Hello everyone, thought it was time for a new thread, the other one was too long. Hope everyone is well and smiling. Hope to hear from you soon.

Jennifer
250/194/150

Just bringing this back to the top...where is everyone?

Hi Jennifer!
I've been a member for a while but have never posted. I was diagnosed with PCOS in September--finally! I am on glucophage right now...only 500 mg once a day due to major GI upsets.
It's so nice to know I am not the only one!

Chris :)
179/167/125

Hi! You've never posted? How come? Posting is the best part, LOL
It is nice to know that were not alone with the PCOS. It can be very lonely at times. I too am on Metformin, 1000 mg a day. After taking it for 1 month, my periods which were absent for two years, finally came back. And since then I have been very regular, it feels great!
I am now experiencing thinning hair, seems like it's falling out alot. of course no one else can notice, but I do. My hair isn't as thick as it used to be. I have been seeing an RE and he told me that while I am going through infertility treatment. So, after I have a child we will work on the hair problem. Can't take both kind of meds, so I am just hoping am not bald by the time I have a baby. We've been trying for a long time now , and have been through the infertility treatments since July. But am keeping my spirits up.

I have also been losing weight since january, restricting my carb intake, directed by my doctor. To date, lost 58 lbs, feel much better but it's been a long long road. I am losing very slowly but as long as it's not coming on, I don't care. I have about 27 lbs to go before reaching my first goal of 165#.

Hope to hear from you soon...and where is everyone??


Jennifer
250/192/165
T-Day:190
1-1-00

Hi Jennifer!
I don't know why I never posted. I only started checking out the board again a few days ago. I have been just so frustrated with how slowly this weight is coming off.
I was on the metformin 500 mg bid but it was WAY too much for my poor belly too handle. He put me on a one week hiatus which has now stretched into 2 weeks--whoops. After only 2 months on it though--I have been AMAZED by the changes in my skin and my periods. My skin is now clear for the first time in years and my periods are regular(so far) and PAIN FREE! I am wondering about your thinning hair...surprising side effect. What methods are you using to combat infertility? We were going to start trying for a child in December but my endo says NO. Apparently I am also at high risk for gestational diabetes so I have to get both blood sugar and weight into normal ranges. Very upsetting as we have been waiting for the right time to try for years.
Congrats on the weight loss! You must be so proud. That takes serious dedication--you obviously have what it takes! I think it is just so hard to keep at it. I try and keep my future baby in mind :)
What does "T-Day" mean?

Hope to hear from you--and the others--soon!

Chris

Keep those spirits up!!

Hi, I'm still here too. Just been real busy at work (I don't have a home computer), and haven't been able to check in on some of my "regular" haunts.

I have my yearly appointment with my RE at the end of the month. Why I always schedule it right after Thanksgiving is beyond me. I'd lost the 10 lbs. I gained in the previous year, then last week's PMS (salt and carbs) has now caught up with me, and it looks like I won't have a whole 10 lbs. loss to show.

Jenniffer, good for you on your weight loss! I didn't even lose that much in the year when I was training for my marathon. You've done great...Now, if I can only lose 5 lbs. in the next three weeks.....

Hope the rest of you are well.

Lynn

Hello everyone..am hoping this board picks up again, I sure need it.
I am not doing too well, well, I am, but just crazed. Went to the RE yesterday to recieve an injection to make me ovulate within 24 hrs so everything would be better timed. So, went in and doc had bad news again. I am still responding very poorly to the clomid and the follicles were too small to give me the injection. So, I have to come back tommorow to see if they grew at all. If not,this cycle is a waste again. And then we would have to discuss moving onto injectible fertilty meds.Not sure what they are but he mentioned I would be giving myself the needle each day. Sounds like fun eh? And I didn't even cry. I was so optimistic this month, and it got me no where. I am no longer expecting good news, I figure that way I will not get my hopes up. I also have no idea how much the injections would cost, and if we could afford it. I am very dissapointed with the Clomid, I've heard such great succeses but doesn't seem like they will be mine. I am keeping my chin up, but I am also very numb.

