not all are clueless. I'm a women's health provider and have been for years. It may seem many are but there are good gynecology providers in the US. PCOS is very common and manageable. Lowering insulin helps alot. Not all people with PCOS have insulin and there is not one single test that says yup that is PCOS, so you have to look at the whole picture. Birth control pills or patches do indeed become an integral part or cyclic natural progesterone with glucophage (if insulin is high). Its a very treatable condition.
+Jennifer Ann Fox (Feathers in the Nest) hello Jennifer. Thank you so much for the informations you gave. I am wondering if you take the glucophage as a short term treatment or over longer periods of time ?
Tabea Salome Jehle Glucophage (metformin) is usually a long term use as it keeps insulin lower and helps manage the harmful effects of high insulin including but no limited to only PCOS.
Read this Dr Sara's The Hormone Cure is a game changer. www.amazon.co.uk/Hormone-Cure-Vitality-Naturally-Gottfried-ebook/dp/B008O4X2B8/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1473621992&sr=1-1
It makes me so angry how complacent and unsympathetic some doctors can be about not only womens health issues, but delving deeper when there are symptoms but no easy diagnoses!! for almost a year I had post coital bleeding that three male doctors told me was no big deal, until I went to a female doctor, got a referal for a gynocologyst and she has now finally found abnormal cells in my cervix which we are finally addressing. Girls, even guys, if you feel there's something wrong, get second, third even fourth opinions!! you know your body! Im glad though that you now finally have answers. I feel like even if the diagnoses is not always a good one, just knowing is such a relief! xx
Ps I wrote this before you got emotional, and It broke my heart to see that! Its so obvious how hard you try! your whole life is your passion! I cant imagine how hard it would be to manage PCOS in your position! but stay strong! your absolutely stunning and have an amzing body even in your befores! dont let these feelings consume you!!! xxx
I agree 100% a dietitian who specializes in PCOS will be helpful! don't settle for mediocre medics, ladies. Doctors are getting really lazy, like how is it possible that patients have to research their own issues and come up with the disease?! What is med school for then? My husband underwent nasal surgery bc his doctor told him it would solve his breathing issues... well guess what?! My husband is ALLERGIC to our cats.... yup.
My heart fucking broke when her eyes got all watery! i know a lot of people both males and females its like very common in Greece (idk why) anyways, just try your best to make yourself feel the best! literally ignore negative people, you are the best and you inspire me every single day
Please, please do the regular Vlog/PCOS series. I was diagnosed when I was 18yrs old, I'm nearing on 26 and my doctors (here in the UK) don't help at all. They've basically said "This is what you have, go on the pill, if you want to conceive then come back, we'll talk about IVF". Oh and the line, "you really need to loose weight" but they give me no know-how. As you've said, I can completely go on the 'usual diet' plan but that does nothing, I go to the gym but honestly... I feel like that does nothing other than stop me from getting bigger. I really need you right now Rachel, it sounds like you've really got the support and your knowledgeable on this... I need to pick your brain because any Doctor I see, hasn't got the foggiest of ideas.
This video is like a message from angels!!! I relate to everything you've said... i saw two dif male gynos (in melbourne) and was told "polycystic ovaries or PCOS" and pressured to go on birth control pill... not given ANY info about diet, potentially TTC, anything. It's like pulling teeth trying to get a real diagnosis let alone adequate treatment! I don't know if i should try another gyno, a endocrinologist, or just the dermatologist... I had asked about your waist/photoshopping before, I apologise so much for the rude connotation there. You have an incredible body & i wanted to make sure i was holding myself to a realistic standard! Loads of love x
i had pretty bad doctors as well over the years. that were not treating at all, just controling the symptoms. now i am finally treating it with a very well known endocrinologist. I take metformin and an antiandrogen that is effectively solving my problems
rachel, you are such an inspiration to me. i really love your videos and the way your personality radiates calmness and strength. we support you, i know you can push through this
Thank you for making this vid. I've just discovered your channel in the last few weeks and am obsessed. Over the weekend I was also diagnosed with PCOS and then came across this video. I'm super grateful to have you as a resource.
PEOPLE COMMENTING: It's one thing to give advice, but PLEASE, PLEASE, stop telling random women you don't even know whether they should or shouldn't be on "the pill" as a fact, when you don't have their blood tests, know their symptoms or have any real idea of how their bodies work. If there's ONE thing we know for sure, it's that PCOS is a huge umbrella term and everyone's body react to different treatments differently. Just because something works better for YOU and you have the same umbrella term diagnoses as a person on the net, it does not make you a professional. My advice: Save your money on books, courses, diet plans, pills etc....save up and go see a good Endocrinologist (not GP) first, THEN take action after consulting an actual professional who knows YOUR body, not just PCOS.
My ob gyne gave me pills. No blood test orsuggestion. To go to some professional. just asking how long i miss my period, look at my weight and my dark knuckles.
Thank you so much for sharing your story. You have every right to keep your medical information private and I appreciate your bravery and vulnerability in sharing this information with us in order to help us.
You are amazing. You are going to help so many people with this new vlog series you are going to start! Anyone that is negative towards you, shouldn't get the time of day in your head - these people have nothing better to do than to slate others to make themselves feel better. You are inspirational in lots of different ways, not only fitness! I've followed you from the start & you are just a pleasure to watch. Good luck with your new journey and I will look forward to more video's from you xx
Aww Rachel, don't cry! You are such an incredible and talented person, try not to let anyone tell you otherwise. I hope that now you have a diagnosis things will settle down. I have a friend that has PCO and she is on a ketogenic diet and that helps her manage symptoms and keep her energy levels up.
Love you Rachel. I think you look amazing, having the motivation to train twice a day is amazing. Sorry to hear about your diagnosis, I hope it gets better for you
I know something that could possibly help you, at least partially. My friend is struggling with PCOS and she was always the most concerned with not having her periods, because she really wants to have children. After a lot of hormonal therapies, what worked for her was, amazingly enough, drinking a tea/infusion of black alcea (some really dark coloured hollyhocks flower). Sounds too easy but she even stopped drinking it a few times to test if this is what was helping her and all points to this being the cure to at least regulating her menses. She drinks it everyday for about 2 weeks before she should have her period and stops during the menstruation and for about a week after. Then she starts again. Before she tried this flower infusion, she would go months without her period and finally she would be prescribed a lot of progesterone to induce it. It's some sort of folk medicine cure, which I'm always very wary about, but if your doctor says it won't hurt you, maybe it's worth a try.
I'm Polish and when I google this flower in Polish, it seems it's pretty commonly associated with this issue, but when I try googling it in English there're no results. Found something in German though. Looks like a regional folk wisdom ;)
+Rachel Aust Hibiscus Tea helps me. I drink it for a few days before I should be getting my period. It really does bring it on, and smoothly without as many cramps or irritability! And it's delicious.
Rach I can totally relate to what you've shared. I cried when I found out as well that I have it. PCOS sucks when it comes to gym gains & the damn bigger arms. Please continue to share what you're doing- there's a big community out there- as it really helps.
i cried when i found out too.about a year ago at 20.i had hormonal issues,irregular periods with horrible horrible pain all my life.and with the medications that don't work till i got diagnosed been there through that.i know how hard that hits especially when you're so dedicated and the results are so hard to get just because of the syndrome we have.i've been struggling with that too.anywho,it hasn't been long since i've found your channel and you have me hooked ever since!absolutely adore you and your determination,the composed lifestyle to get shit done.i follow your meals preps the Most they're awesome.i'm sure you'll use the knowledge and caliber you have to enlighten the rest of us who struggle with pcos in the best way possible so you can't tag out alpha woman,for us and for yourself.don't ever let the muggles get to you xoxo
Was recently diagnosed with pcos as well. I am the heaviest I've EVER been, and I'm just so floored with the new changes. It's okay, keep moving forward! can't wait to see your new videos, I can really use an insight on what the changes should look like. Much love Rachel!! 💜💜💜
This kind of made me sad. But at least you know the source of it all. And it will be interesting to watch your vlogs from now and see how you can find your own kind of "normal". Good luck!
Rachel!! Thanks so much for sharing your story. I found out last year that I have PCOS. Watching your videos have changed my life, emotionally and physically! Please keep sharing your journey! ❤️❤️❤️
i know one person's opinion isn't worth that much in a sea of negativity regarding your body. but to me you've always looked absolutely stunning. i've never seen you as puffy or not fit or like a 'liar', just hourglass drop dead gorgeous.
I think I might have a really interesting tip for you. I absolutely know the struggle and how devastating it can feel especially if one's going as deeply into diet and exercise as you do. The more you learn about the functioning of the body and diet in genreal, the more you want to perfect your way of living and it just seems so unfair that the body you want to treat so well doesn't function how it should. But there are ways to improve symptoms or to even strike at the heart of this problem: you should definitely look into 'inositol' or 'myo-inositol' which is a natural substance that does wonders for many women like us!
