PCOS/Insulin Resistance Support - Can we take a PCOS poll for everyone here? Please?!

I am a newbie and I'm glad to see this here! I thought I'd ask a poll here. Please answer if you would.

1)What is your age and when were you diagnosed?
2)What are your symptoms?
3)What meds are you taking, doses and for what symptoms?
4)Have you lost a significant amount of weight and seen any changes in your symptoms?


I'll start.

1)I started being treated for this in May 2002. I am 23 years old.
2)Hirutism, funky weight gain, irregular periods, acanthosis nigricans and other skin problems, high testosterone.
3)Spironolactone (aldactone) for the hirutism, Lotrisone lotion for skin problems, Decadron (Dexamethasone) for skin, just prescribed Glucophage (Metformin) yesterday, will start that this weekend. I was also prescribed Ortho-TriCyclen but I have not started. I don't want to unless totally necessary. I want to wait to see if the Glucophage helps with periods.


If there is anything else you'd like to add, that would be great. I just want to get an idea of how everyone's dealing and what you're taking.

CD

1)What is your age and when were you diagnosed? Showed symptoms at age 8, diagnosed at age 12 after years of tests. Im 29 now.

2)What are your symptoms? Nearly every single one of them. I have severe PCOS.

3)What meds are you taking, doses and for what symptoms? GlucophageXR 2000mg. I FEEL GREAT! GlucXR TREATS PCOS as a WHOLE! WONDERFUL drug! Its helped with every thing I suffer from and helped my boobs straighten out to boot. Can ya tell Im excited about that one?

4)Have you lost a significant amount of weight and seen any changes in your symptoms?Weight, no because I cant afford to do a DT2 diet yet. Its pretty expensive. But I cut back and change where I can. Symptoms have all decreased.

Hello, I am also new here so should not really take your poll yet because I am not being treated yet I still have some test results my doctor wants to get back first but I also just just found out I have Hypothyroidism and I have been takeing Synthroid for 7 days, she also gave me a prescription for Spironolactone but I have not got it filled yet, How is that working for you? can you see a change at all with your hair loss?

I only want to take one medicine at a time and if it works out well with no bad side affects after 2 or 3 weeks then I will start another one.

Mellie :dizzy:

Creative Dame:
Something I missed the first time.

Spiro can take up to 8 months to show any signs of working ability. It takes a LONG time.

The other medications are also redundant and will inhibit you from knowing if the gluc is working or not. (You should reevaluate this with your doctor to see if the meds are necessary) Gluc will do what your other medications are for and more. We tend to know if the dose isnt working when we do not see these things improve. This is our sign that its probably time for a dose increase. It can also take up to 6 months to see its working as well although the normal time frame is 3 months.

Lastly, being on so much medication may not be wise. You wont know what you are taking is working or not, thus if not working or really needing to do its job, you may be taking a medication that is benign and unnecessary. Then you have to think of possible medication interactions as well.

Anyway, this was just a warning, not judging you. I am antimeds as much as possible. I take gluc to save my life. The other medications that you mentioned arent "life saving" and should be IN MY OPINION reexplored. Not to say you dont need them or should be scared to take them all but to know if they are truely necessary and for concideration for the next step.

RECAP: Whats working? Whats doing the job? Is it a medication overload? Do you need it? Interactions?

Mellie:
I've been on the Spiro for three months now. I went through a sort of growth spurt on my face, then the hair started getting thinner. But Spiro, from what I understand, is not supposed to stop the hair from growing, but help it thin out and I do think it's getting better.

Hopeful:
I do understand about all the other meds. Before my doc prescribed the Metformin, he cut my Decadrone in half to .5mg a day rather than 1mg. I'm still taking 50mg of Spiro twice a day and the lotion I am only using when my skin flares up. I've had some irritation underneath my breasts and it's much better now - my GP prescribed the Lotrisone, not my endo. I barely use this though.

