If you have PMOS and are undergoing fertility treatment, understanding how insulin resistance, hormone levels, inflammation and metabolic health may affect your fertility and pregnancy is key. Here’s a consultant’s take.
PCOS is now PMOS: What the new name means for your fertility and wellbeing
While the name is new, the lived experience for many people remains familiar. The hope is that PMOS will lead to earlier diagnosis, better treatment and more compassionate, accurate care.
Getting pregnant naturally with PCOS – Your nutrition and supplement questions in the spotlight
When you’re TTC with PCOS, small, consistent changes can help you feel more supported – starting with nutrition. From food to supplements, there’s no quick fix, but understanding your options can help you approach your next steps with confidence.
How I learned to manage hormonal acne naturally in my 20s (after saying no to hormonal treatments)
Enduring painful, cyclical acne in my early 20s, I found that prescription medication wasn’t giving me the relief or results I hoped for. After trying hormonal birth control, antibiotics and topical retinoids, my skin barrier felt damaged and worse than before — so I took a new approach. Here’s how simplifying my routine and supporting my body hormonally helped me manage acne naturally.
What is a phantom period, and is it actually a ‘real’ thing?
Think your period’s about to start — but nothing shows up? Phantom periods are a real thing, and they can be confusing. Here’s what causes them, how long they last, and when to get support.
Will a hysterectomy cure PMOS (formerly PCOS)? The short answer is no – and this is why
Living with PMOS (Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome), formerly known as PCOS? Chances are that you’ve stumbled across a whole host of discussions online about surgical management options, and maybe even heard that having a hysterectomy could be a potential cure. It sort of makes sense, right? PCOS affects your reproductive system, so removing parts of [...]
“I want to be in control of my body”: Florence Pugh, fertility, and the fight for autonomy
From endo to PCOS – and egg freezing – in a refreshingly candid new interview with Harper’s Bazaar, the 28-year-old is opening up about something very personal: her fertility.
Why your PMOS skincare routine needs more than a two-step cleanse approach
Of all the PCOS symptoms, changes in our skin is often one of the most visible signs. But can a top-notch PCOS skin care routine really change the game? The answer is yes, choosing the right products (in the right order) can absolutely support – but here’s why a holistic approach might be even better.
Keto for PCOS – weight loss updates & where the research is at, in 2024
In 2023, the Journal of the Endocrine Society published a study indicating that women with PCOS may see improvements in fertility, effective weight loss and hormone management, by following a ketogenic diet. Let’s deep-dive.
Your personal PCOS and fertility toolkit, with team Zita West
The PCOS and fertility supplements 101 Figuring out your PCOS strategy? The good news is, there's so much we can do, thanks to targeted micronutrient support. This condition affects one in ten people with ovaries, and is one of the most common causes of infertility, the NHS says. But, you absolutely can get pregnant with [...]
The PCOS questions you are asking
The top PCOS questions you’re asking, and all the next steps to get support and treatment rolling.
Supplements which tackle that insulin resistance factor, in PMOS
PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) brings with it a host of troublesome symptoms and some women don’t realise they have PCOS until they’re trying (and failing) to conceive. Fortunately, there are things you can do to improve your chances of getting pregnant with PCOS, including taking high-quality fertility supplements with specific ingredients.
PCOS and Inositol – how can this supplement help when TTC?
You might’ve seen PCOS and Inositol talked about in tandem – but what actually is Inositol? What’s the link with PCOS? And how can it help when TTC? Watch Zita West give us expert insight into all these questions and more.
Top 5 recommended exercises for improving fertility
Exercises for fertility - choose what works for you Moderate exercise has been known to provide numerous health benefits, including improvement to fertility through reducing cortisol levels and improving ovulation and circulation of blood to the reproductive organs. But, when going through clinical fertility treatments such as IUI or IVF, women are often advised to [...]
Do I have PCOS or endometriosis? Take the quiz
Endometriosis and PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) both affect around 10% of women during their reproductive years. But do I have PCOS or endometriosis? What if it’s both? Let’s back up – can it be both? Yes, and expert support is crucial.