I also spoke with him regarding my hair. He explained to me that in order to take the medications that would help with my hair breakage, I would have to stop the fertility treatments. I am not willing to do that. if it gets to be bad, noticeable to others, I will stop. But right now, I am the only one who can notice, my hair just isn't as thick as it once was. And he said that once I get pregnant, the hair would be doing better. Something about overstimulating your ovaries causes hair loss and breakage. Of course, life would be too simple for only one problem.

Enough of my pity party...

poohsie..T-Day..is short for Thanksgiving Day goal, 190 is my goal, just 2 more to go. I am also at a risk for gestational diabetes, my doctor is a bit concerned but not really with my weight. Of course he wants me to lose more weight to at least 170, but said that it will not cause any problems with my pregnacy as long as I don't gain too much during it. He set a limit of 20 lbs. I've always put things off in my life because of my weight, and am no longer doing it. Of course I want a healthy pregnacy and healthy baby, but even though I am overweight, I am alot healthier than most of my size 4 friends.

Lynn..Chug alot of water, tons of it, and your PMS gain will go bye bye as quick as it came on. Hope all goes well with your appointment, let us know how it goes.

Hope all is well with everyone..


Jennifer
250/192/165
T-Day: 190

First of all, let me introduce myself. I'm Kathy from Kansas, and I was diagnosed with PCOS after the birth of my second child. I've been reading through this thread and want to know more--first of all, I'm taking Aldactone. Also--what have your endos told you about weight loss? Mine tells me absolutely nothing--just wants me to "watch it." I know I need to lose about 40 pounds, so what have you been told that could help me?

I have lots more questions, but I'll just start with those two.

Kathy

Hi. My name is Joy. I'm a newbie. I was just finally diagnosed with PCOS two weeks ago. An Endocrynologist had the information to make the diagnosis two years ago and never diagnosed or refered. :( I finally found a new doctor who made the diagnosis from the blood tests and notes that the other doctor had sat on for two years. I sound BITTER. Sorry. I just need to vent. My new doctor is afraid that I also have endometreosis. I have to go in for a uterine exray and Laproscopy to make a diagnosis of endometreosis. Right now I'm a little freaked out. Is there anyone else out there that has had both PCOS and endometreosis at the same time?
On the diet side I'm on the standard low carb with as much exercise as I can handle. I'm also taking glucophage. (sp??)

Thanks for giving me a place to vent :)

Horse Lady (Joy)
For want of a Shoe the Horse was Lost.
Benjamin Franklin

Hello to all,

I am new here too! After years of doctors ignoring my signs of pcos I was finally diagnosed this year. My doctor can't put me on birth control because of a fatty liver that I was diagnosed with last year. I had testing done today to see if I'm a diabetic so yesterday I cried most of the day because I know it's just around the corner. I have older sisters who have all been diagnosed with diabetes and I feel like I'm just sitting here waiting my turn. My doctor never recommended any other medication at this time except for a water pill he gave me to help with facial hair growth.

I have been trying to lose the same 50 pounds since I was a teenager and I will turn 30 this year! I'm just looking for some extra support and if feels good to know that I'm not alone! I hope to have a good day tomorrow! Thanks to all of you for sharing your stories! :)

[This message has been edited by karbear (edited 11-15-2000).]

Jenniffer -
Miraculously, I woke up Tuesday AM, and was back at 185. Whoo-hoo. That's enough to keep me happy, assuming I don't put on any at the holiday (last year, I lost 3 lbs.). Thanks.

Also, I don't remember, but aren't you taking Metformin? I know the studies that have been done have shown that women on Metformin tend to respond to Clomid better. How are you insulin levels? If you are taking Met, how long, and have your levels come down? It might be worth checking on one of the other drugs (Avandia or Actos) if you don't respond to the Met.

Kathy - I take Aldactone along with Metformin. The Aldactone is a blood pressure pill that helps block the hair follicle from responding to the testosterone, so your hair doesn't grow back as quickly. It is definitely something that you SHOULD NOT take if you are trying to get pregnant.

Regarding diet, I follow a diabetic plan that allows me all the carbs I want, but is lower carb than most American diets. Many of us with PCOS are insulin resistant, and studies have shown that a lower carb diet can help lower our insulin levels, but not making our bodies make so much insulin.