And I'm not planning on taking the OTC. I'm just not fond of using any type of BC.

CD

Im glad to hear all that CD

What is your age and when were you diagnosed?
22
What are your symptoms?
IR, Excessive body hair, weight gain, lack of period, lack of fertility.
What meds are you taking, doses and for what symptoms?
850mg Metaformin twice a day (Insulin Resistance)
200mg Clomid (Infertility)
Have you lost a significant amount of weight and seen any changes in your symptoms?
I've been on Metaformin for a year now and my periods are fineally some what regular about every 32-34 days. I've been on Clomid for 2 years, with one success however the pregnancy was lost due to a blighted ovum. First noticed weight gain at age 20 packed on 60 lbs in a year. Since starting Metaformin and Weight Watchers i've lost 30lbs.
Right now main concern with PCOS is not being able to conceive. Would love to hear from anyone having the same problem.

Mary Lee: I'm sorry to hear of your lost pregnancy. That's a scary thought for me too...I get married in a year and I know my FI wants to have children...we want to have conceive after about a year. I have heard of many success stories though regarding women with PCOS being able to conceive...definitely don't give up!

CD

MaryLee, concider yourself regular! YEAH! Anything between 26 and 36 days is normal! The 28 day thing is not a rule. My RE and Gyna both said its actually not as common as people tend to think.

Hi Creative Dame!

1)What is your age and when were you diagnosed?

I am 34 and was diagnosed 2 years ago. I first noticed mild symptoms (some breakouts on my face and a few wild hairs) when I was a teenager, but mostly my symptoms came on heavy when I was pregnant at 23, especially the acanthosis nigricans.

2)What are your symptoms?

Inablility to lose weight, that one is tough, and acanthosis nigricans, plus milder symptoms of acne, hirutism, insulin resistance, and polycystic ovaries. Also had some hair loss, but all of these have decreased with a low carb diet and more since taking GlucXR. The acne is the hardest to control, but it does fine with meds.

3)What meds are you taking, doses and for what symptoms?
I am taking Gluc XR 1000 mg, hoping to move to 1500 soon. It has been hard on my stomach so I had to back off for a while. I also use BenzaClin antibiotic cream on my face in the mornings and Avita cream on my face at night to keep it clear. I quit taking the BenzaClin and my face started breaking out again so I am back on it, along with a one month booster of doxycycline to help me clear up. As long as I use my creams regularly, I have a better complexion than I have ever had.

4)Have you lost a significant amount of weight and seen any changes in your symptoms?

Very little weight loss, but quite a difference in symptoms.

Thank You Creative Dame.

I must admit at times it seems hopeless. After almost three years of trying and then to get it just to lose it was so hard. My DR has high hopes though, but if i don't get pregnant again with in the next six months then they are going to run more tests. I must say it's great to be regular (I would never had said that when i was a teen) however since trying to have a baby I don't mind it so much.
To anyone who's on Metaformin give it time. When i first started it, it made me sick to my stomach but i found that i only got sick when i took it with food. The food seemed to go right threw me. However I no longer get sick when i take it . I know that this may sound strange, but when i found out i was Preg. the Dr took me off of it, I felt the difference right away. Sometimes i wonder if my going off of the metaformin effected my pregnancy or not.

Jennifer: Thank you for sharing! The Acanthosis is a bummer huh? I haven't seen many others with this...it's very mild around my neck, but I've got lots of discoloration around my breasts and my stretch marks (which are getting worse since I've lost these few pounds) are so very dark and long. *Sigh*. Hopefully the Metformin I start tomorrow will help. And you said you've had very little weight loss - I would not say that what you've lost is little! You've done a great job! Especially considering how hard it is with PCOS!

Mary Lee: I get married in a year and I'm worried about having trouble conceiving myself. It's so strange but before all this I've never considered NOT being able to. Now I realize it could be a reality. But from the PCOS forums I've seen, the Clomid and other drugs are really working! Don't give up hope! New advances are being made every day. My pharmacist was telling me she had PCOS several years ago before they really knew much about it and wasn't sure about the types of drugs to take. She went through a lot but did end up having two children.

