Welcome to September (even though we’re about half way through already)! This month is significant for multiple awareness groups. One that several of us at How 2 Mom understand first hand is PCOS. And two others that are very personal to women/motherhood; Ovarian Cancer and NICU babies.
If you or someone you know has a personal attachment to any one of these, we support you. Nobody should endure any one of these hardships alone and that is why we wanted to touch on the significance of ALL of them in this week’s blog.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
PCOS is a hormonal syndrome that is variable in many ways. The root cause of polycystic ovary syndrome isn’t well understood. It may involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors. To be diagnosed a women has to fit into 2 of 3 categories:
1) Polycystic Ovaries (enlarged ovaries with small cysts forming a ring on the outer edges)
2) Anovulatory/Irregular Menstrual Cycles
3) Biochemical hyperandrogenemia or hyperandrogenism (high levels of testosterone/androgen hormones for a female)
There are four types of PCOS: Insulin-resistant, Inflammatory, Hidden-Cause, and Pill-Induced. New studies as of 2020 have shown that what was previously 6-10% of women in their child bearing years has now jumped to a staggering 1 in 5 women with this syndrome.
This syndrome is HIGHLY variable from case to case, thus not only making initial diagnosis difficult, but also causing many women to undergo multiple different treatment plans before finding out what works for their particular form of PCOS. Another stressor of this syndrome; it often leads to infertility which causes more emotional hurt after an already difficult diagnosis. Women with PCOS are more likely to develop diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and endometrial cancer.
Infertility Complications
Ovarian Cancer
Cancer is a term nobody ever wants to hear uttered about themselves or a loved one. Ovarian cancer is a form that begins in the female organs that produce eggs (ovaries). Unfortunately, it often goes undetected until it has spread within the pelvis and belly. At this late stage, ovarian cancer is more difficult to treat and can be fatal.
If you or a loved one has suffered from Ovarian or any other form of cancer, we send our love to you.
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
When babies are born early, have health problems, or a difficult birth they go to the hospital’s NICU. There, babies get around-the-clock care from a team of experts. Most of these babies go to the NICU within 24 hours of birth.
Having a baby is stressful enough for new parents, but undergoing a stay in the NICU is a whole other realm of intensity and worry. Our hearts go out to any parents who have or are going through a stay in the NICU or Level 2 Nursery with their little ones.
We want to do our part and bring awareness to these hardships this month, and every month. Too many women have to endure the pain of these experiences and while we can’t take them away, we can do our part to educate and support. Please reach out if you could use the support. We currently have an Infertility Online Support Group on Facebook, but we are also available and love personal and intimate conversations. We are here for you!
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