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Showing posts from April, 2025

How PCOS Affects Your Period: Understanding the Cycle Disruption

  Hi HealthierHer 💖 This is going to be a short one, but I promise it’s an important one. You remember how we talked about the four stages of the menstrual cycle in the last post? Today, I want to connect the dots between that and how periods actually work (or struggle to work 😩) for women with PCOS . Let’s talk about ovulation and periods — but this time, with a PCOS twist. Here’s the tea 🍵: For women with PCOS, things don’t exactly go by the book. Tracking ovulation? Nearly impossible sometimes! 😩 Regular periods? Errr... what are those? 😅 In a typical cycle (say 28–35 days), the body gears up for pregnancy, an egg is released, and if it’s not fertilized, the uterine lining sheds (aka, your period). But with PCOS? Everything slows down, or stops completely. Here’s why: The ovaries produce excess androgens (those are male hormones, by the way), and that messes with follicle development. Instead of one dominant follicle growing and releasing an egg (like it s...

Stages of Period – Let’s Break It Down, Girl!

Hi HealthierHer! How are you all doing this Easter weekend? 🌷 Don’t forget – Jesus Christ died to redeem us and through Him, salvation is available to everyone who believe🙌 Okay, now that we’ve had a little dose of faith, let’s jump right into today’s juicy topic You know how your period always seems to show up at the most inconvenient time – like, “Hey girl, heard you have a beach trip? Surpriseee! I’m here!” 😂 In our last post, we talked about what a period really is (hint: it’s your body shedding the uterine lining because an egg wasn’t fertilized). Today, we'll talk about the stages of the menstrual cycle and how ovulation plays a big part in it. So, What Is the Menstrual Cycle Anyway? Let’s put it this way – it’s like a monthly house-cleaning routine your body does to prepare for a baby just in case . From thickening the uterine lining, to releasing an egg (ovulation),, and eventually shedding everything if no pregnancy happens – that’s the menstrual cycle. 🩸 ...

Let's Talk Periods: Breaking the Silence Around Menstruation

Hi Healthier Woman 💕 Today, I want to digress a little from our usual health tips and dive into something we rarely talk about: periods! Hmmmm… yessss, I know!, that time of the month we grew up learning to hide, whisper about, or call by mysterious code names. 🩸 My First Encounter with “The Visitor” Before I started menstruating, I remember overhearing my older sister talking with a neighbor. She asked her, “Has your visitor arrived?” The other lady answered, “Yes ooo, the aunty arrived yesterday!” Me? I was just sitting there wondering what kind of visitor are they talking about? Eventually, I figured it out— they were talking about their period! 🙈 Why Are We So Shy to Say “Period”? So many of us grew up using names like: Aunty Flo Red Sea Shark Week Monthly Visitor Strawberry Week It might be funny, but it reflects how uncomfortable society is with menstruation . Even buying pads or tampons can feel like a walk of shame—but sis, it shouldn’t be . Let’s ...

Why Am I Always Hungry? Mindful Eating with Insulin Resistance PCOS

Hey, beautiful! Now that we’ve talked about the four types of PCOS, let’s dive into something that’s deeply personal to me — that constant hunger that just doesn’t seem to go away, no matter how much or how well you eat. As someone living with Insulin Resistance PCOS , and who was once at risk of prediabetes, I get it. I eat a full plate and still feel like there’s a funnel emptying my stomach! Ever been there? I try to eat balanced meals — protein, healthy fats like avocado, fruits, and just a small portion of carbs — but sometimes, it still doesn’t work. The hunger lingers, and you find yourself reaching for those very same carbs you’re supposed to avoid. And let’s not even start on the shakiness… that dizzy, low-sugar feeling that makes you crave something quick and comforting (hello, carbs again!). Honestly? It’s a rollercoaster. But hey — to every beautiful, healthier, and stronger woman reading this — we’ve got this. Right now, I want you to say this out loud with me: ...

