In a youth-obsessed world, where “perfection” of skin and body is heavily promoted by popular media, women often find themselves struggling to find anti-aging treatments. Though the expectation to stop time and its effects on the body and skin is far from realistic, an increasing number of both men and women invest a lot of time, energy, and money in anti-aging treatments and, often, invasive procedures. A different perspective, however, may suggest that the wish to remain young-looking does not have to do so much with appearances, as with keeping your body and skin healthy.
Skin and Face
A lot of focus is placed on how healthy and rejuvenated one’s face skin looks; ergo, the following anti-aging tips may help you take care of one of the most exposed parts of your body.
- Use a cleanser: the first important step to keep your face looking clean is to use a cleanser that agrees with your skin. Try to avoid abrasive products and be mindful of whether your chosen product is either drying your skin too much, or leaving you feeling oily even after washing. Keep in mind that depending on where you are on your menstrual cycle, you may need to use different products.
- Find a serum: serums are concentrated products that you rub onto your skin, using a circular motion to open up the pores and relax your muscles. They usually consist of a combination of vitamins and nutrients, most commonly hyaluronic acid to increase skin elasticity, as well as vitamins C and E for skin rejuvenation. Serums also contain antioxidants. Some of the serum ingredients can be light sensitive, so be careful which one you use during the day or at night!
- Moisturizers and sunscreen: though it may seem simple, just like with the cleansers you want to make sure you are using a moisturizer that agrees with your complexion and adequately protects your skin. If you are prone to acne, you want to be especially careful with your choice of moisturizer, opting for a more natural-based face cream. Contrary to popular belief, sunscreen ought to be used every time you are exposed to the sun and not only during the summer or at especially sunny places. In fact, sun reflecting off white snow or sun exposure at higher altitudes can be much more damaging.
Healthy Living
Time takes its toll on the human body, and as much as many of us would like to rewind the clock we need to remember there is no quick fix. Skin care definitely helps us look youthful, but the real secret comes with following a healthy lifestyle: stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, exercise appropriately for your body and age, consume nutritious foods and follow a diet that agrees with your body type and your body’s needs, and be cautious of promising schemes that claim to reverse the aging process—it’s not that simple!
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By Iris Farrou
31 May, 2021
Women's Health
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Vaginitis and bacterial vaginosis are both equally common vaginal infections. While the symptoms experienced may be either completely the same or very similar, the treatments for the two are very different. It may help to understand that bacterial vaginosis is a type of vaginitis, along with yeast infections and trichomoniasis. Additionally, there are some slight differences as far as the symptoms are concerned which may help you distinguish what it may be, should you experience abnormal discharge.
Vaginitis
It is caused by a change in the normal levels of vaginal bacteria or by an infection. It may also be caused by some skin disorders or reduced estrogen levels (usually after menopause). Overall, it is an inflammation of the vagina that can lead to itching and discharge, as well as pain during intercourse and urination. It may also lead to vaginal bleeding or spotting.
Vaginosis
Overgrowth of vaginal bacteria cause this vaginal inflammation, which results in discharge of gray, white, or even green color. Itching and pain during urination are also common symptoms, as is foul-smelling vaginal odor. Keep in mind that many people with bacterial vaginosis may not experience any symptoms. It can affect any age, but it is more common on women of reproductive ages.
Diagnosis
Any doctor will probably begin by looking into your medical history and, of course, take into consideration your sexual history to determine risk factors—especially if you have multiple sex partners or a new sex partner. The existence of previous vaginal infections is also a risk factor, as are your hormonal levels. Performing a pelvic exam to check for vaginal inflammation and discharge is also standard procedure. If your doctor is suspecting bacterial vaginosis, it is also likely that they will check your abdomen and pelvic organs for any indication of disease. Taking a sample for lab testing and examination of vaginal secretions and pH helps reach a more detailed diagnosis as well.
