PCOS Questions

[Saphirentwins]

Hi there, have some questions for pcos ladies out there.

1. What diet are you on?
2. Do you have acne?
3. Do you have regular cycles?
4. Have you tried medication such as Metformin?

Thanks :)

[karen3000]

Good questions!

1. I have recently been successful with SugarBusters. Right now I'm in a standstill for a lot of reasons, but I'm trying to stick to it and I haven't gained back any of the 23 pounds I've lost since the end of January. Can't tell you how many times I have tried WW and it just didn't do much for me.

2. I used to have worse skin. I am 45 now and my skin is better. It is really related to my cycle and I do break out at certain points in the cycle, which isn't regular so I don't know when it will happen.

3. No, my cycles will be regular for 5 or 6 months and then will change or be irregular for several months and then may be regular again for awhile. I used to have really bad cramps for about 4 hours (even happened the day of my wedding, right after the ceremony!) and then that stopped and I had mostly anovulatory periods. Now, I'm back to the really bad cramps, especially in my back. When I was a patient at an infertility clinic in the late 80's, I was put on clomid and I was still ovulating only every 40 to 50 days. Never got pregnant, but I didn't want to do the injections. (We adopted instead and I have never had any regrets!) I was put on the pill for about a year or so to get my period regulated and that helped for awhile. Seemed like I lost a few pounds then, also. Now that I'm getting into the age range of peri-menopause, I don't know if that's affecting my cycle.

4. No. I haven't been doctoring for the PCOS because I just kind of forgot about it until the last few years. I had years of electrolysis to take care of most of the facial hair and I wasn't trying to get pregnant, and during those years there wasn't much known about PCOS. My concerns now involve the other conditions that can be associated with PCOS, heart problems, diabetes, etc. I guess I will have to pursue this again in my next physical in a few weeks.

I'm really glad I noticed this forum since I mostly go right to the SugarBusters forum. I'm sure some of those ladies who have mentioned that they have PCOS will be checking this site out, as I just posted a note there that I had found this forum.

I'll be checking back to see what others have to say. I'm sure I will learn alot from those of you who are much more up to date on this syndrome than I am!

Karen

[SolShine]

Hi Karen!
Thanks for telling me about this!!!!

PCOS Questions

1. What diet are you on?
My endocrinologist put me on Sugar Busters - check out the Sugar Busters thread if you're interested. The first post in the weekly support thread has tons of links to more information.

2. Do you have acne?
Yes, but it's getting MUCH BETTER - I attribute it to Sugar Busters and drinking LOTS of water!

3. Do you have regular cycles?
Yes, but I've been on the pill since I was 18 yrs old. I'm 32 now. That's probably one of the reasons it was so hard to diagnose for me.

4. Have you tried medication such as Metformin?
I just posted all the stuff I'm on one one of the other threads on this forum. I'll post the link if I can.

I'm interested in learning how others are handling this. I don't have kids right now, but want to some time before I'm 40, but not for at least another 2-3 years.

[Jennifer 3FC]

Hi!

My Diet: I have recently started a low carb plan, my own mish-mash until I pick one. I used to be on WW, and I wish I could stay on it, but LowCarb is the only way I think I will be able to go.

Acne: Yes, but only on the jawline. I took Doxycycline for it for a few months and it was great, I was so clear! Now I use Avita cream and it is still breaking out mildly on my chin, but not like it was!

Regular Cycles: Had hysterectomy 3 years ago. I still have ovaries though, and I really have no idea if my cycles are regular.

Metformin? Yes. I feel much better on it now that my stomach is used to it. I hope it will help, but I have only been on it for 3 months and I didn't start low carb until recently so I don't know how helpful it is with weight loss. Breaking out has stopped, as has my hair loss.

How about you?

[jody]

Hello. Let me see if I can remember all of the questions.

1. My diet: I am currently on Miridia (1 week). As I have some other health problems I am basically doing the weight watcher's point system at home and watching my carbs.

2. Acne: I had it severly on my back for many years. I feel fortunate that I didn't have it on my face much and it was of the cystic variety. I am 37 now and it seems to have cleared up a lot. I only get the occasional giant mass on my chin or upper lip. I found that the birth control pill Ortho-tri-cyclen really helped me. I've noticed a big difference (not for the good) since I've quit taking it.

3. I had very regular cycles the first several years I had periods. I went on birth control pills in 1985 when I got married and stopped taking them in 1988 when we decided to try to get pregnant. Ever since then the only way I can have regular periods is if I'm on birth control pills. Sort of a hormone replacement theory.

4. I've never taken Metformin. Because of a condition in my family my doctors have always shied away from that route for me.

I have been very fortuneate in that I don't have hair loss and the birth control pills have helped with my facial hair. Although I do have to shave my chin and neck. I was not able to have electrolisis due to scarring problems. My arms are pretty hairy and I need to shave my legs daily to keep from looking like one of my dogs.

