Drew Baird on gaining control of your PCOS
Most men will have only heard about PCOS – Polycystic Ovary Syndrome – if their partner, relatives or daughters suffer from the condition. Even then the chances are they will know very little about the causes, diagnosis and on-going treatment options to minimise the life-changing effects of PCOS.
One man who knows more than most, and is leading the online educational efforts to empower more power to take part control of their physical health and mental wellbeing is Drew Baird, best known by his social media handle The PCOS Mentor. Indeed, picture in your mind a leading online authority and respected expert on on women’s hormonal health and the long-haired, bearded, former gym bro is not the image immediately conjured.
But, as he explains in our in-depth interview, for every person that criticises him for being yet another man telling women how to live their life, he gets ten times as many thanking him for his passion, advice and help.
And as understanding and awareness of the physical and psychological impact of PCOS increases, so does the focus on personalised care and support, which is why Baird highlights the importance of individualised approaches in managing this multifaceted condition and provides detailed resources to do so.
He also reveals the simple steps anyone with PCOS can take, starting today, to begin to alleviate the worst of their symptoms to regain control of the condition without resorting to the medical establishment’s preferred option of prescribing oral contraceptives or diabetes drugs, which only sideline the symptoms instead of reversing them.
The best supplements for PCOS
About PCOS
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a complex and multi-faceted condition affecting an estimated 6% to 12% of women of reproductive age globally.
Characterised by a variety of symptoms, it influences hormonal levels, reproductive health, metabolism, and physical appearance.
A leading cause of infertility and other long-term health issues, the precise cause of PCOS is not fully understood. Genetics certainly play a crucial role, with a higher likelihood of PCOS in women with a family history of the condition, and environmental factors, including diet, lifestyle, and exposure to certain endocrine-disrupting chemicals, may also contribute to the development of PCOS.
Women with PCOS often have elevated levels of androgens (male hormones) and may suffer from irregular menstrual cycles due to lack of ovulation. This hormonal imbalance can result in symptoms such as hirsutism (excessive hair growth), acne, weight gain, and thinning scalp hair.
Insulin resistance is another crucial aspect of PCOS, where the body’s cells are less responsive to insulin, leading to increased blood sugar levels. This condition heightens the risk of developing type-2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, obesity is common in women with PCOS and can exacerbate these health risks.
The impact of PCOS is not just physical; it also carries significant psychological effects, including anxiety, depression, and body image concerns. The complexity and variety of symptoms make PCOS a particularly challenging condition to diagnose and manage.
Managing PCOS typically involves a holistic approach, addressing both immediate symptoms and long-term health risks. Key lifestyle modifications include a balanced diet and regular exercise. Medical treatments may encompass hormonal contraceptives for regulating menstrual cycles, medication to improve insulin sensitivity, and fertility treatments.