Treatment
Depending on the type of vaginitis diagnosed, your doctor will assign different treatments. Yeast infections are the easiest to treat with over-the-counter (OTC) medications, usually anti-fungal creams. Keep in mind that though OTC are convenient and cost-effective ways to treat vaginal abnormalities, the wrong medication can lead to more complications and delay proper diagnosis and treatment.
Bacterial vaginosis may be treated by prescribing Metronidazole, which can be taken orally or as a gel applied into the vagina. Other treatments include: Tinidazole, a prescribed oral medication and Clindamycin, a vaginal gel. Note that vaginosis can spread between female sexual partners, and it is especially important for pregnant women to be treated to avoid early birth or low birth weight.
There is also non-infectious vaginitis to keep in mind, which may be caused by other sources of irritation such as a new soap or laundry detergent, tampons, or sanitary napkins.
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By Iris Farrou
19 May, 2021
Women's Health
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One of the most common concerns of aging women is the appearance of varicose veins on their legs. Varicose veins and spider veins are swollen, twisted veins that are mostly found on the legs and appear more in women because pregnancy tends to increase the risk of having them. Additional factors are older age and obesity. Both types of veins are usually painless, don’t cause health problems, and can be treated for cosmetic purposes. Some people report experiencing aching pain and discomfort, while varicose veins sometimes lead to more serious problems.
What is the difference?
Varicose veins are red, blue, or skin colored and seem to have a rope-like texture, while they also tend to cause the skin to bulge out. They are often on the thighs and calves, as well as the inside of the leg near the ankles and feet. During pregnancy they can also happen in the lower pelvic area and the buttocks.
Spider veins are smaller than varicose veins, and predominantly red. They can be seen under the skin, but they do not make the skin bulge. They can from tree-like designs or look like spider webs (hence their name). Most commonly, they are seen on the legs and face.
Symptoms
Other than simply appearing under your skin, you may experience an achy feeling on your legs, muscle cramping, or swelling on your lower legs. Another sign may be worsened pain after either sitting or standing for an extended period of time. Itching or skin discoloration around veins may also be indicative of varicose veins forming.
Risk Factors
- Age: the older you get, the more chances there are of getting varicose veins. Wear and tear on the valves of your veins is normal with age, and eventually the blood may collect back into your veins instead of flowing up to your heart.
- Sex: as stated above, women are more likely to develop varicose veins. Hormonal changes may play a role, as they tend to relax vein walls. Additionally, hormone treatments increase the risk of varicose veins.
- Pregnancy, family history, and obesity are other risk factors you should take into consideration if you are worried about varicose veins in older age.
Prevention
Though you cannot completely prevent varicose or spider veins, as they have to do with normal wear and tear of your vein valves and strength of muscles, there are some ways to minimize the risk of getting them or avoid getting more. Improving your circulation and muscle tone through exercising, watching your weight, lowering salt intake, avoiding high heels, elevating your legs, and avoiding sitting down or standing up for a long time are all ways which may help reduce the risk of varicose veins.
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By Iris Farrou
09 May, 2021
Breastfeeding support
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If you are an expecting or new mother, you are probably finding yourself wondering about the benefits of breastfeeding, the required—or suggested—length of time for breastfeeding your baby, as well as about storage options and solutions. In this amalgamation of information, one thing is for sure: the decision on whether to breastfeed or not, and for how long, is to be made between you and your baby.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, exclusive breastfeeding should take place for six months and continue after solid foods are introduced at least until one year of age. The World Health Organization extends this even further, recommending breastfeeding until two years old or even longer. As far as the beginning of breastfeeding is concerned, both AAP and WHO suggest as early as one hour after birth.
Benefits of breastfeeding
- Important Nutrition and Antibodies: In the first days after birth, you will produce a thick and yellowish fluid high in protein and low in sugar, full of beneficial compounds, colostrum. It is the ideal milk for a newborn’s digestive tract and as the baby grows, your breasts produce more and more milk. Additionally, it contains high amounts of immunoglobulin and other antibodies which help your baby fight off viruses and bacteria. Formula does not provide antibody protection.