Hope this answers your questions. I would like to be in contact with others trying to lose weight with pcos.

All my best,
Jody:devil:
245/just beginning/140

[Hootietootie2]

1:) I am currently doing Weight Watchers. I have lost 9 & 1/4 lbs in 14 days. I stay away from eatting pasta, potatoes and bread whenever possible, but I do have bread from time to time. So I'm just watching my carb intake.

2:) I used to have terrible acne and then I was perscribed accutane and took that for 6 months and now I am not bothered with it except time to time or when AF is on the way. (But NOTHING like it was in the past)

3:) I didn't use to have regular cycles, especially in my teen years, but as I've aged they have became more regular for me. Usually I will get AF anytime been cd 32-35. So its gotten a little better for me.

4:) And yes I have tried Glucophage Xr/Met 1500mgs for 9 months (did not lose weight and did not conceive) and was taken off of it because I had a liver test come back not so good.(make sure to get blood tests done to check your liver when on this drug) It started making me have the bathroom boogies ALL the time, so wasn't to good on my colon. So I am now on Actos and I haven't had any symptoms from this drug at all.

[msgypsylee]

I Have ENDOMETRIOSIS misdiagnosed as PCOS for years.

1. just started diet. Just gonna watch what I eat and exercise more.

2. not anymore.

3. I don't get periods anymore. I lost an ovary and a tube a few years ago due to endometriosis and they had to be removed. I had regular periods for about a year and then the severe pain returned. My doc started me on Depo Provera shots and I stopped menstruating about 2 years ago. Its been the BEST time of my life. Its not for everyone but it saved my sanity.

4. haven't needed to try it yet.

Just a note to those with very painful periods. Its hard to diagnose Endometriosis with out an internal inspection. ENDO can look like PCOS and is diagnosed as it alot of the time. Treatment is different. Look up the symptoms of ENDO and see if you have them. PCOS and ENDO are treated differently and unfortunally it is missed. Had it been diagnosed earlier I probably would still have both ovaries. Make sure your doc has considered ENDO when Diagnosing you with PCOS.

[pravda]

1.What diet are you on?

I am trying Sugar busters. I have lost 10lbs since the 1st of Jan.

2. Do you have acne?

Yes, I do have acne. Not too bad, some on the back, and chin area and jawline.

3.Do you have regular cycles?

No, I have to take Progestrone to make my cycle start. I am trying to get pregnant, so BC is not an option for me.
I have had some spontanious periods, but, they are few and far between.

4. Have you tried medication such as Metformin?

I am taking Glocophage 2000mg per day. It has changed my life as far as the insulin, testoserone level, weight. It bothered me at 1st, but my system seems to have gotten use to it and now I am taking it every day with out any trouble. I think that it has helped me a whole bunch!

I hope this helps.
Pravda

[Jennifer 3FC]

Wow, suddenly we got more posts here! I don't know what brought you here but I am glad you came. My life has changed since the last post on this thread. I am no longer on Glucophage. I was always in the bathroom and I felt toxic so I have quit taking it and changed to ALA and Chromium Picolinate.

Welcome!

[peachroses]

:) Hi, My name is Anna.....

1. I am on sugar busters and have lost about 14 lbs. since 2/4/02. It is the only way of eating that has worked for me since I gained all the weight. I also joined TOPS (Take Pounds Off Sensibly) www.tops.org

2. I am on glucophage, spiralactone, and prozac... all due to my PCOS. Since starting on the meds.. I have less hair on my face, but i still have hairy arms and legs.

3. I was not diagnosed with PCOS until 3 yrs ago when I went to new gynocologist due to heavy heavy periods. Soon after I had a hysterectomy but PCOS still persisted. That is when I went to endrochonologist and got on meds.. He recommended Sugar Busters, but it took me 1 yr. to get my act together and do it.

4. if anyone want so email me, I am on peachroses1959@aol.com.

I am 43 and have two teenagers born before my PCOS reared its ugly head.

SB since 2/4/02
239/225/199(dr's goal)/150(my goal)

[Debelli]

PEACHROSES, just wanted to let you know we have an SUGAR BUSTERS SUPPORT BOARD right here on the 3FC'S SITE if you are interested in joining us:)

Our link is:
http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?forumid=62

GOOD LUCK!

