Hi Soph! I’m and RD and had to comment after you spoke about anxieties around cutting out sugar,etc. there is a lot of misinformation out there and if you do have PCOS it shouldn’t involve excessive restrictions that take the simple joys out of life! If you get a diagnosis I would recommend finding a registered dietitian for an evidence based approach to nutrition and pcos if you have questions or want to sort out myths vs facts! Wishing you all the best in your health journey ❤️
Aussie healthcare worker - If you're inclined to be thoroughly investigated there is absolutely a test for pcos it's an ultrasound of the ovaries where you can literally see the multiple (poly) follicles (cysts). You can also do day 21 of cycle (from memory, not sure of exact day) progesterone blood test to confirm that you have or have not ovulated because the primary problem in pcos is anovulation. Hope this helps anyone x
I believe the most diagnostic (and also therapeutic) test is a laproscope where they can both see and treat the ectopic endometrial growths. Speak to your general practitioner though :)
They can also test ur blood sugars as insulin resistance is a symptom i have pcos and thats another thing they check as lots of ppl have cysts and dont have pcos there are many other tests for it. I would highly recommend going to a gynaecologist as gps don't actually no much about. Theres not actually much u can do for it there tablets for the insulin resistance otherwise its really just the pill or marina that theu recommend as there is no cure. I also have endo its common to have both not just one
Also with the pcos no matter how much of a calorie deficit im in i cannot loose weight it doesnt go anywhere as my body then just holds onto it more with the pcos
Dietitian here! Feel for you Sophie, it must be really overwhelming trying to navigate your health at the moment. And keep in mind there is a LOT of misinformation out there about what you should and shouldn't eat with conditions like PCOS and hormonal imbalances which can be so confusing. I highly recommend chatting to a dietitian before feeling like you need to cut anything out of your diet, often there is no need and it's so important to preserve your relationship with food. Usually it is actually more beneficial to look at what you can add to your diet (rather than take out) e.g. foods to reduce inflammation, regulate blood sugar and lower oestrogen levels, while only eliminating food if you have pinpointed them as a specific trigger for you. Working with someone will help make sure you are still meeting your nutritional needs and feeling good about what you're eating and your body. I hope this helps and doesn't make you feel more anxious - I'm really happy to chat with you one on one if that would help xx
I have never related to anyone more, I'm sorry that you're having that experience but also so thankful for your openness and the fact that you're sharing your journey and emotions... you are a true gem, so much love!!
I went plant based and it helped so much with my period pain! I have had such bad period pain my whole life and acne. I finally have found something that has helped me. It’s the best feeling finding something that finally works. I try to give my body lots of nutrients and try to minimize fat and processed foods.
Firstly so sorry to hear the troubles you are having! I have PCOS and endometriosis, I was officially diagnosed at 21 but had symptoms since I was 14. My best tip and advice is finding a GP that takes you seriously and does testing to find an answer. I would ask for your hormones levels to be tested by bloodwork and an ultrasound to check your ovaries. With those results and looking through your history to diagnose you. My other tip from a fellow anxiety sufferer, stay clear of Dr Google - there’s so much on there and it’s SO overwhelming. Take each day as it comes and work out things that work for you. Everyone will be quick to tell you this is what I did and it worked but we are so individual and need our own tailored treatments - Goodluck! There’s a big community of fellow PCOS and endometriosis warriors who will support you! Xx
Ahhh soph 😫 you poor thing! sounds like a tough week, but will be such a relief to chat to a professional and get to the bottom of everything… i have a chronic bladder condition and finding out what diet changes to make etc to reduce my symptoms made suuch a difference. Fingers crossed for you! Side note: I think it’s important to pop in here and say it’s natural to gain a little bit of weight progressively as we age. I sat at an easy 57kg when I was 18-22yo ish and now in my 30’s I sit at 67kg (and pretty lean) it’s mind bending, cause I essentially look the same but weigh 10kg more. Anyway just wanted to say don’t be too hard on yourself, our bodies are always in a state of flux. Most important to be healthy and happy and hopefully sitting at maintenance comes along with that ❤️x
Hey Soph, there’s something called post pill PCOS. I’m currently seeing a naturopath because all GPs have just diagnosed me with PCOS and told me to go on the pill. I would recommend going to your GP for the diagnosis but get as many opinions you feel like is necessary 💖
Your chat about PCOS resonates so much with me right now! After visiting my GP and naturopath last year when I started getting acne, irregular periods (which has now been missing for about 10 months) and eventually weight gain we got some blood work done and assessed my overall health and then worked to improve the areas where levels were either to high or too low. After a few months of things getting worse we went down the track of diagnosing PCOS, which included an ultrasound. The way you’re feeling is exactly how I’m feeling. My diet and exercise has not changed, yet I’ve gained about 10kg in a short space of time and my skin has never been so horrible. The toll that it has taken on me mentally is really hard and it’s a daily struggle. Knowing that I’m looking after myself the best I can, yet I don’t feel like myself anymore and it feels like my body is letting me down. Not to mention the money I’ve spent on medical appointments and skin appointments. I’ve discovered that when it comes to PCOS, it’s definitely not a matter of calorie deficits for loosing weight, it’s more about the actual food that you’re putting in to your body. The general ‘just eat healthy’ doesn’t quite cut it and I’ve had to make changes. I’m currently reading a book that was recommended to me by a few people called ‘The Glucose Revolution’. As a part of my PCOS, I’ve had insulin resistance which is a contributing factor to weight gain. This book has been incredibly helpful in understanding glucose and insulin and how what you eat and how you eat, effect these things. It goes on to explain how changing the way you eat, while still eating the same food can change the way your body responds to glucose and controlling glucose spikes, which helps with insulin resistance. Highly recommend reading it.
Also you are perfect the way you are!!! I have noticed your confidence seem to dwindle a little or maybe I’m misreading but who cares what you do/feel/look like you are gorgggggg
I have insulin resistance and the smallest form of early PCOS and I have no idea what advise to take! There’s so much information out there it’s so overwhelming! We’ve got this 💕💕💕
I am going through the exact same thing and it's just so heartwrenching, the cut sugar, gut gluten, take this take that and nothing seems to be the key... talking to a wholistic coach and trying some new stuff so we'll see. It's just so.... well you would understand, there's no way to put it into words. Tons of love to all the ladies struggling
Hey Soph! I have had Invisalign’s before and if the retainer is sharp around the edges and cutting your tongue, grab a nail filer and file the edges down!
Thank you so much for being so open and starting this conversation Soph - I have struggled with weight gain (only in my stomach area though despite eating healthy, regularly exercising etc), bloating and now irregular periods too. I have been brushed off by GP’s but am desperate for some help! If anyone in the comments knows any specialists or has recommendations, preferably Melbourne based I’d be eternally grateful!!
I have PCOS and have reduced gluten and dairy, taken away HIIT workouts and really focused on managing my stress levels as for me, they are my symptoms, but everyone is different! You can get an ultrasound for then to look for cysts on your ovaries (which isn’t the end of the world) but helps the diagnosis! You are t alone ❤️
I just got diagnosed with PCOS (AND celiacs disease, which doesn’t apply to you) two months ago. That being said, I had to change a lot of things in my diet, take so many tests, and do so much research up front- but the best advice I can give is to just take things one day at a time. Don’t worry about all the things you will have to change or how appointments will go-just do the things you need to do TODAY! You can do this!!!
I was diagnosed with PCOS last year after I got back from my holiday where I was experiencing bad cramping and as I was trying for a baby I was never able to hold my pregnancy more than 6 weeks gestation. I went to my dr and asked to investigate what was happening to my body. Got blood tests and they found I had PCOS and I was put on medication for it which I was on for 4 months and found my body responded well to it I had lost weight on it and the best thing was I was able to fall pregnant and hold which gave me my rainbow baby who is now almost 3 weeks old. But I totally understand the struggle your going through.
What medication did they have you on for 4 months. I've had pcos since I was 15 and was never given anything really. I've had a stillborn and miscarriage and was basically directed to an infertility doctor. I'd love to know more....