- Reducing Disease Risk and Promoting Healthy Weight: Because of the existence of antibodies, breast milk helps prevent most common diseases that affect babies, such as ear and respiratory infections, colds, gut infections and intestinal tissue damage, bowel diseases, and even SIDS, diabetes and childhood leukemia. Since breastmilk promotes the development of different gut bacteria, it also helps prevent obesity and weight gain. A bonus to that is that babies self-regulate their milk intake when breastfeeding, so they are more likely to develop healthy eating habits.
Keep in mind that there are benefits to breastfeeding for mothers as well, linked to lower chances of contracting diseases, helping your uterus contract, as well as burning more calories and helping you lose weight after pregnancy. Probably the most interesting of all is that breastfeeding can tremendously help new mothers with post-partum depression.
Storing and Handling
Before handling breast milk, make sure you thoroughly wash and sanitize your hands. If using a pump to express milk, ensure it is clean and replace any tubing that may seem moldy or suspiciously unclean.
Freshly expressed breast milk should be stored in either breast milk storage bags, or food-grade containers with tight fitting lids. Avoid BPA-containing bottles. Store the milk at room temperature for four hours or less or keep it in the refrigerator for up to four days. Though you can keep it in the freezer indefinitely, it is suggested that you store it for up to six months for best use but 12 months is also acceptable.
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By Iris Farrou
08 Apr, 2021
Pregnancy, Women's Health
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Seasonal allergies can be exacerbated during pregnancy. It’s not always the seasonal allergens that cause your body to react, as pregnancy hormones can also be the cause of unexpected, atypical, or more severe histamine production. Pregnancy is already stressful and physically challenging at times: worrying about what you can and cannot eat, consume or drink, and which activities should be avoided. But as far as allergies are concerned, there are plenty of antihistamine remedies available during a healthy pregnancy.
Seasonal Allergies & Your Baby
Even if you never experienced any seasonal allergy symptoms prior to your pregnancy, but are allergically reacting to something, rest assured your baby will not be the slightest bit uncomfortable—despite what you may be experiencing. More importantly, your reactions don’t indicate that your child will be born with allergies.
Different Seasonal Allergies & Pregnancy
There are two types of seasonal allergies during pregnancy: typical spring allergens that begin as early as February, and summer allergies that last until late fall. Pollen is the culprit for seasonal symptomatic reactions. Ragweed, grass, mold, tree pollen, and other regional pollen-producers can thankfully be avoided and there are healthy ways to soothe your symptoms.
Other pregnancy-related reactions are not caused by your environment: a condition called “Rhinitis of Pregnancy,” usually experienced during the third trimester, is caused by hormone level changes that mimic reactions to seasonal pollens. If you experienced season allergies prior to pregnancy, they may potentially worsen while pregnant. Fortunately, there are many safe ways to treat the reactions.
Treating Seasonal Allergies in Pregnancy
First, stay informed by checking your local pollen forecasts on weather and news apps. You may know some pollens to avoid, but your body can react to new irritants. Wear protective masks while doing outdoor activities like gardening or mowing, and make sure to shower and change clothes once inside. Stay indoors when pollen counts are highest, usually between 5am and 10am.
If you’re experiencing symptoms, saline nasal spray is a safe, effective treatment. It’s important to not use them more than three days in a row, as overuse can worsen nasal congestion. Wearing nasal strips at night opens breathing pathways and leads to a better night’s rest.
Avoidance is always the best form of treatment, but there are over the counter safe medications:
- Benadryl (diphenhydramine) is most recommended
- Zyrtec (cetirizine)
- Claritin (Loratadine)
- ChlorTrimeton (Chlorpheniramine)
Allergy shots, if begun prior to pregnancy, are usually safe to continue. It’s best not to start any allergy treatment during your pregnancy if you aren’t sure how your body will react. As always, should you experience abnormal symptoms of allergies—or severe reactions to allergy medications—while pregnant, reach out to your doctor.
