PCOS: Is There a Best Type of Exercise for PCOS?
Debunking Myths About Exercise and PCOS Misinformation about health is widespread, including advice on polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). A common myth is that high-intensity exercise, such as HIIT or running, is bad for PCOS. This statement is based on the oversimplified idea that high-intensity exercise increases cortisol, which in turn worsens insulin resistance—the main underlying […]
PCOS: Understanding PCOS and Ovarian Cysts – Key Differences and Implications
PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) and endometriosis are often grouped together as they are common conditions affecting females. However, they are entirely separate issues, and notably, PCOS does not cause pelvic pain. What is PCOS? PCOS is a misnomer as it is associated with several small ovarian follicles rather than cysts. These follicles do not grow […]
PCOS: What Causes PCOS?
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a condition characterized by the overproduction of hormones, specifically oestrogen and androgens, which leads to the absence of ovulation. This hormonal imbalance results in symptoms of hyper-androgenism, such as acne and excessive body and facial hair growth. PCOS is also the most common cause of infertility due to the lack […]
PCOS: Debunking Myths About the Oral Contraceptive Pill
Untrue claims about the oral contraceptive pill (OCP) and the shaming of doctors for prescribing it seem never-ending. Sharing misinformation, especially by individuals who don’t face the same accountability as medical professionals, is particularly irresponsible. This is even more concerning in regions where terminating a pregnancy is a criminal offense, leading to dangerous, unregulated abortions. […]
PCOS: does NOT cause Severe Hyperandrogenism
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is the most common cause of mildly elevated testosterone in females. However, it’s crucial not to assume that high testosterone levels are always due to PCOS, especially if androgen levels are very high and there is evidence of virilization. Normal and Elevated Testosterone Levels Normal testosterone levels for women are less […]
Osteoporosis: Hormonal Contraception and Bone Health: A Complex Relationship
Hormonal contraception (HC) plays a crucial role in preventing pregnancies and managing certain health conditions. However, HC works by modulating hormones that are essential for bone health and preventing osteoporosis. Here’s a summary of how different types of hormonal contraception can impact bone density: Oral Contraceptive Pill Progesterone-Only Contraception The impact of progesterone-only contraception on […]
Osteoporosis: Understanding Calcium Levels and Bone Health
When it comes to bone health, you might often hear the advice to “get your calcium levels checked.” However, a blood test for calcium levels doesn’t provide much insight into your dietary calcium intake. This is because 99% of our calcium is stored in our bones, with less than 1% circulating in our blood. The […]
Osteoporosis: Prolia should I keep taking it?
I usually avoid posting medical content on weekends since most people aren’t thinking about health matters. However, I’m making an exception today. I stumbled upon some studies on bone health, and the first author’s last name is “Bone.” How fitting is that? 😅 It turns out he’s the director of the Michigan Bone and Mineral […]
Osteoporosis: Decoding Bone Mineral Density (BMD/DEXA) Results
Bone mineral density (BMD) results can be confusing, and a slightly negative number might cause unnecessary worry. Here’s a guide to help you understand these results better. What BMD Reports Measure BMD reports focus on two key areas: Interpreting the Results The results are compared to the rest of the population using standard deviations and […]
Osteoporosis: Understanding Bone Density Loss During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Pregnancy and breastfeeding are remarkable phases in a woman’s life, but they come with their own set of challenges, including changes in bone density. During these periods, bone density can decrease by around 3-5%, particularly in areas with spongy (trabecular) bone like the vertebrae. Factors Affecting Bone Density Low levels of calcium and vitamin D […]