I got sick from a toxic relationship + how I healed my PCOS naturally
Dive into the personal narrative of Lyss Boss on "Date Yourself Instead," as she opens up about her battle with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). Sharing her struggle from the tender age of 14, Lyss illustrates her formidable journey—beginning with excruciating pain and leading to the discovery of ovarian cysts. The condition, seemingly running in her family, challenged her to explore various hormone supplements in an effort to regularize her menstrual cycle and alleviate the pain that often left her bedridden.
Through a candid recounting of her experiences, Lyss sheds light on the complexities of PCOS diagnosis and treatment. She reflects on the range of symptoms that ultimately led to multiple diagnoses by different doctors and the prescription of varied treatments, including birth control and metformin. Despite facing physical complications like weight gain and mood fluctuations, she remained committed to understanding and managing the symptoms. Her testament offers an intimate look at the implications of health issues intertwined with the stress of toxic relationships, and her resolve to embrace natural remedies and lifestyle adjustments for her well-being.
This is a preview of the Shortform summary of the Feb 26, 2024 episode of the Date Yourself Instead
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1-Page Summary
Lyss's experience with PCOS
Lyss recounts her struggle with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, delving into how she dealt with the condition through natural remedies, the impact of toxic relationships on her health, and her dedication to lifestyle changes for improving her well-being.
Lyss first diagnosed with ovarian cyst at age 14 after pain in ovaries
At only 14, Lyss faced severe pain in her uterus and was subsequently diagnosed with ovarian cysts. The pain was debilitating, leaving her bedridden. The condition appeared to share a genetic connection, as her mother had similar experiences. To tackle the irregularities in her menstrual cycle and manage her pain, Lyss used hormone supplements from a young age, aiming to induce and regulate her periods.
Receiving PCOS diagnosis from multiple doctors
Lyss's journey to a PCOS diagnosis involved consulting with several doctors, particularly as she dealt with irregular periods and then a complete halt to her cycle. The medical consensus was that medication was necessary to mitigate potential fertility issues. Despite adverse effects from treatments like birth control, which led to weight gain and mood issues, and additional prescriptions like metformin, doctors consistently diagnosed her with PCOS, underlining the need for ongoing symptom management.
1-Page Summary
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- Hormone supplements are medications that contain hormones to regulate imbalances in the body. In the context of PCOS, hormone supplements are often used to induce and regulate menstrual periods. They can help manage symptoms like irregular periods and pain associated with the condition.
- The medical consensus on medication for potential fertility issues in the context of PCOS typically involves prescribing treatments like hormone supplements, birth control, and metformin to regulate menstrual cycles and improve fertility outcomes. These medications aim to address hormonal imbalances, induce regular periods, and manage symptoms that may affect fertility. Doctors may recommend a combination of medications tailored to the individual's specific symptoms and health goals. The goal is to help individuals with PCOS manage their condition effectively and enhance their chances of conceiving if they desire to do so.
- Birth control pills are commonly used to regulate menstrual cycles in individuals with PCOS, but they can sometimes cause side effects like weight gain and mood changes. Metformin is a medication often prescribed to manage insulin levels in PCOS patients, but it can also lead to side effects such as gastrointestinal issues. These adverse effects can vary in severity from person to person and may require adjustments in medication or lifestyle changes. It's essential for individuals with PCOS to work closely with their healthcare providers to monitor and address any side effects experienced from these treatments.
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Lyss's experience with PCOS
Lyss shares her personal journey dealing with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), including natural remedies, the effects of toxic relationships, and how lifestyle changes contributed to her well-being.
Discovering natural remedies to regulate her hormones and period
After searching online for natural ways to cure her hormonal issues, Lyss found an article that detailed how a low carb diet and consistent exercise could alleviate PCOS symptoms. She set a strict workout regimen, hitting the gym before and after her classes, and adhered to a diet excluding alcohol, focusing on fish, chicken, turkey, vegetables, and ample water intake. She was determined to resolve her health issues naturally, without medication. After six months of dedication, including mental shifts and affirmations about getting her period naturally, Lyss successfully regulated her menstrual cycle through diet and exercise alone, without the need for medication or birth control.
Lyss notes that she was about 19 or 20 years old when she first got her period naturally, which amazed her due to her cycle's previous irregularity. She credits her diet, exercise routine, lowering body fat, building muscle, and her mindset for this change. Following these steps, she began to get her period regularly every month without medication.
Correlating toxic relationships triggering ovarian cysts and hormonal issues
Lyss Boss describes the physical toll of a toxic relationship, noticing that her symptoms "magically went away" after the breakup. She found that her ovarian cysts would often flare up when she was under significant stress, especially when involved in toxic romantic relationships, suggesting a connection between her uterus's reaction to stress and the cysts' recurrence.
Lyss hypothesizes that PCOS may be linked to emotional and possibly even generational trauma. She recalls periods of being single and at peace when she suffered fewer health issues, cysts, and hormonal imbalances. During the last toxic relationsh ...
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Lyss's experience with PCOS
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder that affects people with ovaries. It can cause symptoms like irregular periods, excess androgen levels (male hormones), and ovarian cysts. These hormonal imbalances can lead to various issues such as infertility, weight gain, acne, and hair growth. Managing PCOS often involves lifestyle changes, medication, and sometimes fertility treatments.