Post-Pill PCOS: What It Is, Symptoms & How To Manage It Naturally

Wondering why your period disappeared after stopping birth control? Learn everything about Post-Pill PCOS, its symptoms, causes, and simple natural remedies that work. Hi Healthier Woman, welcome back to our little space 💛 Today’s topic is a special one — Post-Pill PCOS. Honestly, this is one PCOS type that so many women experience but don’t even know has a name! It’s like the internet streets are quiet about it, but the struggle is very real. So what exactly is Post-Pill PCOS? Post-Pill PCOS happens when you stop taking birth control pills (especially after being on them for a while), and your hormones start doing all sorts of gymnastics. → Period disappears. → Acne comes out like it’s in a competition. → Hair starts falling out like crazy or growing where it shouldn’t. → Mood swings on level 100. → And sometimes weight gain sneaks in too. Sound familiar? Sis, you’re not alone. Why Does This Happen? Let me break it down simply… Birth control pills work by shutting down your natur...

Adrenal PCOS: When Stress Runs the Show (And Why Rest Is Your Superpower)

Hey HealthierHer, Welcome back to our little safe space again!  Today, we’re talking about a not-so-popular but very real type of PCOS — Adrenal PCOS . Now, if Insulin Resistant PCOS is all about sugar and hormones playing hide & seek... Adrenal PCOS is that dramatic friend who just can’t handle stress — AT ALL (don’t side-eye me, it might be you!) What Exactly is Adrenal PCOS? Adrenal PCOS happens when your stress hormones — specifically DHEA-S (produced by your adrenal glands) — are running wild. It's not about insulin.  It's not about inflammation. It's not even about the ovaries directly. It's your adrenal glands (those little stress managers sitting on top of your kidneys) saying: "Sis, life is too much, let’s grow some extra hormones for survival." Signs You Might Have Adrenal PCOS: Your stress response is next level small things feel BIG. Feeling wired but tired all the time. Anxiety, mood swings, and energy crashes. Normal i...

Understanding Insulin Resistant PCOS — My Story and Simple Fixes That Actually Help!

  You know how they say "you are what you eat?" Well, for us with Insulin Resistant PCOS... it feels more like "you look like everything you eat!" Especially if it has sugar in it. Hey HealthierHer,  Welcome back to our space! Now, this topic is really close to my heart because this is the type of PCOS I personally deal with. If you’ve been following my journey, you know I’ve shared how I got diagnosed with PCOS. Honestly, my first experience wasn’t the best — the doctor literally told me “don’t worry, it’s not life-threatening” and sent me off with birth control pills. No information, no guidance, nothing.  And guess what? I believed him. But deep down, birth control pills didn’t feel right for me. While on them, I noticed I was gaining weight so fast, and the facial hair around my chin area? Out of control! This was barely a year after I moved to Canada. Funny enough, I’m sure I had PCOS even while I lived in Korea, but the symptoms weren’t as loud as th...

Why Am I Always Tired and Bloated? Understanding Inflammatory PCOS

Hey HealthierHer,  It’s so good to have you here again. Remember how I promised to break down the types of PCOS? Well, we’re starting today with: Inflammatory PCOS 🔥 And listen… I get it.. All those big terms and scientific talk can feel like a whole new language  So let’s break it down real simple , real quick .

Understanding the 4 Types of PCOS: Which One Are You?

Hi HealthierHer,  Welcome back!  (PS: I missed you!) Before we dive into PCOS like detectives at a hormonal crime scene… here’s a quick joke for the vibe: Why did the ovary start a podcast? Because it had too many episodes and needed to vent! 🎙️ Okay, now that we’re all smiling—let’s talk about something that totally blew my mind when I first learned it: PCOS isn’t one-size-fits-all! 🤯 Yep, there are actually different types of PCOS , and each one has its own triggers, symptoms, and management style. When I first found out, it was during prep for the very first meetup of a PCOS support community I started at my university. As I was reading articles for my presentation, I stumbled across this information and had one of those “Wait… this makes sense now!” moments. It felt so validating to finally understand why my symptoms looked the way they did. So, let’s take a quick look at the 4 main types of PCOS

What is PCOS? My PCOS Story: From Confusion to Clarity

My PCOS Story: From Confusion to Clarity Hey HealthierHer,  Welcome back! Today, I want to start off by sharing a little story about myself. As you all know, my name is Uloma. I was diagnosed with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) in 2021, a few months after I moved to Canada from South Korea.