I was diagnosed with PCOS when I was 14 years old & almost immediately after I received the diagnosis, I was prescribed the contraceptive pill. I’m now 25 so 11 years post diagnosis, I’m only now realising that I never fixed the problem by masking it with medication. The more you speak about this, the more I am learning along with many others who may or may not also have this condition. I feel like I’ve watched so many of your videos but I’m really going to have a dig through your content to learn what I should be eating & doing to help myself. Thank you ❤️
I'm so sorry to hear your health issues 😞 if it's any consolation I've been high protein & high fat, low dairy & gluten diet for about 2 months now and I feel amazing and my weight keeps going down & I love the food! I literally don't miss carbs because I feel so much better. I've been carb cycling too and I actually don't enjoy my high carb days as much. Have fun getting creative with high fat & high protein! I typically have a vegetable omelette breakfast, honey soy turkey steak & salad for lunch & butter chicken with cauliflower rice for dinner and a piece of fruit for snack. This diet I never feel hungry or sick. I was diagnosed with PCOS a year ago and I'm going to get tested tomorrow but I feel it is gone because my moods are balanced and periods are normal, good luck Rach I think you will really enjoy the food and results & im looking forward to seeing your recipes!! 💛💛
+Beth Haymes Thankyou for your tips! I've been having higher carb days every few days or so just to make sure I have enough energy to do as much exercise as I want to be doing. Low carb days are definitely easier for me too haha! I hope you receive some good news tomorrow, but it sounds like your body is finding a good place anyway :)
Lot's of respect here for you! I think it is amazing you are going to try to put your own feeling asside to help others. Besides that, I hate it so much when people judge while they have NO idea what is going on. Good luck with everything!
You are the only fitness person I follow on social media. Some weeks ago I considered writing a comment asking I you would make a video talking about how no matter how hard you train and how you follow your diet, there will still be days (or weeks) when your body feels weird, and fat, and you can feel very disappointed. I think it is important that fitness gurus show that their perfect pictures don't necessarily correspond to their bodies 24/7. I train very hard and sometimes feels so disappointed a myself, even though I try my best to not compare myself to very muscular fit girls online. Anyway, what I mean is that this video was exactly what I was hoping to see (even if I didn't ask) and I also have PCOS and I don't think I'll ever be able to have a muscular body, specially not my arms an sometimes I feel very sad about it, because the expectations are just so high. Being a "normal" person (I'm a teacher) and already have to deal with judgements from people who assume I don't...
that I don't really train and undervalue my efforts. So I can only imagine how it is for you, being judged all the time by random people online. Anyway, I'd like to show you my support and say you'll keep being the only fitness guru I follow and like :)
This made me cry. You're so beautiful and inspiring. Your videos have been helping me so much and I myself have been having hormone issues and feeling not like myself lately. I'm so glad you posted this video and now I am going to go get tested for PCOS. Please know you're beautiful no matter what and that what you do is truly helping people. Thank you so much.
That is interesting because the higher your fat intake the higher your insulin resistance problems usually. Carbs are not necessarily the macro to judge. Have you tried low fat diet before? There are a lot of videos about people that have treated their PCOS naturally, maybe you can check those out just for another perspective. The papers I have come across while searching for PCOS related dietary advice: diabetes.diabetesjournals.org/content/48/2/358.short diabetes.diabetesjournals.org/content/48/9/1836.short They talk about the influence of fat on your insulin resistance. Another article talking about low-fat, high fiber: www.nutritionmd.org/health_care_providers/gynecology/polycystic_nutritional.html
Thank you so much for sharing and being vulnerable. I have had PCOS for years and had given up trying to balance. I am going to watch more of your videos to see how you have coped. You are smart, beautiful and I am grateful to have found another going through the same as me
Rachel, my darling, ah you need to read "Woman Code" by Alisa Vitti. It is all about natural cures for fertility problems like PCOS! DO NOT GO ON THE PILL - fix the problem at the source rather than introducing synthetic hormones into your body. Trust me here!
Yasss!! I am reading the book too and it is defo a must read if you have PCOS or are a woman ;). I would also recommend you listen to the following podcast episode: jesslively.com/alisavitti/
Rachel!! This is what I go through and no one understands. PLEASE find the 💪 to continue on with this because I NEED guidance!! THANK YOU soooo much for making this series.
I have PCOS too (was diagnosed at 24, now I'm...um...much older, haha). It took a few years of dedication, research and trial and error, but I got it sorted and now have a 28 day cycle with ovulation. I had blood tests last week (for something else, but I asked them to check my reproductive hormones too) and my LH and FSH are now completely normal. Still waiting on the testosterone - it takes a bit longer. It can be done, and you can do it! Also..yeah, people can suck. Seriously.... it's either 'oh, did you gain weight?' or 'oh, did you lose weight or something because you look older'. Don't you know women in the health/fitness industry are supposed to be supernaturally lean and forever ageless?
+Sara Lake ahh that's amazing! So happy to hear you've been able to get your LH and FSH where they need to be :) and hahahah on my god I've had both those comments before
+Sara Sh Gosh, it's been such a long process of trial and error. At the time of my diagnosis I had been in a phase of gaining weight because I was in a years long diet/binge cycle (which is the WORST thing for blood sugar regulation), overexercising and also had other unhealthy habits, like drinking too much and going to bed at 4am. So the first thing was getting all that sorted and my weight slowly came down by about 15kg over six years and symptoms improved. The main focus was eating regularly and stopping the binges. Since then it's been personal evolution and putting research into practice (I have a postgrad degree in Nutrition, so have had access to a lot of research!). Getting my stress levels down was crucial. Cortisol and adrenaline are terrible for insulin resistance. I tried low-carb and ketogenic diets and both worked temporarily (+ I became fabulously thin) and then backfired badly with symptoms of thyroid dysfunction and weight regain - even while in ketosis or on low calories. So now I focus on a wholefood diet that keeps me full and my blood glucose steady (blood glucose meter can help here as it's not always predictable, for example, I can eat a lot of fruit and my BG doesn't shift, but a high protein meal puts my BG up quite a lot), do things to improve my insulin sensitivity, and exercise pretty gently (yoga and so on). I supplement conservatively: vit C, fat soluble vits (ADEK2), a good B-Complex with activated B's and low-dose maca seemed to do good things (high-dose made me break out). There's more to it, but that's the basics. I found a very interesting paper showing that the main issue with weightloss and PCOS is not related to metabolism per se, but to increased appetite hormones. That made sense to me and also gave me hope.
It is very generous of you to share of these details. I need to sort it out as you did. I also have binge eating episodes and overexercising sometimes and yes this is not good at all I know. Will get it in control. Thank you so much for such valuable info. take care of yourself and keep it up. Big love
I'm so happy that you shared this and very much look forward to your series on it. I've had pcos for 10 years now and know its extremely difficult when you fight your body everyday. love the heck out of you lady. keep pushing you're doing awesome.
Did you have a laparoscopy done for an endometriosis diagnosis? That's the ONLY way to accurately diagnose endometriosis. I was diagnosed with PCOS over a year ago now and about a month ago had a laparoscopy as I was having more symptoms not associated with PCOS and was diagnosed with endometriosis and had it removed and now I don't experience any pain whatsoever. I would highly recommend a laparoscopy if your pain doesn't settle down.
I had to pause the video at 11:30. My dear I just found your channel today and I have been video binging on you. And I am going to sound cliche and blab a bit but I don't care.I have been a fighter in the past and I have been powerlifting (or training for it anyway) and I hit my plateau at 62 kilos. My height is 168cm. Just when I broke through it I found out I have to do a surgery and I have low thyroid which my doctor could not find, so I was not treating it. Later I discovered I have autoimmune thyroid which takes no treatment what-so-ever. ANd I had fought so hard to get to where I wanted to. I had been working my ass off 4 hours per day 6 days per week having meals planned by a professional and so on and so forth. And after that I got devastated and I gave up. All these things plus my recovery period, I lost my motivation, my drive, my will to get up and fight myself. Now the thing is: YOU motivate me. you are the woman I would dream to be. Photoshop or not in anyones opinion, should not matter to you. There are so many opinions as many asses on this planet. What matters is YOU know the truth, and th people close to you do too. That is what matters. So go on and motivate those that want to be motivated and let the rest photoshop their pics. With all the love and a big hug for those sad eyes.
Thank you so much for sharing this! I was diagnosed with pcos at 13, but didn't really understand it until I was 20/21. It means a lot to me that there are others out there ready to talk about it and make doctors more aware of it all and how much it can affect and change our lives x
Ah, I had a feeling you had PCOS when you mentioned what this video would be about. I haven't been diagnosed yet, but I'm nearly positive that I have it as well. Maybe a year or so ago, I had really abnormal *sharp* cramps. I went to my family doctor and he just prescribed me 800 mg ibuprofen. He just didn't understand that they weren't my usual cramps no matter how much I said it. I'm also quite hairy, over-weight no matter how much I try, have acne, and very abnormal periods (I haven't had one in like 3 months), etc. Where exactly do I start with this? Do I bring up that I have the symptoms and get a blood test? Do I need to go to a gynecologist? I'm really glad you made this video, Rachel!
Yeah i had to pretty much diagnose myself, after my doctor basically laughed and said it's normal to have missed periods at my age, (I was 21).After talking about my symptoms three times and her doing nothing about it, I directly asked for a blood test, that tested my hormone levels, and I said that I suspected I had PCOS. The results came back, and if they come back abnormal. So, then you need to go for an ultrasound to check if you have cysts. Go to your GP, after the diagnosis, your GP might refer to an endocrinologist. For now, I don't take any medication, or go to my endocrinologist (not looking to get pregnant now) . Going dairy free has helped me, and also drinking certain teas like spearmint tea.