From thyroid to surrogacy – 2022 wrapped with Laurel Fertility Care
Twelve months of incredible support and expertise, from one of California’s best fertility clinic groups. Laurel Fertility Care are the go-to specialist care providers for so many intended parents, parents-to-be and families - here’s what we’ve learned across 2022. Set the agenda for 2023 - we’re asking our Insta community what they’d like to see [...]
PCOS and endometriosis – can I have both?
PCOS and endometriosis are two of the most common conditions affecting female fertility. Around one in 10 people in the UK have either PCOS or endometriosis, which is an incredibly large number. Many of us are handling daily discomfort, fertility challenges and severe pain. But given they’re very different, what’s the recommended approach if you [...]
AMH and PCOS: What’s the Connection?
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrine disorders. Despite this, it’s hard to diagnose, as symptoms of PCOS - such as heavy or irregular periods, acne, excessive hair growth, and weight gain - are often just as easily connected to other conditions. We picked up with Innovative Health Diagnostics CEO David [...]
Is “Infertility” the Same as Having “Fertility Difficulties”? A Fertility Specialist Explains
Ever wondered what the difference is between “infertility” and having “fertility problems”? At The Ribbon Box, we constantly endeavor to raise awareness of infertility and the struggles people have trying to conceive. Today, fertility expert Dr. Samuel E. Brown (Founder of Brown Fertility) answers your questions about infertility and explains a common query our fertility [...]
Infertility – The Infinite Loop of Hope and Heartbreak
Anyone experiencing infertility or fertility problems knows that the journey to parenthood can be an endless cycle of hope, disappointment and drawing on diminishing energy reserves. We know that going through fertility treatment requires a positive yet realistic outlook, which can be difficult to have when trying to conceive with no success. That's why we [...]
5 Tips for PCOS Weight Loss
Anybody with PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) knows that weight gain is a common symptom. Why? Because PCOS makes the body more resistant to insulin - the hormone that helps convert sugars and starch from foods into energy. Whilst not all women with PCOS will gain weight, maintaining a healthy weight can sometimes be more difficult [...]
Follow These 6 Tips to Help You Get Pregnant with PCOS
Struggling to conceive is not uncommon and one in eight couples experience fertility issues. At The Ribbon Box, we know that for some people, fertility problems come from hormonal complications (like PCOS or endometriosis) and these conditions make getting pregnant frustrating and seem impossible. But don't fret. If you're trying to conceive naturally or considering [...]
Should I Get a Second Opinion on my Fertility Treatment?
Whether you’re TTC or exploring fertility preservation options, you might be wondering whether to get a second, third or fourth opinion and discuss treatment plans, progress and hurdles with anyone who’ll listen (or was that just me?!). But how do you know when you should get a second opinion? And what if you’re given conflicting [...]
How to Get Pregnant with PCOS
If you’re worried about how PCOS affects fertility and wondering “how can I get pregnant with PCOS?” you’re not alone! Around one in 10 women of child-bearing age suffer from PCOS and many will be thinking about the impact of PCOS on fertility. To connect and share experiences with others affected by this condition, download [...]
Conceiving with PMOS – 11 things that helped us
Trying to conceive with PMOS? Dietitian Jodie Relf shares the lifestyle changes, supplements and simple shifts that supported her journey to pregnancy – from prioritising sleep and managing stress to inositol, acupuncture and knowing when to stop tracking.
Track your Hormone Pattern to get Pregnant Faster
Hormones control so much about us, from our mood to our physical characteristics and, very obviously, our fertility. Having a fuller understanding of how monitoring your hormone levels can better your chances of a successful conception may shorten the time that you need to wait to get pregnant. The Ribbon Box has asked Mira Fertility [...]
Rebel Wilson’s Fight for IVF Success and Hope
Particularly when it comes to healthcare, professionals endeavour to give impartial advice but this isn’t always the reality. Unfortunately, some people - including celebrity Rebel Wilson - experience medical bias which can impact treatment pathways and results. Read on to find out how Rebel Wilson overcame medical bias on her fertility journey... By Holly Pigache [...]