Debbie
194/120.5/129
SB since 3/22/00
Reached goal 6/10/01

[Monstar]

1. What diet are you on?
i have never done any formal programs, i try and take what i think is the best for me from diets and just make them a normal part to my life. i try to make sure that i have an equal balance of protien and carbs at each meal. eg with pasta i have more meat suace than i would have before and less pasta

2. Do you have acne?
i used to have to b4 i went on diane 35 and started taking doxycyline

3. Do you have regular cycles?
yes now im on the pill, but b4 that no

4. Have you tried medication such as Metformin?
the only things i have taken are diane 35 and doxycyline


my top weight was about 260lbs, now im 170lbs. i want to get down to 150-160lbs, im 5'11. i believe the key to winning this war with our bodies is to exercise, i try to exercise at least 5 times a week. it also keeps u motivated when ur weight isnt dropping, but ur strength is increasing, it makes it less a food failer issue. and remember that as ur weight goes down that ur PCOS can also get better, i do know its a huge horrid cycle, cant lose weight, lose weight pcos gets better, cant lose... ect.....

goodluck...

[vesnushka]

1. I'm on weight watchers, and have been pretty successful so far. I've lost almost 25 pounds of the 50+ I need to lose to be in a healthy range. I've recently started to eat high protein/low carb (following the guidelines in "The Insulin Resistance Diet", there is a thread started about this book - I highly reccommend it!)

2. I've never really had acne problems, not even as a teenager. In fact, I have really dry skin.

3. I'm on the pill, so I have regular cycles. But without the pill I don't have regular cycles at all. I never have. When I was 17 I didn't have a period for 6 months, then I had one that lasted about 6 weeks. :( It was the red flag that got me tested for PCOS.

4. I haven't tried metformin or any similar drug. I've only been on the pill.

[PCOSGal]

1. I'm doing a low GI, low fat diet with excercise. It's goin ok. No spectacular weight loss, but I'm not really trying that hard cause I am useless at diets. I'm still searching for the perfect diet really.


2. I have "mild" acne, but every single day of my life since I was 11 I have had at least one spot on my face so I don't consider it mild at all

3. My cycle has always been irregular, but from Janruary to September 2001 I had no periods at all. I was really worried and so I tried the herb vitex. 14 days later I got a period. Since then I have visited a herbalist and now get AF's. They are still not regular however.

4. I am on metformin 1500mg and it has given me my life back. Before I went on it I just kept gaining and gaining and was starving all the time. I couldn't be without it. I really couldn't.

[Jenniffer]

1. Not following a specific low carb diet, but restricting carbs, increasing protien, water and exercise.

2. Can't really complain about acne. Biggest complaints are infertility, weightloss, irregular cycle and hair thinning.

3. No regular cycles.

4. I have been on Metformin with alot of success. For various reasons, I stopped. Seeing my doctor on Wednesday to begin treatments again.

[BookWorms]

1. What diet are you on?

I've cut down drastically on white flour, white pasta, white sugar, white rice, potatoes, anything else with a high GI. I do eat protein, lots of veggies, dairy, anything that's whole grain.

2. Do you have acne?

No acne, but my symptoms are thick hair on sideburns, chin, and lower abdomen, anovulation, amenorrhea, and although I'm not too much overweight, I've experienced sudden very high weight gain.

3. Do you have regular cycles?

No periods at all on my own for over a year now.

4. Have you tried medication such as Metformin?

Just started in a few days ago...knock on wood, hope it works!

[Autumn S]

1. Currently on ww and doing good, I usually do low fat and have lost 95 lbs in about a year.

2. I do when my cycles arent regular or when Im pg.

3. Im on herbs and for the last three cycles they are picture perfect ovulation b/w cd12-cd14 and a 14 day lp. I also got pg but miscarried.

4.Yep, I have been on metformin for 14 months. The first nine months I had bowel problems but I dont have problems anymore. Im on gluc xr 2000mgs. It helped get rid of my carb cravings but didnt notice a difference in the weight loss till I cut back on my food intake.

[Electrawoman]

1. What diet are you on?
I'm not. Diets don't work. But I do eat fairly low-fat vegetarian and focus on eating healthy, whole foods in a balanced way.

2. Do you have acne?
My skin was breaking out really bad before I was diagnosed and treated with Yasmin. Now, it is clear and I haven't had a pimple in nearly a year!

3. Do you have regular cycles?
Yes. They are lighter and shorter than they have ever been.

4. Have you tried medication such as Metformin?
No. My blood sugars and insulin levels are regulated with regular exercise.

[Red28]

1. What diet are you on?
At first my doctor didn't want me to change my diet (to make sure the meds were going to work). Now I am on Weight Watchers (have lost 30 lbs in 3 1/2 months)

2. Do you have acne?
Have same acne as before, but now have problems with sweat gland cysts. Doctors are trying to find a medication that will help with that.

3. Do you have regular cycles?
I'm starting to have regular cycles, they are still about 3 months apart, but big improvement from only having 1 a year.

4.Have you tried medication such as Metaformin?
I have been on metaformin for 9 months, after I got use to the medicine the side effects have decreased. I take 500mg in a.m. and 1000mg in p.m.