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By Iris Farrou
08 Apr, 2021
Lifestyle Tips, Mental Health
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The conversation around the side effects of hormonal birth control and contraceptive pills on mental health has been around for a while: you may have heard women recounting their negative experiences with heightened depression symptoms, or mood swings, when switching contraceptive methods. Though personal experiences are not medical research, they do warrant attention.
In 2016 a Danish study of more than 1 million women, which focused on analyzing nationwide health records, showed that women using hormonal birth control were more likely to be treated for depression. On the other side, studies conducted in the US and Finland have showed that hormonal birth control users report less symptoms of anxiety and depression. Though just what effect hormonal birth control can have on mental health differs, one thing is for sure: it does affect it.
Hormones and Mental Health
Though there are no mental health risks directly associated with the use of contraception, we do know hormones—and hormone imbalances—can have an impact on mental health. To start with, women are twice as likely as men to suffer from depression: this is a difference that starts in adolescence due to the changing levels of estrogen.
During the follicular phase, which is the time between the start of a period and ovulation, estrogen levels are high. However, individuals with depression demonstrate lower levels of estrogen at that time. Hormonal birth control is likely to affect the natural levels of hormones in someone’s body, and therefore cause mental health changes.
Types of Hormonal Contraception and their Effects
Implant
There are two types of implants: one containing the progestin etonogestrel and another containing the progestin levonorgestrel. Results of the Danish study concluded that use of the etonogestrel implant led to higher use of antidepressants, especially for teens. People using that for two years have also reported mood swings and depression attributed to the implant. The risk for depression seems to heighten with the etonogestrel implant, but studies remain somewhat inconclusive.
Hormonal IUD
The Danish study on hormonal IUD showed that adolescent IUD users were more likely to be treated for depression than adult IUD users. However, a Finnish study suggested that women using this method were just as likely to showcase symptoms of anxiety and depression as women who were not using it. Like the implant, there is some evidence that IUD increases chances of depression but no direct conclusion.
Pills
Combined Oral Contraceptives (COCc) contain both synthetic estrogen and progestin. Though the Danish study found that users of COCs aged 16-31 were more likely to be prescribed an antidepressant, several other studies have shown that birth control users are not more likely to have symptoms of depression. However, people using COCs for reasons other than birth control have been found more likely to have depression.
There are several other hormonal contraceptive methods that can potentially affect mental health, but the three examined above are the most commonly used. Results may remain inconclusive, but if you are taking a hormonal contraceptive method and you experience unusual symptoms, you may consider consulting your doctor or healthcare provider.
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By Iris Farrou
19 Mar, 2021
Queer Health, Sexual health, Women's Health
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Many of the gynecological health issues associated with heterosexual women are also concerns of queer women, including homosexual and bisexual women. However, because queer women are not generally concerned with mainstream gynecological health issues, such as pregnancy and contraception, they may find it difficult to receive adequate support from healthcare professionals, or access unbiased and non-discriminatory resources. It should also not be forgotten that minority populations tend to experience higher levels of social anxiety, stress, and depression. As such, the higher levels of mental healthcare that queer women need, along with the lack of resources targeted specifically to them, places them at a precarious position when it comes to sexual and gynecological health.
Gynecological Care Tips
While the following tips and areas of concern to be noted may not apply to everyone, as sexual health depends on sexual preferences, family history, overall health, and health among other factors, these have been identified as the most common areas of concern among queer women.
- Bacterial Vaginosis: Lesbian women that seek care for bacterial vaginosis at women’s health clinics have been found to be twice the rate compared to heterosexual women. Bacterial vaginosis has been found to be associated with a higher number of female sexual partners, though its transmission mechanism is only hypothesized to be oral sex.
- Yeast Infection: Though not identified as a sexually transmitted infection, yeast infections can occur through direct skin contact with someone who harbors the organism. As far as lesbian sexual relations are concerned, this transmission may occur due to vulva-to-vulva connection, or through the transmission of the bacteria from the fingers to the vagina.
