PCOS is said to affect 1 in 5 women — and is most commonly diagnosed in one's 20s or 30s.
On that note, Bebe said in her interview with Gayle that the weight fluctuations caused by her PCOS diagnosis have not only taken a toll on her — but have also helped her realize the importance of surrounding herself with uplifting people.
“There’ve been so many times on red carpets where I felt so ugly…because I had all this negativity around me. Now I just don’t want that around me anymore," Bebe said.In addition to its symptoms, another thing about PCOS that Bebe revealed in the interview is that"A lot of women don’t know they have it because it takes a certain type of doctor and certain tests [to be diagnosed with it]." Courtney confirmed this by adding,"The Rotterdam criteria is used by physicians to diagnose PCOS. Individuals must present two out of the three criteria to be diagnosed.""The criteria [doctors use to diagnose] include the presence of cysts or immature follicles on the ovaries; hyperandrogenism , and irregular/absent periods or ovulation," Courtney told BuzzFeed. According to Courtney, an early warning sign that someone with PCOS might experience is an irregular period — which is characterized by cycles longer than 35 days. "Oftentimes women are diagnosed [with PCOS] when they come off of birth control and have difficulty trying to conceive or difficulty regulating periods," she added."In addition, many may experience facial hair or cystic hormonal acne which are characteristic symptoms of hyperandrogenism in PCOS," Courtney said. "However, it’s important to note that PCOS presents differently in each individual and symptoms can vary from one person to the next. Some of the other symptoms may include skin tags, fatigue, disordered eating, hair thinning or loss of hair, anxiety, or depression," Courtney said. "People [who suspect they might have PCOS] should see an OB-GYN and/or endocrinologist to assist in diagnosing and managing PCOS," Courtney added. "In addition, a Registered Dietitian who specializes in PCOS will provide the coaching and education around nutrition and lifestyle changes to manage PCOS long term," says Courtney. In regards to treating PCOS, Courtney said that"Many people are offered by their physicians either birth control, to help elicit a period, and/or Metformin for insulin resistance.""Oftentimes patients are told to lose weight which is absurd because the metabolic complexity of PCOS makes it difficult for people to lose weight. Nutrition and lifestyle changes should be the first-line treatments in this condition," she explained to BuzzFeed. She continued, "Personalized nutrition and lifestyle interventions that focus on balancing blood sugar, lowering inflammation, and managing adrenal and sex hormones are important. In addition, a holistic approach that focuses on nutrition, sleep, stress management, lifestyle, supplements, and emotional support is where healing happens." Lastly, it's important to remember that if you are diagnosed with PCOS, it can feel overwhelming and extremely isolating. However, Courtney said that there is a huge community of people living with PCOS and there is tons of support out there. "It is important to understand that while the PCOS diagnosis does not go away, it can be managed and symptoms can be improved. You may be told, 'Oh you don’t have to worry about it until you want to get pregnant' or 'Just lose some weight.' This is unacceptable. Living with PCOS increases the risk for chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, fatty liver, and more. So focusing on lifestyle changes, and advocating for yourself and your health is vital," said Courtney.Frazer Harrison / Getty Images
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