I have recently been diagnosed with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and insulin resistance. It was suggested to me to take the prescribed medications, maintain a healthy diet, and exercise. I am just wondering if any one else out there has any experience with this. Because of these two conditions I have been consistently gaining weight even though I am working out and eating light. My hair has also been falling out considerably due to irregular hormone levels. Just looking for some support and advice from some of you that might have some helpful info, support, or advice. It seems like a catch 22 and very depressing. It is hard to lose weight because of the condition, but you must maintain a healthy weight to control it. To top it off I am only 130 lbs and 5'2. I could stand to tone up and lose a few pounds, but 130 is not exactly heavy (Dr. told me to lose some weight). HELP!
Ladies,
Thank you so much for all of your advice, information, and support. I have to tell you that when I posted this request, I was feeling defeated and overwhelmed. After reading all the responses so far I feel so much more empowered and positive. I feel like I got some fight back in me and I am now ready to arm myself with education on how to take care of this in the most natural way possible. I can't express enough how your kind words and wisdom have lifted my spirits. I am so glad I decided to reach out and ask. I am normally the type of personality that keeps things in and thinks the burden is my own to deal with alone. I plan on doing some major research online and through books. I have another Dr.'s appointment tomorrow with a NEW Dr. to talk about other possibilities and options. If any of you would like to stay updated on any new findings and info I get...please don't hesitate to keep in contact. My email is ____@____.com wishes to you all for endless success, happiness, and HEALTH. xoxoxo
T. C.
Here is a link to an online newsletter that I recommend to my clients;
http://www.ovarian-cysts-pcos.com/pcos-subscribe.html
It is usually very helpful...good luck and I hope you feel better soon!
T., I am sending you huge hugs and encouragement. I too have PCOS and it's a PAIN! Lots has to do with diet, try a low carb diet for the best results, acupuncture can help too that is one avenue I am looking into.
There's a book a friend recommended called "What to do when the Doctor says it's PCOS" This book is amazing and has helped me learn so much about treatment options, diet and exercise. There are also local support groups listed in the back of the back along with websites to help you learn more.
Also be pro active, learn all you can about PCOS, it's not always about the weight! You certainly aren't heavy! I am 5'3" and 230lbs so I know about trying to lose the weight with this thing! LOL. The best advice I have is get a referral to a reproductive endocrinologist ASAP! That will give you a doctor who knows more about PCOS then a paragraph they read in school.
Again sending you tons of hugs, PCOS is hard to deal with but there is hope please don't be depressed! And feel free to message me anymore questions!
T.,
I too have PCOS. The weight is always an issue with me because of the insulin resisitance. What always worked for me to loose weight was to go on a low carbohydrate diet. You see, carbs turn into sugar that your cells just can't metabolize, so it turns to fat. It is a viscious cycle, because then the extra fat you are carrying will contribute to the estrogen dominance issue, which goes along with your PCOS. Lean for Life is a good book to get and follow that diet. It is on a 4 week on and 2 week metabolic adjustment cycle. It's very healthy. You do get a fair amount of carbs from vegetabels and fruits, not so much grains. There are many websites and support group sites. One that I often went to was SoulCysters.com They have message boards, chats, and links to current research. I also visited the website Tryingtoconceive.com because I was trying to get pregnant one more time, which is difficult with PCOS and this website had a link for that.
Also, many doctors don't seem to know very much about this syndrome. It will be up to you to do your own research and present the findings to your doctor, especially when asking questions about your treatment. Be open to medical and alternative treatments. Each of us is unique, so what may not work for one us with PCOS may be just your body needs.
I wish you all the best. Keep us posted.
D.
I agree with Maureen... a lot of doctors don't know how to treat this condition (or any other condition as far as I'm concerned). I also have both conditions because part of PCOS is insulin resistance. I ballooned up to 320 pounds by the time I was 21 and was told I'd never have any kids... well I gave up on the doctors ... including a specialist from USC medical center). I started treating myself and with what I was learning from working in the health food industry and then going on to study for a masters degree in nutrition, I CORRECTED it myself and I have lost 160 pounds and I have a beautiful baby boy who is coming up on 17 months old. It's entirely possible to correct this condition despite whatever a doctor may have told you. I now have a very regular cycle and no more cysts.
