[madmadz]

Just how much do I need to lose to get my PCOS under control? I started at 185 pounds and my cycles were very irregular and am now down to 158 and they are still irregular. help please?

[Rana]

To get my cycles regular, I had to do more than just lose weight. I also have to be eating little to no refined carbohydrates/limited grains.

Have you been to an endo?

[madmadz]

I havent been to a endo. My gyn did some bloodtests checking my hormone levels and my LH was high and he said that indicated PCOS. I havent had any white sugar or flour or really anything processed since midjuly. My diet is mostly vegetarian and is mostly vegetables, fruit, legumes, plain yogurt, eggs, small amount of dairy, and quinoa (its a gluten free seed). When you say grains do you mean rice or pasta? I have had wheat pasta a few times since july but thats about it for grains. I also have meat once a week, sometimes once every 2 weeks. Thanks for your help. I am just so tired of PCOS. I was hoping now that my weight is lower things would straighten out some but so far it hasnt.

[Rana]

A reproductive endocrinologist (the key part is the reproductive because those are your girl parts!) can give you better advice than a gyno.

I have both and I know I've gotten more tests and specialized information from my endo than my gyno. My gyno is great, works with me and my PCOS, was even the one who wanted me to get the ultrasound that showed the ring of cysts around my ovaries (classic PCOS symptom).

But I still think the endo is better for PCOS related stuff.

What does your gyno say about the missed periods?

[madmadz]

Well I was seeing my gyno because I have tried to get pregnant for almost 6 years now and with my cycles being missing and irregular he gave me clomid to help me ovulate. I did 6 different cycles with that and it helped my ovulate 2 of those cycles. So anyway after that he just said I needed to see a specialist and sent me on my way. He did tell me that weight loss would help but it hasnt yet. I should probably go to a endocrinologist like you said. I guess I need to find out if my insurance would cover that.

[Rana]

A reproductive endocrinologist is going to be your next best bet, to be honest, if you're trying to get pregnant.

The "reproductive" part is to help women with PCOS or other endocrine disorders to get pregnant.

Is that the specialist your doctor recommended?

[madmadz]

Yes I am assuming that is what he referred but since my insurance doesnt have any infertilty coverage I never went. Do they see patients for reasons other than fertility reasons?

[Rana]

YES! They see them because of PCOS, for example. If your gyno says it's for PCOS, then it doesn't fall under infertility. He can also say Insulin Resistance, syndrome X, whatever, and all of that will get you in with an reproductive endo.

The reproductive part is because they treat women, for the most part. A regular endo will also be dealing with regular diabetes patients, varying ages and of course, both men and women. They can help, but they don't have the focus that a lot of reproductive endos can have.

Go for a consultation! You have nothing to lose!