***** Yeah, I was a little frustrated with my GP, but to be fair I was not overweight, but had cystic acne, and had no period for 6 months. So, that's one thing about PCOS, everyone is different. Some people also have insulin sensitivity or resistance, so get that checked out too.
you need to see a gynecologist or women's health nurse practitioner. They specialize in this area. There is not one single test that will tell you if you have PCOS. Labs, fasting insulin levels and ultrasound are helpful but some people with PCOS do not have all the symptoms nor have this show on ultrasound.
A gynaecologist is a good start, but I would go to an Endocrinologist. While there isn't any strict pattern for pcos the symptoms you mentioned unfortunately do tally with it. Mention these to your doctors and Insist on getting your free testosterone (a good indicator), blood sugar levels (usually on the higher side), insulin and thyroid (higher chance with pcos) checked. If you're like me and have had low moods in the past, you should check out your vitamin D3 (malabsorption can be a cause). Also a Sonography to be sure. (shows an nodules on your ovaries- a sign of pcos) Hope this helps. Good luck xx
Check out Sarah Lemkus, she also has PCOS and has no problems with weight gain. She even has a beautiful child! There is a PCOS Video on her channel, i think this could really help you out :)
you're amazing, a really big inpiration to all of us. what you're starting right now is super brave and i'm so proud of you!!! be strong, you're a great person and i hope you'll feel a lot better soon!!!
It's not my intention to sound insesitive, but I feel the need to clarify some things. You are talking about insulin resistance, not PCOS. You can have one without the other. PCOS is something that is diagnosed with a simple ultrasound, and since they put you on contraceptive pills, you where being treated. Anyway, the reason I mention this is so newly diagnosed people can understand and find you :)
The criteria for PCOS is two of the following: polycystic ovaries, hyperandrogenism (clinical or biochemical), ovulation difficulties. Polycystic ovaries alone are not enough. People with PCOS commonly also have obesity, IR and other features of the metabolic syndrome as well as being prone to depression. it is a syndrome.
+Carrie Zhang I have PCOS, it's been 20 years since I was diagnosed. Point of the coment is to correct a factual mistake. She didn't do it on purpose, and since she will be making more video, and living with this condition, I think it would be beneficial for her, and her viewers, to use correct terminology. Not every person with PCOS has insulin resistance, and vice versa. You can't educate yourself on the topic, if you are searching for the wrong thing.
+Carrie Zhang That is the piont. You deal with PCOS in one way, and with insuline resistance the other. PCOS can't be cured, you can work on your quality of life, but you are stuck with it. There are people with very frequent periods, like me, and people with very infrequent periods, like Rachel and my sister. If your period are frequent, chance is you are not ovulating. With a lot of physical activity and a healthy lifestyle, you can delay the period for a few days and get an ovulation from time to time. If you have just a few periods in a year, uterus can shrink, and you could have a harder time conceiving a baby. This was the case with my sister. Honestly, I can't remember wath her doctor did, but she has two boys :) Again, the whole point of my coment is that the amout of carbs you it is related to insulin resistance, and not PCOS :)
Well done Rachel, this is so brave of you to open up like this and spread the word and share your experience. I'm a mental health nurse and nursing student and am fascinated by these kind of metabolic disorders, so I'm excited for the vlogs! Keep going gal! Xx ❤️✨👏
Really sorry to hear about your PCOS. I was diagnosed a few years ago myself. Bit confused by your nutrition information - fat is the problem with insulin, not carbs, that's what the latest science says. Still so much incorrect and misinformation been given. That's seriously bad advice to be following and giving!
Great you're seeing changes! I was given so much 'professional' advise, for YEARS, which turned out to be bad in the long term. Really felt I had to do the work myself and started looking at good insulin research separately (PCOS studies were terrible). A definite no to any processed/refined carbs (and gluten for me too), but lowering fat (and not being afraid of carbs!) really made a lasting difference. It wasn't until I finally cut out all dairy that my period (and other stuff) corrected itself - the difference was night and day. My consultants said I was making a mistake - even when I was able to come off medication. Good luck with the research and hope your other symptoms resolve too!
Thank you so much for this comment! I have PCOS with insulin resistence and did my research too. This is accurate as to what recent aproaches suggest :) I have been following a high carb diet for almost 2 years and my IR is "gone" (by gone I mean on normal levels and under control withouth any medication).
Ximena G. That's fantastic! I've heard so many story of women doing everything 'right' (ie low carb) and torturing themselves as to why they've so many complications (it's more than just a weight issue!). Terrible we have to do so much research ourselves as so much bad advice out there. Normal insulin levels is an amazing result - well done to you!
Hearing about your struggle and journey with a disease like this is uplifting for me. I was recently diagnosed with Interstitial Cystitis and am really having a hard time dealing with all that it entails. I hope that we can both get our bodies back!
Trigger warnings are just a way to be considerate towards people who may have difficulties watching videos about specific subjects. Selling herself out would be not making the video. A trigger warning just gives someone a heads-up so they are free to choose whether or not they want to watch the video.
I don't normally concern myself with getting involved with UA-cam comments, especially if they are of a negative nature. However, after someone, Rachel in this specific instance, has shared informational and such s highly personal message out there to such this degree, (which is incredibly brave, not to mention is one of the most critical and valuable ways in which we learn; through the experiences of others), and there is a display of wildly off topic banter shown after everything said in this video that is -far more relevant- than to nitpick -- I now feel compelled to share my own thoughts as a result. Cause and effect. I feel very much like this comment you have made provides neither any wisdom nor insight (not to mention empathy). So, I just don't understand why would one watch a video like this just to say something rude. I did not attach a question mark to that last sentence, because I am not seeking a response from you. I'm just of the mind that when somebody shares their own personal journey and story which is the main way we, as a collective, even learn, at all, that it's best, I feel, to simply take in what it is that you have discovered, process it in your own way, and provide support, say something positive, or even share your own story in relation to the information displayed here. Maybe, just simply even asking a question that isn't rude or so dismissively off topic. Take care, viewer.
Sidebar: I don't often make comments on UA-cam, so I don't understand why there is a strike through part of the text in which is actually very relevant. But just to clarify, I did not mean to add a strikethrough that bit of text. Apologies for any confusion or if I seemed a bit too harsh. I just feel very empathetic towards this situation and it breaks my heart to see someone being nitpicked even more so then they have been already. For a direct instance, when Rachel herself shared the harsh criticisms she's been the unlucky recipient of regarding accusations of having photoshopped herself, when it has been all along a very prominent medical issue that she's only just now figured out, and did most of the research herself! Which I find cruel irony in, considering that one would nitpick her yet again on top of it all. Anyhow, these two comments are my first attempts at ever responding to seemingly negative banter on UA-cam. I hate to be one of those types of individuals who gets involved, but I just felt incredibly moved by this video and I had to share my thoughts. To reiterate, I mean no ill-will, I just have always felt the urge to kind of root for the underdog. That said, I don't see Rachel as anything less than an incredibly strong person who is sharing her valuable time with us to educate and express herself in her own words through her very own experiences that maybe some of us can hopefully learn from and find comfort and relief from. Best, x
Ive just stumbled across this series and want to say thank you for sharing. I was diagnosed with PCOS also and used it as an excuse for my continuous weight gain but im trying my best to get it under control. Ill definitely be binge watching this whole series as I always enjoyed your meal preps before xx
So glad I found this! I was diagnosed with PCOS a couple years ago and trying to get pregnant has been so hard and heartbreaking. Looking forward to your updates, thanks for sharing your journey x
I'm sorry it took so much time to get to your diagnosis! I hope you're able to continue to recover/improve! I suffer from CFS/ME and I also find it challenging to live with. Thank you for your authentic video! You are beautiful regardless of where you're at with workouts etc :-) xx
Stay strong, Rachel. I can't wait for this series. I was diagnosed with PCOS in 2009 but haven't really looked into making dietary changes. You are going to help a lot of people with these videos. Also you are beautiful no matter what you weigh 💕
I'm so grateful that you've made this series. As a larger person that is fighting so hard to to lose weight, you and your videos really inspire me to keep fighting for a healthier body
Thank you for sharing this difficult and vulnerable part of you and your life. I am sure dealing with seeking an accurate diagnosis was extra challenging while working in the online sharing. Much respect to you!
Thank you so much for putting out this video. I am sure it was a difficult choice to talk about a very personal and vulnerable topic, but as someone also diagnosed with PCOS just under a year ago, it is so reassuring to know I am not alone! Everything from the crazy weight fluctuation to arms and thighs that hang on to fat for dear life (not reflecting the work I put into exercising every day!) and people criticising my figure and the desperate frustration of "it just shouldn't be this hard to lose/maintain weight" and giving up all the carbs I adore... All I can say is thank you so much for sharing your experience and knowledge with us and sending big hugs and buckets of courage for the long road ahead. It sucks to have to deal with PCOS but it's a huge relief to know what is wrong at last! Stay strong and keep doing the amazing work that you do. With gratitude and love xxx
Just wanted to quickly say, THANK YOU for being open and honest! The way that you are helping people like me far outweighs any of the negativity you receive from people. I was diagnosed with PCOS after two years of struggling to get answers from my doctor. Even after being diagnosed, my doctor still has not addressed where I should go from here or how to manage this. I was feeling so alone in it. Thank you for this series, seriously! You're changing people's lives girl!