CD

1)What is your age and when were you diagnosed? age 32, diagnosed 2 months ago
2)What are your symptoms? increased testosterone levels, acne, unwanted hair growth, obesity
3)What meds are you taking, doses and for what symptoms? Yasmin only
4)Have you lost a significant amount of weight and seen any changes in your symptoms? I have been eating healthy and working out for 7 months. So far, I have lost 19 pounds. I did not want to diet and then gain all the weight back so instead I opted for real lifestyle changes that I could keep for the rest of my life. It is frustratingly slow, but it is working.

Betty

Good for you Betty! I often feel like things are going sooo slowly, but I can only take things one day at a time. Even if I don't lose and stay the same, I'm much, much healthier and stronger than I was a month ago.

You're doing it the right way!

CD

1)What is your age and when were you diagnosed?
I am 20 years old now, i was diagnosed just before my 20th birthday

2)What are your symptoms?
Steady weight gain, unwanted hair, spots etc

3)What meds are you taking, doses and for what symptoms?
None as yet, was low carbing but i took myself of that...finally have an appointment with my GP tomorow to discuss Glucophage :D

4)Have you lost a significant amount of weight and seen any changes in your symptoms?
Not yet as i havent started any medication.

I was diagnosed this year in Feb at 33. I suffer from irregular periods, hair loss, skin tags, IR, infertility, acne, weight gain and I'm sure there are more but I can't think right now :dizzy: After trying Glucophage for 6 months and suffering horrendously, my doc (with strong urgings from me) switched me over to Actos 30mg now and blissfully side effect free. Changed my diet to Atkins to even out my LH levels and lowered my triglycerides. Active everyday, that with Actos and LCing I have lost 12 pounds and 4 inches off my mid. My doc even gave me a compliment on how thin I was looking! Hair loss has slowed, skin tags are falling off, periods are regulating and are non medicated now, ovulated on my own and LH levels are normalizing. Acne still an issue but incidences are decreasing.

1.what age, and when I was diagnosed....I was 19 when diagnosed, and Im now 37

2.what symptoms?....polycystic ovaries, (had infertility) one child after 7 years of trying....hirutism, and scary weight gain after daughter was born (100+ lbs within 11 months), skin tags and discolouration

3.Medication im taking....only Diane 35

4.Have you lost a sign. amount of weight and seen changes in symptoms. ......Ive taken all the extra off that i put on after the birth of my daughter, however I still have a very long way to go. I added the + after the 100 because I dont really know what i gained, the scale didnt go that high. But doing the low carb woe, has helped tremendously, as well as keeping very active. If i dont keep moving the pounds sneak back on. Ive noticed alot less hair on my chin. However keeping the weight from creeping on is a daily battle.

I have a question, Hopeful Spirits, you mentioned your boobs straightening out? What did you mean?
Someone also mentioned discolouration, I have it in the normal places, but im also noticing it on my lower belly and breasts. Im also having alot of trouble with skin irritation the last 8+ months, Ive never heard of this being a symptom of pcos, but some of the girls alluded to this in a few threads. Any help out there about this?
Robin

Discoloration is called "Acanthosis Nigricans" This is common in PCOSers and diabetics due to the IR.

There is also another think you may be dealing with. Malasma. This is caused by birth, birthcontol pills or significant/rapid hormonal changes (other then PCOS).

Thankyou HS, Im on my way to search this out, Ive never heard of it before.

This is for anyone who may have info:

Do you think there is a difference between the generic and glucophage. My insurance now only wants to pay full for generic now. I've never taken it. Any advice would be appreciated.

You may be able to get GlucXR because it only comes in name brand. Since there is no alternative, they usually cover the name.