The Ultimate Guide to Hormone-Balancing Smoothies for Women with PCOS

Hey HealthierHer, Hormone balance plays a crucial role in women’s health, especially for those managing Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) . One delicious and effective way to support your hormones naturally is through Hormone-Balancing Smoothies — nutrient-packed blends that help regulate hormones, improve metabolism, and enhance overall well-being. To help you get started, we’ve created the ultimate guide filled with tips, recipes, and insights to supercharge your health journey. U nderstanding Hormone Balance:   Hormones play a vital role in nearly every bodily function — from metabolism and reproduction to mood regulation and energy levels.  When hormones become imbalanced, it can lead to health issues such as PCOS , irregular menstrual cycles , acne , weight gain , and fatigue . Incorporating hormone-balancing smoothies into your daily diet can help nourish your body, support natural hormone production, and promote overall balance. Key Ingredients for Hormone-Balancing S...

Top 5 PCOS Diet Tips for Women's Health

Hey HealthierHer, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder that affects women of reproductive age. It can cause symptoms such as irregular periods, acne, and weight gain. One of the most effective ways to manage PCOS is through a healthy diet.  Here are the top 5 PCOS diet tips for women's health: Focus on whole foods: When it comes to managing PCOS, focusing on whole, nutrient-dense foods is key. Choose foods that are as close to their natural state as possible such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats . These foods are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support hormonal balance and overall health. Limit processed foods and sugar:   Processed foods and added sugars can cause inflammation in the body and disrupt hormone levels, worsening PCOS symptoms. Try to limit sugary snacks, processed meals, and sweetened beverages . Reducing sugar helps stabilize blood sugar and support better hormone balance. Eat balan...

Self-Care Tips for Women Managing PCOS: Nurturing Your Body and Mind

Hey HealthierHer, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder that affects many women around the world. It can lead to a range of symptoms including irregular menstrual cycles, weight gain, hair growth, and fertility challenges. While there is no one-size-fits-all solution, managing PCOS effectively requires a holistic approach that blends healthy habits, lifestyle changes, and consistent self-care. At HealthierHer , we believe that self-care isn’t just a luxury  it’s a necessity, especially for women living with PCOS. Here are some practical self-care tips to help you support your overall well-being Prioritize Quality Sleep:  Sleep plays a powerful role in regulating hormones and supporting overall health. Aim for 7–9 hours of rest each night. Create a calming bedtime routine, think herbal tea, gentle stretches, or journaling to help improve sleep quality. Manage Stress:   Chronic stress can intensify PCOS symptoms. Try incorporating relaxation techniq...

My PCOS Journey & Why I Started HealthierHer: A Wellness Space for Women

  Who am i and why HealthierHer? (PCOS) Hi, and welcome to HealthierHer ! I’m thrilled to have you here as we embark on a journey to better health, self-care, and wellness. My name is Uloma Udeh-Onokurhefe, and like many women, I have been navigating the complexities of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)  and its effects on my body and overall well-being. For the past few months, I’ve been on a personal journey—trying various medical treatments like letrozole, metformin, and folic acid  while also exploring natural remedies  like herbal supplements. It’s been a mix of trial, patience, and learning what works best for my body. I started HealthieHer because I realized that women with PCOS often lack a supportive, research-backed, and practical space to manage their symptoms—and I wanted to change that. With my background in AI in healthcare and my passion for evidence-based wellness, I created this blog to provide a mix of scientific insights, holistic approaches, ...