@@emmapolarbear oh okay. Yeah I was on that for two years. Well I'm glad things are doing well for you hun and that you have been blessed with ur rainbow baby 😊❤
I’m sorry your going through this! I have endometriosis and just going through the process of being diagnosed with pcos also. Have had endo for yeaarrrsss and honestly, mindset has made such a difference. No matter how shit you feel or whatever goes on I feel like your mindset can really effect it! Definitely scary and overwhelming to begin with but there is a massive community of us out here that support each other xx 😚
Sophie, it’s great that you’re sharing your struggles with hormonal imbalances bc they are so common these days. But i know how frustrating it can be. I’m a naturopathic nutritionist, specialise in PCOS & have personally overcome the symptoms myself. I have tons of podcast videos on my channel & would happily hop on a call with you to let you about the underlying causes of PCOS (poor gut health, mineral imbalances, thyroid issues etc) & what u can do ❤️
I'm so sorry you're dealing with this, but it's glad you're catching it at your age to find the best way forward. I am just now discovering I have PCOS at 30 and it's like wow, I could have had a handle on this 10 years ago if anyone listened to me. Always advocate for yourself, sending love.
Sounds like a lot. I got diagnosed with PCOS 2 years ago and I can tell you that you will get through it, if you got it. It’s hard but also beautiful because you eventually become more attuned to your own body and your hormonal health. I can recommend the book period power. It’s about eating and working out according to the different stages of your cycle. I wish you patience and strength 🥰
For the watch issue, if you pull that screen up that shows your battery and all the other options like airplane mode and stuff, if you press the little bell and it turns reddy/pink then your watch will stop talking to you ☺ hope that made sense hahah
Hey Soph! Sorry to hear that you’ve been going through this 💛 like the many comments also on here, I too have been diagnosed with PCOS - an AMAZING book I read that helped me start out in the right direction (it lists everything in plain English, even suggestions on what Q’s to ask your Drs) was Period Repair Manual by Lara Briden. There’s actually multiple “types” of PCOS, which not all Drs are clued up on if they don’t follow recent research - a lesson from my personal experience. I hope all goes well with your journey, I’m a year on from my diagnosis of Post-pill PCOS and after working with my women’s specialist naturopath I’ve balanced out my hormones, got a regular non painful period back and am living a “normal” life again! There’s light at the end of tunnel if you do have PCOS 💛
So sorry you’re going through this, I similarly came off the pill around 18 months ago after being on it for 13 years. I was diagnosed with PCOS earlier this year and since then I’ve heard of pill induced PCOS, which is a scary thought if that is what causes it. You can definitely get diagnosed through blood work and an ultrasound as well as your symptoms. Unfortunately regular GPs don’t really have the knowledge to do anything further in terms of treating/reducing symptoms so I’d recommend speaking to a specialist if you are diagnosed, that’s the route I’m now having to go down. It’s frustrating but it’s so common and nice to know you’re not alone 🤍
I've had invisalign before. I'd recommend trying some orthodontic wax on the bits that feel a bit sharp on your tongue/cheeks. You can get it at Chemist Warehouse and its a good quick fix since you'll only be wearing that specific aligner for 1-2 weeks before changing. If it's really bad, you can also ask the orthodontist to show you how to file the sharp edges a bit for whenever it happens with any future aligners. Good luck with everything! 😊
Hi Sophie ! I rarely comment on videos but your chat about pcos, struggling with your period and the weight gain really hit home. I stopped the mini-pill (progesteron only) around november 2019 and since then i haven't stopped putting on weight, i still don't have regular menstrual cycle at all, i can't get a good night sleep and constantly wake up during the night. I don't experience acne, excessive hair growth or extremely bad period pain, but i do have poly follicles on my ovaries (or at least i did the last time i went to the gynecologist). She just shrugged it off like it was no big deal, told me to wait a few month, not eat excessively and if my cycle didn't come back to just make another appointment and she would give me another pill to help. I must also mention that prior to going on the pill, i had regular painless period. I know how exactly how disheartened you feel right now as i worked so hard to feel comfortable in my body, fitness and health and then suddenly out of nowhere, whatever i do, it seems like everything fires back at me. Whether i eat more or less, exercise more or less, i keep putting weight on. And while i know bodies are meant to change and everyone around me is telling me this, they don't know the struggle i'm going through as i feel like i'm trying everything but nothing works. It's not even only about the weight gain (and i even if it was, i think it's totally okay to prefer having certain type of physique as long as it's realistic and you don't compromise your health in the process), i feel so unwell in my body, can't get good sleep, still no regulated menstrual cycle and i feel so much less energetic than i used to. I also have a lot more cellulite out of nowhere. Again, nothing wrong with that, i've always had some and never really minded, but it got to the point it's getting easily noticeable and i don't remember it ever being like that even when i was at my highest weight. I also tried going to acupuncture, but the doctor said i was too young for that (i'm 23), said it was an issue with my liver and gave me plants. Then, when i mentionned my weight, he made me weight myself (which was so triggering as i had avoided that for a whole year), calculated my BMI, disregarded me when i mentionned a slowed metabolism (he literally said the metabolism only slows down with menopause) and prescribed me a diet with not even enough food to feed a toddler. I feel really down about this whole situation, i don't know what to do, who to turn to as every doctor i encounter just tell me to go on diet and take a pill. Sometimes I'm so desperate i think about going back on the mini-pill even though it wouldn't fix the problem. So yeah, i guess i just wanted to let you know you're not alone. The fast your are sharing your own struggles also makes me feel less alone and heard and like it's not "just in my head". I really hope you will find a solution to your situation. On a brighter note, your vlogs always makes my day a bit better. I really love your energy, the realness, and your karaoke moment.
Goodluck with everything Sophie! I really understand what you are going through and how frustrating it is, I never even considered PCOS could be an answer for me until my doctor started a variety of tests (blood tests are an indicator and both an internal and external ultrasound will help with diagnosis) with me a month ago. And again, I truly understand the anxiety around doctors, I had not seen one since 2018 because I am so scared of them but now I am seeing a specialist this week for a biopsy of my cysts and follicles. You certainly are not alone 💕
hi soph! first, love the vlog! i appreciate how open you are. on pcos, i was diagnosed earlier this year. there are definitely tests to confirm a pcos diagnosis. i had an ultrasound for another issue when they found cysts on both my ovaries. my advice would be to find a gp that specialises in womens health or a gynaecologist. other specialised gps or naturopaths may be fine but with actual medical diagnosis i really feel as though someone with a medical degree is your best shot. my diagnosis was awful. it was a telehealth appointment that lasted all of two minutes and my old gp told me i have it and to stay on my pill. i also have anxiety when dealing with medical professionals so understand that fear but i think going to see your dr face to face is your best option (take sam or a friend if that helps!). for pcos, i’d steer clear of google as much as you can. there is so much conflicting information of which a majority has no scientific backing. trust your health professionals and work to find one that’s willing to help you. i personally am vegan and after my pcos diagnosis have gone gluten free also to help with the gut issues (bloating mostly) that have come with my pcos and it has helped immensely BUT in saying that, there are different types of pcos so different diets (or none at all) can be recommended and i don’t believe you’ll need to cut out a large majority of food groups. if you do google for some helpful advice and facts, stick to research-based articles and recommendations. i’ve remained on the pill to combat my pcos but i feel as though that may not be an option you want to take. i have heard good things about taking an inositol supplement as a natural form of managing symptoms, but again run everything by a gp or gyno first. i hope you get it all sorted soon! i promise it’s a completely manageable diagnosis and you have not only a lot of support from your followers in this but there are also plenty of online groups that are for individuals with pcos that may help. look after yourself! 💗💗💗
Hey Soph! I got diagnosed with PCOS with only some of the symptoms due to getting an internal ultra sound to assess for cysts, super not painful and easy and really put my mind at ease :) currently experiencing the same situation with weight gain and trying to stay positive seeing my body change so quickly
Hi Soph! I was told I might have PCOS and got an ultrasound done to see if I had any cystic growth. I had been having acne, weight gain that I couldn’t lose, period pain, etc. I was cleared of PCOS. I looked into my symptoms more, and it’s very possible you could just have a hormone imbalance from getting off of the pill. There are several self help books that will be able to help you to know what to do to get your hormones back on track after the pill. One of them is ‘Beyond the Pill’ by Dr. Jolene Brighten. Another one that is good for learning how to cycle your hormones according to your cycle, is called ‘Period Power’ by Maisie Hill. Too many women go through not knowing what’s going on w themselves.. and we can heal ourselves too. ❤️ Hormones do so much more than we realize and they are good, we just need to be able to understand them. Try seeing a holistic/hormone doctor + the medical one. Get your hormone levels regularly checked so you can know what YOUR normal is.. because normal might not be normal for you. You’ve got this!!
