well does this medication work?  

  • Is PCOS linked to anxiety, depression or other mental health disorders I need to be aware of? 
  • How do I know if I have depression or anxiety? 
  • Are there effective treatment options for depression and anxiety? 
  • Where can I get more information and support about emotional wellbeing?

  • Does PCOS affect sleep? 
  • How does PCOS affect sex and relationships? 
  • What other health conditions can occur with PCOS? 
  • Is PCOS linked to cancer? 
  • Is PCOS linked to diabetes? 
  • Is PCOS linked to high cholesterol? 
  • Is PCOS linked to heart disease? 
  • Is PCOS linked to stroke? 
  • Is PCOS linked to high blood pressure? 
  • What is insulin resistance?
  • What is pre-diabetes? 
  • How do I get tested for IR, prediabetes, diabetes and what do the test results mean?
  • What medication is best for my PCOS?
  • What are the side effects of this medication? 
  • Why is this medication a good option or not a good option for me?  

  • Where can I get more information about PCOS? 
  • Is it possible to lead a normal life with PCOS?
  • What can I do to prevent long term complications due to PCOS? 
  • What regular checks should I have with my PCOS?
  • What can happen if I don’t manage my PCOS? 

Again, it's okay if your doctor or team doesn't have the answers right away to all these questions, as long as they are willing to research and get back to you with the answers. It's impossible for a doctor to know everything about every condition, so don't be surprised if your doctor can't answer all these questions. Again, as long as the doctor is willing to do the research and learn and follow up with you on the answers, you are in good hands. If not, please consider, if possible, finding a new doctor or team.

0 Comments

    Authors

    Jenifer Gutke
    AKA
    Enchanted Jeni PCOS
    &
    Shelby Eckard
    AKA 
    PCOS Support Girl

    Archives

    August 2021
    July 2020
    March 2020
    January 2020
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019

    Categories

    All

    RSS Feed

    DISCLAIMER: We are NOT doctors. everyPCOSbody, and all whom run and contribute to anything that has the everyPCOSbody name do not make any medical claims. We are expressing our opinions based on extensive research, knowledge and being highly involved within the PCOS community. As always, with any medical condition, please speak with a medical professional regarding diagnosis and any treatment or treatment changes.
     © 2021 everyPCOSbody All Rights Reserved
    By JGutke Designs
Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.
  • Home
  • About PCOS
  • Resources
    • Tests
    • Questions
    • Blog
  • Podcast
  • Shop
    • Books
  • Contact