''PCOS Challenge'' is an American informational video series about

polycystic ovary syndrome Polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, is the most common endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age. The syndrome is named after the characteristic cysts which may form on the ovaries, though it is important to note that this is a sign and no ...

(PCOS), produced by William R. Patterson and microbiologist Sasha Ottey, president of PCOS Challenge, Inc. Ottey started ''PCOS Challenge'' after her PCOS diagnosis in 2008. The aim of the videos is to bridge a perceived gap in information for sufferers of the condition; they provide information on common PCOS symptoms including

infertility Infertility is the inability of a person, animal or plant to reproduce by natural means. It is usually not the natural state of a healthy adult, except notably among certain eusocial species (mostly haplodiploid insects). It is the normal state ...

diabetes Diabetes, also known as diabetes mellitus, is a group of metabolic disorders characterized by a high blood sugar level ( hyperglycemia) over a prolonged period of time. Symptoms often include frequent urination, increased thirst and increased ap ...

obesity Obesity is a medical condition, sometimes considered a disease, in which excess body fat has accumulated to such an extent that it may negatively affect health. People are classified as obese when their body mass index (BMI)—a person's we ...

heart disease Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a class of diseases that involve the heart or blood vessels. CVD includes coronary artery diseases (CAD) such as angina and myocardial infarction (commonly known as a heart attack). Other CVDs include stroke, hea ...

anxiety Anxiety is an emotion which is characterized by an unpleasant state of inner turmoil and includes feelings of dread over anticipated events. Anxiety is different than fear in that the former is defined as the anticipation of a future threat wh ...

, depression, and

hirsutism Hirsutism is excessive body hair on parts of the body where hair is normally absent or minimal. The word is from early 17th century: from Latin ''hirsutus'' meaning "hairy". It usually refers to a "male" pattern of hair growth in a female that ...

, and have been shown on public access television stations in the United States.

PCOS Challenge, Inc.

PCOS Challenge, Inc. is a nonprofit organization providing support for women with polycystic ovarian syndrome through television and radio programming, educational workshops, and online and offline support networks.

PCOS Challenge Radio Show

In order to raise awareness about PCOS and related conditions, Sasha Ottey, founder and Executive Director of PCOS Challenge, Inc., hosts the PCOS Challenge radio show, which features interviews with experts, authors and women who live with PCOS.

Season one

The show follows ten women with PCOS who are coached by dietician Rebecca Mohning, fitness trainer Josef Brandenburg, and clinical psychologist Ruth Wittersgreen. The women are also guided by alternative and traditional medical experts including reproductive endocrinologists, dermatologists, acupuncturists, and naturopathic physicians. For nutrition, much of the focus was on eating a

low-carbohydrate diet Low-carbohydrate diets restrict carbohydrate consumption relative to the average diet. Foods high in carbohydrates (e.g., sugar, bread, pasta) are limited, and replaced with foods containing a higher percentage of fat and protein (e.g., meat, p ...

to help improve insulin sensitivity that has been linked to many of the problems associated with PCOS. The women take fish oil and vitamin D to help improve their insulin sensitivity.http://www.fasebj.org/content/23/6/1946.short In addition to the low-carb diet, the participants followed an

anaerobic exercise Anaerobic exercise is a type of exercise that breaks down glucose in the body without using oxygen; ''anaerobic'' means "without oxygen". In practical terms, this means that anaerobic exercise is more intense, but shorter in duration than aerobi ...

program, focused on

resistance training Strength training or resistance training involves the performance of physical exercises that are designed to improve strength and endurance. It is often associated with the lifting of weights. It can also incorporate a variety of training te ...

and

high-intensity interval training High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is a training protocol alternating short periods of intense or explosive anaerobic exercise with brief recovery periods until the point of exhaustion. HIIT involves exercises performed in repeated quick bu ...

Episodes

In each episode, the women share their experiences living with polycystic ovary syndrome and learn ways to overcome their challenges with the condition.

References

External links

Official PCOS Challenge Television Show Website

PCOS Challenge Nonprofit Organizational Website

PCOS Challenge Support Network
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