[Melissa70]

1. What diet are you on?

None at the moment. I am going to see my Doctor for dietary advise on Monday:)

2. Do you have acne? Yes, but wierd, only along my jaw line!!!:o

3. Do you have regular cycles? No, the are pretty much erratic:dizzy:
4. Have you tried medication such as Metformin? I did yes, abt 2 yrs back. Loved it, and it worked well for me. Again.. I am seeing my Doc on Monday to get my script for Met back:D

[USLadyInWales]

1) I am just starting to follow the GI diet/Sugar Busters plans. Not much has seemed to work before this, but I think maybe this will be the right plan for me.

2) Yes, have had acne for many years. More severe on back, moderate on face. Do get cystic acne also. :( Seems to be worse before my period.

3) I have never had regular cycles. I guess I average about 4 periods a year. But when I do get them, wow. They are extremely heavy and painful. At those times I wish I would never get one again!

4) No, I have not had medical insurance for many years and am single. I cannot afford medical care/medicine so try to treat health problems myself. I hope that proper diet and exercise, and maybe some natural remedies will help this problem. Is it possible to take care of PCOS effectively without medication?

[Jennifer 3FC]

Yes, you can treat some symptoms without medication, by losing weight. As I stay on low carb, I find that most of my symptoms are decreasing. I am hopeful that as I lose weight the symptoms will keep diminishing.

One problem you cannot fool around with is the Insulin Resistance, if you are IR. You do not want to develop Diabetes. Losing weight and cutting out insulin spiking food is critical so that doesn't happen! PCOS makes you higher risk to develop both Diabetes and Heart Disease. Taking Metformin for that would decrease your chances of those. At minimum, dietary restrictions should be in place.

If birth control pills are affordable to you, you might want to consider that route. Can your local health department give you an exam and pills? That would help get your periods in line, and hopefully make them lighter and less painful. I started on BCP's about 4 months ago, and I haven't broken out since. I also use a tretinoin cream on my face at night, but breakouts were still occasional until I started BCP's.

[Jennifer 3FC]

BTW, are supplements an option for you? I do not take Met anymore. I am getting ready to start taking Alpha Lipoic Acid again. My doctor says there isn't any proof it does much, but then again a lot of doctors don't like natural supplements. There is an email group for natural treatments for PCOS - I think they are on Yahoogroups. They might be a good resource for you. If you are interested, I'll be happy to look for the address!

[USLadyInWales]

Thank you for the response. That email group sounds great. Did the alpha-lipoic-acid help you? I am taking Chromium Picolinate and multi-vitamin and mineral supplements which seem to help a little. I am also wondering about Dong Quai.

[Jennifer 3FC]

Here is the page that has the discussion lists: http://www.pcolist.org/

The Natural list is the one that discusses the natural treatments. I'm not sure if the ALA helped me or not. I was taking it, but did not lose weight. I went back on the Glucophage and still did not lose, so then changed diets, and that worked. It may have been working for me, but I didn't give it enough of a chance. My pills just came in the mail, so I think I will start it back in the morning.

I haven't read anything about the Dong Quai...

[KarenW]

Originally posted by Jennifer 3FC

Regular Cycles: Had hysterectomy 3 years ago. I still have ovaries though, and I really have no idea if my cycles are regular.

I havent had the officiall Diagnosis yet of PCOS.. but In September I want to go see an endocrinologist. But I am low carbing it now. I get my blood work results next week.

I have acne in a BAD WAY! I also have the excess hair and hair loss on the top of my head!

I have Never had a regular cycle from day one. I have gone as long as 3 months with out a period.

I havent been on metformin yet.. although the dr said he most likely will put me on it. Now this is my OB/GYN I still want to see an endocrynologist.

Jennifer - I might have to have a hysterectomy too. I have endometriosis and 3 weeks ago I had a Laporoscopy. He said I was so bad that if the pain doesnt subside, I will have to have a hysterectomy. How are you handling that part of it? Are you on hormone therapy? I am terrified of that becasue ever since my last child, every BCP I have ever been put on has caused me major side effects, especially headaches and high BP, and I have had to be taken off them immediately. Any input on this you can send my way would be greatly appreciated!

[USLadyInWales]

Thanks so much for the information Jennifer. By the way, you guys have a wonderful website and provide a great service here. :bravo:

[Jennifer 3FC]

I had only a partial hysterectomy. They took my uterus, but I still have my ovaries. At least for now. I am on BCP at the time. The doctor is trying to shrink my cysts because they are fairly large. If that doesn't work, then they will remove them surgically. She wants to keep me on BCP's until menopause. Once I hit that point, I won't ovulate anymore and then I won't make anymore cysts.

The other alternative for me is to have my ovaries removed. If that happens, I will try natural hormone therapy first. My mom got off of hormones and uses natural creams and they are working fine for her. From what I understand, all women do not respond to the natural creams, so that would be a risk for me.