Top tips for newly diagnosed cysters!

Not sure where to start? read on..

So you have finally been diagnosed and don't know where to turn? You've come to the right place. PCOS Vitality has a wealth of information and tips for you as you begin to navigate the world of PCOS.

If you are a techie fan and like to use apps you may find the AskPCOS app useful. Designed for women trying to find more information about PCOS and to help you manage your condition, the app has many useful features. You can search for and explore topics and articles related to PCOS. Find out more here https://www.askpcos.org/

For the absolute basics on PCOS you will love our PCOS Vitality's Beginner's Guide. It has been developed by our volunteers and a PCOS expert. It can provide you with some suggestions on what to request during the doctor's appointment. Download it here

https://www.pcosvitality.com/introductory-guide-to-pcos

A super top tip is to set up a file or notebook to document your medical records, track medications, and monitor symptoms. This can be a good old fashioned notebook or a digital record. It can also be useful to help you spot patterns in your symptoms or recurring problems.

Next, find your tribe. Get yourself into a good supportive group of like minded PCOS cysters. Your ideal group is supporting, non-judgemental, informative and is the perfect place to learn and share. You can join our Facebook Peer Support Group here

https://www.facebook.com/groups/2080389955597784

Lastly, if you have done your homework and want to test your PCOS expertise don't forget the PCOS game link below

https://pcos.focusgames.com/

Remember, you can ask us anything so don't hesitate to get in touch via email info@pcosvitality.com or any of our social media outlets.

Have a great January!

Maureen x

(c) PCOS Vitality 2025

Understanding the mental health impact of PCOS

The psychological impact of a PCOS cannot be underestimated

A PCOS diagnosis can be described as a double edged sword. On one hand, you finally know for certain what is going on in your body. You have a condition and know that what you are experiencing is real and not some exaggeration, that it isn't a figment of your imagination. On the other hand, it can be frightening. Given that PCOS has no known cure and no dedicated treatments (only management), it can be a daunting diagnosis to receive. I mean at least with cancer there is a plan right?

To say PCOS is not just in your imagination is true, but it does get inside your head! This we know for sure as research has shown how depressive and anxiety symptoms are significantly increased. In fact, the international PCOS Guidelines, recently updated in 2023, recommend that all women and individuals with PCOS should be screened for anxiety and depression or other appropriate psychological assessment and given therapy as indicated.

Many people including healthcare professionals are unaware of the full scale of the mental health impact of PCOS. There is a need for greater awareness of the psychological features of PCOS that go beyond anxiety. For example, eating disorders are common in PCOS and some people find the symptoms have a negative impact on their body image and thus, their quality of life. Feeling like you are being dismissed by healthcare professionals can further compound some of these problems.

How can we contribute? Begin by taking every chance to discuss PCOS. Speak openly about it, and include conversations about mental health. If you need assistance, seek it without feeling ashamed. We all have mental health needs. It's important to empower ourselves while awaiting advancements in PCOS treatment. Empower yourself and communicate your decisions with your caregivers. Your voice is important, and this can also help enhance your mental health.

In the future, more integrated care models that emphasize the significance of mental health in PCOS treatment should be developed, as collaborative decision-making can be advantageous for PCOS.

(c) PCOS Vitality 2025

"We can buy ourselves flowers"...New year...on our own terms...

Happy New Year

Nope no need for a new you! Society's well-fed notion that you need to be a new person each New Year is a fad. Why on earth would you want to do that? Self-improve, by all means, but we are inherently good enough!

You may notice these bright sunny (sometimes snowy) January mornings bring a social media tsunami of guilt-tripping health messaging. You'd not be alone in feeling miserable about your non-instagrammable, non-aesthetic and, let's face it, typically banal lifestyle. But, life is not about appearances. You have many strengths and you can always continue to develop but be sure to set your goals on your own terms.

Guilt-tripping messaging is a type of health communication strategy that aims to change behaviour by inducing guilt if you don't make healthy choices. Examples include "every sugary drink is a step to a shorter life" or "if you don't exercise you're letting yourself down or your family" etc.

Some would argue that some people need hard truths in public health messaging but we ask if this is necessary in 2025? Research has shown that yes this type of message can work but only if it doesn't trigger resistance. Also, seemingly innocent language can make New Year even more challenging for some people particularly those with mental health challenges.

Guilting-tripping health messaging can be problematic as it;

• can trigger feelings of shame

• can increase anxiety

• can induce feelings of inadequacy or powerlessness

• can have an opposite effect leading to individuals shutting down completely

Let's instead focus on;

• positive reinforcement like considering whether something is beneficial to our mood or energy levels

• giving ourselves greater options and tools by educating ourselves about health & PCOS

• allowing ourselves to grow and thrive in 2025!

So, consider limiting your consumption of negative media messages and maybe go buy the flowers!

Happy & healthy New Year everyone!

Maureen x