If you would like for me to work with you I would be happy to. Check out my website and let me know! If money is a concern I can negotiate with that as well. Just contact me so I can help! :)
First off - just do your best and don't stress out.
I have found great help and info at www.pcosupport.org.
There has been some great advice. T., I hear your frustration. But "eating light" is not the answer for anything, especially healing the body and weight loss. Feeding the body the right nutrients and minerals is VERY important always. Medication is soetime necessary but it is a band-aid not a cure. I am a family wellness coach and I recently took on a new client who also has POS. Her goal for the next 6 months is to just feed her body the right minerals vitamins and nutrients (yes, she has a plan, her and I created on for her). She will be monitored by her doctor, but before she hooks herself into any "lifelong medication" she wants to learn about nutrition and how to feed the body. ANd no, eating from the food pyramid is not enough. I urge you to talk to a professional, someone who has been trained in NUTRITION and the body. Some nutritionists learn how to use food but they didn't learn about the plight of our food source (www.FoodMatters.tv).
T., let the doctors be monitor your sickness and you take control of your health. If you would like to talk, I am here.
B.
Family Wellness Coach.
I have a horrible case of PCOS and after trying to go the natural route, the only two things that have helped is either glucaphage (meds) or herbs from Insulite Labs. The herbs helped cure my cysts and infertility but they didn't help me lose weight. The only time I lost weight was the 3 months I went on glucaphage.
Hi T., I don't think your doctor understands POS. My first suggestion is to find a GYN that specializes in women's health issues. I have several friends with POS and I know that the doctor makes a BIG difference in the treatment. One of the key medicines that they take is metformin for the insulin resistance, it has helped them with the weight issue as well as controlling their sugar levels. And yes, they do follow a healthy diet plan but without taking care of the insulin issue they could not have lost their weight. Find another doctor and get a second opinion as to a plan of action.
Hi T.,
I also have PCOS. I have the exact same symptoms you have been experiencing as well. Also you might want to be aware to possibly expect some slight facial hair to start growing which is just an added bonus, and I did also start to lose hair also. Anyway, I was trying to get pregnant, and pretty much decided it was not going to happen because PCOS also causes infertility because of the out of balance hormones, and lack of ovulation which is another fun thing that PCOS causes.
The one thing I can suggest, is I signed up for a monthly newsletter from Dr. Nancy Dunne, and it is all about PCOS and healthly living. She also published a book called The Natural Diet Solution for PCOS and Infertility.
I am eating healthy and exercising, and the best thing I have been able to do is maintain. I have not been able to lose any weight. Be sure to get your check ups regularly and keep a close watch and listen to your inner self about feelings that are new and ab-normal. They suggested that I go on birth control to help with the PCOS, so talk to your doctor about your individual options.
I have not had to have surgery or anything for the cysts yet, so things are going ok. Sometimes I tend to be over-emotional during my cycle, so I keep my head up and try to really make healthy choices for eating. It makes a big difference.
Hope this helps! And please let me know if you have any other questions.
S. (I have had PCOS for about a year now)
NAET.com & a Naturopathic doctor. NAET.com allergist will eliminate your allergies and health problem will cease.
Be well.
N.
I don't know if it will work with medically diagnosed insulin resistance, but have you read The Sugar Solution? It's a book about developing insulin resistance through eating habits and how to battle it and lose weight by modifying your diet and method of eating. I truly hope you feel better, good luck!
i would suggest, before meds, to make sure you aren't eating the wrong kind of food, light as it may be. maybe look into the low GI diet, a diet that will help you control your glucose intake.
there is a site called soulcysters.net, and mothering.com. soul cysters is all about PCOS support from women who also have it, and mothering has lots of people who have gone thru homeopathic means to help their PCOS.
unfortunately a lot of drs have no idea how to really treat this condition, because it is a symptom of another issue, sometimes adrenal fatigue, sometimes thyroid issues. i would try to see a doctor that would look at your entire history, not just your symptoms. anyhow, good luck. PCOS isnt fun nut is very manageable.
