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Wife - Mother - Christian - Miracle - Dreamer - Make Up Lover - Blessed

6/26/14

PCOS & Low Cortisol

Hey y'all,

I know it's been a bit since I've posted anything so I want to take this opportunity to catch up.  On Monday I received some results from my Doctor testing positive for PCOS and Cortisol levels that are dropping off in the afternoon and night.  So basically, it sounds like my body has been in a vicious cycle for the past 10 or so years.

PCOS stands for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome which is a hormonal imbalance said to be cause by genetics. There are many symptoms of this and a few of the effects are:
  • Acne
  • Excessive hair growth
  • Weight gain
  • Problems with ovulation
  • Increased risk of many other heath problems                                          
Cortisol is a hormone for the immune system, regulating blood pressure, the cardiovascular system, metabolism, and more.  The symptoms of low Cortisol include:
  • Mental and psychological ailments such as depression
  • Faintness and dizziness
  • Weakness and fatigue
  • Heart palpitations
  • Emotional hypersensitivity
  • Inability to cope with stress
  • Social anxiety
  • Muscle weakness
  • Headache, scalp ache, or general body ache
  • Severe or dull lower back pain
  • Extremely sensitive skin
  • Nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting
  • Abdominal pain and hunger pain despite an empty stomach
  • Extreme craving for salty foods
  • Anxiety and jitters
  • Clumsiness and confusion
  • Motion sickness
  • Insomnia and dark circles under the eyes
  • Low bladder capacity and symptoms of IBS
  • Irregular or non-existent menstrual period                                                                                                                                                                                                                       I know all of these symptoms/effects are quite lengthy but I have to say they just make me feel extremely blessed.  I don't struggle with depression, stress and many of these other symptoms either.  I believe it is purely because of the Lord Jesus Christ!  I love that he protects me from so much and truly produces The Fruit Of The Spirit in my life.  Galatians 5:22 Love, Joy, Peace, Forbearance, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self-Control.  I am a beautiful work in progress!  I am praying for complete healing and restoration and I'm asking that you pray for me in agreement.  My next steps are to work at regulating the Low Cortisol and managing the PCOS.  I have been prescribed some medications to help manage hormones and help my body to digest food properly.  
I have also started an extremely low calorie diet as per my Doctors instructions.  I began this diet the 24th (on my lovely sisters Birthday).  I have already lost 5lbs because it's a cleanse and I have a log ways to go.  I have a very strict list of foods that I am allowed to eat which have been logging under 500 calories a day.  So far I feel good but I definitely wouldn't recommend this for anyone unless prescribed under a Doctors supervision.  My diet has unsweetened coffee or tea for breakfast.  At lunch and dinner I can choose from a list of 7 lean meats of which I can have 4oz, only 1 vegetable from a list of 13- totaling 2 handfuls raw, 1 Grissini bread stick or Melba toast and 1 fruit from a list of 4.  Everything must be prepared carefully without any extra fats or sugars.  

Below I'm posting pictures of my meals and of the way my body looks now (pardon the no makeup and hair pulled back crazy look- just wanted to get a clear picture of the acne issues.)  I plan to continue to do this but for more regular and detailed postings friend request me on Facebook- Shelly Perrone Morris. Now that I know what has helped to cause the obesity, acne and all of the other uncomfortable side effects I am looking for complete healing from the Lord.  I also plan to properly manage everything by changing my life accordingly and preventing any further ailments!  I am ready for a big change of lifestyle and appearance and am excited for the results to come.  I return to the Doctor in a month so I will keep you all posted.  I know this journey will take a lot of hard work so I am very thankful for any support and encouragement I receive

Go and be a blessing,