PCOS?

wellness

Cathlete
I have Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome....it makes it very hard to loose weight . I'm on Metformin (a drug given to diabetics) to help. But, I'm still struggling a bit to loose weight. I'm not completely overweight, but could afford to loose 5 -10 pounds. Does anyone else have this?? And how do you eat to help it??
Thanks..
Alicia:)
 
I have PCOS. Did you have any insulin resistance tests done before you were given the Metformin? My doctor's feeling is that the meds don't help if you don't have insulin resistance.

I've read that a low carb diet is best for women with PCOS.

Erica
 
Ya..my doctor did a bunch of blood glucose tests and cholosteral tests. My readings for blood glucose where in check...but, my triglercide(spelling?) was a little high. I don't even eat red meat! I quess that can be a side effect of PCOS. The Metformin did help me loose some weight when I initally when on it. But, now I'm stuck on those last 5 - 10 pounds.
My doctor said pretty much the same thing yours said about meds, however, I was having alot of energy lows (getting quite tired,esp. after I eat). I also wasn't getting my period. Only 2 - 3 times a year. Metformin has seemed to help with getting my period started and regular and tiredness.
I've recently bought a book regarding PCOS and eating. It recommends low-glycemic foods. I haven't read too much of it yet.
Just wondering if anyone else had these problems with PCOS too.
Thanks...
Alicia

;)
 
I'm taking my 17 year old to rule out PCOS on Monday. I am sooo unfamiliar with it. Would you ladies mind sharing a bit of info. on this? Thanks a bunch.

Blessings,
Denise
 
As far as I know...which I'm still learning about it. You really need an ultra sound and blood tests to find out for sure. My understanding of it, PCOS has mutiple symptoms ...ranging from excessive hair growth, mood swings, acne, irregular periods, weight gain, fatigue, etc. (Varying from person to person.) The list goes on.
I think it is getting more recognized and understood by doctors. Some doctors tend to believe that the root of PCOS is insulin resistance. Research is leading to that too. Some are able to control it thru excerise and diet. If it can't be done by these alone, the doctor may suggest a drug ("Metformin") to help. As I understand it, those with PCOS, are more suscepible to diabetes, high cholestrol, infertility, and being overwieght. Your doctor will know more. There is no surgery or cure...just management. I bought a book called "The New Glucose Revolution : Guide to Living Well with PCOS". I'm still reading it... So, far its pretty good.
Hope this helps alittle. Good Luck to your daughter!
I'm still seeing if anyone knows anymore or has any suggestions....
Alicia
 
I don't have any suggestions, but found your post interesting. I have often wondered if I have this problem or if it is just perimenopause.x( I'm surprised no one else has posted as I thought it was a pretty common problem. Is it the insulin resistance that causes the difficulty in losing weight? It must cause some hormone imbalance with the other symptoms? I guess I should do some online research! Marnie
 
I'm 31 and just found out last year that I have it. After years of just accepting what I was feeling, I Finally switched doctors!

As far as I understand it is the insulin resistance that is the root to all of it. It does cause a hormone imbalance, affecting the whole body. According to the book, stated in the above post, "insulin resis. leads to hormonal imbalances that create the symptoms of PCOS." I get lost in all the medical reasons "ovaries having insulin receptors" and how that works in the body.

The human body is always fascinating to me.
Alicia
 
I was diagnosed with PCOS when I was 21 (I'm 38 now). My first period that wasn't induced by meds was when I was 33 years old! I get periods now, but they are very irregular.

My triglycerides were high last time I was checked also, but I eat too many refined foods so I assumed that was the cause. I thought that PCOS also raises your risk for heart disease significantly, but I could be wrong about that.

I'm going to look for the book that you mentioned - it sounds interesting.

Erica
 
use google & you will get alot of info on this disease. There is also a pcos foundation, good luck to you all. You will need a good (preferably female) endocronoligist. I think that female gyns & endocronoligists are more attuned to this disease than a male doctor would be.
 
Why do you think that? I'm just wondering because the specialists that I've gone to have been male and I think they are fabulous.

Erica
 
>Why do you think that? I'm just wondering because the
>specialists that I've gone to have been male and I think they
>are fabulous.
>
>Erica
Hi Erica,

I have found that the female doctors are just more receptive to my feeling regarding "something is not right with my body" My primary care doctor is a male & I adore him, but as far as the other problems I found the women more attuned to me. This is just my experience & my personal feelings.
 
Thanks for posting the websites...

I have a female endoc.& gyn .she's wonderful. She takes so much time with me, she treats the whole person, which I love. She'll ask how you're sleeping, nutrition, any problems in your life, etc. And she is so thorough. She checks everything. I feel so confident that she will always go the extra mile.

I just feel more comfortable with a female too. I feel she understands the female body a little better....some things books just can't teach.

In responds to the other post...I think your right, PCOS can make you more susceptible to heart disease. I think it's due to the increase risk of cholestrol, obesity, diabetes, etc. From what I understand, there are numerous of problems that can arise. Check out those websites or google. I've checked out some, and some are pretty good on the facts of it (without trying to sell you something).

Thanks.....
Alicia
;)
 

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