u/rainbow_veins3

I also believe there is something to be said for living long enough to experience trauma/grief/stress, that directly impact the body. I was always tiny and lightweight. After a huge trauma last year i developed back rolls and gained 10-15 pounds that do not budge.

I walk, do bodyweight exercises, dance, and stretch/deep breathe to relieve some stress. Do I now have to become a drill sergeant to myself about going to the gym?:') maybe getting into a calorie deficit?

I hear these things all the time: you're just getting older, it's what happens to everyone. I don't want to accept that and that most likely means making lifestyle changes even though I got by fine before without having an intense approach.

Would love to hear your advice and experiences?

This feels like such a deal-breaker for me. Just the first impression of a potential man's family is huge. That may be wrong of me. But when all the extended family has unhealthy habits and concerning lifestyles...I high-tail it outta there.

What is your opinion on this?

I've increased my protein, fiber, and fat over the last few years. I've managed to gain maybe healthy weight, but some of it is from PMOS and trauma. I'm 5ft, and with 10 extra lbs that aren't budging from stress, I'm sitting at 129. I do think some of that is muscle as I've worked out a bit more this past year. I look skinny.

How do you ensure you're getting enough food each day? I have 3 meals, really no snacks. Maybe one good snack like a beef stick, carrots, and hummus would be enough.

This has been the case for years, and I see my strands changing in real time in not good ways. I have pmos, high testosterone, so I realize what is happening:( what would you do if you were in this boat? Or if you've experienced this, what has been your approach?

I do have deficiencies in Vitamin D and ferritin, and those contribute too. Really hoping the supplements help.

If you have any other supplements, teas, routines, anything that help your strands remain thick...please share?

I'm pretty scared about this. I've worn my hair in a loose braid for a week at a time, once a month, for years. Just makes sense for my crazy schedule. It hasn't caused me trouble, but I'm concerned it's starting to. I have a shiny spot on my crown. I've always had a double cowlick there, and I am praying this isn't permanent.

I would really appreciate hearing similar experience, what helped, and any advice? Like supplements that can help strengthen my follicles, anything.

I've also had seb derm for 10 years, and I'm hoping it's not damage from that💔

...Besides the obvious? Maybe better skin, hair, mood, sleep, hormonal balance? Hoping for all of the above, as I know gut health ties it all together anyway.

I cannot believe how little fiber my family has, and therefore I grew up having. I'm amazed how easy it is to consume 20g a day, and I truly feel much less stressed in traffic/at work, etc.

I'm curious what your favorite source of fiber is? Especially bearing heavy metals and maybe parasites in mind👀

I'd like to start buying dried beans, soaking them overnight, doing the whole shebang. But for now I'm buying Whole Foods black beans (no salt, BPA free lining), eating Wyman's bluebs with pumpkin seeds (great antioxidant duo), sweet potato, carrots, an Olipop as a treat. And recently got my first jar of Coconut Cult - I don't have probiotic supplements, so thought I'd try it. A good pickle and spicykraut always hit the spot too.

Some of this is could be due to 30 being around the bend. And the truth that we can't get through life unscathed. But I'm trying to make all the best decisions, protein and fiber, sleeping as much as possible, and moving (walking, dancing, etc.) Implementing somatic exercises as well, and community, but that brings its own stress as I show up in a state that causes sadness and anxiety to be seen as. Trying to let go of that though.

How did the deficiencies reflect in your hair? I have PMOS on top of these two deficiencies, so high testosterone. But I'm hoping once I solve these, my hair strands can grow thicker and return to a nice density.

I'm curious if seeing a derm or trichologist would be worth it. But I've gotten recent bloodwork done, and have all the factors stacked against me (not to be eeyore). So I know the causes. Trying to solve them, hoping for the best.

If you've ever cried through your whole shower time, you know how I feel today.

I've had insomnia for much of my adult life. It may be mainly due to hormones, as I have PMOS. But I had to turn to hydroxyzine when I started falling asleep at 5am most nights. That was a year and a half ago, and I've read it's not meant to be taken long-term. However, it does work and I'm thankful for that.