I'm so sorry for these obstacles you've been thrown and the negativity you've experienced. Any decent follower can see the crazy amount of effort you put into your fitness/business/education and you are such an inspiration. Thank you for being so candid and opening up, I'm sure you're helping someone who shares your struggles. Lots of love! ❤️
I am so incredibly proud of you for sharing this video. I have been watching your videos for a while and I think you are so amazing, beautiful, and strong! I know I couldn't open up to others like this and for that I look up to you SO MUCH!!!
Thank you so so much for posting this. While I was watching this the first time,I was literally using a tweezer on my facial hair when you were talking about the symptoms, like excess hair growth. I stopped immediately and laughed because I was pretty sure I had the same thing. I went to the doctor’s and now it’s been one week since I got my PCOS diagnosis and I’ve gone through an array of emotions, but knowing that there are other women out there going through the same thing as me is so comforting. Thank you for sharing your personal journey with PCOS.
Looking forward to this vlog series. Your situation mirrors mine almost exactly. I have PCOS and chronic fatigue. I've been on a ketogenic diet for 2 months and have had amazing results, so far. I'm down 15 pounds with little exercise (10 mins daily on a trampoline), its eliminated my brain fog, and regulated my cycles.
Thank you so much for sharing your story. By being so open, it really helps so many people, even those who might not have the same diagnosis as you. I'm looking forward to the new series if you end up putting it out! Glad to hear that things are starting to get better for you :)
Please please share as much as you can. I'm struggling with much of the same stuff and just feel so helpless and overwhelmed all the time. Doctors are oddly not much help with a lot and since I don't come from a fitness background the learning cure is so steep. Honestly some days it all just makes me cry because it feels like my body is turning against me. This video really made me feel hopeful and less alone in it all, so seriously thank you. Thank you for being brave and share such personal information. Really anything knowledge you gain and share in regards to nutrition, supplements, exercises specifically for all this would really be gold
Thank you for sharing. I was diagnosed with PCOS two months ago and I'm still learning what's best for my body. I was told to reduce carbs and stay away from saturated fat. Weight loss has definitely been a struggle for me and my acne has flared. I'm slowly processing everything still. I'm really looking forward to your vlog series detailing your journey. Best wishes to you!
Loved your honesty in this video! It just shows that PCOS is so common and so many people are learning how to live with it in their lives. Looking forward to watching your journey 👏🏽❤️ xx
Such a brave video to release, I wish you all the luck in the world with the trials you'll be facing on the new/scary journey ahead. I appreciate your courage to share in the upcoming vlogs. All the best lady!
Rachel, thank you for sharing this part of your life with us. This diagnosis lines up with many of my own personal health issues that I haven't been able to understand, and I now feel like I have some direction and questions to ask my doctor that may help me find some answers. I would be very interested and thankful for your vlog series sharing your PCOS experiences, including your hormone tests, supplements, diet and exercise. This is such a helpful gift you are giving to anyone else, including myself, regarding this topic. Thank you. And may I just say, you are absolutely stunning. You have beyond inspired me with your aesthetic style and artistic talent in every facet that you are passionate about. Thank you for that gift as well.
I've been diagnosed with PCOS when I was 10. I'm lucky because my dad is an ob/gyn, but I've never been an 'optimum' weight. Always overweight no matter what I did. I am finally seeing a nutritionist... 12 years later :/ hopefully they'll help me get on track. We're here for you, Rachel! You're so inspirational and I can't wait for the series. I know I'll find it supportive and a breath of fresh air... Thank you so much for everything.
I'm so sorry Rachel. I have been struggling with health issues too and have a very strict diet (so not fun or fair). Thank you for sharing your struggles and your strength. It helps me to be strong too.
I think you are really brave to share this. My cousin has PCOS and even improving her diet for a little while had great effects on her health. She feels a lot better now. I think it's really good you inform people on this. My cousin also needed to find most information herself and her doctor didn't had any information about how diets would influence here pcos. My cousin found many studies on diet and pcos and just starting figuring out what worked for her own body. There are probrably a lot of people out there that have PCOS without knowing or without knowing how to treat it. I'm really happy you are informing people.
You are such an inspiration: before this and because of this honesty. So many women experience set backs like this, whether it be a syndrome or a medication that messes with your goals, and you are a fantastic role model for how to handle this. This is personally unbelievably inspiring to me, with my own issues and I just want to thank you for that. ❤️❤️❤️
My heart goes out to you, Rachel. Honestly, you're stronger than you know. To deal with such a setback and remain so focused and motivated... It must be so frustrating to do so much work and not see the results you had hoped for. I wish you the best. You're such an inspiration, and it felt amazing to see you open up and talk about your difficulties. Thank you and don't give up!! :)
I have PCOS and completely feel you! Hug! I definitely need to work on my healthy diet! Thank you for the inspiration! I'm excited to see this series and I will pray that people who have nothing nice to say will hold their tongue. Know that you and your videos are valuable to so many people!
Thank you for your honesty and for sharing your story Rachel. I admire your openness and know that you have so much support and many people on your side ❤️
You are so brave for doing what you do and putting yourself out there like this. I know it will help a lot of people. Such an inspiration. Keep doing what you're doing!
Thank you for your due diligence and research. You documenting your journey will help me and soooo many women. These doctors don't always know. So we appreciate you. You are beautiful inside and out 💋
So much love and respect for this video!! It's incredibly brave of you to be so open and honest about your health just so you can create awareness and help other women out. Really appreciate your kindness ❤
Sweet beautiful lady! Thank you so so much for making this video and being vulnerable enough to talk about this. I've suspected I have pcos for some time, but it's only after hearing your experience that I can say, "Yes! That's what I'm going through! Finally!" The acne, the arms, the gluten, everything. You just opened my eyes in a way that's going to change my body and my life. ❤️❤️❤️❤️
I'm sending lots of love and hugs your way! It's terrible that people were judging you that way! I have several chronic illnesses that are largely "invisible", so I can relate. People should always be mindful that you never know what someone is going through, so don't judge! I'm looking forward to your future videos and hoping that you find healing in the near future.
Rachel I'm incredibly grateful you decided to share this because I can relate 100 percent with everything you mentioned I just came back from the doctor and got a bunch of lab tests done because like you I had no idea what's going on with my body and yes it is so painful to put so much work on your body and have people throw it in my face. Know that as a fan of your content and distant internet friend lol I am there for you, you have already helped so much and made a difference at least in my life because I know in what direction to go next time I see the doctor. Thank you, thank you, thank you, and best of luck in your progress!
I'm at the beginning of my weight loss/fitness journey... I've always been this chubby girl, always with excess weight on me. Different doctors have been suspecting PCOS, excess hair on my body, pelvic pain, hard time losing weight, also crying, being really sensitive. I'm 19 and again trying to diagnose myself, working with dietitian and gynecologist. I'm glad you made this video, Rachel. You're my source of motivation and inspiration, I adore your style! I hope you're going to update on that topic, I really appreciate every information. Every woman's PCOS is different, you just have to sort out the way to deal with it. Good luck!
![HOW TO ALWAYS EAT HEALTHY | What I Eat When Busy | Finding Motivation [Vlog ep 9]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/vQNYTw9M4Gw/mqdefault.jpg)
I've recently found out I have PCOS and the doctors are absolutely clueless. I would really appreciate this series. Thank you so much..
I hope it'll help you :) !
not all are clueless. I'm a women's health provider and have been for years. It may seem many are but there are good gynecology providers in the US. PCOS is very common and manageable. Lowering insulin helps alot. Not all people with PCOS have insulin and there is not one single test that says yup that is PCOS, so you have to look at the whole picture. Birth control pills or patches do indeed become an integral part or cyclic natural progesterone with glucophage (if insulin is high). Its a very treatable condition.
+Jennifer Ann Fox (Feathers in the Nest) hello Jennifer. Thank you so much for the informations you gave. I am wondering if you take the glucophage as a short term treatment or over longer periods of time ?
Tabea Salome Jehle Glucophage (metformin) is usually a long term use as it keeps insulin lower and helps manage the harmful effects of high insulin including but no limited to only PCOS.
Read this Dr Sara's The Hormone Cure is a game changer. www.amazon.co.uk/Hormone-Cure-Vitality-Naturally-Gottfried-ebook/dp/B008O4X2B8/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1473621992&sr=1-1
It makes me so angry how complacent and unsympathetic some doctors can be about not only womens health issues, but delving deeper when there are symptoms but no easy diagnoses!! for almost a year I had post coital bleeding that three male doctors told me was no big deal, until I went to a female doctor, got a referal for a gynocologyst and she has now finally found abnormal cells in my cervix which we are finally addressing.
Girls, even guys, if you feel there's something wrong, get second, third even fourth opinions!! you know your body!
Im glad though that you now finally have answers. I feel like even if the diagnoses is not always a good one, just knowing is such a relief! xx
Ps I wrote this before you got emotional, and It broke my heart to see that! Its so obvious how hard you try! your whole life is your passion! I cant imagine how hard it would be to manage PCOS in your position! but stay strong! your absolutely stunning and have an amzing body even in your befores! dont let these feelings consume you!!! xxx
I agree 100%
a dietitian who specializes in PCOS will be helpful! don't settle for mediocre medics, ladies. Doctors are getting really lazy, like how is it possible that patients have to research their own issues and come up with the disease?! What is med school for then? My husband underwent nasal surgery bc his doctor told him it would solve his breathing issues... well guess what?! My husband is ALLERGIC to our cats.... yup.
