Trying a NEW BC Pill for PCOS-Yasmin

[maxsmom77]

Hi ladies,

I am SO JAZZED about this. I am trying a new BC pill that is especially GREAT for us PCOS ladies. It is called Yasmin. They've been using it for over 2 years in Europe with EXCELLENT results. I won't start it for another 2-1/2 wks, but boy am I looking forward to it.

It is derived from yam-root. Imagine that. It has a mild dieuretic in it. Hmmmm

It's about $30 a month (less than my highest co-pay for other drugs). My doc is giving me 3 months to try out. She is very excited and wants to hear the results when I get them.

Here is what I"m hearing it helps with....increase hair on the top of your head, lower the wild hair growth everywhere else. NO PMS (I have heard studies of women using the yam-root progestrone for this anyways), decreased depression (moods), no breast tenderness and DRUMMM ROLLLLL.....aids in weight loss!!!!

Wow, what more can I ask for. Who knows how it will work. I know there is no miracle cure, but hey, bring it on!!

Yvonne:lol:

[goodforme]

Wonder why I haven't heard of this one? Seems I've been on every BC pill known to man!! Let us know how this goes for you, I will ask my Dr. next visit.

Thanks for the info!!

Sherrie

[PorkEPine]

hi yvonne!

this is the first that i have heard of this drug. so now i am very interested in hearing all about it. i definitely want to hear how it works for you & the side effects. i have heard of all of the natural progesterones that are on the market to help with pcos. is this a derivative of them? try & find out more info from your dr. is this drug that a dr must write an order for or can you buy it yourself? keep us posted!
janice:angel:

[PorkEPine]

well yvonne-- my curiosity got the best of me. so i went & researched this new drug, yasmin. for anyone that is interested you can check out the details at www.centerwatch.com click drug directories, then click drugs approved by the fda, then click ob gyn for the details. apparently this drug was just approved & is not even available yet in the USA. good for you yvonne that you have a dr who is up on all the latest info!
janice :angel:

[maxsmom77]

Actually it is available all over the US. In my small podunk town, I have two pharamacies that carry it. Plus, my GYN has it available in sample form, which means, it HAS to be available.

Yes, she is VERY up on stuff, but I called HER to see what she thought and she was "YES, YES, YES".

Yvonne

[Jennifer 3FC]

This sounds interesting! Anything about slowing down ovary pain? I don't need BC pills since I had a hysterectomy but I wonder if this would help me anyway with other side effects. Does 'aid in weight loss' translate to 'nauseous':lol: ?

Keep us informed on how you do with this!

[maxsmom77]

Jennifer,

From what I've read over at soulcysters.com, I've heard MAINLY great things, a few people were disappointed that all their symptoms didn't go away immediately, but I don't know if there'd ever be a "miracle drug".

I will DEFINATELY keep the list posted!!!

Yvonne

[PorkEPine]

yvonne;

according to all the info i read this drug is not available but i am so glad that info is incorrect. i'm going to discuss it with my dr asap!
janice :angel:

[HopefulSpirits]

BCP only alleviate the symptoms and put the PCOS into migration. Once you get off the pill, all your symptoms will return and usually worse because the PCOS was getting worse while in hybernation.

BCP - a bandaid for PCOS - will only keep cysts small, give you a menstrual which in turn decreases chances of Uterine cancer and may help with acne. Thats usually it. Its also important that if you do decide to take BCP that they are not in a multicolored pack - AKA Triphasic pills like Ortho Tri Cyclen - as these will increase your chances of cysts or enlarge current ones.

If you want to TREAT the PCOS (and not just bandaid it), which will reduce risk of heart disease, heart attacks, strokes, cancer, diabetes, and more (bcp can not do this for you), you will need to get on a drug like Glucophage or Avandia. These drugs are to be taken for the rest of your life.

On treatment drugs you will become more normalized and everythign will be running better. Losing weight, acne disappearing, reducing the extra hair, and more. Only by treatment though.

[maxsmom77]

If you go over to the thread entitled: PCOS - I hate this curse. You'll see a longer version.

Just wanted you to know that it was a HORRIBLE experience. I had PMS symptoms out the wazoo....even had stuff I NEVER get. I gave it 3 months and am happy to say I'm going BACK to my old BC pill (Zovia).

