While it is easy to get caught up in doctor's visits,
hair removal treatments and the physical aspects of life with PCOS, women need to remember to take care of their mental health too. A recent study in Fertility and Sterility found that women with PCOS have a higher risk of depression then women without the disease. The increased health risks (diabetes, endometrial cancer, cardiac issues) in addition to embarrassing physical symptoms make it easy to become overwhelmed, lonely and depressed.

     So, take care of your emotional health as well. Make time to do something special just for you. Pick up that book you've been dying to read, or call a girlfriend to go out for lunch. Go shopping and buy something new. Get a manicure. Just find the time to do something just to treat yourself every day. Finding a support group or psychologist can be helpful as well, if you feel that you need some extra support.

For more information:

Find a PCOS Support Group

Depression Screening Quiz

Depression

<sub>Source:

Hollinrake, Elizabeth, et al. "Increased risk of depressive disorders in women with polycystic ovary syndrome." Fertility and Sterility 87. 6 (June 2007) : 1369 - 76.</sub>

Most people are nervous about giving themselves or a loved one an injection for the first time. That goes without saying. There are a few things you can do to make the process a little easier. First, make sure that you understand exactly how to mix and administer the medication. Clarify with either your doctor, or pharmacist, about whether the injection is given subcutaneously or intramuscularly. Read through the instructions a few times until you feel comfortable. It may help to leave yourself plenty of time, so you don't feel rushed. Second, ensure that you are using the correct size for both the syringe and needle. Using the incorrect size will make the process more difficult and may even prevent the medicine from being properly absorbed. Finally, keep an eye out for a few warning signs that you are doing the injection incorrectly or that complications may be developing. Notify your doctor promptly of anything unusual. And of course, remember that everyone gets nervous. Even doctors and nurses in the beginning of their careers. Take your time, follow the instructions and you will be fine. Good luck!

Are you familiar with our PCOS message boards? Now up and running, it's a great place to meet other women with PCOS, get support from somebody who understands what you're going through, and get your burning questions answered. So come on in and introduce yourself!

Truth be told, despite the years I've spent administering injections as a nurse, I'm still afraid of getting a shot myself. For many women, daily shots may be the only way that they can have a baby. From those of who have been there, what are your best tips for reducing the pain and anxiety of taking injections?

Share your best tips!

Most adults don't anticipate having acne, thinking it's an affliction affecting teens. However, for the thousands of women dealing with PCOS, acne is a very real problem. How do you deal with PCOS related acne? Share your experience and best tips here!

Going through infertility treatment can be frightening, especially when you don't know what to expect. Even though the medications and procedures are relatively safe, it's always scary having a treatment cycle for the first time. If you've gone through infertility treatment before, share your experience!

About.com has added a new database of information about natural health supplements. You can get comprehensive information about hundreds of herbal medicines, vitamins and minerals. Find the safety profile, a list of side effects, how to take it and even what the latest research has found about using it. Check out NaturalMedicine.about.com to look up the herbal supplements you are taking today!

It doesn't seem fair. As if there isn't enough to think about with PCOS, you also have the added worry of how your skin is going to look. Acne is very common with PCOS, and yes, those pesky hormones are responsible yet again. The extra testosterone found in PCOS can increase the amount of oil your skin produces. Luckily, there are many different treatments and types of treatment that are available to help you manage. What works best for you? Give suggestions and get advice in your PCOS forums!

I know, you've probably heard it a thousand times. Being overweight can lead to all sorts of health problems. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, or PCOS, is no exception. Doctors have long known that women with PCOS who are overweight can actually reduce their symptoms and the severity of the disease by losing weight.

There's no need for strict diets and exhausting exercise regimens either. Adding in moderate exercise (with your doctors approval of course) and reducing calories where you can will go a long way. Read more below about the PCOS-weight loss connection!

For more information:

PCOS and Weight Loss

Well, the time is upon us again. The long, hot days and warm nights. The days spent outside, just taking in the fresh air. While the warm weather is often welcome, it also gives us an excuse to stop exercising "because of the heat". Luckily, we don't have to stop exercising altogether, but there are many other activities that we can consider to get our daily fix of exercise. Swimming or water sports are a very refreshing way to beat the summer heat, and a great full body workout in many instances. Gardening is also a great way to keep your yard looking beautiful, eating the healthy fruits and vegetables of your labor and increasing your activity level. Take your dog for a run in the evening (when it's the most cool out) or move your yoga workout outdoors. Either way, it's a great time to get out of the gym, try something new and give your exercise routine a jolt!