My heart fucking broke when her eyes got all watery! i know a lot of people both males and females its like very common in Greece (idk why) anyways, just try your best to make yourself feel the best! literally ignore negative people, you are the best and you inspire me every single day
Me tooooooooooooo i wanted to reach thru my screen and hug her...
Please, please do the regular Vlog/PCOS series.
I was diagnosed when I was 18yrs old, I'm nearing on 26 and my doctors (here in the UK) don't help at all. They've basically said "This is what you have, go on the pill, if you want to conceive then come back, we'll talk about IVF". Oh and the line, "you really need to loose weight" but they give me no know-how. As you've said, I can completely go on the 'usual diet' plan but that does nothing, I go to the gym but honestly... I feel like that does nothing other than stop me from getting bigger.
I really need you right now Rachel, it sounds like you've really got the support and your knowledgeable on this... I need to pick your brain because any Doctor I see, hasn't got the foggiest of ideas.
Don't cry you beautiful fighter! You are such an inspiration for me!
This video is like a message from angels!!! I relate to everything you've said... i saw two dif male gynos (in melbourne) and was told "polycystic ovaries or PCOS" and pressured to go on birth control pill... not given ANY info about diet, potentially TTC, anything. It's like pulling teeth trying to get a real diagnosis let alone adequate treatment! I don't know if i should try another gyno, a endocrinologist, or just the dermatologist...
I had asked about your waist/photoshopping before, I apologise so much for the rude connotation there. You have an incredible body & i wanted to make sure i was holding myself to a realistic standard!
Loads of love x
i had pretty bad doctors as well over the years. that were not treating at all, just controling the symptoms.
now i am finally treating it with a very well known endocrinologist. I take metformin and an antiandrogen that is effectively solving my problems
Alisa Vitti's 'woman code' may help, she cured herself and many others of pcos, mainly through diet, herbs.. all natural things.
A video of what you are eating while having PCOS would be great and I look forward to your new series. I just adore you, stay strong!
I have PCOS and I was literally told nothing about it. This video has helped me 💞💞
rachel, you are such an inspiration to me. i really love your videos and the way your personality radiates calmness and strength. we support you, i know you can push through this
Thank you for making this vid. I've just discovered your channel in the last few weeks and am obsessed. Over the weekend I was also diagnosed with PCOS and then came across this video. I'm super grateful to have you as a resource.
PEOPLE COMMENTING: It's one thing to give advice, but PLEASE, PLEASE, stop telling random women you don't even know whether they should or shouldn't be on "the pill" as a fact, when you don't have their blood tests, know their symptoms or have any real idea of how their bodies work.
If there's ONE thing we know for sure, it's that PCOS is a huge umbrella term and everyone's body react to different treatments differently.
Just because something works better for YOU and you have the same umbrella term diagnoses as a person on the net, it does not make you a professional. My advice: Save your money on books, courses, diet plans, pills etc....save up and go see a good Endocrinologist (not GP) first, THEN take action after consulting an actual professional who knows YOUR body, not just PCOS.
My ob gyne gave me pills. No blood test orsuggestion. To go to some professional. just asking how long i miss my period, look at my weight and my dark knuckles.
Thank you so much for sharing your story. You have every right to keep your medical information private and I appreciate your bravery and vulnerability in sharing this information with us in order to help us.
Thank you for being here!
You are amazing. You are going to help so many people with this new vlog series you are going to start! Anyone that is negative towards you, shouldn't get the time of day in your head - these people have nothing better to do than to slate others to make themselves feel better. You are inspirational in lots of different ways, not only fitness! I've followed you from the start & you are just a pleasure to watch. Good luck with your new journey and I will look forward to more video's from you xx
Aww Rachel, don't cry! You are such an incredible and talented person, try not to let anyone tell you otherwise. I hope that now you have a diagnosis things will settle down. I have a friend that has PCO and she is on a ketogenic diet and that helps her manage symptoms and keep her energy levels up.
Love you Rachel. I think you look amazing, having the motivation to train twice a day is amazing. Sorry to hear about your diagnosis, I hope it gets better for you
We all should take the lead to care for yourself. Physicians and dietitians are resources. We are the boss. Good for you. Take care.
I know something that could possibly help you, at least partially. My friend is struggling with PCOS and she was always the most concerned with not having her periods, because she really wants to have children. After a lot of hormonal therapies, what worked for her was, amazingly enough, drinking a tea/infusion of black alcea (some really dark coloured hollyhocks flower). Sounds too easy but she even stopped drinking it a few times to test if this is what was helping her and all points to this being the cure to at least regulating her menses. She drinks it everyday for about 2 weeks before she should have her period and stops during the menstruation and for about a week after. Then she starts again. Before she tried this flower infusion, she would go months without her period and finally she would be prescribed a lot of progesterone to induce it. It's some sort of folk medicine cure, which I'm always very wary about, but if your doctor says it won't hurt you, maybe it's worth a try.
+Gosia Pawlak oh Thankyou for the tip! I'll need to look that one up, I've been using spearmint tea myself and that's been helping so far :)
I'm Polish and when I google this flower in Polish, it seems it's pretty commonly associated with this issue, but when I try googling it in English there're no results. Found something in German though. Looks like a regional folk wisdom ;)
+Rachel Aust I have PCOS. Go dairy free Rachel, it completely cleared my acne and helped with my periods. I personally think it's related to IGF-1.
+pat what's it called?
+Rachel Aust Hibiscus Tea helps me. I drink it for a few days before I should be getting my period. It really does bring it on, and smoothly without as many cramps or irritability! And it's delicious.
Rach I can totally relate to what you've shared. I cried when I found out as well that I have it. PCOS sucks when it comes to gym gains & the damn bigger arms. Please continue to share what you're doing- there's a big community out there- as it really helps.
i cried when i found out too.about a year ago at 20.i had hormonal issues,irregular periods with horrible horrible pain all my life.and with the medications that don't work till i got diagnosed been there through that.i know how hard that hits especially when you're so dedicated and the results are so hard to get just because of the syndrome we have.i've been struggling with that too.anywho,it hasn't been long since i've found your channel and you have me hooked ever since!absolutely adore you and your determination,the composed lifestyle to get shit done.i follow your meals preps the Most they're awesome.i'm sure you'll use the knowledge and caliber you have to enlighten the rest of us who struggle with pcos in the best way possible so you can't tag out alpha woman,for us and for yourself.don't ever let the muggles get to you xoxo
+tasnuva puspita ahah aw that last line is the best 💗
+Rachel Aust 💛
Me too! X
Was recently diagnosed with pcos as well. I am the heaviest I've EVER been, and I'm just so floored with the new changes. It's okay, keep moving forward! can't wait to see your new videos, I can really use an insight on what the changes should look like. Much love Rachel!! 💜💜💜
This kind of made me sad. But at least you know the source of it all. And it will be interesting to watch your vlogs from now and see how you can find your own kind of "normal". Good luck!
Rachel!! Thanks so much for sharing your story. I found out last year that I have PCOS. Watching your videos have changed my life, emotionally and physically! Please keep sharing your journey! ❤️❤️❤️
Thank you sooo much for sharing this with us rachel!
i know one person's opinion isn't worth that much in a sea of negativity regarding your body. but to me you've always looked absolutely stunning. i've never seen you as puffy or not fit or like a 'liar', just hourglass drop dead gorgeous.
I think I might have a really interesting tip for you. I absolutely know the struggle and how devastating it can feel especially if one's going as deeply into diet and exercise as you do. The more you learn about the functioning of the body and diet in genreal, the more you want to perfect your way of living and it just seems so unfair that the body you want to treat so well doesn't function how it should.
But there are ways to improve symptoms or to even strike at the heart of this problem: you should definitely look into 'inositol' or 'myo-inositol' which is a natural substance that does wonders for many women like us!
I was diagnosed with PCOS when I was 14 years old & almost immediately after I received the diagnosis, I was prescribed the contraceptive pill.
I’m now 25 so 11 years post diagnosis, I’m only now realising that I never fixed the problem by masking it with medication.
The more you speak about this, the more I am learning along with many others who may or may not also have this condition.
I feel like I’ve watched so many of your videos but I’m really going to have a dig through your content to learn what I should be eating & doing to help myself.
Thank you ❤️
I'm so sorry to hear your health issues 😞 if it's any consolation I've been high protein & high fat, low dairy & gluten diet for about 2 months now and I feel amazing and my weight keeps going down & I love the food! I literally don't miss carbs because I feel so much better. I've been carb cycling too and I actually don't enjoy my high carb days as much. Have fun getting creative with high fat & high protein! I typically have a vegetable omelette breakfast, honey soy turkey steak & salad for lunch & butter chicken with cauliflower rice for dinner and a piece of fruit for snack. This diet I never feel hungry or sick. I was diagnosed with PCOS a year ago and I'm going to get tested tomorrow but I feel it is gone because my moods are balanced and periods are normal, good luck Rach I think you will really enjoy the food and results & im looking forward to seeing your recipes!! 💛💛
+Beth Haymes Thankyou for your tips! I've been having higher carb days every few days or so just to make sure I have enough energy to do as much exercise as I want to be doing. Low carb days are definitely easier for me too haha! I hope you receive some good news tomorrow, but it sounds like your body is finding a good place anyway :)
it hurts me to see you upset, ur an amazing inspiration to us all and ur absolutely beautiful inside and out🤗
I love carbs more than anything and it hurts when people arent able to eat them.
