My Daughter Has PCOS | A Forum for Adults to Help Adolescents

I had a great blog planned for today. Brilliant, even.

Ah, well, it will have to wait. 

Because it SNOWED. And I do love the snow. 

Instead of my brilliant blog, which will have to wait until tomorrow, here's a reminder about the brand new event that RMACT has created to fill a real need in our community. If you know someone whose child might have PCOS, please pass this on. Many of us have struggled with undiagnosed PCOS, only to discover as adults that there were ways to have managed much more comfortably and safely with the symptoms and the health ramifications. 

So, please, pass the information on!

My daughter has PCOS: 

Understanding PCOS and How to Manage It

A discussion to help parents or support persons of young women understand PCOS; how and why it is important to manage it; and how best to support their daughter.

 

Our RMA of CT Adolescent/Young Adult PCOS Program is planning to hold a PCOS Forum for the parents/guardians of adolescents and young adults with PCOS.

 

Here are a few topics topics our panel will discuss.

 

• What is PCOS and what are the specific concerns of PCOS in the teenage and 20 something population?
• Why is management of PCOS important for long term physical and mental health?
• What is the latest research available related to diagnosing and managing PCOS?
• How can you best support your daughter—emotionally, medically, and socially?

 

Join us for an informative panel presentation and Q&A time. Our panel will include our Staff Reproductive Endocrinologist, Psychologist, Physician Assistant, PCOS Nurse, and Nutritionist. Dinner will be provided. RSVP is necessary for attendance.

Please click here to register and attend.

Me, I'm out to shovel the snow. I love it! After that, my brilliant blog will emerge, ready to publish tomorrow. Join me then, won't you?

 

Fertility Specialist Explains PCOS And Shares Her Own Story

Nurse Practitioner Monica Moore, MSN, RN, Explains Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

I promised you a blog explaining PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) and who better than Nurse Practitioner Monica Moore, MSN, RN, to explain. As always, Monica goes a step further than a comprehensive description of the syndrome; she shares her own experience with us. And as always, she gives hope. Thanks, Monica, for a great blog!

PCOS, polycystic ovarian syndrome, is a common, but confusing endocrine condition. It is characterized by menstrual cycle irregularity, absent (anovulation) or infrequent ovulation, and an excess of androgens (male hormones) that cause acne, unwanted facial hair growth and hair thinning. It also predisposes the people who have it to diabetes, high cholesterol, and other risks. Although PCOS can’t be “cured”, it can be managed by making some simple lifestyle changes.

 

PCOS and Insulin Resistance 

As stated above, PCOS is very common: about 5-10% of women who are reproductive age have it. What is now known is that PCOS is a condition caused by insulin resistance. Insulin resistance can lead to abnormally high levels of circulating blood glucose (sugar) which can lead to serious health problems such as type 2 diabetes, elevated cholesterol and high blood pressure.

 

I, like many other patients with PCOS, saw multiple practitioners to treat my symptoms. I saw a dermatologist for my skin, a GYN due to missed periods and had laser hair removal. When I wanted to attempt pregnancy, I saw a reproductive endocrinologist who did a vaginal ultrasound and showed me the multiple tiny cysts on my ovaries which are characteristic of PCOS. After I was given this diagnosis, I was initially disheartened. I didn’t want to be told that I would have to deal with this disease for the rest of my life. I then realized that it was actually a relief to have a reason for the symptoms that I was experiencing, and I set about reading as much as I could about PCOS.

 

Fast-forward 10 years, when I decided to become a fertility nurse. I now know, and try to explain to patients who have PCOS, that I would much rather have this diagnosis than many other infertility diagnoses. One reason is that it is well-known that anovulation is one of the easiest infertility factors to treat. Many patients with PCOS get pregnant with minimal fertility treatments. In addition, most of the infertility factors, such as blocked fallopian tubes, fibroids or endometriosis, cannot be improved by lifestyle changes. I have found that this can cause a sense of helplessness and frustration in the patients given these diagnoses. The negative consequences of PCOS, on the other hand, can be somewhat lessened by employing certain, reasonable strategies, enabling patients to be proactive in their own care.

