Stronger Than PCOS

10/01/2025

Yes! PCOS is more than just reproductive health!

**Today, on the last day of PCOS Awareness Month, I’m issuing a demand. Yes, I said it, demand.**

**STOP describing PCOS as a “disorder of reproductive age”!!!**

That phrasing is scientifically outdated, misleading, and damaging.

🔹 Emerging evidence and expert opinion increasingly recognize that PCOS can begin in the peripubertal years. But no matter when it develops, it persists throughout life — it does *not* magically vanish at menopause.
🔹 Current adolescent diagnostic guidelines require **irregular menstrual cycles** (appropriately defined relative to years post-menarche) **plus clinical or biochemical hyperandrogenism**, after excluding other mimicking conditions. ([PubMed][3])
🔹 The use of pelvic ultrasound or AMH levels for diagnosis is *not* recommended in adolescents, reinforcing that the condition cannot be shoehorned into adult “reproductive age” definitions alone. ([BioMed Central][2])

OVERLOOKED RISKS WHEN CARE STOPS AT MENOPAUSE:
🔹Cardiovascular Disease: PCOS confers a higher risk of hypertension, coronary artery disease, and stroke. These risks increase after menopause as estrogen’s protective effects wane. Ignoring PCOS at this stage overlooks an important predictor of cardiovascular morbidity.
🔹Type 2 Diabetes & Metabolic Syndrome: Insulin resistance remains a cornerstone feature of PCOS. After menopause, weight gain and loss of estrogen further compound this. Failure to screen and intervene means missed opportunities to prevent diabetes, fatty liver disease, and systemic inflammation.
🔹Endometrial Cancer: Lifelong anovulation and unopposed estrogen can increase endometrial cancer risk, and this risk doesn’t vanish at menopause. Some studies suggest women with PCOS may carry a higher lifetime risk.
🔹Mental Health & Cognitive Outcomes: PCOS is associated with higher lifetime prevalence of depression and anxiety. These mental health burdens may persist or worsen post-menopause, especially if medical follow-up is withdrawn. Emerging evidence links insulin resistance and inflammation to cognitive decline and dementia risk, another overlooked consequence.
🔹Bone Health: The relationship is complex: higher androgens may have protective effects on bone density, but insulin resistance and chronic inflammation may offset these. Without ongoing attention, osteoporosis risk may be underestimated.
🔹Quality of Life & Symptom Burden: Hirsutism, hair loss, and weight struggles do not necessarily resolve at menopause. Dismissing PCOS as “done” can leave women unsupported in managing symptoms that affect self-image and daily life.

Framing PCOS solely as a “reproductive disorder” erases the lived reality and risk profile of millions:
→ Girls who show early signs before puberty
→ Women whose metabolic, cardiovascular, and hormonal burdens endure long after menopause

It’s time for medical schools, professional societies, journals, CME programs, and clinical guidelines to evolve.

**Change the language. Change the framing. Change the care.**

Doctors. Researchers. Journal editors. Educators.
Will you step into the future — or cling to an outdated paradigm that ignores much of the story?

Christine Updegraff (nee Gray-DeZarn)
Founder and Chairman
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Association, Inc.

[1]: https://journals.lww.com/co-pediatrics/Fulltext/2019/08000/The_diagnosis_and_treatment_of_PCOS_in.21.aspx?generateEpub=Article%7Cco-pediatrics%3A2019%3A08000%3A00021%7C10.1097%2Fmop.0000000000000778%7C&utm_source=chatgpt.com "The diagnosis and treatment of PCOS in adolescents"
[2]: https://bmcmedicine.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12916-025-03901-w?utm_source=chatgpt.com "International evidence-based recommendations for polycystic ..."
[3]: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40945763/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Update on diagnosis of polycystic o***y syndrome during ..."

05/27/2025

Vitamin D deficiency is NOT something to play with. Especially for women.

✅ Tired all the time?
✅ Feeling weak, moody, anxious, or just off?
✅ Aching bones or muscle pain for no reason?
✅ Hair thinning out?
✅ Low libido?
✅ Brain fog?
✅ Struggling to lose weight no matter what?
✅ Getting sick more often than usual?

You might not need another coffee.
You might need vitamin D.

This one nutrient affects your immune system, hormone health, mood, metabolism, fertility, inflammation, and even bone density. And get this… about 40-60% of people are deficient, and most don’t even know it.

Also, 🌞 isn’t always enough—especially if you live in colder climates, wear sunscreen often, have darker skin, autoimmune issues, gut problems, or are over 30.

