WHAT PCOS IS:
PCOS, or Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, is a condition that affects many women in their 20s and 30s hoping to have a child. The exact cause is not known, but symptoms include an irregular menstrual cycle, weight gain or difficulty losing weight, developing hair in unwanted places, acne, thinning hair, darkening skin, and skin tags. It may also be difficult to conceive, as regular ovulation (when the egg is released from the ovaries) may not occur.
CAUSES & EFFECTS:
The causes of PCOS can include a combination of factors, including genetic, higher levels of androgens (male hormones) than estrogens (female hormones), and being overweight. PCOS can also cause Insulin resistance, which prevents the body from being able to process food and sugar properly. Other health problems may also arise, include diabetes, high blood pressure and cholesterol, sleep apnea, depression and anxiety, and an increase in the likelihood of developing endometrial cancer.
STRESS & DEPRESSION:
Hormonal imbalances, as well as increased stress and the inability to conceive, can exacerbate the physical effects on the body. If you are unsuccessful with either weight loss or fertility or both, you may experience an increase in stress and depression, both of which can lead to unhealthy behaviors.
WHAT YOU CAN DO:
To help with the hormonal imbalances associated with PCOS, medications such as birth control for androgens and/or Metformin for insulin resistance can be effective. Weight loss can also reduce many of the symptoms, but many doctors may not be able to provide the help and support you may need in achieving your weight loss goals. Simply reducing calories may not have worked in the past, and exercise is often unrealistic and can be counterproductive under these conditions.
TO HELP YOU IN THIS JOURNEY, WELLLIFE PLANS CAN HELP
We will provide weekly coaching, support, and education that will guide you toward the foods and habits that are under your control. Through working with your counselor, you will identify your goals and motivations and begin your journey to a healthy weight and a healthy lifestyle. You have the motivation, but you also need the knowledge and the skills to be successful. You do not need killer workouts – you will benefit the most from someone who understands what you are going through, listens to your experiences and concerns, and guides you through healthy eating strategies that will work for you.
THE WAY WELLLIFE WORKS
Our program works by personalizing a nutrition plan that will help your body heal from stress and hormonal imbalances. Since everyone processes energy in a different way, you will work with your counselor to address your stressors and discover the foods that will work with your body instead of against it. WellLife plans help you not only reduce calories, but also help you get the right kind of calories, at the right times. You will also work with your counselor to stay accountable to making time to prepare and eat those foods. When you follow the plan successfully, the result will be reduced weight, fat, cholesterol, and blood pressure. At the same time, you will also start to feel better, have more energy, and increase muscle, mood, and motivation as you see results. This will also all help your body increase the chances of ovulation and conception. And all this is possible with NO drugs, diet pills, or surgery! All you need is a commitment to your health and to work with your doctor and counselor to find the right combination of foods, medications, and/or supplements that will work for you.