 

PCOS and Weight: Opportunities and Challenges

Approximately 70% of people with PCOS are overweight and the condition itself makes losing weight even harder than it already is. One reason is that the hormones which regulate hunger and fullness are imbalanced. Someone with PCOS might still feel hungry after a regular-sized meal, for example. Also, people with PCOS crave carbohydrates, usually simple carbs such as bread and sweets, which signal the pancreas to release high levels of insulin and the cycle perpetuates itself.

 

On a positive note, studies show that even a modest weight loss can effectively lower the risks of the serious medical conditions and can alleviate some of the PCOS-related symptoms listed earlier. A weight loss of just 5% will go a long way towards restoring ovulation and menstrual cycle regularity. For those who are not attempting pregnancy, going on certain birth control pills can help to control excess androgens, which may help acne resolve and prevent new body hair from growing. They will not, though, get rid of existing body hair, but many people have success using lasers or electrolysis for this. Some patients require medication to increase their body’s sensitivity to insulin. One medication is called metformin (or glucophage) and is only prescribed if you have insulin or sugar problems--it is not a wonder drug that makes PCOS go away. There is now a natural insulin-sensitizing agent available, called Pregnitude®, that seems promising. Recent studies suggest that it can improve insulin resistance just as well as metformin, but without the side effects.

 

Improve Your Chances of Conception

Whether you need medication or not, here are some simple things that you can do to improve the quality of your health and improve the chances of conceiving:

1) Consult a Nutritionist. Meet with a nutritionist who specializes in PCOS or insulin-resistance, or attend a nutrition seminar. People with PCOS need to eat differently than others, since their hunger signals don’t work properly. There are easy ways to improve your diet, such as eating small meals frequently, and assuring that each meal contains a healthy mix of carbohydrates, proteins, and “good” fat component. A nutritionist will help you plan your meals and read labels to find healthy food choices.

2) Exercise. Don’t be daunted by the need to exercise for long periods of time every day. Even short, frequent sessions of exercise can be helpful. Try to incorporate activity in your daily life, such as walking to a colleague’s desk instead of sending an e-mail or walking outside with a pet instead of just letting it outside into your backyard. Some researchers suggest that the amount of inactivity daily is just as important as the amount of activity, so trying to move around often can help. Find an activity that you like and is fun, such as dance classes or a dance video that you can do at home. Try to make “appointments” to exercise, such as a class you pay for, or plan on meeting a friend at the gym.

3) Manage Stress. There are many ways to manage stress. Your body responds to stress by releasing a cascade of hormones. One of these is cortisol, which can lead to abdominal fat. The other is epinephrine, which triggers the liver to release glucose into the bloodstream to be used for emergencies. When there is no emergency, this glucose remains and prompts the pancreas to release insulin. Join a support group. Try to incorporate some form of a mind-body approach in your every day life. For some people, that can be yoga, acupuncture, acupressure, journaling, Reiki or just meditating on your own. Even adopting a sense of mindfulness can help, such as really noticing your food or reflecting on how beautiful a sunny day feels or a fall day smells.

4) Get more sleep! Lack of sleep can increase the signals for hunger and increase your appetite. The National Center for Health Statistics found that obesity was much more common in people who got less than 6 hours of sleep per night. There are some resources available, such as your local hospital’s Sleep Clinic, which can assist you in obtaining good-quality sleep.

5) Pursue comprehensive care. Comprehensive care for PCOS is paramount. This condition is multi-faceted and may require the participation of multiple health-care providers, such as your OB/GYN, dermatologist, reproductive endocrinologist and internist, but this can also lead to fragmented care in which one physician is not aware of what the other is doing. At RMACT, we have a PCOS clinic for this reason. Our team of clinicians, nurses and a nutritionist work closely with other providers to provide continuity of care and narrow any ‘gaps’.

 

Most importantly, realize that the diagnosis of PCOS is surmountable. Small, manageable steps can make a big difference!

 

 

PCOS - Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Defined by Fertility Specialists

Our Fertility Specialists Define PCOS

Straight from our fertility specialists, board-certified reproductive endocrinologists. They wrote, in understandable language, a definition of what PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) is and what is it not. Since September is PCOS Awareness month, it seems like a good place to start. Questions? Let us know, we'll be glad to answer. 