Mainly, my breasts hurt SO bad that I had to wear my bra to bed for 2 wks, I broke out in real ACNE. I still have a red bump or something on my chest that's HUGE and I got the pimple itself 3 wks ago. And last but not least, I was SO mean and cried constantly.

I just wish it had worked for me. But this was not the case!!

Yvonne

[pravda]

I am excited about what I am reading about this medicine! I have been taking Gluchphage for about 2yrs, and would like to try something else! Are you going to your OBGYN or your endo doctor to get this medicine?
Any info on this would be great. Is it a herb?
:)

[HopefulSpirits]

;)

[pravda]

thanks Hopefulspirits.
I was so excited about what she was saying I didnt even read any further! Silly me!
I am disappointed to hear that it didnt work out. Well, maybe the doctors will come up with something that really works.
Pravda :(

[maxsmom77]

Hopeful Spirit,

I have a question, since you seem very knowledgeable. Isn't it true that some take the Glucophage and it doesn't work at all for them??

I've been taking 1500mg a day and frankly it's NO different, accept all the side affects that NEVER seem to go away.

Also, I have the HARDEST time remembering to take them. I've tried setting my alarm clock, setting the alarm on my Palm and NOTHING seems to work. Then when I get back to taking them regularly, I feel like CRAP. The headaches are HORRIBLE and the "runs" are about to kill me.

I'm thinking, if they are NOT working for the PCOS, doesn't that mean, they probably aren't working for the insulin resistance either. I'd think the two would go hand in hand! Right or am I wrong.

All I know, is that I USED to lose weight BEFORE the glucophage, about 3-4lbs a month. NOW, I lose maybe 1lb a month, IF I'm lucky. I also GAIN like crazy now, if I deviate in the slightest way. My last gain was 8lbs in 3 days. It took me 6 months to get those 8lbs off. 6 months of STRICT dieting.

My doctor frowns on low-carb. Says he thinks its unhealthy and in the long run, most people stop losing on that too, with the added boost of eating a high fat diet, which isn't good for the arteries.

When I told my doctor the Glucophage only makes me gain, he gives me a lecture on the increased risks of PCOS and heart disease/stroke and diabetes. But aren't I increasing my risks by simply being FAT?

If you can't tell, I'm so frustrated, I want to give up, be 300+lbs and say FORGET THIS.

Anyways, thanks for any help you can offer.

Yvonne

[pravda]

Yvonne-

I have been on Glucophage for about 2 yrs. It has helped me
a lot. It has regulated my insulin resistance, my testostrone is down. My glucose is normal, and my estregene is in a normal range. It maked me sick too, I am taking 2000mg a day. I have no stomach problems with it now, though. I have learned that if I take it with a high protein snack or meal, I do better with it. It took me awhile, and I still have moments with the cramping and the runs, but all in all it has helped turn my lab work around!!!!
As far as with my wieght issue, I have not gained with it, but I am losing weight a little slower than I am used to.

I am sorry to hear that you are so sick with it. It has really changed things for me. Hang in there! It will get better.
It takes a while for the body to get used to it.
Dont give up on losing weight, It is going to be slower with the meds, but it is possible. I am close to 300lbs myself, I know how frustrating it is to try and lose!
But, remember, you can do this, you are NEVER alone in this.

Pravda

[maxsmom77]

What a wonderfully compassionate email. You made my night last night.

This last week, due to holidays, I only got in one gluc. a day, when I'm supposed to be taking 3. I've been better at 2-3 a day before that. Now I'm paying for it with a killer headache. I just can't seem to remember to take them. Like right now, my Palm just went off, I'm supposed to go and take one. Am I?? No, I'm sitting here typing a message instead. That' s the way it normally goes for me.

I have a question. WHEN??? did you notice the changes. My doc will only prescribe, maximum 2000mg a day. He says it takes some people that much to see any difference. I never thought that my fasting blood sugar was that out of whack anyways. I think the first one was 119. At 1000mg a day the fasting was at 109. Is that abonormally high?

I guess my question is and should be when I see him....if I'm having such HORRIBLE side affects and my blood sugar is not that high, WHY am I taking this, when it doesn't appear to be doing anything, EXCEPT holding up my weight loss and I'm thinking, losing weight has to be one of the BEST things for my sugar and the PCOS???