Lot's of respect here for you! I think it is amazing you are going to try to put your own feeling asside to help others.
Besides that, I hate it so much when people judge while they have NO idea what is going on.
Good luck with everything!
You are the only fitness person I follow on social media. Some weeks ago I considered writing a comment asking I you would make a video talking about how no matter how hard you train and how you follow your diet, there will still be days (or weeks) when your body feels weird, and fat, and you can feel very disappointed. I think it is important that fitness gurus show that their perfect pictures don't necessarily correspond to their bodies 24/7. I train very hard and sometimes feels so disappointed a myself, even though I try my best to not compare myself to very muscular fit girls online. Anyway, what I mean is that this video was exactly what I was hoping to see (even if I didn't ask) and I also have PCOS and I don't think I'll ever be able to have a muscular body, specially not my arms an sometimes I feel very sad about it, because the expectations are just so high. Being a "normal" person (I'm a teacher) and already have to deal with judgements from people who assume I don't...
that I don't really train and undervalue my efforts. So I can only imagine how it is for you, being judged all the time by random people online. Anyway, I'd like to show you my support and say you'll keep being the only fitness guru I follow and like :)
This made me cry. You're so beautiful and inspiring. Your videos have been helping me so much and I myself have been having hormone issues and feeling not like myself lately. I'm so glad you posted this video and now I am going to go get tested for PCOS. Please know you're beautiful no matter what and that what you do is truly helping people. Thank you so much.
That is interesting because the higher your fat intake the higher your insulin resistance problems usually. Carbs are not necessarily the macro to judge. Have you tried low fat diet before? There are a lot of videos about people that have treated their PCOS naturally, maybe you can check those out just for another perspective.
The papers I have come across while searching for PCOS related dietary advice:
diabetes.diabetesjournals.org/content/48/2/358.short
diabetes.diabetesjournals.org/content/48/9/1836.short
They talk about the influence of fat on your insulin resistance.
Another article talking about low-fat, high fiber:
www.nutritionmd.org/health_care_providers/gynecology/polycystic_nutritional.html
Resistant starch in our diet is also important. www.prevention.com/food/healthy-eating-tips/resistant-starch-natural-fat-burner
you get your nutrition advice from freelee the banana girl..who knows zero about nutrition. enough said. Please stop giving advice
Thank you so much for sharing and being vulnerable. I have had PCOS for years and had given up trying to balance. I am going to watch more of your videos to see how you have coped. You are smart, beautiful and I am grateful to have found another going through the same as me
Rachel, my darling, ah you need to read "Woman Code" by Alisa Vitti. It is all about natural cures for fertility problems like PCOS! DO NOT GO ON THE PILL - fix the problem at the source rather than introducing synthetic hormones into your body. Trust me here!
Yes!!! It is a fantastic book!
I just started the book! 😊
Oh my gosh the amount of support for the book makes me so happy. :)
Please remember the sources are hormones. If you don't change them, you're only reliveiving symptoms and still keeping the risk
Yasss!! I am reading the book too and it is defo a must read if you have PCOS or are a woman ;). I would also recommend you listen to the following podcast episode: jesslively.com/alisavitti/
Rachel ,have so much love and respect for you. You are a warrior, KEEP FIGHTING!!!
You should do a video about PCOS diet. Your new diet. I also have PCOS and I'm lost at times to what I'm suppose to be eating.
Rachel!! This is what I go through and no one understands. PLEASE find the 💪 to continue on with this because I NEED guidance!! THANK YOU soooo much for making this series.
I have PCOS too (was diagnosed at 24, now I'm...um...much older, haha). It took a few years of dedication, research and trial and error, but I got it sorted and now have a 28 day cycle with ovulation. I had blood tests last week (for something else, but I asked them to check my reproductive hormones too) and my LH and FSH are now completely normal. Still waiting on the testosterone - it takes a bit longer. It can be done, and you can do it! Also..yeah, people can suck. Seriously.... it's either 'oh, did you gain weight?' or 'oh, did you lose weight or something because you look older'. Don't you know women in the health/fitness industry are supposed to be supernaturally lean and forever ageless?
+Sara Lake ahh that's amazing! So happy to hear you've been able to get your LH and FSH where they need to be :) and hahahah on my god I've had both those comments before
That is amazing Sara. I am still suffering. Would you please share some details on what you have been doing to control that :)
+Sara Sh Gosh, it's been such a long process of trial and error. At the time of my diagnosis I had been in a phase of gaining weight because I was in a years long diet/binge cycle (which is the WORST thing for blood sugar regulation), overexercising and also had other unhealthy habits, like drinking too much and going to bed at 4am. So the first thing was getting all that sorted and my weight slowly came down by about 15kg over six years and symptoms improved. The main focus was eating regularly and stopping the binges. Since then it's been personal evolution and putting research into practice (I have a postgrad degree in Nutrition, so have had access to a lot of research!). Getting my stress levels down was crucial. Cortisol and adrenaline are terrible for insulin resistance. I tried low-carb and ketogenic diets and both worked temporarily (+ I became fabulously thin) and then backfired badly with symptoms of thyroid dysfunction and weight regain - even while in ketosis or on low calories. So now I focus on a wholefood diet that keeps me full and my blood glucose steady (blood glucose meter can help here as it's not always predictable, for example, I can eat a lot of fruit and my BG doesn't shift, but a high protein meal puts my BG up quite a lot), do things to improve my insulin sensitivity, and exercise pretty gently (yoga and so on). I supplement conservatively: vit C, fat soluble vits (ADEK2), a good B-Complex with activated B's and low-dose maca seemed to do good things (high-dose made me break out). There's more to it, but that's the basics. I found a very interesting paper showing that the main issue with weightloss and PCOS is not related to metabolism per se, but to increased appetite hormones. That made sense to me and also gave me hope.
It is very generous of you to share of these details. I need to sort it out as you did. I also have binge eating episodes and overexercising sometimes and yes this is not good at all I know. Will get it in control. Thank you so much for such valuable info. take care of yourself and keep it up. Big love
I'm so happy that you shared this and very much look forward to your series on it. I've had pcos for 10 years now and know its extremely difficult when you fight your body everyday. love the heck out of you lady. keep pushing you're doing awesome.
Did you have a laparoscopy done for an endometriosis diagnosis? That's the ONLY way to accurately diagnose endometriosis. I was diagnosed with PCOS over a year ago now and about a month ago had a laparoscopy as I was having more symptoms not associated with PCOS and was diagnosed with endometriosis and had it removed and now I don't experience any pain whatsoever. I would highly recommend a laparoscopy if your pain doesn't settle down.
Also I'm curious, did you have internal ultrasounds done to diagnose the ovarian cysts? You didn't mention anything about that, that's all!
i was wondering the same
Rachel you are so strong! You're an inspiration for many young people!! I am so excited to see more of your videos!!
You look Lovely 🙂. don't care about negative and hate comments just ignore it.
You're a warrior Rachel you can do it and you'll get there ! you're such an inspiration to me, love ya
I had to pause the video at 11:30. My dear I just found your channel today and I have been video binging on you. And I am going to sound cliche and blab a bit but I don't care.I have been a fighter in the past and I have been powerlifting (or training for it anyway) and I hit my plateau at 62 kilos. My height is 168cm. Just when I broke through it I found out I have to do a surgery and I have low thyroid which my doctor could not find, so I was not treating it. Later I discovered I have autoimmune thyroid which takes no treatment what-so-ever. ANd I had fought so hard to get to where I wanted to. I had been working my ass off 4 hours per day 6 days per week having meals planned by a professional and so on and so forth. And after that I got devastated and I gave up. All these things plus my recovery period, I lost my motivation, my drive, my will to get up and fight myself.
Now the thing is: YOU motivate me. you are the woman I would dream to be. Photoshop or not in anyones opinion, should not matter to you. There are so many opinions as many asses on this planet. What matters is YOU know the truth, and th people close to you do too. That is what matters. So go on and motivate those that want to be motivated and let the rest photoshop their pics. With all the love and a big hug for those sad eyes.
Thank you so much for sharing this! I was diagnosed with pcos at 13, but didn't really understand it until I was 20/21. It means a lot to me that there are others out there ready to talk about it and make doctors more aware of it all and how much it can affect and change our lives x
Ah, I had a feeling you had PCOS when you mentioned what this video would be about. I haven't been diagnosed yet, but I'm nearly positive that I have it as well. Maybe a year or so ago, I had really abnormal *sharp* cramps. I went to my family doctor and he just prescribed me 800 mg ibuprofen. He just didn't understand that they weren't my usual cramps no matter how much I said it. I'm also quite hairy, over-weight no matter how much I try, have acne, and very abnormal periods (I haven't had one in like 3 months), etc.
Where exactly do I start with this? Do I bring up that I have the symptoms and get a blood test? Do I need to go to a gynecologist? I'm really glad you made this video, Rachel!
Find a better GP, and then go find a good gynaecologist. Bring up the symptoms, and ask for a blood test and a ultrasound. Good luck.