 

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a medical condition that causes infertility by preventing women from ovulating.

It is a common condition, affecting 5-10% of women of reproductive age. In terms of conceiving a baby, the hormonal imbalances created by PCOS prevent the ovary from ovulating and releasing an egg to meet with the sperm.

 

Symptoms of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

Many women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) have ovaries that are producing excess hormones, specifically the hormone testosterone. In addition, they can have a decreased sensitivity to insulin for which their bodies compensate by over-producing insulin. The overactive ovaries and high levels of insulin may contribute to the development of hirsuitism (excessive body hair) and worsen the already present ovulation disorder. There is evidence that excess insulin plays a role in the development of PCOS; it is therefore hypothesized that reducing the circulating levels of insulin may help restore normal reproductive function. This may be accomplished by weight loss, improved nutrition, and exercise. These lifestyle changes should be the first line of therapy for any woman with PCOS.

 

Additionally, there is some evidence that insulin sensitizing agents can aid in both the medical and fertility therapy of PCOS. The best studied insulin sensitizing agent available in the United States for women with PCOS is metformin (Glucophage®). Metformin reduces circulating insulin and androgen levels and may restore normal ovulation in select women with PCOS. The most current scientific evidence shows that metformin alone does not usually restore ovulation, but in some women it may improve the ovarian response to fertility medications. Most patients with PCOS do not need metformin, and the decision to prescribe metformin is made by your physician on a case-by-case basis to ensure personalized treatment plans.

 

In addition to these infertility and reproductive problems, there are also health issues for patients with PCOS that include: irregular menstrual periods, obesity, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and a pre-disposition towards Type 2 diabetes. Some of these symptoms, if left untreated, can lead to heart disease later in life.

 

Diagnosing Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

We can diagnosis women with PCOS by reviewing your symptoms: infertility, irregular menstrual periods (or skipping them entirely), severe and chronic acne and excessive body hair growth. The symptom that brings most women to see a specialist is irregular menstrual periods. If you are having fewer than 4-6 menstrual periods per year, you should have the lining of your uterus evaluated for overgrowth, a condition known as endometrial hyperplasia. You should also have a fasting sugar test to make sure you do not have a pre-diabetic condition called Insulin-Resistance that is common in patients with PCOS. Additionally, cholesterol levels and blood pressure should be checked regularly. It is also important to maintain a routine of diet and exercise. Many studies have shown an improvement in every aspect of PCOS with a sustained loss of 5-10% of your body weight, regardless of your starting weight.

 

 

September is PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) Month

PCOS Month - Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Support

This is not a blog describing PCOS. Nor is it the go to blog for how to treat PCOS. It is not even a blog that can help you figure out lifestyle choices to best manage PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) symptoms.

 

We will have those blogs later this month as it is PCOS Awareness Month. Reproductive Medicine Associates of Connecticut (RMACT) has a team especially selected and created for helping young women, not even trying to become pregnant, manage this life long, endocrine syndrome. This team, consisting of Dr. Joshua Hurwitz, Nutritionist Carolyn Gundell, MS, and a Nurse Coordinator, is set up to treat women of all ages, yet is particularly sensitive to women who are not yet trying to become pregnant. This is ground-breaking in that PCOS is so often undiagnosed or underdiagnosed and untreated.

 

Those blogs will come. With symptoms and statistics and treatment advice and suggestions. 

 

I'm here today just to share my own experience. 

 

PCOS Symptoms and Personal Experience

I don't have PCOS. But I have PCOS symptoms.

 

I had unexplained infertility (ideopathic infertility). 

 

Different diagnoses were tried on over the years that I was in treatment and then dismissed. 

 

PCOS was never entirely dismissed, nor did I conclusively meet the criteria that existed then. Now, it's a much more clearly defined and diagnosed syndrome. 

 

Would I meet the clinical criteria now? I'm not sure. I do know that my periods were irregular. I had hair growth and it was questionable about small, multiple cysts on my ovaries.

 

All things that my mother had as well. She had three daughters. If she had PCOS, it sure didn't interfere with her fertility. And certainly something was interfering with mine. 

 

Along with sticking my head in the sand about not finding out for certain, I do certain things.

