There is a lot of misinformation going on about, well…a lot of things. Unfortunately, health-related things seem to be taking the biggest hit.
MLM (multi level marketing) companies are constantly giving out misinformation when it comes to people’s health issues and how to treat them. PCOS is one of the conditions that has been talked about by these people.
I am here to tell you to not listen to them!
What MLMs are
MLM stands for multi-level marketing. It is also known as network marketing. It is a business model that is like a pyramid scheme but has managed to escape from being considered illegal.
This business model involves there being independent contractors that are also known as, “distributers.” These people distribute the products that the companies are selling.
These distributers usually go on to recruit other people to become distributers for them and are then called, “downlines.” This forms a pyramid-like structure with that one person being at the top and all the people below them that do their own branching off.
There are different rankings in MLM companies that people are at. They are placed at them based on sales. The companies put out compensation plans that show how much one will make each month/year at the ranks. These plans are rarely accurate, however.
One of the many unfortunate things about MLMs is that the money mainly goes to the top of the people on the pyramid. This means that most people (about 99%), will not make anything during their time in the company and some even lose money due to putting their own into it.
MLMs are looked at as being very “scammy” and cult-like. This is because of the tactics used to get people started as distributers/customers and to get them to stay as one. The following are some of them:
- Giving sales pitches that make the products and becoming a distributor sound great.
- Incessant messaging to get people to join and buy things.
- Incessant social media posting of the products and how great being in an MLM is.
- Guilt and manipulation.
There are many different MLMs and they sell various types of products. Chances are, you have probably heard of at least one of them. Here is a list of some well-known MLM companies:
- Herbalife- Dietary supplements.
- Avon- Cosmetics and personal care products.
- Arbonne- Skincare, cosmetics and nutrition.
- Beachbody- Fitness and dietary supplements.
- Cutco- Knives
- doTerra- Essential oils
- Mary Kay- Cosmetics
- Medifast- Weight loss
- It Works- Beauty, weight loss and nutrition.
- Melaleuca- Cleaning supplies
- Pampered Chef- Kitchen and food products.
- Young Living- Essential oils
Lies and garbage
People in various MLMs have talked about PCOS (and hormonal problems in general) and targeted those who have the condition.
They typically start off by telling their story (often exaggerated) about having PCOS/hormonal issues. Then, they will talk about the products and how much they either helped or completely cured them.
It is all lies and garbage. Not to mention, dangerous.
The products that these MLMers try to sell (gummies, essential oils, drinks etc.) may end up causing adverse events. The following are some bad reactions that have occurred in quite a few people:
- GI issues (if products are ingested).
- Worsening of your symptoms and condition that you are trying to treat/cure.
- Allergic reactions- Such as contact dermatitis, hives, breathing difficulty, eye irritation, burning/itching in your mouth etc.
- Headaches and migraines.
Those are just general things that can occur. Here are hormone-related, adverse events that have occurred in some people who have taken MLM products:
- Periods coming too early, too late or disappearing altogether.
- Worsening menstrual cramps.
- Spotting with or without cramps.
- Heavy bleeding during period.
- Infertility.
- Miscarriage.
- New or worsening acne.
Not good!
The MLMers typically have no idea what they are talking about in terms health and medical stuff. If they do have health and medical knowledge (as is the case of healthcare professionals that join), then shame on them as they should know better!
Now this all may seem hypocritical of me to say as I talk about health-related things on my blog but I know to not make wild claims. I do my research and present what I have learned so that other people who may be interested in the topic may be more informed about it.
It is wrong to make the statements that these MLMers do about their products that contain specific herbs, extracts, oils, vitamins.
There should also be a disclaimer given at the end or beginning of a video/article/blog post when talking about health topic. This is something that MLMers don’t do. If it isn’t given, someone might take what the person is saying as medically accurate and harm themselves by trying something.
Unfortunately, many people have been harmed by MLM products and it will probably keep happening until these companies go away.
No cure for PCOS
Despite what some MLMers might say- there is no cure for PCOS at this time.
Nothing at all will take away the syndrome completely so that you can be “normal.” There are only things that can treat the symptoms (skin, hair, weight, menstrual cycle, fertility and mood issues).
If you go to the doctor seeking diagnosis and/or treatment, they will usually recommend the following things:
- Birth control- There are various types that can help balance hormones and reduce certain symptoms.
- Fertility medications- There are some medications that will help one to ovulate if trying for a baby.
- Spironolactone- This medication can help with excess hair growth, bloating, blood pressure, acne and oily skin.
- Topical and oral (antibiotics and Accutane) acne treatments.
- Electrolysis- This procedure can help to destroy hair follicles to treat excess growth in certain areas.
- Weight loss- If weight is an issue, doctors may recommend that one try to lose some weight as even a small reduction can help PCOS symptoms. If one is having a lot of trouble losing weight, medications to help (such as Metformin) may be suggested.
- Lowering carbohydrate intake- This has been shown to help with insulin resistance which is seen in people with PCOS.
- Better diet in general- Eating healthier in general will also help with weight, mood, energy levels, blood pressure, cholesterol levels etc.
- Exercise- Being active can really help with weight, insulin resistance, cardiovascular health and mood.
The above treatments are the only things that good, ethical doctors will entertain. They would never suggest taking MLM products. The ones that might do that are unprofessional and should probably not be seeing patients until they learn the misinformation and possible harm they are throwing their way.
The moral of the story
Don’t listen to MLMers! If you have PCOS or other hormonal issues, it is important to consult with your doctor about treatment options rather than taking products that MLM companies sell.
Do any of you know people in MLMs? If so, which one are they in? Has it harmed your relationship with them?
Thanks for reading!
Health disclaimer: What I have said in my post should not be taken as a substitute for medical advice. I have merely just done research and presented the things I have learned. It is best if you contact your doctor before adding in or taking away anything in your life that relates to your health. Your health is your own and I am not liable for any consequences you get for your choices.
If you are interested in learning more about MLMs and be entertained at the same time, check out the following anti-MLM YouTube channels:
https://www.youtube.com/c/JessicaHickson
https://www.youtube.com/c/HannahAlonzo
https://www.youtube.com/c/DeannaMims6
#antimlm #mlms #brainwashed #cult #pcos #pcosawareness #hormones #health
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