hormonal – Fantastically 40-ish

Conferencing

Posted on October 20, 2019November 9, 2019 by nlchronicles

As I mentioned previously, I work with a nutritionist to manage PCOS. And it’s worked wonders. I’ve even been asked to speak on a panel for an upcoming conference about pcos in January that’s being held in California. (I hope I can get off work then!) Hopefully, my statement can inspire you or someone you know who manages hormone related challenges; positive change IS possible. It takes real commitment and a different level of effort (lots of tweaking to find out what is best for me), but I’m so glad to know that it’s even possible.

See, for so long, I thought I was just doomed to be on birth control pills forever as prescribed by physicians; I even had a pcos “specialist” tell me that my best course of action was to just remain on the pill forever! WTH!!! I knew that I had to find a better solution that reduced the need for medication- that takes a toll on your body because we aren’t meant to ingest such things for a long time. Western medicine has perfected the art of acute care but this doesn’t translate over to managing long term health challenges or improving their condition. Keep searching, doing the research and challenging the system so that alternative solutions might be covered by insurance.

The excerpt below is my statement for the conference:

🥂 to your good health! Until next time …

Uncategorized

Outdoors and MH

Posted on June 23, 2019June 23, 2019 by nlchronicles

I love being outdoors. Well let me clarify- I love being outdoors when the sun is shining and the weather is warm or hot. I find that MH (mental health) for me is better when I do. And when mental health is great, then physical and emotional health seem to flow from that. But it took a long time for me to figure that out. And even that was a challenge.

I currently live in a northern part of the United States where it can get cold with short sun light days and snow – not the greatest combo for this Leo! So I head to the gym but that’s not a favorite combo; fluorescent lights versus sunshine. That’s a no brainer. So I read that SAD lights can help by emitting light the emulates the sun and I started using that last fall. And it makes a HUGE difference. But I found that out by doing lots of reading, not because a doctor recommended it to me.

No, my doc recommended what I call “happy pills” to deal with anxiety and being super anxious rather than helping me find out the why- why am I dealing with anxiety? Where did it come from? How long have I been dealing with it? In all my searching, I found that being outdoors works for me, helping to reduce anxiety. I know now that anxiety is a byproduct of PCOS as is depression but so many don’t know they have a hormonal disorder and so many more don’t recognize they’re struggling mentally. And nature is healing. It’s the freest therapy that I can have, leading to my decision to move further south and take advantage of an environment that better suits me.

If there are things in your life inhibiting your mental health, please research, seek help, whatever it takes. And if something doesn’t seem right, keep searching.

Quick note: I started writing this blog post and had to take a break. Before beginning again, I saw a very similar commentary by a Canadian nutritionist that I follow on Instagram. I say that to say- the struggle is real but so are the solutions! If being outdoors is not your thing, then seek the thing that will contribute to mental wellness. Last, I have included pictures from some of my outdoor excursions that I’ve had over the last month. The change in scenery is always refreshing. Until next time!

Quarry Lake walking trail, Baltimore, MD

Uncategorized

Backtrack- what is PCOS?

Posted on June 19, 2019 by nlchronicles

Most don’t know or have never heard of PCOS. It stands for PolyCystic Ovarian Syndrome. It is a hormonal disorder common among women of reproductive age. The 3 hallmarks of PCOS are irregular menstrual cycles, excess androgens and polycystic ovaries.* Technically, to be diagnosed, you need two of three. And i have all 3! (Well had but more about that later). The picture above includes some of the side effects of PCOS that women deal with. Docs don’t know the cause of it but believe there is a genetic link. All I know that it’s no picnic!
*source: webmd.com

And unfortunately, many women don’t know they have classic or a slight version of PCOS. There’s no test that just says hey- you have this. It’s more of a diagnosis thrown at you when all other ones have been discounted. And it’s not the only hormonal balance disorder- there’s Hashimoto’s that is really big for women, especially after they have kids. There are automimmune issues that women deal with like rheumatoid arthritis- a former co-worker dealt with this and wow it’s no joke; she was in pain all the time. So, let’s talk about moving toward optimal health in all areas.

Do you know someone who manages PCOS, another hormonal balance disorder or other health complication? I invite you to share your story and know you’re not alone. Until next time!