 

Treating PCOS: Things Anyone Can Do

 

I listen and read carefully the information that comes out. I eat carbs, absolutely. But I limit my portions and I am very picky about the quality of carbs that I eat. I don't eat refined white flour anymore and buy quinoa in bulk form.

 

I exercise regularly, usually because I enjoy it. I exercise even when I don't want to, simply because I worry about the PCOS-like symptoms that I've had. I know that exercise is healthy, with or without PCOS.

 

So I exercise as though I have it. 

 

I eat as though I have it. 

 

I sleep as though I have it.

 

Maybe I do. Maybe I don't. Maybe I have the syndrome mildly. That's why it's a syndrome and not a disease. 

 

Can you have PCOS mildly?

 

We will have the answer to that question and more this month.

 

September is PCOS month and we're here to educate and support you. Here's a good way to start. Read Resolve's blog, acknowledging PCOS: Get to Know Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. Thanks Resolve!

 

 

Ladies Night In and PCOS Support - Free and Open to the Public

PCOS Support: Ladies Night In

What a great group of women last night in Danbury. I can safely speak for Carrie Van Steen (co-leader of Ladies Night In, a peer PCOS support group, and fabulous woman in her own right!) when I say that we were blown away.

 

Such honesty and caring between women who know each other so little and yet so well. Some of us have gotten to know each other quite well. Going out to dinner, attending Fertile Yoga, going for walks. Some women just met for the first time last night.

 

Handling Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

It didn't matter how many Ladies Night In had been attended before last night or how long anyone has known about polycystic ovarian syndrome. There is something about coming together with a common problem, with similar feelings and with the willingness to share oneself. 

 

That's really what it is. The willingness to be open. To share pain. To have a good laugh. To eat and share a healthy meal. To say what you really are afraid of saying. Of asking the question that you think is too embarassing to ask.

 

To watch the reaction of the women in the group, nodding their heads at your pain, laughter, shame, silliness and sense of fun. 

 

We get it. 

 

We talked last night about whether the details of pain make a whole lot of difference. Does someone have to understand your pain to be empathatic? Or do they just need to understand what pain feels like? 

 

Do the details really matter?

 

These groups have taught me that the answer is yes and no.

 

Fertility Details: Shots, Hormones and All

It is undeniably comforting to be in a group of women who understand the details of shots and hormones and ultrasounds and good news and bad news about their fertility. 

 

The answer is also no. Our husbands, partners, best friends, mothers, mother-in-laws and more do not have to understand this particular pain that we are experiencing. The details don't have to make sense to them. They just need to understand we are in pain.

 

And then, wouldn't it just be nice if they didn't have to add to it?

 

I posted this blog a long time ago: Five Things to Say to an Infertile Person | 10 Things NOT TO!. Pamela Madsen, my best friend, and I developed this list about twenty-one years ago. Yes, that long, when we were in the midst of fertility treatment. Check it out. Better yet, hand it to your family and friends.

 

And for tonight? Read below please. RMACT rocks, really rocks, with what it offers to patients and non-patients alike. 

 

PCOS: Women to Women | An Interactive Forum for Women with PCOS

LOCATION - STAMFORD RMA of CT

1290 Summer Street, Suite 3200

7:00 pm tonight: August 2, 2012

PCOS – Diagnosis & Beyond Empowering Women with PCOS through Education & Positive Thinking

• Learn from PCOS professionals & gain relevant information to improve your health & well being.

• Come join this great group to chat, learn more about PCOS, and make new friends.

• Each forum lasts from 60-75 minutes

   

Location: 1290 Summer Street, Suite 3200 Stamford, CT

Facilitated by Fertility Nutritionist Carolyn Gundell, MS, RMACT

 

RSVP by calling Melissa at 203-595-5455, ext. 227

FREE Admission OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

 

 

 

Top Fertility Program In CT Announces Partner, Dr. Joshua Hurwitz

Fertility Doctor Joshua M. Hurwitz, MD Earns Partnership at Leading CT Fertility Practice

Fertility Specialist Dr. Joshua M. Hurwitz, who sees patients in Connecticut and New York, has been promoted to partner of Reproductive Medicine Associates of Connecticut (RMACT). As a partner with the fertility practice, Dr. Hurwitz will greatly expand his leadership role while continuing his close work with fertility patients to help in their family building and infertility treatment. Dr. Hurwitz will also spearhead the practice’s new team-based comprehensive program to treat adolescents with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).