- Herpes, HPV, Hepatitis: Common as these are, they are also present in queer women’s intimate relationships—vaccinations against these infections, as well as practicing safe sex and maintaining personal hygiene and health minimize the risk of contraction.
Mental Health Care Tips
Sexual minorities do not only experience higher levels of stress and depression, but they also experience social discrimination and isolation. This can lead to a conglomeration of mental health issues, but most notably it tends to lead to queer women remaining silent when it comes to domestic abuse and intimate partner violence.
This silence is primarily associated with the general misconception that abuse is present only in heterosexual relationships, and it is also attributed to fear of discrimination. Though the discrimination and the experienced violence may be directly related, as queer women have been found to experience mental, physical and verbal abuse that targets their sexual orientation, it may also be indirect. Lack of training in part of service providers or discrimination in shelters create more difficulties for queer women who seek support against intimate or domestic violence, which in turn leaves them in abusive situations for a longer period of time.
It should also be taken into consideration that the fear of being “outed,” not receiving adequate support from health providers, friends, and family, or the fear of social and intimate isolation are factors that contribute to the higher rates of violence and abuse in queer women’s relationships. If you are experiencing partner violence, consider reaching out for support to a trusted individual, or conducting research on domestic violence support that may assist you in creating a plan to leave the abusive environment.
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By Iris Farrou
08 Mar, 2021
Heart health
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Though we may be more concerned with heart attacks in general, it is important to remember it is just one condition associated with the umbrella of heart diseases, which may also include coronary artery disease, valve disease, or rhythm problems—among others.
Causes and Symptoms
The cause of a heart disease may depend on one or more of the following risk factors:
- Diabetes: Women with diabetes have higher chances of developing heart disease than men. Additionally, because diabetes changes the way one perceives pain, it also increases the chances of a silent heart attack.
- Stress and depression: In addition to making it difficult overall to have a healthy lifestyle, stress has been found to affect women at a higher percentage than men when it comes to heart health.
- Smoking and inactivity: Undeniably the causes of myriad health problems, smoking and lack of physical activity directly influence heart health in women negatively.
- Menopause: A cause for concern after menopause is the low estrogen levels, which may lead to heart disease in smaller blood vessels.
- Pregnancy complications: Women’s long-term risk of high blood pressure and diabetes may be augmented if such health conditions make themselves present during pregnancy.
- Family history: History of early heart disease appears to be a higher risk factor in women than in men.
Symptoms of heart disease should be taken seriously, and be followed up with consultation with a medical professional, especially as they may resemble day-to-day symptoms of fatigue:
- Pain in the neck, jaw, or throat
- Sharp chest pain or discomfort, but also dull and heavy pain
- Pain in the back or upper abdomen
- Nausea, vomiting, and fatigue
- Indigestion and heartburn
- Chest palpitations
- Shortness of breath and swelling of the feet and ankles
Misdiagnosis
The two main reasons for misdiagnosed heart disease in women is that it is typically thought of as a male problem—despite it being the number one cause of death of American women—and that the symptoms are sometimes dismissed as something less serious.
A study conducted in 2018 found that 62% of women reported more than three symptoms that were not associated with the chest area or with chest pain, compared to 54.8% of men. Additionally, 53% of women in the study confessed to their doctors or health providers dismissing the symptoms as not associated with heart disease. Only 36.7% of men in the study reported their health provider treating their symptoms as something less.
Health Tips
Maintaining your overall health is important in preventing heart disease, but you may want to pay more particular attention to alcohol consumption and smoking, as well as add regular exercise to your routine. Managing and lowering stress levels and depression is also optimal, as is a diet that assists your overall health.
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By Iris Farrou
26 Feb, 2021
Lifestyle Tips, Sexual health
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According to the CDC, human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI), while other sources report that about 14 million people become infected every year. Both men and women can contract HPV. It is estimated that though 80% of sexually active individuals are likely to have it during their life, not all of them know they have the virus. Some types of the virus can cause warts or cancer, while other types go away on their own. However, contracting the disease once does not exclude one from getting it again.