Another book that is amazing just to understand what type of hormone balance you have, and how hormones play into your life, is called ‘The Hormone Bible’ by Shawn Tassone. You don’t necessarily have to even see a doctor if it is an anxiety thing for you. There are so many quizzes online that can help also. You’re not the only one bby. 🥰
For me what really helped with my period pains, was taking a good magnesium supplement. Many people are low in magnesium and as this is what helps relax the muscles, it plays a big part in period cramps as well. Make sure it's a form of magnesium that is actually absorbed by the body (f.e. magnesium oxide is not absorbed at all...). You can try taking 2 pills of magnesium bisglycinate, citrate, malate or taurate (or ofcourse a combination). For me it helped immediately, the first period I got after taking the supplements (2 pills, with breakfast and dinner) for about 2 weeks was sooo much less pain and it has been ever since. I haven't made any other changes. Hope this works for you or other people!
As someone who has spent the past 2 years pushing for a PCOS diagnosis and spending thousands of dollars on specialist appointments I would be more than happy to share the resources I have been given as they're so much information on the internet it can be so consuming and feel as though you're going round in circles. Sending all my love during the diagnosis process as I have also been supporting my two sister-in-laww through their PCOS diagnosis over the past year as well ❤️❤️
Feeling for you Soph, I'm so sorry you're dealing with this. I hope you can get some answers soon, while the tests are scary, there's nothing worse than not knowing and your head filling in the blanks. Also your lips look amazing!! You got this girl, you know we are all here for you 🤗❤x
So sorry you've been having a rough time Soph. I was diagnosed with pcos last year. I bleed so heavy the first 3 days of my period that I go through a super plus tampon and a night time pad within a couple of hours. I'm currently on iron tablets for anemia because of it. I've struggled hard with weight loss but I've found Pilates is helping massively with my bloating and weight loss, especially a night time calming pilates TH-cam routine of an evening. Inositol is meant to be helpful too, but I haven't been taking it long enough to say for certain it works personally. Sending love from the Essex England 🇬🇧 ❤
It’s worth a try is all I am saying. People worry about a protein deficiency which is incorrect. I’ve lost 62 lbs got rid of period pain and my skin is looking better than ever! ❤️
Sophie, i’m 32, and after years of studies and search i found i have Hashimoto syndrome, it affects everything you’ve said, your inmmune system fights against your tiroid and the syntoms includes PCOS, insulin resistance , gut problems, gluten and dairy intolerance. It is easy to find it with tiroid antibodies in a blood test.
Been researching pcos, as well. Wondering if I have it too. Just have had hormonal issues (random breakouts, mood swings, infrequent periods, etc.) You are not alone girly! We are here for you always 🤍
Hey soph, I’m a nutritionist with pcos myself. Completely understand how overwhelming it all can be. To have pcos your doctor will do an assessment including internal ultra sound for cysts + others. If you have 2 out of 3 of the categories then is diagnosed. What most people don’t know pcos is influenced by lifestyle also not just food. Makeup and skin care products are full of hormone disrupting ingredients. It can place a lot of strain on your system to filter out. Perhaps you could go a month without using any chemicals and see if it helps your period pains. I’d be happy to help you if you need more support. Xxx
Get Labs done on day 3 of your cycle. That's best time to get any type of "female hormone" type issues checked. I just had all mine done for fertility reasons but same thing to figure out if you may have PCOS or endometriosis
Hi Sophie! I highly recommend reading “In the Flo” by Alisa Vitti, honestly a book every woman should read. Such an eye opener for women’s health and hormones 💗
I love love the wide angle lens! Wishing you luck for finding out what’s up, I suffer with painful periods too and always think do I have endo or pcos then do nothing lol just live my life knowing I’ll be in pain a couple days a month ☹️
I understand you perfectly because I lived it two years ago, from eating well, exercising and having a body with which I felt good to gaining weight so easily it's frustrating and humiliating... so sad, I also have pcos diagnosed
Random Thoughts during this vlog = :Driving ANYWHERE when i don't know where i am going is sooo stressful to me. :The O.C came out when i was 15 and i was OBSESSED 💖
Hi Sophie! Thank you so much for sharing your struggles so openly 🙏 I have also been diagnosed with PCOS after an ultrasound and bloodtest and am now at the point where I’m trying to figure out how to get a healthy body and balance my hormones (and yes also lose that stubborn fat in the process). I’ve tried a low carb high fat diet which was actually the first thing ever to help me feel more energised, go to bed with a flat stomach (read not bloated!) and lose weight so easily while still eating more than enough to not leave me hungry after a meal. I just find it quite hard to stick to this diet as you can’t really eat anything if you’re eating out which makes it too restrictive for me. Still looking for a solution that works for me and that is easy to balance when I leave my house also. I do use Maca powder daily to help balance my hormones which I find also helps with having more regular periods. I would be really interested to follow your journey with this (whatever you feel comfortable sharing) !!
Hi Sophie. My tipp for your health problem is for sure the podcasts of Leah Brueggeman "Balancing Hormones Naturally". It help me sooo much when no doctor could help me. Love u!
Hey girl! I totally feel you with the periods… I myself am on a journey to get my periods back on track as I have similar symptoms as you, but mine are a little irregular. I hope you find out some answers to what’s going on with your periods! ❤
I was diagnosed with PCOS at 19 after years of inconsistent periods via ultrasound. I can relate with the weight gain and difficulty losing weight issue. Because of it my periods are extremely irregular and I’m classed as “infertile” because of it. I was extremely lucky enough to have a healthy baby girl via losing weight but I really had to be strict with what I ate that it wasn’t sustainable full time. I ended up putting the weight back on plus more. A doctor I saw a few months ago explained to me that I needed to find a good Women’s doctor that would refer me to a Physio, Dietitian and look into ways to manage my PCOS. Every other doctor I saw more or less told me I had to live with it. Hopefully you find the cause of your period pain. It sounds so awful!
For the Apple Watch talking to you, if you put it on silence mode it won’t speak. I don’t think you can fully turn it off though, so putting it on silence mode will do the trick.
to turn of the watch you can search it up for better detail cause im bad at explaining lol but mne used to do that and I hated it I just went into the app tap the workouts app scroll down and you will see voice feedback and make sure its switched off!!
I stopped drinking coffee before I got pregnant, I continued to not drink it when my baby was born, then I would have a decaf most days and the last 5 months I have stopped drinking it and drink sometimes this brand "not coffee" and since I haven't had any cramps with each period. Along with just being generally healthy most of the time and active chasing a toddler. I'm surprised each period to not experience cramps!
I 100% feel for you lovely. I struggle loosing weight but putting it on is super easy I have excessive hair growth on my face neck chest stomach and breasts which is just awful and totally embarrassing 😳. I also have super oily hair and skin too. Pcos is super hard but thr Dr can do a internal ultrasound to see how many cysts you have on your ovaries and put that with any other symptoms to see if it's pcos. Sending you hugs xxx
I also have PCOS, we did a blod test and ultrasound of the ovaries to confirm it. With the blod test they could confirm what stage of PCOS I have. I recently found that Inositol and folic acid is supposed to help a lot. Apparently we're at risk of diabetes type-2 and heart disease... but the Inositol is supposed to help reduce the risk. I found a really good article on it but it's in Swedish and might not translate correctly 😅 I've also been offered corpus luteum hormone (same thing women in menopause get to balance the estrogen levels). Didn't wanna take it until I plan on getting pregnant though... those are the few things I've found. Hope it helps.
I mentioned PCOS in one of your videos a long time ago. Your symptoms just sounded exactly like mine and I have PCOS. It's definitely a super hard thing to deal with. I hope everything gets better.
Less intense workouts, less stress on the body, limit dairy and gluten, more protein, Regulate supplements, Knowell supplements, possibly Metformin, NO BIRTH CONTROL (made me worse). Please keep getting your hormones levels checked. My testosterone levels were through the roof so I had to level them. It's so overwhelming. It sucks doctors don't really know how to help much than just giving you the pill and calling it a day. Birth control only masks the issue it doesn't fix it. Good luck girl you got this.