 

Dr. Hurwitz, who is board-certified in both Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, has been an infertility specialist with RMACT since 2006. During this time, he has helped hundreds of couples build their families by diagnosing and treating their fertility challenges. He is passionate about patient care and teaching, which he incorporates into his bedside manner; Dr. Hurwitz believes that patients who have a better understanding of their diagnosis and options make better choices for themselves and are more engaged with their fertility treatment.

 

Dr. Joshua M. Hurwitz Shares His Knowledge of Reproductive Medicine

“Working with patients is incredibly rewarding, especially in a field like reproductive medicine where the advances are rapid and far-reaching,” says Dr. Hurwitz, who teaches endocrinological, surgical, genetic and in-vitro fertilization (IVF) techniques at RMACT and Danbury Hospital. “For six years I’ve been proud that my patients have benefited from RMACT’s cutting edge medicine – and I’m thrilled to expand my role and responsibilities as partner in this dynamic and forward-thinking practice.”

 

In addition to his partnership with RMACT, Dr. Hurwitz is Division Director of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (REI) services in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences of Danbury Hospital, where he develops and implements the division’s academic program, teaching residents, giving lectures, as well as caring for infertility patients. He is also an assistant professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women’s Health at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in the Bronx, NY.

 

Dr. Hurwitz received his undergraduate degree in Biology and Society from Cornell University, and his medical degree from the Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia. Dr. Hurwitz completed his residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, also in Philadelphia. During residency training, Dr. Hurwitz was named Best Laparoscopic Surgeon, and has received many teaching awards.

 

After residency, he completed a three-year fellowship in reproductive endocrinology at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York. During his fellowship, Dr. Hurwitz successfully launched several research programs related to reproductive aging and diminished ovarian reserve and has presented his research findings at many leading national and international fertility conferences. His research interests also include premature ovarian failure, oocyte cryopreservation, reproductive surgeries, embryo donation, and bioethics. He has published numerous abstracts, articles and book chapters on reproductive aging, reproductive hormones, IVF, ultrasound, and bioethics. Dr. Hurwitz is a member of the Society of Reproductive Endocrinologists, Fellow of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and the American Society for Reproductive Medicine.

 

Giving Sugar the Cold Shoulder: Fertility Problems or PCOS or Not

Sugar and Health

There's been a lot of talk about sugar and health this week at Reproductive Medicine Associates of Connecticut (RMACT), as we talk about weight, and healthful lifestyle choices, and all the discussion topics related to PCOS: Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome.

 

Recognizing PCOS Symptoms 

PCOS is characterized by a variety of symptoms that can make it very difficult to become pregnant. Symptoms include, but are not limited to and do not always include: hirstuism (hair growth on face and other places); ability to gain weight easily and not lose it easily; irregular or non-existent menstrual cycles; insulin resistance; and/or small non-malignant cysts in your ovaries.

 

We had a seminar earlier this week with Board-Certified Reproductive Endocrinologist Dr. Joshua Hurwitz. He was joined by RMACT Fertility Nutritionist Carolyn Gundell, MS, who has been working with PCOS patients for over a decade. The seminar, as reported by our wonderful women who attended Ladies Night In on Wednesday in Danbury, was very helpful, informative and supportive. 

 

Which brings me to Ladies Night In, where we also discussed PCOS and what is helpful, not helpful, and really not helpful. Then, last night at Fertile Yoga, there was yet more conversation about PCOS. I figured I'd take a hint and write about it today. 

 

What Is PCOS? 

This blog is not here to explain what PCOS is and what it isn't. Click here and you will get all the information you need about the clinical assessment of PCOS, how to treat it and more.

 

This blog is about chocolate cake. And fried foods. And white flour. If you've ever had a weight issue, you will probably understand.

 

By weight issue, I mean if you ever wanted to lose a pound or two, or thirty pounds, or if you ever needed to gain ten pounds. By weight issue, I also mean that you may have had problems sticking to a diet or eating in a way that you decided you would--instead finding that you have gone off the diet in ways that you had decided that you wouldn't. Weight issue might also mean that you have found that you have gained or lost weight without meaning to and without having a good idea of how it happened. 

