PCOS Files: Maca Root Benefits

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I stopped talking about my bout with PCOS (or Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) here because frankly I was feeling depressed about it and I thought that talking about it too much would somehow make it all worse (sounds crazy, I know).  Plus dealing with the excess body hair in certain places (chin hair is really not cute!) and other crazy symptoms, has been annoying and I just didn't want to discuss it here out of fear of sounding like a whiner.

However, my traumatic past experience with infertility and my now increasing obsession with having a baby in the near future has made me want to revisit ways in which I can help my body regulate itself naturally.  My doctor has suggested going on birth control until I am really ready to try to conceive but, I really don't want to go that route.

 My cycles are still irregular (usually appearing once every 3 months) but, I noticed that when I workout consistently every week Aunt Flo makes an appearance every other month or even every month sometimes.  I have also started juicing almost daily and I can really tell the difference in my body.  I'm in a better mood (most days), my skin is clearer and I'm not dealing with that annoying mid-day fatigue I used to get every day (it is such a great feeling!).   I will juice 3 times a day for forever if it means I can feel like this all the time!

I am thinking of going back to using maca root powder.  I was taking it about 3 years ago and stopped because of one side effect--increased libido.  Yeah, let's just say it was too much for me and I couldn't deal with it. Ha! What a problem to have, huh?

I have been researching natural remedies for PCOS and all signs point to maca root and its benefits.  They include:

Support proper hormonal balance in both men and women Encourage a healthy libido in both men and women Support normal egg health Promote normal sperm health Support normal FSH levels Encourages normal endometrium health May be beneficial in preparation for IVF Other facts about maca root: Maca is a nourishing food for the endocrine system, supporting the pituitary, adrenal, and thyroid glands (all involved in hormonal balance.) Maca has the ability to assist the body in maintaining normal hormonal levels in both women and men without containing hormones itself. Maca is beneficial in supporting reproductive health prior to becoming pregnant. It can be taken daily all month long and combines well with other herbs and herbal formulas.  *Information from http://www.naturalfertilityshop.com/Fertility-Maca-Capsules-p/104721.htm

I was even watching a talk show the other day, Bethenny to be exact, and maca root powder was discussed as a supplement that every woman should take.  I've gotten all the confirmation I need! I am ordering my maca root powder this week and will just deal with the increased libido the best way I can *wink*.

If I want to get my body right to be able to have a healthy, beautiful baby one day then I will have to start doing what I can to make my body become capable of doing just that.  With the regular workouts, watching what I eat, de-stressing, and taking maca root I'm hopeful that this PCOS can be a thing of the past.  Ya'll pray for me!

Have you ever heard of maca root or taken it?

7 Natural Remedies for Aunt Flo

That "time of the month" is not one that most women look forward to (unless, of course, you are waiting to see if you might be pregnant or hoping to NOT be pregnant).  The bloating, cramps, and mood swings can seriously put a damper on every day life activities.  Fortunately,  I do not get debilatating cramps like some people but, I do suffer from the swings sometimes and the bloating. So not fun.

One "good" result of having PCOS is that I do not see Aunt Flo every month but, now that I have been actively managing my PCOS symptoms more using exercise, natural remedies and medication, my cycles have become more regular.  So I'm back to dealing with these symptoms more now.

If you have read my blog for a while now, you already know that I am a huge advocate of poppin' pills for ailments.  I came across this video by Naptural85 (one of my favorite vloggers!) and wanted to share with you ladies.  She lists some great natural remedies for dealing with those crazy symptoms of your menstural cycle.

Check it out and feel free to leave comments on what works  best for you to get rid of those cramps, headaches, and mood swings.  

Cures for that Monthly Visitor

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'The curse', 'Aunt Flo', 'That time of the month'....no matter the nickname given to our monthly periods, the symptoms are all the same--bloating, cramps, water weight gain, irritability, fatigue and those unpredictable mood swings!  I was watching the show, The Doctors, yesterday and they spoke about a few natural tips for getting some relief during this time of the month.

Tips:
 1. Take 3 drops of evening primrose oil every day to help balance out your hormones and reduce bloating, cramps and mood swings.

2. Take a  multivitamin with calcium and magnesium. These also aid in relieving some of these symptoms.

3. Get regular exercise. At least 30 minutes of exercise every day can help to make Aunt Flo appearance a more bearable experience.

I'm thankful that I rarely get cramps but, I do get those crazy mood swings! And while I would like to get regular cycles so that I can feel 'normal',  the one pro is that because of my PCOS I only deal with Aunt Flo 3 to 4 times a year. I am going to try the evening primrose oil since I already do the other two things on the list.

What are some of your remedies for dealing with your period?

Instead SoftCup Giveaway!!

A few days ago, I wrote a post (previous post here) about Instead SoftCup and how I have been contemplating trying this product out one day. I even asked if any of you ladies have had any experience using it and what it was like.

Well, I received some samples of the Instead SoftCup from the company and I have decided to do a giveaway for one of my lovely ladies who would also like to try them. Here is what you have to do to get one of the Instead SoftCup samples:

1. Post a comment or email me (candice.selby@gmail.com) sharing your most embarassing or funniest Aunt Flo story.

2. Also, follow my blog and/or follow on twitter: @CandiceSS

The deadline is Saturday, March 25th so, feel free to submit your stories. One winner will be chosen on March 26th using random.org. Good luck!

The New and Advanced Feminine Protection: Instead SoftCup

I first heard about Instead Softcups on my beloved, Long Haircare Forum  about a year or two ago. Quite a few women raved about how they had started using Instead and fell in love. Basically, it is a small cup made out of hypoallergenic, non-toxic, non-latex materials that is a much safer alternative to using pads and tampons.  The Instead Softcup website also says that it can be used "during ALL activities...Sports....Sleep... Sex (very interesting...)...Swimming...Spotting".

The Instead Softcup can also hold twice as much as a regular tampon, which would definitely prevent  the paranoia that comes with being fabulously dressed and not wanting to be embarrased by any unsightly  leaks! It also allows you to sleep all night without having to get up to change because  it provides a wear time of up to 12 hours!

Not only is it very comfortable but, it is also very safe. It contains no residual fibers, no strings, no bleach or any other chemicals typically found in the other forms of feminine protection.

The Instead SoftCup definitely on my list of new things to try. What peaks my curiosity is the method needed to take the Instead SoftCup out. Since it has no strings or anything, I wonder how difficult the removal is? Seeing as how my period only comes every 3 to 6 months (I'm a PCOS sufferer), I am not sure how soon I will be able to try Instead.  I will probably stock up on some and keep them on hand for when Aunt Flo does decide to show up.

Do any of you ladies have experience with Instead?

Disclosure: Opinions stated are my own. I was not compensated for this post.