Hey! I know there’s a lot of info out there and it’s super overwhelming but I HIGHLY recommend a book called “The Period Repair Manual”. It’s very popular and talked in detail about symptoms after coming off the pill and pcos. I’m sure you’ll find it helpful.
There’s not necessarily a ‘test’ for PCOS, but there’s a criteria whereby 2 of the following 3 criterian need to be met; including the presence of multiple follicles (not cysts - follicles are the underdeveloped sacs in which eggs are developed); high levels of testosterone (often associated with the excess hair growth), and anovulation (where no egg is released during the cycle). There’s often a huge misconception between the presence of cysts on the ovaries and PCOS. I have cystic ovaries which cause excruciating pain during menstruation but it’s not PCOS, so look out for that too? PCOS can be diagnosed through ultrasound to view the follicles and blood testing to determine testosterone levels. Goodluck with it all, it can be very time consuming and draining finding answers xx
Hi Soph, sending lots of positive vibes your way! As a fellow PCOS gal, I feel your pain 😞Weight gain, acne, brain fog, bloating, inflammation, insomnia and anxiety hit me HARD after coming off the pill. A few tips for you... 1. Find a good "team" to help you through (sadly many women are told just to go on the pill or take a drug called Metformin to deal with it). Please be cautious of this advice as they are just bandaid fixes and won't help the root cause of the condition. It all starts with a good GP and/or gyno that will help get you the tests you need to get a diagnosis. But again, watch out for the ones who want to prescribe you heavy duty medication. A naturopath and acupuncturist are also great to have on your team + dietician who specialises in women's health and balancing hormones. 2. Be kind and patient with yourself. There is no overnight fix. This could be a long process to work out what works for you and your body. And if you're anything like me, it will take some getting used to - and potentially falling off the bandwagon a few times before it sinks in. PCOS affects women in many different ways + the western medical community aren't well equipped and informed to deal with it... which makes it even more complex than it already is!! 3. You're on the right track with your exercise and work outs! Slow training is the way to go (weights, walks, pilates and yoga) with very little high intensity recommended. 4. Think of PCOS symptoms as a way your body is crying out to balance your hormones. These symptoms can be managed and "healed" with the right tools and plan. Consider it like an experiment to see what changes will work for you and your body. You might need to be a bit more strict for a 2-3 months while you reset your hormone levels. But once this is sorted, you can start slowly reintroducing things like gluten, dairy and alcohol back in to your life. A lot of PCOS experts follow the 80:20 rule. Nourish your body with good wholesome foods 80% of the time and have your preferred treats the remaining 20% of the time. 5. Resources I found invaluable BOOKS Womancode and In the Flo by Alisa Vitti Period Power by Masie Hill Any book by Dr Libby Weaver (includes some great recipes) Getting Pregnant with PCOS by Clare Goodwin (ignore the name LOL it's not all about fertility) PODCASTS The PCOS Nutritionist Period Power PROGRAM/MEMBERSHIP The PCOS Protocol by Clare Goodwin (this 12week program was a gamechanger for me. Focus is on what specific blood tests to order with your doc, nutrition, exercise and introducing specific supplements that will kickstart your healthy hormones) PS. I think this could potentially be a wonderful opportunity for you to share your journey (if you have PCOS and/or endo) and use your platform to help others out there. It's crazy and ridiculous how little is being done to help women with these conditions when it affects so many of us! Best of luck with it all xxx
Hi Sophie! I wanted to let you know that you don't have to label & attach yourself to the PCOS diagnosis the rest of your life. I suffered from it for years and actually am now living totally free of all symptoms associated with PCOS, and am expecting to try for a baby soon. The downside was it took working with all types of practitioners out there... but the what really helped me actually heal was Medical Medium information and reiki. Best of luck on your healing - it's possible!
I have PCOS, there is a great podcast you should listen to- PCOS Girls Podcast. They also have a tea which HELPED ME SO MUCH. I strongly believe not taking the pill is KEY to getting your cycles into check. PCOS, is such a journey but tracking your cycle helped me get my cycles back in order and then taking supplements.
That is something I have been struggling with too! My doctor says I might have PCOS but isn’t sure but from the signs it looks like I do. My doctor is saying to take birth control or spironolactone which something is don’t want to do cause I just got off birth control less than a year ago so I am trying to figure out how to fix it naturally before going back to birth control. I have been trying acupuncture and do far I like it to balance my hormones. I also purchased the book Women’s Bodies, Women’s Wisdom by Christiane Northrup. Good Luck!!!
It’s so rough! I have been on the investigation for pcos for about 2 years now, with 2 surgeries to remove ovarian cysts. A good resource is the period repair manual by Lara Briden who is a naturopath.
I was diagnosed with PCOS back in January this year after 2 and half years of no periods and medical investigations (in the UK and our health care ground to a halt during covid for anything not covid which is why it took so long). The advice I got when I was diagnosed was "lose weight" and I was like no shit Sherlock.. but HOW on earth do I do that when my body fights it. It's lead me to have to do my own research speak to other women with PCOS. I'm nowhere near "managing" it but getting closer. Some things that are helping are: 1. Myo-inositol. Girl I can't stress this enough. I get it from Bulk Powders and take the dosage that hours of research told me was best. It's supposed to help control insulin/hormone signalling and I've noticed my PCOS cravings and some symptoms have significantly improved since I started taking it. 2. Exercise... But moderate and light. If I go too many days or do certain types my symptoms go crazy. I'm sure this is different for everyone but swimming as my cardio had been a godsend. 3. Sleep. I drink a chamomile tea from Twinnings (literally called Sleep) before bed and I can't tell you how much it has helped. Not only do I find it easier to go to sleep, I stay asleep. I'm still learning, it's a journey and in the UK the health practitioners brush it under the carpet if you're overweight as the only advice they will give you is "lose weight" ... I'm sure Australian healthcare is much better though (love the NHS but their attitude towards anyone with a BMI that shows overweight is just abysmal) Good luck, and it'll be okay! Felt like the world ended when I got my diagnosis but atleast you can start to repair and nourish your body back to health ♥️
my cousin was diagnosed with PCOS when she was 16 or something.. she was told by many doctors that she would have trouble having children and may never have a child. I remember how she became so depressed about that particularly. However, my cousin ended up getting pregnant and had her son when she was 18. Everyone in our family said he was a miracle because of what the doctors had said to her originally about never being able to have a child. So I want to encourage you that if you are diagnosed with PCOS you may be told the same type of things about having children, but don't let it discourage you because just like what happened with my cousin, anything is possible. The doctors changed what they said and said my cousin may have only gotten pregnant because of her young age and it would get more difficult with age because of the PCOS. Although I believe they said that to try and explain the "miracle" that had occurred because it couldn't be explained by medicine or science. And that's the thing about the human body, you can be told so many things and that you won't be able to do certain things because of such a definitive diagnosis. But that diagnosis does not define you or your body's ability. Anything is possible and miracles DO happen.
Hi Soph! I’m and RD and had to comment after you spoke about anxieties around cutting out sugar,etc.
there is a lot of misinformation out there and if you do have PCOS it shouldn’t involve excessive restrictions that take the simple joys out of life! If you get a diagnosis I would recommend finding a registered dietitian for an evidence based approach to nutrition and pcos if you have questions or want to sort out myths vs facts! Wishing you all the best in your health journey ❤️
Aussie healthcare worker - If you're inclined to be thoroughly investigated there is absolutely a test for pcos it's an ultrasound of the ovaries where you can literally see the multiple (poly) follicles (cysts). You can also do day 21 of cycle (from memory, not sure of exact day) progesterone blood test to confirm that you have or have not ovulated because the primary problem in pcos is anovulation. Hope this helps anyone x
Do you happen to know if there's a test for endometriosis?? Thanks for your help :)
I believe the most diagnostic (and also therapeutic) test is a laproscope where they can both see and treat the ectopic endometrial growths. Speak to your general practitioner though :)
They can also test ur blood sugars as insulin resistance is a symptom i have pcos and thats another thing they check as lots of ppl have cysts and dont have pcos there are many other tests for it. I would highly recommend going to a gynaecologist as gps don't actually no much about. Theres not actually much u can do for it there tablets for the insulin resistance otherwise its really just the pill or marina that theu recommend as there is no cure. I also have endo its common to have both not just one
Also with the pcos no matter how much of a calorie deficit im in i cannot loose weight it doesnt go anywhere as my body then just holds onto it more with the pcos
love the videos always! I do notice the new camera is a bit laggy x
the OC, one tree hill and Bondi rescue = are immaculate intro songs that should never be skipped
Dietitian here! Feel for you Sophie, it must be really overwhelming trying to navigate your health at the moment. And keep in mind there is a LOT of misinformation out there about what you should and shouldn't eat with conditions like PCOS and hormonal imbalances which can be so confusing. I highly recommend chatting to a dietitian before feeling like you need to cut anything out of your diet, often there is no need and it's so important to preserve your relationship with food. Usually it is actually more beneficial to look at what you can add to your diet (rather than take out) e.g. foods to reduce inflammation, regulate blood sugar and lower oestrogen levels, while only eliminating food if you have pinpointed them as a specific trigger for you. Working with someone will help make sure you are still meeting your nutritional needs and feeling good about what you're eating and your body. I hope this helps and doesn't make you feel more anxious - I'm really happy to chat with you one on one if that would help xx
I have never related to anyone more, I'm sorry that you're having that experience but also so thankful for your openness and the fact that you're sharing your journey and emotions... you are a true gem, so much love!!