Ladies, PLEASE start checking your levels.
It’s DIRECTLY linked to PCOS, anxiety, depression, infertility, weight gain, insulin resistance, osteoporosis, and more.

And let me be clear, “normal” is not the same as optimal.
Most labs say you’re fine if your vitamin D is around 30. But for real results—better energy, mood, and hormone support—you want to aim for closer to 80–100 ng/mL.

Get tested. Get serious. Stay healthy. ⭐️

05/17/2025

I want to share some great info about the drops regarding PCOS, want to try them? Comment below and I’ll message you!

Hey PCOS suffering gals!!! Check out this quick video on how these body balancing drops could possibly help with your PCOS symptoms. 🫶🏼

Sarah, Kelly, and Brittaney open up about their personal journeys with PCOS—from their diagnoses to the struggles and small wins along the way. They share ho...

04/07/2025

PCOS friends
stop scrolling and check out what Dominique shared:
•••
My weight-loss journey with PCOS was a nightmare before I started using the Skinny Drops!
I dropped my first 20 Ibs in 4.5 weeks, and I'm currently down from a size 20 to a size 12 in pants.

So much fun seeing people get so much healthier!



I’ll add some more in the comments. I don’t share this much like this, but these drops can help!

12/12/2024

🦋Good article! Supplementation is very beneficial for PCOS, and there are several great ones, I can advise you on some. And I have excellent drops that can help, but nothing is going to cure you of your PCOS. Are you born with it and it is a part of you for life. But proper diet, some exercise and adequate supplementation is very helpful.

11/26/2024

https://www.oprahdaily.com/life/health/a62787169/how-pcos-affects-menopause/

Hormonal imbalances caused by the condition persist even when you stop ovulating. Here’s what to know—and do.

11/14/2024

I have been involved in sharing some great body balancing drops since last spring in my physical business. I want to speak more about them for my PCOS community. I’ve put some more information about them in the comments. Let me know if you have any questions! They really do work.

11/08/2024

https://www.firstforwomen.com/health/4-types-of-pcos-what-to-know-and-how-to-manage-each

Experts share that there are four types of PCOS. Each one has varied symptoms and a recommended management plan. Learn more about them and symptom relief options.

09/30/2024

Get ready for the ultimate holiday game-changer: the reformulated, allergen-free Sugar Stop. This innovative supplement utilizes fiber to effectively block sugar and carbs, supporting weight management and healthy blood sugar metabolism. Even those with the strongest willpower may find it hard to resist festive treats like pumpkin pie. That's why Sugar Stop is this fall's essential product, launching October 1. With its irresistible dessert-like flavor, you'll look forward to incorporating it into your daily routine.

09/02/2024

Today is !

Many women remain undiagnosed and unaware of polycystic o***y syndrome ( ). Let's change that.

Educate yourself, spread the word, and support those affected. Knowledge is power!

1) Have you heard of polycystic o***y syndrome?

- This common hormonal condition affects women throughout their lifespan, often beginning in adolescence.

- Many cases go undiagnosed.

- Symptoms can vary over time.

2) Curious about your symptoms?

- Polycystic O***y Syndrome can cause hormonal imbalances, irregular periods, high androgen levels (such as testosterone), and problems with ovulation.

- These issues can make pregnancy challenging.

- Not everyone with polycystic o***y syndrome experiences the same symptoms. Symptoms may also change over time and often occur without a clear reason.

3) Polycystic o***y syndrome can impact .

4) Stigma around PCOS symptoms such as infertility, obesity & unwanted hair growth can affect body image, mental health, relationships, work, and social life.

5) Polycystic o***y syndrome is common, but many women and healthcare providers miss the signs.

- Irregular periods, trouble conceiving, acne, or excess hair could be red flags.

6) There is no cure for PCOS, but treatments can improve symptoms.

7) Lifestyle changes can go a long way in relieving some symptoms of polycystic o***y syndrome.

😎 Healthy nutrition, getting enough exercise, and sleep can help reduce weight and the risk of type 2 diabetes and other conditions associated with PCOS.

9) Birth control can help regulate your menstrual cycle and keep PCOS symptoms in check.

10) Other meds can address acne, unwanted hair, blood pressure, mental health, and other conditions connected to PCOS.

Discover more:
https://bit.ly/WHO-PCOS
https://pcoschallenge.org
https://lnkd.in/ey-wW3HJ
PCOS Challenge: The National Polycystic O***y Syndrome Association
World Health Organization European Region