MandyT

I have mixed feelings on what it has to say about PCOS, or "PCO" as it labels it (not acknowledging it as a disease or syndrome). On one hand, I do STRONGLY believe in the mind/body connection and that is essential, but on the other hand I am a little infuriated by a few of her suggestions. In short, she suggests that PCOS originates in the brain and causes the hormone imbalance, and that in the majority of cases it's because of suppressed emotional reasons such as being ashamed of or angry at your womanhood, supressed rage at your mother, or other childhood injuries to the psyche such as sexual abuse or violence towards the women in your home or culture. Basically, it results in women who psychologically "fight" becoming fully mature women.

I am a little offended by this because I don't think any of these things apply to me, and as "solutions" the author (Dr. Christiane Northrup) suggests merely bringing to your conscience and acknowledging these things and basically 'moving on'. Then she suggests things such as tracking cycles in nature (moon, tides, etc.) as solutions to regulate your own cycles again. I am just frustrated that anyone would really think it could be that simple, and I also am feeling sort of blamed for this condition, like it's my fault because I'm so messed up in the head. Am I being oversensitive here?? I just read this earlier today at Barnes and Noble and I haven't been able to stop thinking about it. Any opinions?

As for me, I did have some emotional abuse in my home as a young child- but my mom stood up, walked out, and did what she had to do to protect us kids. I have no 'suppressed rage' towards her- I dealt very consciously with my anger towards her as an adolescent, and we have always had an extremely close relationship. I am not ashamed of being a woman, or angry that I am one... I have always been very girly and love feminine things. Nor was I raised in a religion or culture that looked down on women as inferior.

Yet I still wonder if Dr. Northrup would just say I am just suppressing something. I guess I should just let this go, but I am so SICK of PCOS, it is really bothering me thinking- what if I can just do some psychological work and fix the whole thing? Do I really want to totally write this off just because I'm offended? Does my strong reaction signal that there IS something there, or just that I hate PCOS and would do ANYTHING to get rid of it?? I am so confused girls...

Eumie

It sounds ridiculous to me. PCOS can be measured.

I had a pretty charmed childhood. I have no issues with being a woman. The only issues I have ever had are directly related to PCOS symptoms.

There's only so far that mind over matter mindsets can take you. It would be like suggesting that if you just wanted it badly enough, you could lose weight without changing how you're eating and exercising.

I'd dismiss it if I were you, but that's just me.