Anyone else diagnosed with PCOS?

[redhen]

Quote:
Good Lord! who utters something on paper?..oh well you get what I meant.

LOL... yes, i get what you meant...

 

[Iowa Roo Mom]

I was diagnosed with PCOS in November of last year. I was put on Yaz (BC) and Metformin for the insulin resistance. I also have high testosterone levels. I'm doing much better as far as being, um, regular now, but still have quite a bit of pain once a month. As far as having kids, I was told by my OBGYN that they would have to induce ovulation, but I'm not in any big hurry to find out about that part yet. I did have a serious talk with my SO, informing him that PCOS can lead to infertility, but he has been nothing but supportive.

 

[Nicola]

That's Great that your SO is so supportive and understanding about it

 

[Jamie_Dog_Trainer]

Nicola thanks for starting this thread. Its nice to come here and read what everyone else has dealt with.

Today is a weird day for me emotionally, I hate the roller coaster every month. I am in pain a lot of the time, and not just with low abdomen -- I get pain in other areas, if you get my drift. But the worst thing is dealing with the emtional changes day to day.

 

[breezy]

I dealt with the pain and the emotional swings and a few other symptoms with accupuncture. It was amazing how well it worked for me. I found a skilled accupuncturist who did a treatment that I think was called chasing the dragon. I could have the name wrong. It was a series of needles in my abdomen and no joke I would be pain free for 3 months. I didnt feel the needles at all and I felt amazing afterwards. I usually was tired for the day following the treatment but then I would feel energized and pain free. I know a lot of people freak out at the thought of accupuncture but a skilled practioner is worth their weight in gold.

 

[Jamie_Dog_Trainer]

Quote:
That is a VERY good suggestion and one that I think I am ready to try. I don't mind needles really, I don't look forward to it, but I don't have a phobia by any means. In the Seattle area there's a very heavy Asian population and accupuncture is pretty mainstream for health here, as are Natropalthic Doctors. I have relied on chiropractors for a long time, why not add Accurpuncture? Today I have felt really really tired for no reason. My acid reflux is also acting up for about four days as well, even taking my regular Rx for it. Funny how hormones can effect every aspect of you.

 

[breezy]

Try eating small amounts of dried papaya for the acid reflux. Most people arent informed that metformin causes b vitamin shortage. Take a good quality B-complex each morning and you may find that your fatigue eases up alot. Take it in the morning because it can act like a diuretic and no one likes to be up all night piddling canary yellow urine

 

[breezy]

Also meant to add that there was a study( might have been out of Australia) that showed drinking mint tea daily helped reduce some of the excess hair growth that can come with PCOS. I drink spearmint tea nearly daily and I have noticed a huge improvement but want to add that I have been doing that for 15 years or so. It did take time but I love spearmint tea so its not really a hardship.

 

[Urban Chaos]

I was recently diagnosed PCOS. I have all the classic symptoms - excess hair growth, big belly, irregular cycle and ultrasound showed cysts on ovaries and overly thick endometrium (endometrial hyperplasia). I am very luck though not to have fertility issues (3 kids). My physician did blood work last week to see if putting me on metformin would be ok. I so desperately want it to help me. The constant weight gain is so frustrating. The area I need assistance is understanding low glycemic food. I am confused as I've received conflicting information regarding the differences between low GI foods and low carb. So glad to see (unfortunately) that I'm not alone here. So other than the spearmint tea and acupuncture, anyone else trying non prescription therapy?

 

[breezy]

The difference between low carb and low gylcemic is how they impact our blood sugar. Eating a low carb diet will result in the fastest weight loss but if you dont watch the fat intake you can risk a gall bladder attack. Eating a low glycemic index diet will also result in weight loss but is slower. If you go onto metformin you need to know that it isnt an insulin regulator it is an insulin sensitizer. In other words it helps your body use the insulin you already have better. In order for it to work well you have to modify your diet and you MUST exercise. Exercise all by itself is an insulin sensitizer. Walking seems to work best for me as it not only lowers blood sugar it helps quiet my mind. PCOS women often have trouble calming their minds as the hormone swings can send your emotions and thoughts all over the place.
I will share with you that trying to eat a balanced diet following that stupid food pyramid that the gov is so quick to promote is the worst way to try and keep your PCOS on track . That pyrmid has way too many grains/carbs and not nearly enough protein. Good quality protein, good quality fats, lots of veggies in a wide variety,limited fruits and dairy work the best for me.