September 2019 is #PCOSAwarenessMonth and PCOS is a condition very close to our hearts here at EmpressBody. Polycystic ovary syndrome (commonly known as PCOS) is one of the most common hormone disorders, affecting an estimated 1 in every 5 women – which is why it's surprising how many of us a) don't know anything about it or b) find it so hard to find the information we need about it. EmpressBody are committed to providing as much information as we can about PCOS as doctors often just prescribe hormonal contraceptives to mask the irregular periods rather than explain what it is or what effects it can have. We’ve put together 5 things you should know about PCOS to help you manage the condition, and a few EmpressBody goodies that can help you:

- Manage irregular periods

- Reduce facial hair

- Reduce any period pain

- Improve overall intimate health

Here are 5 things about PCOS everyone with ovaries should know.

1. Doctors don't know who'll get it and who won't

PCOS symptoms generally manifest as a series of bead-like ovarian 'cysts', that wreak havoc on each of our body's glands. These follicular cysts are different to regular ovarian cysts - they don't grow in size or fill with fluid, and you can actually get both kinds at the same time. However, whilst we know the most common physical outcome of the illness, we don't know why some women develop it and others don't, and not every woman with PCOS will get these cysts either. Confusing, huh! Because so much is still uncertain, it's impossible to predict who will develop PCOS. It can often run in families, and is related to hormone levels, including insulin production, but any woman can be affected by the condition, and if you have it, it's not because you're at any kind of fault.

Click here to learn how to manage ovarian cysts with EmpressBody

2. The symptoms are varied

The symptoms of PCOS actually vary dramatically by person; more than half of women don't have - or believe they have - any at all. Some of the most common signs and symptoms include, oily skin and recurring acne, irregular, infrequent or absent periods (known medically as amenorreah), excess facial and body hair growth, head hair loss or thinning, and weight gain. Women looking to fall pregnant may also face difficulties, due to the irregular ovulation and an increased risk of miscarriage the condition causes.

3. And some are more surprising than others

As if experiencing all of the above wasn't enough, women with PCOS also have higher levels of depression – for some, caused both by the hormonal imbalances of the condition, and others, by the resulting difficulties it presents. You may also have a higher instance of skin tags, especially around the neck and armpits, get dandruff more frequently, develop high blood pressure, and even have a deeper voice as a result of PCOS – giving you a pretty good idea of just how much of your body is controlled by hormones…

4. Diet can have a massive impact on PCOS

Being overweight or obese increases the amount of insulin your body makes, which is why your weight can have a direct impact on your PCOS symptoms. However, in a cruel twist of fate, PCOS also gives you cravings for fatty, carby, foods. So what's a gal to do? EmpressBody advises eating a well-balanced, low GI diet with a rainbow of vegetables, good quality proteins (beans, pulses, nuts, seeds, lean meats, fresh fish, eggs) and healthy fats. Alongside this, avoid or dramatically reduce all processed foods, caffeine and alcohol. And never crash diet!

Click here to learn more about EmpressBody’s information about nutrition and PCOS

5. It can impact other areas of your health

If it's not properly managed, PCOS can lead to health problems later on in your life, from heart disease to type 2 diabetes and even endometrial cancer. We don't say this to worry you if you have been diagnosed – we say it so that you seek all of the support you need as early as possible, and can get through your days without suffering.

How else can EmpressBody help manage the symptoms of PCOS?

EmpressBody has done extensive research to find natural and holistic ways to help tackle the symptoms of PCOS. Often doctors prescribe chemical birth controls like the pill to help with the symptoms such as irregular periods. Not all women want to go down that route and many are looking for holistic alternatives. All of our products can be used in conjunction with any contraception so they will not disrupt the pill the IUD etc. We have put together a PCOS Fighter Bundle that contains all of the ingredients and EmpressBody products that work together to help combat the symptoms of PCOS:

The EmpressBody PCOS Fighter Bundle Includes: 12 Detox Pearls 2x Yoni Steam 200ml Moringa Powder

12 Detox Pearls

EmpressBody Detox Pearls help to breakdown cysts and any toxin buildup through the pulling effect created by the specially selected herbs. They draw the toxins out, they also assist with regulating the menstrual cycle and ridding bad bacteria, dead cells, old blood clots, mucus and more from your yoni. Detox Pearls can help to break down cystic growths, which is the main cause of PCOS.

Click here to read more about what to expect from using an EmpressBody Yoni Pearl

200ml Moringa Powder

The EmpressBody Moringa Powder assists with hormone imbalances and suppresses cravings for sugary or fatty foods allowing a better diet and weight loss. Weight gain can be one of the hardest issues of dealing with PCOS as it can be very hard to shift as it is not necessarily caused by diet. But Moringa can help rebalance your hormones. One of the best Moringa benefits is its super immune-boosting powers, anti-inflammatory compounds improve digestion, strengthen bones, prevent blood clots, improve cardiovascular health, are beneficial for skin and haircare, mild detoxification, fulfill iron deficiencies, and increases immunity.

2x Yoni Steam (24 Sachets)

EmpressBody Yoni Steaming (or vaginal steaming) helps to create a healthy environment in the womb along with increasing blood flow around the perineum allowing cysts to be tamed. Yoni Steaming also assists in regulating menstrual cycles, clears dark menstrual blood from the beginning or ending of the cycle, helps ease vaginal dryness, endometriosis, yeast Infections and other vaginal bacteria. It is an ancient practice that has so many benefits to yoni health!

Click here to view the full range of EmpressBody yoni wellness products

Click here to view the full range of EmpressBody body wellness products