I went plant based and it helped so much with my period pain! I have had such bad period pain my whole life and acne. I finally have found something that has helped me. It’s the best feeling finding something that finally works. I try to give my body lots of nutrients and try to minimize fat and processed foods.
Firstly so sorry to hear the troubles you are having! I have PCOS and endometriosis, I was officially diagnosed at 21 but had symptoms since I was 14. My best tip and advice is finding a GP that takes you seriously and does testing to find an answer. I would ask for your hormones levels to be tested by bloodwork and an ultrasound to check your ovaries. With those results and looking through your history to diagnose you. My other tip from a fellow anxiety sufferer, stay clear of Dr Google - there’s so much on there and it’s SO overwhelming. Take each day as it comes and work out things that work for you. Everyone will be quick to tell you this is what I did and it worked but we are so individual and need our own tailored treatments - Goodluck! There’s a big community of fellow PCOS and endometriosis warriors who will support you! Xx
Ahhh soph 😫 you poor thing! sounds like a tough week, but will be such a relief to chat to a professional and get to the bottom of everything… i have a chronic bladder condition and finding out what diet changes to make etc to reduce my symptoms made suuch a difference. Fingers crossed for you!
Side note: I think it’s important to pop in here and say it’s natural to gain a little bit of weight progressively as we age. I sat at an easy 57kg when I was 18-22yo ish and now in my 30’s I sit at 67kg (and pretty lean) it’s mind bending, cause I essentially look the same but weigh 10kg more. Anyway just wanted to say don’t be too hard on yourself, our bodies are always in a state of flux. Most important to be healthy and happy and hopefully sitting at maintenance comes along with that ❤️x
Hey Soph, there’s something called post pill PCOS. I’m currently seeing a naturopath because all GPs have just diagnosed me with PCOS and told me to go on the pill. I would recommend going to your GP for the diagnosis but get as many opinions you feel like is necessary 💖
Yes-When you adjusted the setting on the camera is was soooo much better!!
Your chat about PCOS resonates so much with me right now! After visiting my GP and naturopath last year when I started getting acne, irregular periods (which has now been missing for about 10 months) and eventually weight gain we got some blood work done and assessed my overall health and then worked to improve the areas where levels were either to high or too low. After a few months of things getting worse we went down the track of diagnosing PCOS, which included an ultrasound. The way you’re feeling is exactly how I’m feeling. My diet and exercise has not changed, yet I’ve gained about 10kg in a short space of time and my skin has never been so horrible. The toll that it has taken on me mentally is really hard and it’s a daily struggle. Knowing that I’m looking after myself the best I can, yet I don’t feel like myself anymore and it feels like my body is letting me down. Not to mention the money I’ve spent on medical appointments and skin appointments.
I’ve discovered that when it comes to PCOS, it’s definitely not a matter of calorie deficits for loosing weight, it’s more about the actual food that you’re putting in to your body. The general ‘just eat healthy’ doesn’t quite cut it and I’ve had to make changes. I’m currently reading a book that was recommended to me by a few people called ‘The Glucose Revolution’. As a part of my PCOS, I’ve had insulin resistance which is a contributing factor to weight gain. This book has been incredibly helpful in understanding glucose and insulin and how what you eat and how you eat, effect these things. It goes on to explain how changing the way you eat, while still eating the same food can change the way your body responds to glucose and controlling glucose spikes, which helps with insulin resistance. Highly recommend reading it.
You are my comfort person Soph, always always always ❤️
BEST TIME OF THE WEEK
Also you are perfect the way you are!!! I have noticed your confidence seem to dwindle a little or maybe I’m misreading but who cares what you do/feel/look like you are gorgggggg
Love your vlogs so much 😊
I have insulin resistance and the smallest form of early PCOS and I have no idea what advise to take! There’s so much information out there it’s so overwhelming! We’ve got this 💕💕💕
I am going through the exact same thing and it's just so heartwrenching, the cut sugar, gut gluten, take this take that and nothing seems to be the key... talking to a wholistic coach and trying some new stuff so we'll see. It's just so.... well you would understand, there's no way to put it into words. Tons of love to all the ladies struggling
Hey Soph! I have had Invisalign’s before and if the retainer is sharp around the edges and cutting your tongue, grab a nail filer and file the edges down!
Thank you so much for being so open and starting this conversation Soph - I have struggled with weight gain (only in my stomach area though despite eating healthy, regularly exercising etc), bloating and now irregular periods too. I have been brushed off by GP’s but am desperate for some help! If anyone in the comments knows any specialists or has recommendations, preferably Melbourne based I’d be eternally grateful!!
I have PCOS and have reduced gluten and dairy, taken away HIIT workouts and really focused on managing my stress levels as for me, they are my symptoms, but everyone is different! You can get an ultrasound for then to look for cysts on your ovaries (which isn’t the end of the world) but helps the diagnosis! You are t alone ❤️
I just got diagnosed with PCOS (AND celiacs disease, which doesn’t apply to you) two months ago. That being said, I had to change a lot of things in my diet, take so many tests, and do so much research up front- but the best advice I can give is to just take things one day at a time. Don’t worry about all the things you will have to change or how appointments will go-just do the things you need to do TODAY! You can do this!!!
okay but this 🥹👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 I needed this today thank you angel
Monday night MADE!!!
I was diagnosed with PCOS last year after I got back from my holiday where I was experiencing bad cramping and as I was trying for a baby I was never able to hold my pregnancy more than 6 weeks gestation. I went to my dr and asked to investigate what was happening to my body. Got blood tests and they found I had PCOS and I was put on medication for it which I was on for 4 months and found my body responded well to it I had lost weight on it and the best thing was I was able to fall pregnant and hold which gave me my rainbow baby who is now almost 3 weeks old. But I totally understand the struggle your going through.
What medication did they have you on for 4 months. I've had pcos since I was 15 and was never given anything really. I've had a stillborn and miscarriage and was basically directed to an infertility doctor. I'd love to know more....
@@GloriasVlogLife I was on Metformin for four months
@@emmapolarbear oh okay. Yeah I was on that for two years. Well I'm glad things are doing well for you hun and that you have been blessed with ur rainbow baby 😊❤
@@GloriasVlogLife Thankyou hopefully thing work out for you
I’m sorry your going through this! I have endometriosis and just going through the process of being diagnosed with pcos also. Have had endo for yeaarrrsss and honestly, mindset has made such a difference. No matter how shit you feel or whatever goes on I feel like your mindset can really effect it! Definitely scary and overwhelming to begin with but there is a massive community of us out here that support each other xx 😚
Sophie, it’s great that you’re sharing your struggles with hormonal imbalances bc they are so common these days. But i know how frustrating it can be. I’m a naturopathic nutritionist, specialise in PCOS & have personally overcome the symptoms myself. I have tons of podcast videos on my channel & would happily hop on a call with you to let you about the underlying causes of PCOS (poor gut health, mineral imbalances, thyroid issues etc) & what u can do ❤️
I'm so sorry you're dealing with this, but it's glad you're catching it at your age to find the best way forward. I am just now discovering I have PCOS at 30 and it's like wow, I could have had a handle on this 10 years ago if anyone listened to me. Always advocate for yourself, sending love.