 

Pretty much covers all of us, no? If you are an exception, wow. Write and tell us, cause I want to know how you do it!

 

Finally, though, to the point of this blog. It appears that I owe a chocolate cake my apology.

 

LOL. I know. Sounds ridiculous, doesn't it?

 

PCOS and Weight

In all my conversations this week about PCOS and weight and all, it turns out it's not so ridiculous.

 

So here goes, my formal apology:

 

I apologize to you, gorgeous-looking cake, with your alluring sweetness and tempting flavor. Turning my back on you was not meant to be disrespectful to you; it was from an intention to be respectful to myself. While you are not evil, nor do you mean to do damage, you are an unhealthy choice for me. Perhaps some people can eat you without damaging side effects; I am not one of those people. I would feel the effects of you for days, in terms of craving and I do not want that for myself. 

 

So my apology for my cold shoulder. I did deliberately turn my back to you so as not to be tempted to eat you. I'm happy there were people who could eat and enjoy you. Perhaps it lessened the impact of my snub.

 

While I'm at it, I may as well apologize to all the fried foods that I won't be eating and white flour products that I will be avoiding. Sorry!

 

Those of you reading my blog today, read this with a smile. I'm not really crazy, just a little bit. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Navigate Your Infertility Process With Our Calendar of CT Area Events

Let Us Help You Navigate Your Infertility Process

Our Top Fertility Clinic Offers Calendar of CT Area Events

Thank you to an important Reproductive Medicine Associate of Connecticut (RMACT) team member, Alicia McNeil.

 

One of the tasks that Alicia takes on is RMACT's Calendar of Events.

 

It's the place to go to find out what's happening on a day to day basis at RMACT.  Events like A Family of My Own Conference, on Saturday, April 21, with Dr. Mark Leondires, Natesha Lane and myself speaking.

 

Male Infertility Events

Events like RESOLVE's Male Infertility Teleseminar with Dr. Leondires tonight:

Thursday, April 19, 2012 9:00 pm ET/ 8:00 PM CT/ 7:00PM PT

 

Male Factor Infertility From the Man’s Perspective

Infertility is not just a woman’s issue

 

Guest Speaker: Dr. Mark P. Leondires, Reproductive Medicine Associates of CT

 

Topics to be covered during this session are:

• incidence
• obesity
• lifestyle choices
• steroids
• heat (laptop usage) and other temperature concerns
• varicocele
• post-vasectomy
• cancer and fertility preservation

Dr. Mark Leondires is the Medical Director and lead infertility doctor with RMACT, is board-certified in both Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility.

 

RESOLVE’s TeleSeminar Series occurs on the first and third Thursday of each month at 9:00 p.m. Eastern time; all are free of charge.  RESOLVE works with our corporate partners and profesional members to provide you with the latest research, tips, and advice to help you resolve your infertility.

 

More, coming up next week:

 

 

Healthy Pregnancy Events

“I am Pregnant, Now What?” - RMACT Patients Only

 

Ensuring the Health of Mother and Child

 

This seminar will discuss the key components of a healthy lifestyle during pregnancy including appropriate maternal weight gain, physical activity, essential nutrients, vitamins, minerals, environmental toxins and risks, and food safety.  Common concerns such as diet, lifestyle, morning sickness, constipation, anemia, gestational diabetes and hypertension will be addressed.  Conducted by Jocelyn Crespo, RN & Fertility Nutritionist Carolyn Gundell, MS.

 

Location: RMACT Norwalk Office, 10 Glover Ave

Wednesday, April 25, 2012, at 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm

Please come early to register.  Both partners are welcome to attend.

Kindly RSVP to Justine at 203-750-7484.

 

These medically-based seminars are considered part of your treatment plan and will be billed through your insurance.  Please bring your co-pay, if applicable. Patients who have high deductible plans will be billed through their insurance.

 

Pregnancy seminars are also scheduled at RMA Danbury.  See RMACT fertility events calendar.