Thanks for any replys!!

Yvonne

[HopefulSpirits]

Thats the problem Max. Sorry. You need to take it daily. If you dont, you are recycling yourself to Square 1 everytime you forget.

Once you take it every day, regularly, your side effects will disappear. While you are adjusting it is important to take it with high carbs. Once you have adjusted and stick to your max dose of what your doc decides, then you can stop highcarbing with meds. You will most likely have to increase your dose. The average dosage is 1500 to 2500 while the common is 1800 to 2000. I think your dose is pretty low. Also, it can take up to a year before you see positive results on that steady dose. Dont give up! AND BE CONSISTANT with your drugs.

As for the low carbing, dont confuse this with the marketing strategic plans. Low carbing simply means cutting out yoru carb intake. PCOSers should be no more than 80grams a day plus as much veggies and fruits (that are under 26 grams per serving) a day. If you are trying to lose weight, you should gradually go down to 50 grams plus as much F and V as you want a day. Everything has carbs, you just need to get rid of the crap.

Once you do as you are told, young lady, lolol, you will benefit from it. The weight gain and little loss is common when you keep joggling your body with the gluc like that. Be consistant. Ya know, they make a pill box on a bracelet. Try that and wear an alarm watch right next to it. When you shut off the alarm, you will see your pill bracelet right next to it.

[maxsmom77]

Can I say, you made me giggle. I can just see me wearing a pill bracelet. Although, I've never seen one in this side of the woods. LOL

I have a Holiday Party to go to, you think it will complement a black cocktail dress...hehehehe

My doc didn't want to increase me too quick and said some of his patients have responded at the higher dosages. This next appointment in 2 wks, he'll will increase me to 2000mg a day. Ummm, how will I EVER remember to take it every 6 hrs. Geez.

How come no one told me to take it with high carbs?? Why is that? Where have you read that the weight gain/slow losing is from not being consistent? I'd love to read that in print and make me feel better. :)

Thanks again for answering me!!

Yvonne

[HopefulSpirits]

Kinda common sence hun. No offence. Think about it. What does gluc do? It allows your body to listen to the insulin and get rid of the carbs easier in your body. It allows your bodys systems to work better.

If you arent taking them faithfully, you arent getting the benefit from it. You are basically like a winding down toy. Normal, slow, Normal, slow, etc. So of course your body isnt going to do what its supposed to do.

As for the bracelet. They are nice. They dont even look like pill boxes. They are wire "C" bracelets with a decorative motif on the top that opens to hold like 4 pills. They usually are about 7 bucks. Look at walmart or talk to pharmasist.

[pravda]

Max-

I am not sure why you are taking the pills all at different times a day? Is it to help some of the side effects?
I take mine 2xs a day. 2 pills in the morning and 2 pills at nite. That is how my doctor prescribed it.


As far as the blood sugar thing, I have never checked my blood sugar, because it has never been high. I understood that the Glucophage was to help with the insulin absorbtion, which for me, it has done. I agree with Hopefulspirit, you might have to go to the maxium dose to see any effects.

Hang in there, be consistant with the medicine and you will see some results. It may take awhile, but you will get there!

I had never heard of the bracelet either, that is a cool idea!

;)

[HopefulSpirits]

Depending on dose Pravada, it is usually perscribed for 3 times a day. For really high doses, 4 times a day.

[Jennifer 3FC]

Hi Yvonne, if your doctor is down on low carb, how about just low-glycemic? That is the main problem with insulin resistance anyway. You can still get in carbohydrates, they will just be more complex variety. SugarBusters or Glucose Revolution might be a good place to start!?

[meowmew2]

Hi there...I am new to this discussion, but I have a question...(Sorry if I am interupting or off topic,though I am posting a question about Yasmin in this as well,) but what is the Glucose Revolution plan I have heard mentioned in this thread? I too try to go low carb, but am eating more or less complex carbs, like whole wheat and brown rice. I seem to do ok, though I wonder if this is due to the low glycemic index I heard mentioned here...any thoughts?

Also, has anyone found that Yasmin has cleared up Acne? The type brought on by our disorder? My sister is looking for a new BC and I wondered if I should let her know about it...

thanks.