Sounds like a lot. I got diagnosed with PCOS 2 years ago and I can tell you that you will get through it, if you got it. It’s hard but also beautiful because you eventually become more attuned to your own body and your hormonal health. I can recommend the book period power. It’s about eating and working out according to the different stages of your cycle. I wish you patience and strength 🥰
I’ve had Invisalign and you’ll get used to the little bumps in a week or so, so worth it!
For the watch issue, if you pull that screen up that shows your battery and all the other options like airplane mode and stuff, if you press the little bell and it turns reddy/pink then your watch will stop talking to you ☺ hope that made sense hahah
These vlogs are literally such a vibe! Sending you lot's of love and light girlie! 🙏🏻💞✨
I LOVE your weekly vlogs! Thank you so much for sharing! 💖
Hey Soph! Sorry to hear that you’ve been going through this 💛 like the many comments also on here, I too have been diagnosed with PCOS - an AMAZING book I read that helped me start out in the right direction (it lists everything in plain English, even suggestions on what Q’s to ask your Drs) was Period Repair Manual by Lara Briden. There’s actually multiple “types” of PCOS, which not all Drs are clued up on if they don’t follow recent research - a lesson from my personal experience. I hope all goes well with your journey, I’m a year on from my diagnosis of Post-pill PCOS and after working with my women’s specialist naturopath I’ve balanced out my hormones, got a regular non painful period back and am living a “normal” life again! There’s light at the end of tunnel if you do have PCOS 💛
So sorry you’re going through this, I similarly came off the pill around 18 months ago after being on it for 13 years. I was diagnosed with PCOS earlier this year and since then I’ve heard of pill induced PCOS, which is a scary thought if that is what causes it. You can definitely get diagnosed through blood work and an ultrasound as well as your symptoms. Unfortunately regular GPs don’t really have the knowledge to do anything further in terms of treating/reducing symptoms so I’d recommend speaking to a specialist if you are diagnosed, that’s the route I’m now having to go down. It’s frustrating but it’s so common and nice to know you’re not alone 🤍
I love this time of the week💝🥰 extra great vlog today Soph
I've had invisalign before. I'd recommend trying some orthodontic wax on the bits that feel a bit sharp on your tongue/cheeks. You can get it at Chemist Warehouse and its a good quick fix since you'll only be wearing that specific aligner for 1-2 weeks before changing. If it's really bad, you can also ask the orthodontist to show you how to file the sharp edges a bit for whenever it happens with any future aligners. Good luck with everything! 😊
Hi Sophie ! I rarely comment on videos but your chat about pcos, struggling with your period and the weight gain really hit home. I stopped the mini-pill (progesteron only) around november 2019 and since then i haven't stopped putting on weight, i still don't have regular menstrual cycle at all, i can't get a good night sleep and constantly wake up during the night. I don't experience acne, excessive hair growth or extremely bad period pain, but i do have poly follicles on my ovaries (or at least i did the last time i went to the gynecologist). She just shrugged it off like it was no big deal, told me to wait a few month, not eat excessively and if my cycle didn't come back to just make another appointment and she would give me another pill to help.
I must also mention that prior to going on the pill, i had regular painless period.
I know how exactly how disheartened you feel right now as i worked so hard to feel comfortable in my body, fitness and health and then suddenly out of nowhere, whatever i do, it seems like everything fires back at me. Whether i eat more or less, exercise more or less, i keep putting weight on. And while i know bodies are meant to change and everyone around me is telling me this, they don't know the struggle i'm going through as i feel like i'm trying everything but nothing works. It's not even only about the weight gain (and i even if it was, i think it's totally okay to prefer having certain type of physique as long as it's realistic and you don't compromise your health in the process), i feel so unwell in my body, can't get good sleep, still no regulated menstrual cycle and i feel so much less energetic than i used to. I also have a lot more cellulite out of nowhere. Again, nothing wrong with that, i've always had some and never really minded, but it got to the point it's getting easily noticeable and i don't remember it ever being like that even when i was at my highest weight.
I also tried going to acupuncture, but the doctor said i was too young for that (i'm 23), said it was an issue with my liver and gave me plants. Then, when i mentionned my weight, he made me weight myself (which was so triggering as i had avoided that for a whole year), calculated my BMI, disregarded me when i mentionned a slowed metabolism (he literally said the metabolism only slows down with menopause) and prescribed me a diet with not even enough food to feed a toddler.
I feel really down about this whole situation, i don't know what to do, who to turn to as every doctor i encounter just tell me to go on diet and take a pill.
Sometimes I'm so desperate i think about going back on the mini-pill even though it wouldn't fix the problem.
So yeah, i guess i just wanted to let you know you're not alone. The fast your are sharing your own struggles also makes me feel less alone and heard and like it's not "just in my head". I really hope you will find a solution to your situation.
On a brighter note, your vlogs always makes my day a bit better. I really love your energy, the realness, and your karaoke moment.
Goodluck with everything Sophie! I really understand what you are going through and how frustrating it is, I never even considered PCOS could be an answer for me until my doctor started a variety of tests (blood tests are an indicator and both an internal and external ultrasound will help with diagnosis) with me a month ago. And again, I truly understand the anxiety around doctors, I had not seen one since 2018 because I am so scared of them but now I am seeing a specialist this week for a biopsy of my cysts and follicles. You certainly are not alone 💕
hi soph! first, love the vlog! i appreciate how open you are.
on pcos, i was diagnosed earlier this year. there are definitely tests to confirm a pcos diagnosis. i had an ultrasound for another issue when they found cysts on both my ovaries. my advice would be to find a gp that specialises in womens health or a gynaecologist. other specialised gps or naturopaths may be fine but with actual medical diagnosis i really feel as though someone with a medical degree is your best shot. my diagnosis was awful. it was a telehealth appointment that lasted all of two minutes and my old gp told me i have it and to stay on my pill. i also have anxiety when dealing with medical professionals so understand that fear but i think going to see your dr face to face is your best option (take sam or a friend if that helps!). for pcos, i’d steer clear of google as much as you can. there is so much conflicting information of which a majority has no scientific backing. trust your health professionals and work to find one that’s willing to help you. i personally am vegan and after my pcos diagnosis have gone gluten free also to help with the gut issues (bloating mostly) that have come with my pcos and it has helped immensely BUT in saying that, there are different types of pcos so different diets (or none at all) can be recommended and i don’t believe you’ll need to cut out a large majority of food groups. if you do google for some helpful advice and facts, stick to research-based articles and recommendations. i’ve remained on the pill to combat my pcos but i feel as though that may not be an option you want to take. i have heard good things about taking an inositol supplement as a natural form of managing symptoms, but again run everything by a gp or gyno first. i hope you get it all sorted soon! i promise it’s a completely manageable diagnosis and you have not only a lot of support from your followers in this but there are also plenty of online groups that are for individuals with pcos that may help. look after yourself! 💗💗💗
Hey Soph! I got diagnosed with PCOS with only some of the symptoms due to getting an internal ultra sound to assess for cysts, super not painful and easy and really put my mind at ease :) currently experiencing the same situation with weight gain and trying to stay positive seeing my body change so quickly
Omg Angel, I promise you it will be better! Please try to not stress yourself, you will be able to figure it out 🤍
Sophie I love your videos so much! I'm always looking forward to them! They are my favorite
all the best! hope your health journey goes well. I can relate! 🌌
Hi Soph! I was told I might have PCOS and got an ultrasound done to see if I had any cystic growth. I had been having acne, weight gain that I couldn’t lose, period pain, etc. I was cleared of PCOS. I looked into my symptoms more, and it’s very possible you could just have a hormone imbalance from getting off of the pill. There are several self help books that will be able to help you to know what to do to get your hormones back on track after the pill. One of them is ‘Beyond the Pill’ by Dr. Jolene Brighten. Another one that is good for learning how to cycle your hormones according to your cycle, is called ‘Period Power’ by Maisie Hill. Too many women go through not knowing what’s going on w themselves.. and we can heal ourselves too. ❤️ Hormones do so much more than we realize and they are good, we just need to be able to understand them. Try seeing a holistic/hormone doctor + the medical one. Get your hormone levels regularly checked so you can know what YOUR normal is.. because normal might not be normal for you. You’ve got this!!
