Layo Centre

The Rotterdam criteria are one of the most widely used sets of guidelines for diagnosing Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). PCOS is a condition that affects a woman's hormone levels, leading to irregular periods, excess male hormones (like testosterone), and an increased risk for metabolic syndrome. Here's how the diagnosis process works, according to the Rotterdam criteria: To be diagnosed with PCOS, you need to have at least two out of these three features: 1. Irregular or Absent PeriodsThis is defined as: cycles < 21 days or > 35 days apart, or < 8 cycles per year. 2. Excess Androgens (Male Hormones)can cause physical signs like excess facial or body hair (hirsutism), acne, or hair thinning (male-pattern baldness). Blood tests can also help to assess for this, but these hormone levels can still be considered within a normal range if you have PCOS. 3. Polycystic Ovaries on pelvic ultrasound, the doctor checks your ovaries for multiple small follicles (often referred to as "cysts") that don't develop into mature eggs. Even though these are called "cysts," they aren’t harmful—they’re just small underdeveloped follicles. You don’t need all three features to be diagnosed—just two out of the three. Remember, PCOS is a clinical diagnosis, which means more often than not your investigations (ultrasound and blood tests) will be normal. This does NOT mean you may not have PCOS. PCOS is a complex condition that can affect your reproductive health and overall well-being, but with a proper diagnosis and treatment, it can be managed. The treatment often focuses on managing symptoms, like regulating your periods and addressing underlying issues such as insulin resistance. With the incredible Nita Sharda.

October is a busy month in women's health. As well as being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, it's also World Menopause Month! 🌸 Menopause shouldn’t be a taboo topic—open conversations create understanding, support, and solidarity. 🙌🏾 The Layo Centre is here to empower you with knowledge at every stage, from perimenopause to post-menopause. Awareness is key, and together, we can break the stigma!

With Manitoba recently announcing full coverage for all contraceptives, including IUDs, now is the perfect time for women approaching perimenopause to consider an IUD as part of their health plan. An IUD not only provides reliable, long-term contraception during this stage of life, but it also helps manage common perimenopausal symptoms like heavy or irregular periods. Hormonal IUDs, release a small amount of progestin that can help to regulate your cycles, reduce heavy bleeding, and, in many cases, stop periods altogether. This can offer significant relief and help make the transition to menopause much smoother. Other benefits of hormonal IUDs include prevention of endometrial cancer and excellent endometrial protection if you do require menopausal hormone therapy down the road. With Manitoba’s new coverage, the cost of an IUD is no longer a barrier, making it easier for women to take advantage of this low-maintenance, dual-purpose option. An IUD can offer peace of mind, providing protection against unexpected pregnancies and managing perimenopausal symptoms. If you’re heading into this phase, now is a great time to speak with your healthcare provider about whether an IUD is the right choice for you. And remember, you don't need a referral to see us about contraception!

"We know that 10 million women in Canada at this time are over the age of 40, which also accounts for 25% of the population. So when we think about the impact on the economic impact for Canadian society, and at the end of the day, women's ability to rise in society and to rise in their professions, that can be astounding when all of a sudden they get hit with a state that they have very little control over hormonal fluctuations that may begin in their late thirties to early forties, and often the peak time women are trying to ascend in their careers."

This question came up during our recent Instagram Live with @nita_sharda and I wanted to follow up with some tips and tricks for our PCOS girlies! Clue: A popular period tracker, Clue allows you to track your menstrual cycle, symptoms, and lifestyle factors. It’s designed to provide predictions and insights that can help identify patterns specific to your cycle, even if it’s irregular. Flo: This app helps track your period, ovulation, and symptoms. Flo offers predictions for cycles and fertile windows, which can be useful for women with PCOS, and also includes educational content about PCOS and reproductive health. Grab a Sharpie!: Write the day you first grab a tampon on the box. Keep the sharpie right beside it so it’s easy peasy when you grab for the Tampax. Keep your period journal by your coffee pot: God knows caffeine is king when Aunt Flo rolls into town. You may not remember on your first day, but you’ll remember when you wake up on day two feeling like you’ve been hit by a truck!