Causes and Transmission
HPV can be transmitted relatively easy when skin on skin contact with someone who has it occurs. Most commonly, this occurs with sexual contact and during vaginal or anal sex. It may also be transmitted during childbirth, from the mother to her baby. In many instances, HPV causes no symptoms, which can make it rather hard to even suspect its presence. Additionally, if you have contracted the virus it can take years to show any symptoms so identifying when you first became infected becomes a challenge. The most common symptom is warts, which are usually bumps in the genital area—either flat or raised. In other cases, when the virus does not go away it can cause different types of cancer.
It is recommended that you not only get tested regularly for STIs, and keep up with Pap smears, but that you also specifically request an HPV test. Regular Pap smear results do not exclude the possibility of HPV; in ages over 30, you may also want to consider screening for cervical cancer.
HPV and Cancer
Like with other symptoms of HPV, it can take many years after it is contracted to form into a type of cancer. Usually, the virus causes cervical cancer but it can also cause cancer of the vulva, penis, or anus. It may also cause oropharyngeal cancer, which is located at the back of the throat, base of the tongue and tonsils.
Though there is no cure for HPV itself, there are treatments for warts and for different types of cancer. The most usual treatments for women include colposcopy, where the cervix is closely examined for pre-cancerous cells, cryotherapy which freezes and removes pre-cancerous cells from the cervix, and Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (LEEP) the removes the pre-cancerous cells using an electrical current.
HPV Prevention and Vaccine
Similar to the prevention of any STI, limited sexual contact, safe sexual practices, and regular health checks are good measures to stay safe. The HPV vaccine, however, increases chances of preventing warts and cervical cancer caused. Though the HPV vaccine recommended age is 11 to 12 years old and before the existence of sexual contact, it is still possible to get the vaccine even if you are sexually active already. Remember that the HPV vaccine does not protect against all types of cervical cancer and in most cases it is given in three separate shots.
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By Iris Farrou
20 Feb, 2021
Women's Health
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Polycystic ovary syndrome is a common health condition marked by irregular periods, or no menstruation at all. It is more common among women of childbearing age, but not exclusively. PCOS causes multiple cysts to appear in the ovaries, usually due to the overproduction of androgens. The most usual symptoms of PCOS are excessive hairiness, acne, and male pattern baldness. If symptoms go untreated, women with PCOS are at greater risk for heart disease, endometrial cancer, high blood pressure, and diabetes. It causes significant problems with weight gain and weight management, so diet tips and awareness are optimal if you have PCOS.
Insulin is a hormone produced in the pancreas and it helps with transforming sugar into energy. Women with PCOS have been found to have higher than normal insulin levels, and their bodies tend to not use the insulin produced effectively. This is known as being “insulin resistant,” where the body tries to keep insulin levels normal by producing even more insulin. Higher levels of insulin, however, cause the ovaries to produce more androgens—such as testosterone. Insulin resistance also makes it harder to lose weight, hence the challenge women with PCOS face.
PCOS and Diet
Though there is no one fit-all diet for women with PCOS, there is a general consensus agreeing that a diet high in refined carbohydrates doesn’t help anyone. Foods in a low glycemic index—such as legumes, nuts, seeds, fruits and other foods that are low-carbohydrates—and anti-inflammatory foods—such as berries, fatty foods, leafy greens—help with weight management.
To combat insulin resistance, consider adding the following high-fiber foods to your diet:
- broccoli
- cauliflower
- Brussels sprout
- red leaf lettuce
- arugula
- bell peppers
- beans
- lentils
- sweet potatoes
- pumpkin
- winter squash
To reduce inflammation, opt for a diet high in:
- kale
- tomatoes
- spinach
- almonds
- walnuts
- berries (especially blueberries and strawberries)
- fatty fish (salmon and sardines)
- olive oil
Other healthy dietary options include lean protein sources like tofu and chicken.
As with any medical issue, there is no one recipe for success; consult with your doctor or a medical professional if you need further assistance concerning your diet when diagnosed with PCOS.
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