[Jennifer 3FC]

The Glucose Revolution is based on the Glycemic Index.
The Glycemic Index is a basis to follow that shows how quickly your blood sugar increases after eating. You can read about it at:

http://www.mendosa.com/gi.htm

and you can see a list of GI values at:

http://www.mendosa.com/gilists.htm

I can't answer anything about the Yasmin. I am sure somebody else here can!

[algsmiles]

I was just wondering. I just visited my doctor again after being on Yasmin for about a year. I loved it and had no problems with it, except that it was costing me more for one month on my insurance plan than it would cost me for 3 month's on anything else. So now I come hear and read a lot of good stuff about Yasmin. Does anyone thing that I should buck it up and pay the extra price or has anyone heard anything about a BCP called Aleese (that's what she put me on). Any feedback would be appreciated. Thanks Much

[DJ Nikki Nickleback]

I was looking for a plus sized wedding dress online, when I found this website.....and you have NO IDEA how happy I am to have found you all! I was diagnosed with PCOS several years ago, but due to the lack of insurance, it has gone untreated for 5 years til this last month when I finally got to get things taken care of. I too was given yasmin....I told the doctor, that I was tired of the constant bleeding, and that I was starting to run out of names for the jello babies I kept birthing all the time..(blood clots) and the hair growing in weird places had to go....so he put me on yasmin. It stopped the bleeding...and is slowing down the hair growth.....but I had to call him after 2 weeks of taking it..because I couldn't stop bawling! I described to him what I call the "potato chip aisle incident". I had already had a very long day, was getting the beginnings of a migrane, and was trying to grocery shop, so I could go home and pull the covers over my head, and make the world go away...but things didn't go as planned. YOu know how when you need to get through aisles, and people are gathered up in the middle just talking....and they see you needing to get through, but they won't budge? That happened on 6 aisles that night, so I was getting frustrated. I finally got to the last aisle....the potato chip aisle, and it happened. The only kind of chips that my fiance' will eat....they were out of, and I started bawling like my best friend had died! I was bent over, with my hands over my face....heavily sobbing uncontrolably, when some teenagers passed by me and started laughing at me. Well....the bawling stopped....and the devil incarnate came out, and I screamed at the top of my lungs-WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING AT! They ran.....and I started bawling again, because I had just yelled at complete strangers. I parked my cart....and spent the next half hour in the Walmart bathroom, trying to stop crying...just so that I could get in line and go home. When I talked to the doctor the next day, I told him that I didn't want to take this stuff anymore, but if he could assure me that my body would adjust...I would continue...but if it wasn't going to..I want something else. I am not like this in any way, normally! While going untreated, I had no PMS, other than cramping which was awful enough, but my emotions were stable, and I wasn't breaking out with zits. On Yasmin....Pimples galore! And I was feeling like an emotional freak! He told me my body would adjust, and that my body has been going without these necessary hormones for years and it will take awhile for them to even out.

Well.....things are alittle easier now....not bawling or tearing anyone apart...LOL! But he said I also have insulin resistance, and that is where my new journey is starting. I'm going to my new general Dr tomorrow, to find out about this and what can and will be done. No matter what I eat....I can't loose weight...and actually this medication is making me not like anything because it makes me feel kinda sick and I can't sleep at night, because my body feels jittery....what did my mom used to call it......having the heeby geebies?! LOL! What can I expect with insulin resistance? Is this diabetes? I see some mentions of meds here....what exactly do they do for us with PCOS and IR? How does it help our bodies process our foods right, to where we can loose weight? I am 280lbs, and never have been able to get pregnant.....and I lift 1200 lbs of sound equipment every weekend, and I'm starting to turn fat to muscle, and I DON'T WANT THAT! I want to be thinner......although I know I will never be a size 2....I just don't want to be a 26-28 anymore! I'm getting married in August...and it's been very upsetting to try and find a wedding dress that doesn't look like a tent.

Sorry about the long post....I just feel that I have finally found a group of women that really understand me now. Most people don't. They say......if you would quit eatting so much..you'd loose weight! I don't eat much! I'm lucky to get one meal in a day....and after taking yasmin...I usually don't take more than 4-5 bites and I don't want it anymore! ( then it's to the bathroom, where the diarreah kicks in....that's another new thing with yasmin for me)
Can you girls who are yasmin vets, help me by filling me in on some of this stuff?

