PCOS Awareness Month: Why We Need To Talk About It

50% of women are living with PCOS undiagnosed. Which is why PCOS Awareness Month means so much to us! This is a time to bring awareness, learn more about about PCOS, share our PCOS story, hear other cysters stories and to help other women see there is hope to overcome their PCOS symptoms.

PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) is a serious genetic, hormone, metabolic and reproductive disorder that affects women. This hormonal disorder causes a variety of symptoms in 1 in 10 women worldwide and is extremely common to be diagnosed during childbearing years as it is currently the #1 cause of infertility. Doctors are still trying to get a better understanding of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) and currently think it could be caused from a combination of genetic and lifestyle habits.

Read, research and explore options to find what is best for your life and body and talk to your doctor or naturopath about the best next steps.

As you start to read about the symptoms and facts surrounding PCOS, don’t forget that you are not alone.

S’moo was actually created by a fellow PCOS Cyster who, like you, worked hard to understand her PCOS and had her share of struggles along the way. She never gave up until she found what worked for her and when she realized that her solution could work for others, she shared it and is committed to raising PCOS Awareness around the world. We’ll talk more about that soon but for now, just remember not to give up.

If you need support on your PCOS journey, we can help you find the information, resources & products you need to get through it.

The S'moo Babe community is also an amazing resource with thousands of women on the same journey and it is completely free of charge.  

What are the symptoms of PCOS?

• Irregular menstrual periods
• Missed periods or non-existent periods
• Unexplained Weight gain
• Acne or oily skin
  Infertility
• Male-pattern baldness
• Hair Growth (Hirsutism)
• Thinning hair or hair loss
• Difficulty losing weight
• Ovarian cysts
• Mood fluctuations
• Headaches
• Fatigue, Tiredness

Part of PCOS Awareness Month is letting women know that they don’t have to live with your PCOS and it doesn’t need to hold you back. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome is completely treatable with a healthy lifestyle and diet.

HOWEVER, no matter what PCOS symptoms you have, if you’re trying to balance your hormones naturally (even if you are eating a whole-foods based diet that contains ample vegetables, fruits, and proteins) you’re most likely still deficient in certain nutrients. Which is why including supplements in your diet, can be essential.

Check out our blog on the "Top 10 Supplements for PCOS" for more information on recommended and studied PCOS Vitamins. If you are looking for an easy way to get all of these supplements in one scoop, Ovary Good by S’moo was designed for women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). Learn more about the story behind S’moo here.

There are a lot of myths about PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) that keep women from seeking help and can cause a loss of hope. We're here to tell you that there are so many misconceptions about PCOS, and it's important to learn them so you know that are not true. Check out these common PCOS myths here.

Often PCOS is based on your medical history and a physical exam paired with a few different tests.

• Physical exam. If you’re going in to find out if you have PCOS, your doctor will measure your blood pressure, your body mass index and waist size. They will also be looking for excess hair on your face, neck, chest or back.
  
  

• Pelvic exam. Women with PCOS often have extra male hormones, this can causes things like an enlarged clitoris or swollen/enlarged ovaries. A pelvic exam can help a doctor see if you have symptoms that show signs of excess hormones.
  
  

• Pelvic ultrasound (sonogram). Your doctor will use an ultrasound to check for cysts, all women with PCOS don’t have cysts but it is more common.
  
  

• Blood tests. Women with PCOS often have higher levels of androgen hormones so a blood test can reveal this. Normally your doctor will also check for other hormone related health problems that can be mistaken for PCOS.
  
  

• Symptoms. Your doctor will decide if you have PCOS depending on the results of the above tests and your symptoms such as irregular periods, extra hair growth (on your face, chin, and body which is called hirsutism), acne, or thinning of scalp hair.

Whether you are here because you have PCOS, think you may have PCOS or know someone with PCOS... We want you to know that you don’t have to go through PCOS alone! Join our free S’moo Babe Community App and meet other women with similar experiences to connect with and find solutions together. The S'moo Babes community is a safe space to ask questions, make friends and join health challenges! We hope to see you there.

Here are some other resources you may enjoy:

• PCOS Text Group: Join our PCOS text group by texting PCOS to 83086 for more information on PCOS. Standard messaging rates may apply

• PCOS Blog: Click here to go to the PCOS Blog.

• PCOS Awareness Month Page: Click here to visit

• PCOS Success Stories: We are so inspired by your stories. Click here to read some PCOS Success Stories!

• Karagan's PCOS Weight Loss Story: Click here!

• PCOS Supplements by S'moo

• Build Your Own PCOS Bundle

We hope you have the chance to learn more about your PCOS, meet friends and get support... and leave September behind feeling hopeful and optimistic for the months ahead.