Robin, I have the Acanthosis. Most folks have it around their necks I think, dark discoloration sometimes thick and patchy. It's very, very mild around my neck - it just looks like it's starting to get textured.

My problem is my stomach, back and under my breasts. Even the stretch marks I have and am getting from losing weight are very thick and red like welts.

What happens is excess insulin is excreted through folds in the skin like around the neck, underarms, other types of folds in the skin.

CD

1)What is your age and when were you diagnosed?

I am 29. I was diagnosed at 27, after two and half years of mulitple ovarian cysts. I did not start my period until I was fifteen and had about three years of irregular, painful periods. I had my daughter at nineteen and got a Norplant shortly after. I gained eighty five pounds and coincidentally started suffering from ovarain cysts just a year and half after having it removed. My body has not been the same since. My doctor said the late start and irregular periods are normal with PCOS......though I was obviously able to get pregnant. I don't know if I am infertile becaus DH and I decided to not have anymore children a long time ago and he had a vasectomy.

2)What are your symptoms?

Untreated, my symptoms include: acne, unwanted hair growth, weight gain, ovarian pain, hypoglycemia, irritability, depression, sleep disorders, moodiness.

3)What meds are you taking, doses and for what symptoms?

I control my symptoms with weight loss and diet. I am medication free now.

4)Have you lost a significant amount of weight and seen any changes in your symptoms?

I have seen a 100 pound weight loss first with a low fat diet and then with a low carb diet. It suppresses all of my symptoms. They only occur during my TOM and not always. I still have to pluck hair from my face daily, but it is limited to about four or five hairs. It is easy to control. The hair on my head does fall out, but I have thick hair so I don't worry about it. I do have some discoloration under my arms and inside my thighs. I have very pale skin, so it isn't as noticeable. Basically it just doesn't bother me.

Chelle

Thankyou CreativeDame.....its only been recently that the discolouration has gotten worse. Its starts with an itch, and of course im prone to eczema so Im really good at scratching...its almost as if its left a scar. Dark patches. When you mentioned your neck I remembered mine, but it is so light that I had forgotten about it.

I dont suppose there is anything we can do about it?

Robin

Sounds more like Malasma as I stated above. AN normally doesnt fluctuate like that just because. It will with changes in diets though. There is treatment for Malasma if thats what it is. I BELIEVE Malasma is itchy at times as well. My friend who has it complains of a light itch sometimes when it flares up.

Most Melasma is in sun exposed areas. If you aren't sure what it is, I would see a Dermatologist and let him/her tell you. If it is Melasma, you can get some creams to fade it. :)

Hi,
I'm new, my name is Tanya.

1)I am 27 and newly diagnosed this month.

2)My symptoms so far, are: depression, mood swings (says my hubby !), Overweight, unexplained weight gain, hair loss, excess facial hair, darkened skin patches (acanthosis nigricans), skin tags, and High Cholesterol....Whew!

3)I just started taking Yasmin this month, and Zocor for cholesterol. I see an endocrinologist in November, I am hoping to get better treatments from him.

4) I have lost zilch so far, but I have stopped gaining!

I have been following the 3FC website off and on for about 2 years now, and I first learned about PCOS here. I am hoping to find out more about PCOS and treatments for it.




















:dizzy: :dizzy:

Hi tnw! Good luck on getting some good treatment from your Endo. Nice to see the weight gain has leveled off. That was a breath of fresh air for me also!

Hi,
I'm new here myself. I have been discovering through the internet how common PCOS really is. Nice to know I'm not totally abnormal. I'm 45 diagnosed when I was 30, when in reality I've been pcos since puberty... which was very late. have the weight problem, skin tags, facial hair, and some skin discoloration. Was told I was Type II diabetic 6 yrs ago, take metformin and glyburid. The metformin has helped with the cycle a lot. The weight loss has been a problem though. Reading about these low carb diets has got me thinking and I'm going to talk to the new dietation in a couple of weeks. :) Hoping she'll be able to help me set up something that will work.