For the month of January 2022, PLUXE will be giving 10% of our proceeds to the PCOS Challenge: The National Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Association, in support of women struggling with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Approximately five million women, of child-bearing age, in the U.S.A. have been diagnosed with the condition. PCOS occurs when a woman’s body does not make enough hormones during ovulation and leads to many small cysts forming on the ovaries. These cysts consist of androgen hormones which lead to various symptoms; such as irregular menstrual periods and symptoms, weight gain, skin tags, and many more. In relation to PCOS, weight gain is caused, biologically, by insulin (the hormone that helps to break down certain fats and proteins in the body) resistance. PCOS can also cause depression and anxiety, due to hormone imbalances, which consequently can lead to weight gain or weight loss.
We interviewed Alicia Wilson and Latoya Irabor, two women who struggle with PCOS and who are raising awareness on the matter. Both ladies shared sentiments of overwhelment when they were diagnosed. Neither had heard of the condition before diagnosis and therefore had to be educated on PCOS. When asked what helped Latoya, she said, “Learning what [the] lymphatic system was, how important it is, and how to get it moving…” helped her manage better. Both women didn’t shy away from sharing how much of a struggle PCOS and its symptoms are. But Alicia did share, “I had to learn to love myself… [this] love made me feel more beautiful than [the one] I was experiencing before.”
PCOS Challenge: The National Polycystic Ovary Association is an Atlanta based non-profit organization which globally advocates for women of all ages with PCOS. Their goals are to raise public awareness of the condition and to bring help to diagnosed women and girls. They do so by helping them overcome symptoms, and preventing life-threatening symptoms, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Their overarching mission is for PCOS to be treated as a public health priority.
To learn more: https://www.pcoschallenge.org/
To follow on Instagram: @pcoschallenge
To watch our interview with Latoya & Alicia: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PkV_4ombB6c