[Jennifer 3FC]

Hi Nikki, I am not on Yasmin, but I can tell you about the insulin resistance. Basically the simple carbs are spiking your glucose when you eat them, and your insulin resistance causes you to make more insulin than normal to do the job. When you eat these simple carbs, you get a bigger spike, which causes quite a bit of insulin production to carry the glucose off and do it's job. Your body has to burn off this cycle before it can get to fat burning. So, by going on a restricted carb diet, you will have less glucose spikes, less insulin production, and that will let your body burn a little fat instead. You doctor will hopefully prescribe metformin which will help with the insulin resistance. Meds and cutting out the simple carbs should help you lose some weight.

I'm sorry you are having emotional times right now. I hope you get through them soon! Insulin is a hormone, also. Maybe when you get on the meds it will help level things off. I have never been on Yasmin, but I am currently taking Ovcon 35. I read that it helps deter acne...did I read correctly that the Yasmin is causing you to break out?

[Electrawoman]

Yasmin worked wonders for me. I have been taking it since I was first diagnosed with PCOS over a year ago. When I first posted here, Hopeful Spirits replied to my post and said basically the same thing she said here. Since her post worried me, I talked to several doctors about what she said.

Let's just say that after speaking with them, I am still on Yasmin.

Let's remember that everyone is different and should listen to their doctor and make the best decision for them.

Since being diagnosed with PCOS, I have been taking Yasmin along with exercise. My insulin levels are just fine. Excersise keeps the insulin levels normal and Yasmin regulates my other hormones enough to lesson the symptoms of all that extra testosterone floating around in my body.

Since taking it, I feel so much better. I am losing weight. I have very little facial hair, my darkened skin areas have lightened, I am less moody, my periods are regular, my testosterone levels have dropped. And, my insulin levels remain NORMAL.

So, listen to your doctor and take care of your body with healthy eating and exercise.

Yvonne, please don't give up. Just be good to yourself. Having PCOS is not your fault because you are overweight. Yes, maybe you can take care of yourself a little better but try not to focus on the wieght and instead focus on being good to you with whole healthy foods and regular excersise.

And Hopeful Spirits, please forgive me for sounding rude but something needs to be said to you.

I am tired of hearing you bash everyone's decision to take Yasmin or do something other than glucophage. Yasmin works for some people. If Gluc works for you, then fine. Good for you. But you are not the FINAL AUTHORITY on all treatments for PCOS.

Met and gluc do not work for everyone and SOME of us would rather not deal with all of the side effects of taking such a powerful drug when PCOS is a disorder that some of us can regulate ON OUR OWN with healthy eating and exercise habits.

Why must you try to take away our power by insisting that the ONLY way to treat PCOS is with Glucophage?

PCOS CAN BE REVERSED through healthy living. Meanwhile, BCPs like Yasmin can help us feel better while we work to become healthy.

BTW, PCOS does NOT hybernate. Who told you this? If you are going to say things like this, you need to start posting references for proof. People are listening to you because they don't know that you are NOT a medical professional. Giving yourself a title of "PCOS Educator" (with or without the disclaimer "non professional") sends people the wrong impression.

Personally, I will trust what you say after you provide proof of these statements and research from a REAL medical professional. Until then, I am listening to my doctors and I suggest everyone else do the same.

[DJ Nikki Nickleback]

I appreciate your posts to my questions. I know that the time I eat, and the irregularity of my meals has got to have something to do with these peaks too. If I would eat at regular times, instead of eatting once a day at 10pm, I probably wouldn't get the peaks at night, while trying to sleep. I am working on scheduling my life more, so that I can eat when I need to. I am VERY uneducated about carbs, and the differences you've spoken of. Is there a place here that can explain it to me, what foods are in that catagory? After my one time a day meal, and I only take a few bites before it doesn't appeal to me anymore....I'm starving again in the middle of the night...to the point of my stomach loudly growling. Sometimes I'll get up and eat a couple pieces of cheese, to make it stop.....and by morning, I'm starving again, but don't have time to grab something....between having 2 teenage boys, making a mad dash through the house getting everyone ready for wk and such, including myself....and making the necessary phone calls for my DJ business, before I have to hit the road...I'm lucky to drink something before leaving. That is another thing, now that I think about it....I am thirsty constantly...and Have to urinate sometimes 13-20 times a day. This worries me. I also have to take a water bottle to bed with me at night, otherwise I get up several times a night to get a drink. This started several mos before I went to the doctor, but he didn't say anything, when I mentioned it to him, so I'm going to tell the DR I'm going to today, and see what he says.

