DO I HAVE PCOS?
PCOS is an endocrine disorder that impacts 1 in 7 women worldwide - that is a HUGE number when you think about it. Unfortunately, the reality is that number is likely much higher. The reason being, PCOS is a syndrome, which means there is not a single diagnostic criteria that is sufficient enough to make a diagnosis.

In order to receive a diagnosis of PCOS, 2 of the 3 following must be met:

1. Oligo-anovulation - This means that a woman is having 8 or fewer menstrual cycles per year. In my case, it was zero for 2 years. Once I started having a cycle again, it was still fewer than 8 per year for two years. 

After my first cycle, I didn't have another one for 15 weeks. The one after that was about 9 weeks, then it bumped up to 14 weeks and so on. It is now like clockwork, every 28 days.

I say this so you understand that there isn't something wrong with you if your body doesn't get right back into monthly cycles right away. It takes time, sometimes a significant amount, for the body to get back into the swing of things.

2. Clinical or biochemical evidence of hyperandrogenism - From a clinical perspective, the person may present with male pattern baldness, excess hair growth (often on the upper lip, chin, chest and/or back) and/or acne. 

From a biochemical perspective, this simply means that excess androgens, such as testosterone, show up in a blood test. 

I didn't have this element when I was first diagnosed. Although, throughout my journey, I have had spikes of high testosterone. I knew this from the extra hair that grew on my upper lip and confirmation in a saliva hormone test. It can tell you, it is pretty terrifying to see a hairy upper lip as a woman.

3. Polycystic ovaries on ultrasound examination - Generally an internal and external ultrasound needs to be done. 

When I had this done, my left ovary was black on the ultrasound because of how many cysts were present. The right also had a large number, but nowhere near the amount of the left. 

What's interesting, is that if I were to have Mittelschmerz (ovulation pain), it was always on the left side. 

If you suspect that you have PCOS, but have not had all three of these areas looked at, then I encourage you to speak to a doctor. 

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MEET JEN

 
Hello! Thank you popping by! I’m Jen. I'm a wife, a furmama to two gorgeous dogs, a Naturopath, Nutritionist, and an advocate for natural ways to support physical and emotional wellbeing. Oh, and I’m a CEO! 

My journey originally started in Psychology. You see, when I was 16 my father took his own life after suffering years of a debilitating gambling addiction. I did a Bachelor’s in Psych as I wanted to understand why he made the choices that he did. I also wanted to ensure that I never went down that path and also help those suffering as he did. I loved it so much I went on to do a Masters.

It was during that time I got sick. I’m talking woke up one morning and couldn’t get out of bed, sick. For many years I felt helpless and frustrated!

Let me back up for a second. Prior to this life consisted of pain and fatigue. I had digestive issues and IBS from childhood. Through my teens and early 20's I was getting 2-3 migraines a month around my cycle and headaches more than half the month. My periods we very painful – I had to miss work or school the first 1-2 days. I would literally lie on the floor or the bed curled in the foetal position and cry from the pain. I could easily talk a full packet of Ibuprofen and still not get much relief.

Then, at 26, my period stopped altogether and things went downhill fast! For the first time in my life I was feeling apathetic and overwhelmed. Over the course of the next two years I was diagnosed with a host of conditions – are you ready for the laundry list? The first diagnosis was PCOS. I was told that I was infertile, that I would never have children, and that IVF wasn’t an option for me. I was also told that I was pre-diabetic, that my liver was worse than an alcoholic’s (and I don’t drink), that I had migraine disorder, vertigo, and adrenal fatigue. The cherry on the cake was a diagnosis of Hashimoto’s at 28.

I was in complete and utter shock. I couldn’t fathom that a 28-year-old Personal Trainer, who looked fit and healthy on the outside, could be in such disarray on the inside.  

Over the two years I saw five doctors and a Naturopath and nothing improved.

And then one day a friend and I got in touch. She told me to change my diet and take specific supplements. I figured I had nothing to lose, and so I did! I went onto a low-carb diet and was taking upward of 30-40 pills a day…and guess what?! Three months later my period started!! How incredible is that?!

Over the next two years all of my health ailments rectified! Well, all except my Hashi’s – more on that in a minute. My cycles became clockwork, they were manageable, the migraines and vertigo disappeared and my liver and blood sugar levels returned to the normal range! How exciting is that?! The best part, I can now have children should I choose! Having that option is incredible!

Of course I was so excited and inspired that I had to go to school and study Nutritional Medicine and Naturopathy.

Now, let’s talk about my Hashi’s. That only went into remission when my toxic load was decreased. That was a lightbulb moment for me and the moment I got fired up to share with others the importance of leading a low-tox life. I love educating people where toxins are found, what impact they have on physical and emotional wellbeing, and what products to replace them with to support your wellbeing. 

I sincerely believe that many of my health issues would not have presented if I were living a low-tox life. My Hashi’s has been in remission since I was 31 and I am so proud to say that! Praise God!

Life is so different to what it was 10 years ago. I have the energy and the mental capacity to engage in life! I am present and am thriving. Oh, and I laugh! I actually laugh out loud, something that eluded me for many years.

I am happy and healthy and it is my mission to help YOU be the happy, healthy person you are meant to be!
I would love for you to join our exclusive community and learn how you too can find freedom from physical and emotional barriers. I look forward to seeing you there!
 

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