Are you struggling with mood swings during perimenopause? You're not alone! Mood swings are a common symptoms during perimenopause due to hormonal fluctuations, but there are many ways to manage them: 💊 Medical Options: Menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) can help balance fluctuating hormones (discuss with your doctor) Antidepressants (SSRIs/SNRIs) may be helpful for severe mood swings ✨ Lifestyle Tips: Get regular exercise to boost endorphins Prioritize quality sleep by maintaining a healthy sleep routine Manage stress with mindfulness, deep breathing, or yoga. 🧠 Therapy: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can help you manage mood swings by teaching you effective coping strategies. 🤝 Emotional Support: Talk to friends, family, or a support group. Sharing your experience can ease stress and anxiety. 👩⚕️ Regular Checkups: Stay on top of your health with regular check-ins with your healthcare provider to adjust treatment as needed! Remember, there’s no need to go through this alone—help is available, and these strategies can make a real difference! 🌟

October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month in Canada, a time to acknowledge the incredible strides we’ve made in diagnosing and treating breast cancer. Yet, despite this progress, too many women continue to face this disease, and some will tragically lose their fight. One of the most effective tools we have for early detection is the mammogram (not a thermal mammogram! More on this at a later date). Across many provinces, screening is covered starting at age 40. Here in Manitoba, the BreastCheck program currently offers screening mammography for women between 50 and 74. Manitoba plans to lower its screening age to age 45 by the end of the 2025, with the eventual goal to aim for age 40 according to a news release from the Minister of Health's office on September 24, 2024. Another win for women's health here in the province of Manitoba! If you’re in your 40s, we enocurage you having a conversation with your healthcare provider about whether early screening is right for you. Research shows that starting screenings in your 40s can lead to earlier treatment and a lower chance of mortality. Along with mammograms, regular breast exams from your healthcare provider are also key to maintaining your breast health. Early detection saves lives—so let’s not wait. To self refer for a mammogram in Manitoba, call BreastCheck at 1-855-95-CHECK (1-855-952-4325) to book an appointment.

It's universal birth control coverage day in Manitoba! As of October 1, Manitoba has introduced universal birth control coverage, marking a pivotal moment for women's health in our province. At the Layo Centre, we believe this initiative will have a profound impact on the well-being of women by making contraception more accessible and removing financial barriers that have long affected reproductive choice. Access to affordable birth control is essential not only for pregnancy prevention but also for managing health conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), adenomyosis, fibroids and endometriosis. This new policy gives women greater control over their reproductive health, allowing them to plan their futures without the added stress of cost concerns. Universal coverage ensures that all women, regardless of income or life circumstances, can access contraception. Whether balancing work, education, or family responsibilities, women across Manitoba now have equitable access to the birth control options to suit their needs. Congratulations, Manitoba. this is HUGE!

We are closed today to mark the National Day For Truth and Reconciliation. We encourage you to all use this day to reflect and learn. 🧡

Happy World Contraception Day! Today is a meaningful opportunity to reflect on the importance of empowering individuals through informed reproductive choices. Contraception is essential to women’s health, enabling them to plan their families, reduce the risks associated with unintended pregnancies, and take control of their well-being. In Manitoba, we are fortunate to have access to a wide variety of contraceptive options, from birth control pills and IUDs to implants (free as of October 1!) and barrier methods. But despite this, challenges around education and accessibility still exist, particularly in rural and underserved communities, including Indigenous populations, where access to healthcare services may be limited. On World Contraception Day, I want to emphasize the need to ensure that all women and girls have access to comprehensive sexual health education and the contraceptive options that best suit their individual needs. Equitable access and reducing stigma around contraception are critical for improving health outcomes, economic stability, and personal empowerment for all individuals. Let’s continue working together to make informed reproductive choices possible for every person, everywhere. Wishing you a Happy World Contraception Day! - Dr. Famuyide