Yeah i had to pretty much diagnose myself, after my doctor basically laughed and said it's normal to have missed periods at my age, (I was 21).After talking about my symptoms three times and her doing nothing about it, I directly asked for a blood test, that tested my hormone levels, and I said that I suspected I had PCOS. The results came back, and if they come back abnormal. So, then you need to go for an ultrasound to check if you have cysts. Go to your GP, after the diagnosis, your GP might refer to an endocrinologist. For now, I don't take any medication, or go to my endocrinologist (not looking to get pregnant now) . Going dairy free has helped me, and also drinking certain teas like spearmint tea.
***** Yeah, I was a little frustrated with my GP, but to be fair I was not overweight, but had cystic acne, and had no period for 6 months. So, that's one thing about PCOS, everyone is different. Some people also have insulin sensitivity or resistance, so get that checked out too.
you need to see a gynecologist or women's health nurse practitioner. They specialize in this area. There is not one single test that will tell you if you have PCOS. Labs, fasting insulin levels and ultrasound are helpful but some people with PCOS do not have all the symptoms nor have this show on ultrasound.
A gynaecologist is a good start, but I would go to an Endocrinologist. While there isn't any strict pattern for pcos the symptoms you mentioned unfortunately do tally with it. Mention these to your doctors and Insist on getting your free testosterone (a good indicator), blood sugar levels (usually on the higher side), insulin and thyroid (higher chance with pcos) checked. If you're like me and have had low moods in the past, you should check out your vitamin D3 (malabsorption can be a cause). Also a Sonography to be sure. (shows an nodules on your ovaries- a sign of pcos)
Hope this helps. Good luck xx
I love you so much Rachel. Thank you for opening up in this video and your body is absolutely lovely!
Check out Sarah Lemkus, she also has PCOS and has no problems with weight gain. She even has a beautiful child! There is a PCOS Video on her channel, i think this could really help you out :)
you're amazing, a really big inpiration to all of us. what you're starting right now is super brave and i'm so proud of you!!! be strong, you're a great person and i hope you'll feel a lot better soon!!!
It's not my intention to sound insesitive, but I feel the need to clarify some things. You are talking about insulin resistance, not PCOS. You can have one without the other. PCOS is something that is diagnosed with a simple ultrasound, and since they put you on contraceptive pills, you where being treated. Anyway, the reason I mention this is so newly diagnosed people can understand and find you :)
The criteria for PCOS is two of the following: polycystic ovaries, hyperandrogenism (clinical or biochemical), ovulation difficulties. Polycystic ovaries alone are not enough. People with PCOS commonly also have obesity, IR and other features of the metabolic syndrome as well as being prone to depression. it is a syndrome.
+Sara Lake Iregular menstruation=ovulation difficulties. PCOS does not equal insulin resistance.
+Carrie Zhang I have PCOS, it's been 20 years since I was diagnosed. Point of the coment is to correct a factual mistake. She didn't do it on purpose, and since she will be making more video, and living with this condition, I think it would be beneficial for her, and her viewers, to use correct terminology. Not every person with PCOS has insulin resistance, and vice versa. You can't educate yourself on the topic, if you are searching for the wrong thing.
+Carrie Zhang That is the piont. You deal with PCOS in one way, and with insuline resistance the other. PCOS can't be cured, you can work on your quality of life, but you are stuck with it. There are people with very frequent periods, like me, and people with very infrequent periods, like Rachel and my sister. If your period are frequent, chance is you are not ovulating. With a lot of physical activity and a healthy lifestyle, you can delay the period for a few days and get an ovulation from time to time. If you have just a few periods in a year, uterus can shrink, and you could have a harder time conceiving a baby. This was the case with my sister. Honestly, I can't remember wath her doctor did, but she has two boys :) Again, the whole point of my coment is that the amout of carbs you it is related to insulin resistance, and not PCOS :)
+kaena011 fwiw I got the point of your comment and get that you are just about the facts....I think it's good for you to have spoken up, thanks
Well done Rachel, this is so brave of you to open up like this and spread the word and share your experience. I'm a mental health nurse and nursing student and am fascinated by these kind of metabolic disorders, so I'm excited for the vlogs! Keep going gal! Xx ❤️✨👏
Really sorry to hear about your PCOS. I was diagnosed a few years ago myself. Bit confused by your nutrition information - fat is the problem with insulin, not carbs, that's what the latest science says. Still so much incorrect and misinformation been given. That's seriously bad advice to be following and giving!
+Vociferor I'll be looking into it more but so far the low carb has helped tremendously :) I even got my period back and the stomach pain has stopped.
Great you're seeing changes! I was given so much 'professional' advise, for YEARS, which turned out to be bad in the long term. Really felt I had to do the work myself and started looking at good insulin research separately (PCOS studies were terrible). A definite no to any processed/refined carbs (and gluten for me too), but lowering fat (and not being afraid of carbs!) really made a lasting difference. It wasn't until I finally cut out all dairy that my period (and other stuff) corrected itself - the difference was night and day. My consultants said I was making a mistake - even when I was able to come off medication. Good luck with the research and hope your other symptoms resolve too!
Thank you so much for this comment! I have PCOS with insulin resistence and did my research too. This is accurate as to what recent aproaches suggest :) I have been following a high carb diet for almost 2 years and my IR is "gone" (by gone I mean on normal levels and under control withouth any medication).
Ximena G.
That's fantastic! I've heard so many story of women doing everything 'right' (ie low carb) and torturing themselves as to why they've so many complications (it's more than just a weight issue!). Terrible we have to do so much research ourselves as so much bad advice out there. Normal insulin levels is an amazing result - well done to you!
🌝
Hearing about your struggle and journey with a disease like this is uplifting for me. I was recently diagnosed with Interstitial Cystitis and am really having a hard time dealing with all that it entails. I hope that we can both get our bodies back!
please don't add trigger warnings ... don't sell yourself 🙁
Trigger warnings are just a way to be considerate towards people who may have difficulties watching videos about specific subjects. Selling herself out would be not making the video. A trigger warning just gives someone a heads-up so they are free to choose whether or not they want to watch the video.
I don't normally concern myself with getting involved with UA-cam comments, especially if they are of a negative nature. However, after someone, Rachel in this specific instance, has shared informational and such s highly personal message out there to such this degree, (which is incredibly brave, not to mention is one of the most critical and valuable ways in which we learn; through the experiences of others), and there is a display of wildly off topic banter shown after everything said in this video that is -far more relevant- than to nitpick -- I now feel compelled to share my own thoughts as a result. Cause and effect. I feel very much like this comment you have made provides neither any wisdom nor insight (not to mention empathy). So, I just don't understand why would one watch a video like this just to say something rude. I did not attach a question mark to that last sentence, because I am not seeking a response from you. I'm just of the mind that when somebody shares their own personal journey and story which is the main way we, as a collective, even learn, at all, that it's best, I feel, to simply take in what it is that you have discovered, process it in your own way, and provide support, say something positive, or even share your own story in relation to the information displayed here. Maybe, just simply even asking a question that isn't rude or so dismissively off topic.
Take care, viewer.
Sidebar: I don't often make comments on UA-cam, so I don't understand why there is a strike through part of the text in which is actually very relevant. But just to clarify, I did not mean to add a strikethrough that bit of text. Apologies for any confusion or if I seemed a bit too harsh. I just feel very empathetic towards this situation and it breaks my heart to see someone being nitpicked even more so then they have been already. For a direct instance, when Rachel herself shared the harsh criticisms she's been the unlucky recipient of regarding accusations of having photoshopped herself, when it has been all along a very prominent medical issue that she's only just now figured out, and did most of the research herself! Which I find cruel irony in, considering that one would nitpick her yet again on top of it all. Anyhow, these two comments are my first attempts at ever responding to seemingly negative banter on UA-cam. I hate to be one of those types of individuals who gets involved, but I just felt incredibly moved by this video and I had to share my thoughts. To reiterate, I mean no ill-will, I just have always felt the urge to kind of root for the underdog. That said, I don't see Rachel as anything less than an incredibly strong person who is sharing her valuable time with us to educate and express herself in her own words through her very own experiences that maybe some of us can hopefully learn from and find comfort and relief from.
Best,
x
Ive just stumbled across this series and want to say thank you for sharing. I was diagnosed with PCOS also and used it as an excuse for my continuous weight gain but im trying my best to get it under control. Ill definitely be binge watching this whole series as I always enjoyed your meal preps before xx
So glad I found this! I was diagnosed with PCOS a couple years ago and trying to get pregnant has been so hard and heartbreaking. Looking forward to your updates, thanks for sharing your journey x
I'm sorry it took so much time to get to your diagnosis! I hope you're able to continue to recover/improve! I suffer from CFS/ME and I also find it challenging to live with. Thank you for your authentic video! You are beautiful regardless of where you're at with workouts etc :-) xx
So much love for you Rachel! Thanks for opening up about this! You don't know how much it's helped! ❤❤❤
Stay strong, Rachel. I can't wait for this series. I was diagnosed with PCOS in 2009 but haven't really looked into making dietary changes. You are going to help a lot of people with these videos. Also you are beautiful no matter what you weigh 💕
I'm so grateful that you've made this series. As a larger person that is fighting so hard to to lose weight, you and your videos really inspire me to keep fighting for a healthier body
You are so brave to be talking honestly and openly about this :) and it will help out so many women so I truly appreciate your bravery
A big hug, Rachel! I'm sure you are inspiring a lot of people here!