PCOS Management and Fertility Treatment
In honour of PCOS awareness month this September, The Ribbon Box have asked Laurel Fertility Care to take a deeper look at the diagnosis that affects so many. PCOS affects 1 in 10 of women of child-bearing age and yet it is still hard to diagnose. Perhaps LFC's educational article on PCOS below will help [...]
How To Help Improve PCOS Symptoms and Fertility
PCOS affects 1 in 10 women in the UK and 15% of women in the US. Over 70% of women are unaware that they have the condition, as PCOS is one of the most under-diagnosed, underfunded and neglected areas of healthcare. When you are trying to conceive with PCOS, it can be incredibly difficult to [...]
Why Are People Painting Their Nails Purple For PCOS?
Many conversations around infertility and reproductive disorders are often considered taboo, leaving those who struggle with conditions like PCOS in the dark about their condition and feeling isolated. It is estimated that 1 in 10 women in the UK of reproductive age have PCOS, 70% of whom are unaware that they have the condition and [...]
How I Conceived Naturally with PCOS Against the Odds
It can be a lot harder to get pregnant when you have been diagnosed with PCOS, which makes your trying to conceive journey all the more difficult, especially when a successful pregnancy seems like an anomaly. The big question we're all thinking: is can you conceive naturally with PCOS? The Ribbon Box have reached out [...]
3 Powerful Nutrients you Need to Optimise your Fertility
Nutrition, along with lifestyle tweaks and exercise, can have a great impact on your reproductive health whilst trying to conceive. That being said, it is hard to know where to begin, especially if all your life you have stuck to one diet. Sometimes, it is best to start small (by trying things like fertility vitamins) [...]
The Reality of Fertility #FertilityUnspoken
THE REALITY OF FERTILITY #FERTILITYUNSPOKEN WATCH EPISODE ONE - TRYING TO CONCEIVE We're excited to bring you the 1st episode in the series ‘The Reality of Fertility #FERTILITYUNSPOKEN’. This is a 5-part series with four women from across the globe with four different fertility journeys, who share the ups and downs…. Episode 5 will include people [...]
Moving on to Donor Sperm – Morgan and Wyatt’s Journey to Baby H
Morgan Honeyman, AKA @Journey2babyH, features on The Ribbon Box today, sharing her PCOS diagnosis, her husband’s low sperm count issues, plus how COVID-19 complications have impacted their fertility journey to date. Words by Morgan @themohoney You could ask anyone who knows me and they'll tell you I've always wanted to be a mom. Even at [...]
Rebecca’s IVF Struggle with PCOS and Endometriosis
A lovely reader of The Ribbon Box, Rebecca, has kindly shared her story. We are all about community and know from our readers just how much hearing about people’s experiences can be as helpful as hearing from fertility specialists. Rebecca shares her IVF Journey with PCOS and Endometriosis, where she discusses what she did to [...]
Inositol and PCOS – what’s the link?
Is there an inositol PCOS fertility connection? We’ve heard that inositol may be good for PCOS and fertility, so we’ve turned to partner nutritionist, Kirsten Oddy, to find out about any benefits of inositol for PCOS and fertility, as well as dosage. www.kirstenoddy.com | @kirstenoddynutrition Before you read Snap 10% off our editor’s pick fertility inositol supplement – Inositol [...]
PCOS nutrition for natural conception support
PCOS affects approximately 1 in 10 women in the UK and is the most common cause of infertility in women. But when it comes to getting pregnant with PCOS, taking a natural approach can be successful in helping you conceive. So with this in mind, we asked nutritionist Kirsten Oddy her thoughts.
Can you have PCOS with regular periods? Your top questions, answered by the Women’s Wellness Centre
Plus, what about weight, fertility, and pregnancy risks? We answer your biggest questions about polycystic ovary syndrome with expert insight – covering symptoms, treatment options, and what PCOS really means for your health.