Another book that is amazing just to understand what type of hormone balance you have, and how hormones play into your life, is called ‘The Hormone Bible’ by Shawn Tassone. You don’t necessarily have to even see a doctor if it is an anxiety thing for you. There are so many quizzes online that can help also. You’re not the only one bby. 🥰
For me what really helped with my period pains, was taking a good magnesium supplement. Many people are low in magnesium and as this is what helps relax the muscles, it plays a big part in period cramps as well. Make sure it's a form of magnesium that is actually absorbed by the body (f.e. magnesium oxide is not absorbed at all...). You can try taking 2 pills of magnesium bisglycinate, citrate, malate or taurate (or ofcourse a combination). For me it helped immediately, the first period I got after taking the supplements (2 pills, with breakfast and dinner) for about 2 weeks was sooo much less pain and it has been ever since. I haven't made any other changes. Hope this works for you or other people!
yess my doctor recommended that for me too!!
love you soph, hope you'll get better bestie!
As someone who has spent the past 2 years pushing for a PCOS diagnosis and spending thousands of dollars on specialist appointments I would be more than happy to share the resources I have been given as they're so much information on the internet it can be so consuming and feel as though you're going round in circles. Sending all my love during the diagnosis process as I have also been supporting my two sister-in-laww through their PCOS diagnosis over the past year as well ❤️❤️
Feeling for you Soph, I'm so sorry you're dealing with this. I hope you can get some answers soon, while the tests are scary, there's nothing worse than not knowing and your head filling in the blanks. Also your lips look amazing!!
You got this girl, you know we are all here for you 🤗❤x
So sorry you've been having a rough time Soph. I was diagnosed with pcos last year. I bleed so heavy the first 3 days of my period that I go through a super plus tampon and a night time pad within a couple of hours. I'm currently on iron tablets for anemia because of it. I've struggled hard with weight loss but I've found Pilates is helping massively with my bloating and weight loss, especially a night time calming pilates TH-cam routine of an evening. Inositol is meant to be helpful too, but I haven't been taking it long enough to say for certain it works personally. Sending love from the Essex England 🇬🇧 ❤
Sophie- I went plant based and my entire period life changed. I was shocked. Such a small change and made a major difference
It’s worth a try is all I am saying. People worry about a protein deficiency which is incorrect. I’ve lost 62 lbs got rid of period pain and my skin is looking better than ever! ❤️
Sophie, i’m 32, and after years of studies and search i found i have Hashimoto syndrome, it affects everything you’ve said, your inmmune system fights against your tiroid and the syntoms includes PCOS, insulin resistance , gut problems, gluten and dairy intolerance. It is easy to find it with tiroid antibodies in a blood test.
Been researching pcos, as well. Wondering if I have it too. Just have had hormonal issues (random breakouts, mood swings, infrequent periods, etc.) You are not alone girly! We are here for you always 🤍
Hey soph, I’m a nutritionist with pcos myself. Completely understand how overwhelming it all can be. To have pcos your doctor will do an assessment including internal ultra sound for cysts + others. If you have 2 out of 3 of the categories then is diagnosed. What most people don’t know pcos is influenced by lifestyle also not just food. Makeup and skin care products are full of hormone disrupting ingredients. It can place a lot of strain on your system to filter out. Perhaps you could go a month without using any chemicals and see if it helps your period pains. I’d be happy to help you if you need more support. Xxx
I loved seeing you walking with your doggiessss :)))
Get Labs done on day 3 of your cycle. That's best time to get any type of "female hormone" type issues checked. I just had all mine done for fertility reasons but same thing to figure out if you may have PCOS or endometriosis
Hi Sophie! I highly recommend reading “In the Flo” by Alisa Vitti, honestly a book every woman should read. Such an eye opener for women’s health and hormones 💗
I love love the wide angle lens! Wishing you luck for finding out what’s up, I suffer with painful periods too and always think do I have endo or pcos then do nothing lol just live my life knowing I’ll be in pain a couple days a month ☹️
I understand you perfectly because I lived it two years ago, from eating well, exercising and having a body with which I felt good to gaining weight so easily it's frustrating and humiliating... so sad, I also have pcos diagnosed
Random Thoughts during this vlog =
:Driving ANYWHERE when i don't know where i am going is sooo stressful to me.
:The O.C came out when i was 15 and i was OBSESSED 💖
The pastel pink bottle @12:50 👀👀😍😍
🤭🤭🤭
Hi Sophie! Thank you so much for sharing your struggles so openly 🙏 I have also been diagnosed with PCOS after an ultrasound and bloodtest and am now at the point where I’m trying to figure out how to get a healthy body and balance my hormones (and yes also lose that stubborn fat in the process). I’ve tried a low carb high fat diet which was actually the first thing ever to help me feel more energised, go to bed with a flat stomach (read not bloated!) and lose weight so easily while still eating more than enough to not leave me hungry after a meal. I just find it quite hard to stick to this diet as you can’t really eat anything if you’re eating out which makes it too restrictive for me. Still looking for a solution that works for me and that is easy to balance when I leave my house also. I do use Maca powder daily to help balance my hormones which I find also helps with having more regular periods. I would be really interested to follow your journey with this (whatever you feel comfortable sharing) !!
Hi Sophie. My tipp for your health problem is for sure the podcasts of Leah Brueggeman "Balancing Hormones Naturally". It help me sooo much when no doctor could help me. Love u!
Hey girl! I totally feel you with the periods… I myself am on a journey to get my periods back on track as I have similar symptoms as you, but mine are a little irregular. I hope you find out some answers to what’s going on with your periods! ❤
I was diagnosed with PCOS at 19 after years of inconsistent periods via ultrasound.
I can relate with the weight gain and difficulty losing weight issue. Because of it my periods are extremely irregular and I’m classed as “infertile” because of it. I was extremely lucky enough to have a healthy baby girl via losing weight but I really had to be strict with what I ate that it wasn’t sustainable full time. I ended up putting the weight back on plus more.
A doctor I saw a few months ago explained to me that I needed to find a good Women’s doctor that would refer me to a Physio, Dietitian and look into ways to manage my PCOS. Every other doctor I saw more or less told me I had to live with it.
Hopefully you find the cause of your period pain. It sounds so awful!
If you do indeed have PCOS, look into/ask your doc about insulin resistance too. They typically are intertwined. Good luck❤️❤️
For the Apple Watch talking to you, if you put it on silence mode it won’t speak. I don’t think you can fully turn it off though, so putting it on silence mode will do the trick.
Absolutely loved this vlog I personally love the lips they look amazing!
to turn of the watch you can search it up for better detail cause im bad at explaining lol but mne used to do that and I hated it I just went into the app tap the workouts app scroll down and you will see voice feedback and make sure its switched off!!
love your voice
I stopped drinking coffee before I got pregnant, I continued to not drink it when my baby was born, then I would have a decaf most days and the last 5 months I have stopped drinking it and drink sometimes this brand "not coffee" and since I haven't had any cramps with each period. Along with just being generally healthy most of the time and active chasing a toddler. I'm surprised each period to not experience cramps!
AND whatever you did to your camera half way through, I believe fixed the camera issue. It looks much better now x
I 100% feel for you lovely. I struggle loosing weight but putting it on is super easy I have excessive hair growth on my face neck chest stomach and breasts which is just awful and totally embarrassing 😳. I also have super oily hair and skin too. Pcos is super hard but thr Dr can do a internal ultrasound to see how many cysts you have on your ovaries and put that with any other symptoms to see if it's pcos. Sending you hugs xxx
Love you Soph ❤️
I also have PCOS, we did a blod test and ultrasound of the ovaries to confirm it. With the blod test they could confirm what stage of PCOS I have. I recently found that Inositol and folic acid is supposed to help a lot. Apparently we're at risk of diabetes type-2 and heart disease... but the Inositol is supposed to help reduce the risk. I found a really good article on it but it's in Swedish and might not translate correctly 😅
I've also been offered corpus luteum hormone (same thing women in menopause get to balance the estrogen levels). Didn't wanna take it until I plan on getting pregnant though... those are the few things I've found. Hope it helps.
I mentioned PCOS in one of your videos a long time ago. Your symptoms just sounded exactly like mine and I have PCOS. It's definitely a super hard thing to deal with. I hope everything gets better.
Less intense workouts, less stress on the body, limit dairy and gluten, more protein, Regulate supplements, Knowell supplements, possibly Metformin, NO BIRTH CONTROL (made me worse). Please keep getting your hormones levels checked. My testosterone levels were through the roof so I had to level them.