 

 

PCOS Events for Teens and Parents

PCOS: Teen to Teen

An Interactive Discussion Group for Teens with PCOS

 

 

RMA of CT Norwalk Office: 10 Glover Avenue

April 25, 2012 from 7:00 – 8:00 pm

 

Topic: PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome)

Diagnosis & Beyond - Don’t Allow PCOS to Define You!

 

• Did you feel confused or surprised when you were diagnosed with PCOS? Come learn more about PCOS.
• Do you understand how nutrition, lifestyle, and activity can improve PCOS symptoms?

 

Come join this great group to chat, learn more about PCOS, and make new friends.  Teens will have private teen to teen time time.  An additional time will be allotted for parents to join the meeting.

 

This peer group will be facilitated by Carolyn Gundell, RMACT Nutritionist

 

RSVP necessary.  Please call Justine at 203-750-7484.  FREE Admission OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.

 

 

Yoga for Fertility and More

Alicia also takes care of listing our regular, ongoing offerings at RMACT.  Fertile Yoga that meets every Thursday in Norwalk from 5:45-7:00 p.m. and every Friday night in Brookfield from 6:00-7:15 p.m.  Pre-Natal Yoga that meets in Norwalk on Thursdays from 7:15-8:15 p.m. 

 

Thank you Alicia, for making sure that our calender is easy to read, our events are easy to find, and our path to fertility is just a little bit easier to navigate. 

 

 

 

 

Infertility Basics- PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) Month-Tips From Expert

It's Labor Day, the unofficial end of the summer.

 

It's also PCOS month. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome month. PCOS is a leading cause of infertility.

 

We'll hear more about it as the month goes on, from many of our medical professionals, including Carolyn Gundell MS (RMACT Nutritionist), Monica Moore MSN, RNC (RMACT's nurse practitioner). These two professionals, along with our board certified reproductive endocrinologists, are helping women find ways to thrive with PCOS, not simply endure this sophisticated endocrine disorder.

 

Here are a few ways RMACT is offering support during PCOS month:


Come for an interactive wellness seminar on genetics, nutrition, The Fertility Diet™ and fertility secrets for preconception, meal planning & shopping. Healthy lifestyle behaviors will also be addressed.  This seminar will give each couple a nutritional edge before you conceive and health tips to support fertility treatment.


Seminars led by Carolyn Gundell, MS & Monica Moore, MSN, RN

Saturday,  September  10th at  8:15  AM    RMACT Norwalk, CT   Free Seminar

Improving Preconception Health, PCOS with the Fertility Diet

Raffle Gifts for PCOS Month

Tuesday  September 20th at  7:00  PM        RMACT Danbury    Free Seminar

The Fertility Diet & PCOS

Raffle gifts for PCOS Month

 

These interactive seminars are helpful to all women who are struggling with infertility, even those without PCOS as they are geared towards enhancing fertility and decreasing the possibility of infertility.

 

Here is a hint and an affirmation for the day from Carolyn:

 
PCOS Tip of the Day:


Regular, moderate physical activity


•    can help to increase insulin sensitivity,
•    can help to regulate ovulation,
•    can help to improve fertility.

Affirmation:
“I’d like to trust in a journey that I don’t understand.”
Anonymous

 

Main Cause of Infertility-PCOS- Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome-New Group Meeting

Reproductive Medicine Associates of CT is pleased to bring a new program to the Fairfield County fertility community:

PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome): 

Women to Women:

an Interactive Group for Women with PCOS

Monday Evening May 16th 6:00-7:30 pm

Location: 898 Ethan Allen Highway: Suite 5 ,Ridgefield, CT (near Danbury line Rte 7/35)

Topic: PCOS & Stress

o    Do you feel that your stress level has become more unmanageable since starting fertility treatment?

o    Are you struggling with your attempts at developing realistic life style changes that will be healthy for your body and your mood?

o    Would you like to learn new ways of healing with humor, self-validation, and compassion for yourself?

Come share your struggles and new insights in this facilitated discussion group.

Led by Jane Elisofon, M.S.W. Clinical Social Worker and Carolyn Gundell, RMA Nutritionist, we will discuss  living with PCOS--through life’s many challenges--especially in your fertility journey.



Sign up at the RMACT front desk or
Please call Nina to reserve a seat at 203-750-7484

Free Admission