But I've been making other changes like putting my phone on airplane mode, keeping it further away from my bed. Doing duolingo at night, or listening to my prayer app. I also incorporate a walk and some tai chi at night, to wind down from the day.

I've noticed eating more fiber has helped my sleep too. Gut health is so tied to our emotional well-being, so I know it's lessening my stress.

Anyway, I would appreciate hearing your experience? As I wean off of hydroxyzine, I could use all the advice!

I have wanted to incorporate more cardio with my little sister. But I have pcos, and cardio has been very demonized because of cortisol being raised. I don't buy into this, but want to start slow in case it could overwhelm an already overloaded system.

Please let me know of any benefits you notice, tips, favorite YouTubers or Instagrammers to follow for jump rope moves!

I've lived with high testosterone for 10 years. The hirsutism, changing hair texture, light periods. My DHEA has gone up considerably over the last few years too.

My insulin is healthy, which I've read is often the main cause of PCOS(PMOS) symptoms. I've tried incorporating nervous system regulating exercises, as that is a major culprit too.

My Vitamin D is low, as is my ferritin. But when I start taking Vit D I notice more shedding and hirsutism & have read it can further increase testosterone.

I know this space isn't only for women, so I'm sorry to put this here. But I'm pretty desperate to hear experiences and what has helped others?

I try not to go a full week with the same braid, but with illness and ptsd I've had to recently. Then I give it a break and have it down for a couple weeks. I put it up in a loose bun at night some of the time. Is this okay to alternate/is it giving my hair enough of a break from any tension of the same style for days? It's a loose braid but I have think fairly heavy hair.

Thank you for any advice or similar experience!

I've been seeing a naturopath for the last several years. She is the first to not dismiss my symptoms, and offer alternatives to medication. She gives concrete advice about diet and exercise. However, lately I've been disappointed that she doesn't seem to help me find the root causes. To things like PCOS (PMOS) symptoms, low ferritin and low vitamin d, insomnia for years. She suggests supplements, and those daily habits.

There is sooo much great information we have at our fingertips with the interwebs, so I try to find answers there. I've also been curious about finding a TCM doctor near me, as what I've read about that practice seems to resonate a lot.

Just curious to hear who has been most helpful to you?

Whether it was a book you wish you had discovered sooner, hearing these are normal experiences and you're not alone, not having a parent smother you and just let you figure it out or the opposite? Do you recommend therapy and conversations about medication, based on what you know now? Etc.

I walk a line between caring too much about wellness/healthy choices, and neglecting other factors. Like scalp massages, skincare, weight lifting.

What tips would you give/what would you change if you could reverse the clock?

I've lived with facial hair issues, head hair issues, insomnia, mood swings - all stemming from PCOS. But I don't know what the root cause is. My insulin and glucose levels are healthy, my thyroid numbers come back normal.

I've had these deficiencies for years. I just want to find the answers, and feel like I'm giving my hair and hormones what they need to actually stabilize and work optimally.

I've been deficient in these for years, and am finally starting my supplements religiously again. I'm concerned about my hair and am hoping these will help. I would appreciate hearing some encouraging stories or advice when treating these deficiencies?

I have a new role where I will be dealing with drunk people everyday. I have to call security as they're not readily available, there are no metal detectors, and I'm alone for the most part. I've been told concerning stories by everyone I've talked with about this position.

I'm trying not to dread each day, I don't want to be stuck in a stressed state. I want to rely on the team that I can call on, and also not place too much value on my life/comfort/safety.

Poor digestion, insomnia, missed/irregular periods, hair fall, histamine flares, lack of appetite, fatigue, etc. So many symptoms can be traced back to stress and nervous system regulation.

What have you found to be most helpful? Especially if you have endured heavy trauma, what healthy coping mechanisms have you put into place?

I'm taking 5000 vitamin d3 with a 27% dv of magnesium glycinate, 150% dv of iron bisglycinate with a fruit-based vitamin c supplement. I'm concerned I could have a histamine issue being triggered by the vitamin c, as I have other symptoms that point to that.

I've been deficient in these for years, but I notice when I take breaks from supplements my gut health improves a ton. I know that is one of the most important factors to overall health.

If anyone has any hacks like digestive enzymes/bitters, probiotics, anything that can help?