It's so overwhelming. It sucks doctors don't really know how to help much than just giving you the pill and calling it a day. Birth control only masks the issue it doesn't fix it.
Good luck girl you got this.
Hey! I know there’s a lot of info out there and it’s super overwhelming but I HIGHLY recommend a book called “The Period Repair Manual”. It’s very popular and talked in detail about symptoms after coming off the pill and pcos. I’m sure you’ll find it helpful.
What setting is your camera on? In darker lights it kind of goes laggy xx
Those Health Lab balls are the best!! Love the vlog Soph! hope you find out about your health soon and that its all good! x
There’s not necessarily a ‘test’ for PCOS, but there’s a criteria whereby 2 of the following 3 criterian need to be met; including the presence of multiple follicles (not cysts - follicles are the underdeveloped sacs in which eggs are developed); high levels of testosterone (often associated with the excess hair growth), and anovulation (where no egg is released during the cycle). There’s often a huge misconception between the presence of cysts on the ovaries and PCOS. I have cystic ovaries which cause excruciating pain during menstruation but it’s not PCOS, so look out for that too? PCOS can be diagnosed through ultrasound to view the follicles and blood testing to determine testosterone levels. Goodluck with it all, it can be very time consuming and draining finding answers xx
SO EARLY, I LOVE IT.
Hi Soph, sending lots of positive vibes your way! As a fellow PCOS gal, I feel your pain 😞Weight gain, acne, brain fog, bloating, inflammation, insomnia and anxiety hit me HARD after coming off the pill. A few tips for you...
1. Find a good "team" to help you through (sadly many women are told just to go on the pill or take a drug called Metformin to deal with it). Please be cautious of this advice as they are just bandaid fixes and won't help the root cause of the condition. It all starts with a good GP and/or gyno that will help get you the tests you need to get a diagnosis. But again, watch out for the ones who want to prescribe you heavy duty medication. A naturopath and acupuncturist are also great to have on your team + dietician who specialises in women's health and balancing hormones.
2. Be kind and patient with yourself. There is no overnight fix. This could be a long process to work out what works for you and your body. And if you're anything like me, it will take some getting used to - and potentially falling off the bandwagon a few times before it sinks in. PCOS affects women in many different ways + the western medical community aren't well equipped and informed to deal with it... which makes it even more complex than it already is!!
3. You're on the right track with your exercise and work outs! Slow training is the way to go (weights, walks, pilates and yoga) with very little high intensity recommended.
4. Think of PCOS symptoms as a way your body is crying out to balance your hormones. These symptoms can be managed and "healed" with the right tools and plan. Consider it like an experiment to see what changes will work for you and your body. You might need to be a bit more strict for a 2-3 months while you reset your hormone levels. But once this is sorted, you can start slowly reintroducing things like gluten, dairy and alcohol back in to your life. A lot of PCOS experts follow the 80:20 rule. Nourish your body with good wholesome foods 80% of the time and have your preferred treats the remaining 20% of the time.
5. Resources I found invaluable
BOOKS
Womancode and In the Flo by Alisa Vitti
Period Power by Masie Hill
Any book by Dr Libby Weaver (includes some great recipes)
Getting Pregnant with PCOS by Clare Goodwin (ignore the name LOL it's not all about fertility)
PODCASTS
The PCOS Nutritionist
Period Power
PROGRAM/MEMBERSHIP
The PCOS Protocol by Clare Goodwin (this 12week program was a gamechanger for me. Focus is on what specific blood tests to order with your doc, nutrition, exercise and introducing specific supplements that will kickstart your healthy hormones)
PS. I think this could potentially be a wonderful opportunity for you to share your journey (if you have PCOS and/or endo) and use your platform to help others out there. It's crazy and ridiculous how little is being done to help women with these conditions when it affects so many of us! Best of luck with it all xxx
Hi Sophie! I wanted to let you know that you don't have to label & attach yourself to the PCOS diagnosis the rest of your life. I suffered from it for years and actually am now living totally free of all symptoms associated with PCOS, and am expecting to try for a baby soon. The downside was it took working with all types of practitioners out there... but the what really helped me actually heal was Medical Medium information and reiki.
Best of luck on your healing - it's possible!
Where are you white headphones from? Please and thank you! I have been looking at buying some new ones and yours just look cool haha!
I have PCOS, there is a great podcast you should listen to- PCOS Girls Podcast. They also have a tea which HELPED ME SO MUCH. I strongly believe not taking the pill is KEY to getting your cycles into check. PCOS, is such a journey but tracking your cycle helped me get my cycles back in order and then taking supplements.
Love the sunnies, love the lips, love the video! Love it all girl xxx
That is something I have been struggling with too! My doctor says I might have PCOS but isn’t sure but from the signs it looks like I do. My doctor is saying to take birth control or spironolactone which something is don’t want to do cause I just got off birth control less than a year ago so I am trying to figure out how to fix it naturally before going back to birth control. I have been trying acupuncture and do far I like it to balance my hormones. I also purchased the book Women’s Bodies, Women’s Wisdom by Christiane Northrup. Good Luck!!!
Love the vlog! Highlight of my week! Still loved it but new camera is a bit laggy and blurry xxxx
where did you get the brown sweater from? you were wearing 5 min into the video :)
Looking forward to watch your hauls videos 🥰
It’s so rough! I have been on the investigation for pcos for about 2 years now, with 2 surgeries to remove ovarian cysts. A good resource is the period repair manual by Lara Briden who is a naturopath.
New subs here from philippines youre so pretty
Which black joggers are you wearing to work out please??
Obsessed with your vids!!!!!!!
my watch keeps going off as well!!! tried everything but it still yells at me 😂😭 loving your lip colour girl
I was diagnosed with PCOS back in January this year after 2 and half years of no periods and medical investigations (in the UK and our health care ground to a halt during covid for anything not covid which is why it took so long).
The advice I got when I was diagnosed was "lose weight" and I was like no shit Sherlock.. but HOW on earth do I do that when my body fights it.
It's lead me to have to do my own research speak to other women with PCOS. I'm nowhere near "managing" it but getting closer. Some things that are helping are:
1. Myo-inositol. Girl I can't stress this enough. I get it from Bulk Powders and take the dosage that hours of research told me was best. It's supposed to help control insulin/hormone signalling and I've noticed my PCOS cravings and some symptoms have significantly improved since I started taking it.
2. Exercise... But moderate and light. If I go too many days or do certain types my symptoms go crazy. I'm sure this is different for everyone but swimming as my cardio had been a godsend.
3. Sleep. I drink a chamomile tea from Twinnings (literally called Sleep) before bed and I can't tell you how much it has helped. Not only do I find it easier to go to sleep, I stay asleep.
I'm still learning, it's a journey and in the UK the health practitioners brush it under the carpet if you're overweight as the only advice they will give you is "lose weight" ... I'm sure Australian healthcare is much better though (love the NHS but their attitude towards anyone with a BMI that shows overweight is just abysmal)
Good luck, and it'll be okay! Felt like the world ended when I got my diagnosis but atleast you can start to repair and nourish your body back to health ♥️
If you do get diagnosed with PCOS I highly suggest looking into working with Madison Dohnt!
I have all the symptoms you mentioned too but for me it wasn’t PCOS it was the thyroid…maybe you should check that too…
Is that a new colour of decision made water bottle I see there Sophie? 🤞🏻🤞🏻😁
I just want long lean legs without having a lot of muscle what do I do? I do want to grow my glutes tho
my cousin was diagnosed with PCOS when she was 16 or something.. she was told by many doctors that she would have trouble having children and may never have a child. I remember how she became so depressed about that particularly. However, my cousin ended up getting pregnant and had her son when she was 18. Everyone in our family said he was a miracle because of what the doctors had said to her originally about never being able to have a child. So I want to encourage you that if you are diagnosed with PCOS you may be told the same type of things about having children, but don't let it discourage you because just like what happened with my cousin, anything is possible. The doctors changed what they said and said my cousin may have only gotten pregnant because of her young age and it would get more difficult with age because of the PCOS. Although I believe they said that to try and explain the "miracle" that had occurred because it couldn't be explained by medicine or science. And that's the thing about the human body, you can be told so many things and that you won't be able to do certain things because of such a definitive diagnosis. But that diagnosis does not define you or your body's ability. Anything is possible and miracles DO happen.