Thank you for sharing this difficult and vulnerable part of you and your life. I am sure dealing with seeking an accurate diagnosis was extra challenging while working in the online sharing. Much respect to you!
Seending you lots of strength for the future Rachel. You're great and such a role model to me!
Thank you so much for putting out this video. I am sure it was a difficult choice to talk about a very personal and vulnerable topic, but as someone also diagnosed with PCOS just under a year ago, it is so reassuring to know I am not alone! Everything from the crazy weight fluctuation to arms and thighs that hang on to fat for dear life (not reflecting the work I put into exercising every day!) and people criticising my figure and the desperate frustration of "it just shouldn't be this hard to lose/maintain weight" and giving up all the carbs I adore... All I can say is thank you so much for sharing your experience and knowledge with us and sending big hugs and buckets of courage for the long road ahead. It sucks to have to deal with PCOS but it's a huge relief to know what is wrong at last! Stay strong and keep doing the amazing work that you do. With gratitude and love xxx
Just wanted to quickly say, THANK YOU for being open and honest! The way that you are helping people like me far outweighs any of the negativity you receive from people. I was diagnosed with PCOS after two years of struggling to get answers from my doctor. Even after being diagnosed, my doctor still has not addressed where I should go from here or how to manage this. I was feeling so alone in it. Thank you for this series, seriously! You're changing people's lives girl!
I'm so sorry for these obstacles you've been thrown and the negativity you've experienced. Any decent follower can see the crazy amount of effort you put into your fitness/business/education and you are such an inspiration. Thank you for being so candid and opening up, I'm sure you're helping someone who shares your struggles. Lots of love! ❤️
I am so incredibly proud of you for sharing this video. I have been watching your videos for a while and I think you are so amazing, beautiful, and strong! I know I couldn't open up to others like this and for that I look up to you SO MUCH!!!
Thank you for being brave and sharing your story! I want to give you a hug, because people are so mean and you don't deserve that.
Thank you so so much for posting this. While I was watching this the first time,I was literally using a tweezer on my facial hair when you were talking about the symptoms, like excess hair growth. I stopped immediately and laughed because I was pretty sure I had the same thing. I went to the doctor’s and now it’s been one week since I got my PCOS diagnosis and I’ve gone through an array of emotions, but knowing that there are other women out there going through the same thing as me is so comforting. Thank you for sharing your personal journey with PCOS.
Looking forward to this vlog series. Your situation mirrors mine almost exactly. I have PCOS and chronic fatigue. I've been on a ketogenic diet for 2 months and have had amazing results, so far. I'm down 15 pounds with little exercise (10 mins daily on a trampoline), its eliminated my brain fog, and regulated my cycles.
Thank you so much for sharing your story. By being so open, it really helps so many people, even those who might not have the same diagnosis as you. I'm looking forward to the new series if you end up putting it out! Glad to hear that things are starting to get better for you :)
aweee.. don't cry rachel, :(( don't listen to those people. you have inspired many people esp. me. you kind of changed my life to strive to be better.
Rachel, you are so strong, my heart goes out to you in this new transition. We support you. :)
You are such a kind person, thank you for doing this video. Sharing what you know, I'm sure has helped many people.
Please please share as much as you can. I'm struggling with much of the same stuff and just feel so helpless and overwhelmed all the time. Doctors are oddly not much help with a lot and since I don't come from a fitness background the learning cure is so steep. Honestly some days it all just makes me cry because it feels like my body is turning against me. This video really made me feel hopeful and less alone in it all, so seriously thank you. Thank you for being brave and share such personal information. Really anything knowledge you gain and share in regards to nutrition, supplements, exercises specifically for all this would really be gold
Thank you for sharing. I was diagnosed with PCOS two months ago and I'm still learning what's best for my body. I was told to reduce carbs and stay away from saturated fat. Weight loss has definitely been a struggle for me and my acne has flared. I'm slowly processing everything still. I'm really looking forward to your vlog series detailing your journey. Best wishes to you!
awww baby Rachel,
stay strong. sending you all my positive energy.
You're awesome
+sarah mariah thanks girl!
Loved your honesty in this video! It just shows that PCOS is so common and so many people are learning how to live with it in their lives. Looking forward to watching your journey 👏🏽❤️ xx
Such a brave video to release, I wish you all the luck in the world with the trials you'll be facing on the new/scary journey ahead. I appreciate your courage to share in the upcoming vlogs. All the best lady!
Rachel, thank you for sharing this part of your life with us. This diagnosis lines up with many of my own personal health issues that I haven't been able to understand, and I now feel like I have some direction and questions to ask my doctor that may help me find some answers. I would be very interested and thankful for your vlog series sharing your PCOS experiences, including your hormone tests, supplements, diet and exercise. This is such a helpful gift you are giving to anyone else, including myself, regarding this topic. Thank you. And may I just say, you are absolutely stunning. You have beyond inspired me with your aesthetic style and artistic talent in every facet that you are passionate about. Thank you for that gift as well.
I've been diagnosed with PCOS when I was 10. I'm lucky because my dad is an ob/gyn, but I've never been an 'optimum' weight. Always overweight no matter what I did. I am finally seeing a nutritionist... 12 years later :/ hopefully they'll help me get on track. We're here for you, Rachel! You're so inspirational and I can't wait for the series. I know I'll find it supportive and a breath of fresh air... Thank you so much for everything.
I'm so sorry Rachel. I have been struggling with health issues too and have a very strict diet (so not fun or fair). Thank you for sharing your struggles and your strength. It helps me to be strong too.
I think you are really brave to share this. My cousin has PCOS and even improving her diet for a little while had great effects on her health. She feels a lot better now. I think it's really good you inform people on this. My cousin also needed to find most information herself and her doctor didn't had any information about how diets would influence here pcos. My cousin found many studies on diet and pcos and just starting figuring out what worked for her own body. There are probrably a lot of people out there that have PCOS without knowing or without knowing how to treat it. I'm really happy you are informing people.
You are such an inspiration: before this and because of this honesty. So many women experience set backs like this, whether it be a syndrome or a medication that messes with your goals, and you are a fantastic role model for how to handle this. This is personally unbelievably inspiring to me, with my own issues and I just want to thank you for that. ❤️❤️❤️
My heart goes out to you, Rachel. Honestly, you're stronger than you know. To deal with such a setback and remain so focused and motivated... It must be so frustrating to do so much work and not see the results you had hoped for. I wish you the best. You're such an inspiration, and it felt amazing to see you open up and talk about your difficulties. Thank you and don't give up!! :)
I have PCOS and completely feel you! Hug! I definitely need to work on my healthy diet! Thank you for the inspiration! I'm excited to see this series and I will pray that people who have nothing nice to say will hold their tongue. Know that you and your videos are valuable to so many people!
Thank you for your honesty and for sharing your story Rachel. I admire your openness and know that you have so much support and many people on your side ❤️
SO nice to hear such an honest video. I really respect you for this, stay strong Rachel :)
I'm really excited for the vlogs! Thank you for this video... We all have to support one another in this pcos journey
You are so brave for doing what you do and putting yourself out there like this. I know it will help a lot of people. Such an inspiration. Keep doing what you're doing!
I have it too! I didn't know and I cried when I found out 5 years ago. You inspire me please don't give up. I support you! Much love from New York❤️
Thank you for your due diligence and research. You documenting your journey will help me and soooo many women. These doctors don't always know. So we appreciate you. You are beautiful inside and out 💋
So much love and respect for this video!! It's incredibly brave of you to be so open and honest about your health just so you can create awareness and help other women out. Really appreciate your kindness ❤
Sweet beautiful lady! Thank you so so much for making this video and being vulnerable enough to talk about this. I've suspected I have pcos for some time, but it's only after hearing your experience that I can say, "Yes! That's what I'm going through! Finally!"
The acne, the arms, the gluten, everything. You just opened my eyes in a way that's going to change my body and my life. ❤️❤️❤️❤️
I'm sending lots of love and hugs your way! It's terrible that people were judging you that way! I have several chronic illnesses that are largely "invisible", so I can relate. People should always be mindful that you never know what someone is going through, so don't judge! I'm looking forward to your future videos and hoping that you find healing in the near future.
I hope you get better Rachel!
Rachel I'm incredibly grateful you decided to share this because I can relate 100 percent with everything you mentioned I just came back from the doctor and got a bunch of lab tests done because like you I had no idea what's going on with my body and yes it is so painful to put so much work on your body and have people throw it in my face. Know that as a fan of your content and distant internet friend lol I am there for you, you have already helped so much and made a difference at least in my life because I know in what direction to go next time I see the doctor. Thank you, thank you, thank you, and best of luck in your progress!
I'm at the beginning of my weight loss/fitness journey... I've always been this chubby girl, always with excess weight on me. Different doctors have been suspecting PCOS, excess hair on my body, pelvic pain, hard time losing weight, also crying, being really sensitive. I'm 19 and again trying to diagnose myself, working with dietitian and gynecologist. I'm glad you made this video, Rachel. You're my source of motivation and inspiration, I adore your style! I hope you're going to update on that topic, I really appreciate every information. Every woman's PCOS is different, you just have to sort out the way to deal with it. Good luck!