- The impact of toxic relationships on ovarian cysts and hormonal imbalances can be linked to the body's stress response. Emotional stress from toxic relationships can trigger physical symptoms like ovarian cysts and hormonal imbalances. Chronic stress can disrupt hormone levels and potentially exacerbate conditions like PCOS. Resolving toxic relationships and reducing stress can positively impact physical health and hormonal balance.
- The relationship between emotional trauma and PCOS is a complex and evolving area of study. Some research suggests that stress and emotional factors can impact hormone levels and potentially exacerbate PCOS symptoms. Emotional trauma may contribute to hormonal imbalances and inflammation in the body, which could affect the development and progression of PCOS. However, the exact mechanisms linking emotional trauma to PCOS are not fully understood and require further research for conclusive evidence.
- Diet and exercise are commonly recommended lifestyle changes for managing PCOS symptoms. A low carb diet and regular exercise can help regulate hormones and improve insulin sensitivity, which are key factors in PCOS management. These lifestyle change ...
Counterarguments
- While Lyss's personal experience with diet and exercise is positive, it's important to note that PCOS is a complex condition and what works for one person may not work for another. Individual responses to lifestyle changes can vary greatly.
- The claim that Lyss regulated her menstrual cycle without medication is her personal experience, but it should not be generalized as a solution for all individuals with PCOS. Medical treatment may be necessary for some people.
- The correlation between toxic relationships and the flare-up of ovarian cysts and hormonal issues is an anecdotal observation. While stress can exacerbate symptoms, it's not universally accepted that stress or emotional trauma directly causes PCOS symptoms.
- The idea that PCOS may be linked to emotional and generational trauma is an interesting hypothesis, but it would require scientific research to establish a causal relationship.
- The improvement of symptoms after ending a toxic relationship could be due to a reduction in stress, but attributing the cessation of all symptoms solely to the end of the relationship may overlook other factors that could have contributed to the improvement in health.
- The connection made between chronic yeast infections and stress is plausible, as stress can impact the immune system, but other fac ...
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Lyss first diagnosed with ovarian cyst at age 14 after pain in ovaries
Lyss details the onset of severe pain through her uterus at the tender age of 14, leading to a diagnosis that significantly impacted her youth.
Experiencing severe pain and seeking diagnosis
At the age of 14, Lyss experienced stabbing pains so severe that she was bedridden and unable to walk for days. The excruciating pain brought a suspicion from her mother that Lyss might be suffering from an ovarian cyst—a condition her mother was familiar with due to her own past experiences, suggesting a possible genetic link.
Taking hormone supplements growing up to try to regulate her period
Following the painful episode and ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
Lyss first diagnosed with ovarian cyst at age 14 after pain in ovaries
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- An ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled sac that can develop on the ovary. It is a common condition in women of reproductive age and usually resolves on its own without treatment. However, larger cysts or those causing symptoms may require medical intervention. Symptoms can include pelvic pain, bloating, and changes in menstrual cycle.
- Hormone supplements are medications that contain hormones like estrogen and progesterone. They are often used to regulate menstrual cycles by influencing hormone levels in the body. In cases of hormonal imbalances or irregular periods, these supplements can help in managing the timing and flow of menstruation. The supplements can be prescribed by healthcare providers to address specific menstrual issues and promote hormonal balance.
- Inducing a period involves using hormone supplements to trigger the shedding of the uterine lining, mimicking a natural menstrual cycle. This process can help regulate irregular periods or manage conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome. It is often prescribed by healthcare providers to address hormonal imbalances and maintain reproductive health. The supplements contain hormones like estrogen and progesterone to simulate the hormonal changes that occur during a typical menstrual cycle.
- The potential genetic link between ovarian cysts suggests that there may be a hereditary component to the condition, meaning it can run in families. This implies that individuals with a family history of ovarian cysts may have a higher risk of developing them themselves. Genetic factors can influence the likelihood of developing ovarian cysts, impacting how the condition manifests across generations. Unders ...
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Receiving PCOS diagnosis from multiple doctors
Lyss openly shares her challenges with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and the complex journey of obtaining a diagnosis and managing her symptoms, which involved interactions with various doctors over time.
After experiencing irregular periods and other related concerns throughout her adolescence and into college, Lyss reached a point where her cycle ceased entirely. This cessation prompted serious conversations with medical professionals about her condition. Doctors articulated the necessity of medication to stave off potential future fertility issues.
As part of her treatment, Lyss was prescribed various medications, including birth control. Unfortunately, the birth control led to undesired side effects such as weight gain, mood swin ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
Receiving PCOS diagnosis from multiple doctors
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder in women of reproductive age. Symptoms can include irregular periods, excess androgen levels, and polycystic ovaries. Diagnosis typically involves a combination of medical history review, physical exams, blood tests to check hormone levels, and imaging tests like ultrasounds to examine the ovaries. Multiple criteria, including the Rotterdam criteria, are often used to diagnose PCOS.
- Metformin is a medication commonly used to treat type 2 diabetes but is also prescribed off-label for PCOS to help manage insulin levels. Progesterone cream is a topical hormone treatment that can be used to regulate menstrual cycles in women with hormonal imbalances like PCOS. These medications are often part of a comprehensive treatment plan to address specific symptoms and underlying hormonal issues associated with PCOS.
- PCOS can impact fertility by causing irregular ovulation or preventing ovulation altogether. This condition can lead to difficulties in conceiving naturally. Women with PCOS may require medical interventions to regulate their menstrual cycles and improve their chances of getting pregnant. Managing PCOS effectively can help mitigate fertility challenges and increase the likelihood of successful conception.
- Management strategies for PCOS s ...
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