I hope no one's feelings were hurt in any way about my post on yasmin. I wasn't happy with it at first, but things are starting to level out and I'm not as emotional as I was. It's more about the IR now than anything. I am extremely happy about the fact that the hair growth has slowed down....because that is the most stressful part of PCOS for me....it is so embarressing. I have very pale skin and dark hair, so even when I take care of the growth, it still shows under my skin...and people have said, 'what is wrong with your face?!' This is the one thing in my life that I truely can't go on dealing with, and I will do whatever it takes to make it go away....within financial reason. Has anyone tried the lasor hair removal? I can't allow my hair to grow out long enough to do electrolosis, or waxing, and if I pluck...my skin is horribly red and irritated, and ingrown hairs pop up everywhere. So I do the worst thing I can do......and that's shave it. Depilitories burn my skin, so they aren't an option.

[Electrawoman]

Nikki, try substituting the bread-foods you eat with whole grain instead of white. They make pasta and breads that are unrefined and full of fiber. With these foods, the fiber breaks down slowly so you don't get the extreme highs and lows of eating a diet full of simple carbs. (simple carbs are things made with white flour, etc. They break down quickly and convert straight to sugar). And I bet if you search the archives and look at some of the old posts on this site, you will find a lot of good info about them.

You might consider keeping some healthy snacks at work and in your car, too. It helps me to buy a bag of food (when I do my regular grocery shopping) that is just to take to work. If I have a piece of fruit on my desk, I am not starving when they bring in the dohnuts so I don't eat them.

Eating more complex carbs (fiberous foods) will help you balance your eating so you are not starving yourself all day. It sounds like this is what is happening to you and could be why you are so hungry throughout the evening.

Your body is a wonderful machine and it knows how many calories it wants and needs to function. If you don't give it food regularly, your body will demand it by giving you these constant and strong food cravings.

Some of us require more calories than others and yes, maybe some of us are meant to be large women as a result, but there's no reason we can't be healthy large women and treat our bodies with dignity and respect.

I am a firm believer that you should make small changes that you can live with for a lifetime.

[Jennifer 3FC]

Hi Nikki, I was in your same confused state once. I think we all were! Here is a link that will tell you some things about low carb diets. On the left side are some specific diets you can click on to read more about the specific plans.

http://www.3fatchicks.com/index.php?option=displaypage&Itemid=50&op=page&SubMenu=


Here is our PCOS Guide. Also, on the left, you will find a menu of pages to click on that has a lot of helpful info and some very helpful links.

http://www.3fatchicks.com/index.php?option=displaypage&Itemid=63&op=page&SubMenu=

I hope these help! Glad to hear the Yasmin is getting easier to handle. Hang in there!

[DJ Nikki Nickleback]

Thank you so much for responding to my posts girls....you are wonderful!!! I will definately check these links out.

I had to do the fasting test today, and Lord knows I hope to not have to do that again! LOL! I couldn't eat or drink anything from Midnight last night til after my appointment which was almost 3pm when I left. It almost wasn't the food, but not having something to drink was really bothering me.

He told me I would get the results tomorrow or Thursday sometime, and told me to do some reading on the Revised Adkins Diet, and The Zone. I've seen people post about them here, so I will check that out...and I appreciate you girls explaining about the higher fiber foods instead of the white bread and such. You've been a tremendous help!

This is a scarey time for me, but at the same time, exciting too, because if I KNOW what if wrong, I can have an action plan to feel better, and I want that so much!!! You all seem so empowered, and I look forward to sharing that with you, and taking control of my life again, because this has controled me for far too long.

To be perfectly honest though, I wish I could just have a hystorectomy. I've been tired and discouraged for soo long. And the pain with my cycles is really old. But I'm 32 and they don't want to do that, since I've never been able to get pregnant. I resigned myself a long time ago though, to the fact that I never would, and am marrying someone who has 2 teenage boys. It is not in the cards for me at this point to have a child. Have any of you concieved with PCOS?