Many of us are overweight (I'm 5'4" and 185), and unfortunately there are still a lot of docs that believe our overweight is the cause of the PCOS. I was told to lose weight and my problems would go away. The reality is that PCOS causes the weight gain, and makes it really hard to lose the weight. The low carb diet helps with that too.

Joy - I went through the same "yeah, you have PCOS, but there's nothing we can do" attitude for three years before I finally wised up and asked for better care. I don't blame you for being bitter. But, hopefully you are in a good place with a good doc. It looks like it.

I know there are some ladies with both PCOS and endometriosis out there. Hopefully, someone can help you out with your questions.

Karbear - Welcome! You're allowed to be sad, but only temporarily. I have three relatives (all on my dad's side) with diabetes, and I'm headed there myself. Since we are prone to type 2, and type 2 can be prevented to a certain extent, maybe you can minimize the likelihood of your developing it. Check with your doc and voice your concern. Weight loss is part of it, so you are definitely on the right track. If your insulin in elevated, maybe they'll put you on Metformin, which helps a lot of us. I went through all the same feelings when I was first diagnosed, and then I decided that I was going to be in charge of my body, and do what I could to maximize the chances of NOT getting it.

It's so nice to see all these new faces :). Hope to see you all again soon.

Lynn

Hi everyone,

Lynn-

Thank you for validating my anger. Sometimes its nice to know your not alone or being unreasonable. I'm starting to get to the point now where I realize anger at what could have been isn't going to help me or anyone else.

Karbear -

I have the same diabetes issues that you do. My father is type 2 and I have a sister that is classified as juvenile diabetic even though her diabetes didn't mainfest until her first pregnancy. I like to look at my dad as a good example of how watching your diet can help you. He was on the border line of needing to go onto insulin shots and managed to avoid it by going onto a low carb diet. My doctor also tells me that following a low carb diet and exercise can prevent or postpone getting diabetes. I understand needing to cry for a day. I did that the day I came home from the doctor after getting my diagnosis and hearing I had to go for more tests. Bad news or the threat of bad news is never easy to deal with. I'm hoping you get good news! Good luck.

Horselady (joy)
"For want of a shoe the horse was lost.."
Ben Franklin
216/210/150

[This message has been edited by Horse Lady (edited 11-16-2000).]

Lynn--Could you tell me more about Metformin? I'm going to a new endo the end of December and want to be armed with as much info as I can get. Thanks.

Kathy

Kathy -

Metformin (or Glucophage) is one of the oral medications they give to type 2 diabetics. It helps diabetics by making their bodies use their insulin better.

For those of us with PCOS, we often are insulin resistant, and will have elevated insulin levels (tested for with a fasting insulin level). This insulin resistance is sometimes seen in patients prior to their becoming "type 2s".

It has been found that in patients with PCOS, managing the insulin level is a good thing. Even those PCOS women who don't have elevated insulin levels usually benefit. They aren't sure why.

What does it do for us? It also helps us use our insulin better, which is thought to be the cause (they still don't really know what causes it). Elevated insulin seems to bring on the weight gain (yes, it CAUSES, not us being lazy and overeating), as well as the elevated testosterone (and with it, the hair growth, balding, and acne that some of us have). And, the testosterone is usually what causes us to stop having periods. So, theoretically, if you can improve your insulin level, it is possible to improve your PCOS symptoms.

So, metformin is one of the things they are now used. Most folks take 1500 mg per day, in three doses. Sometimes, your doc may alter the dose, to get a better effect. One of the best ways to see if it is working is to have periodic fasting insulin levels drawn. Usually, they do them every 3-6 months. By the 3rd month, you should see something of a result. Some folks don't see a change until 5-6 months though.

It's a good idea to follow a low carb diet while taking this. The lower we can keep our carbs, the easier it is for the insulin to work. Follow which ever plan feels best to you...some use Atkins, WW, CAD, diabetic. What ever works. The other thing is....

...low carb can help decrease some of the more "unpleasant" side effects. Many folks, when they first start taking it, can have nausea or diarrhea. This usually lasts until your body "gets used to it". Usually only a couple of weeks. I know ladies who get nausea on it have found that taking it in the middle of the meal is the best thing. Some take milk, to help minimize this. You should always take it with food. For the diarrhea, some folks have noticed that it is worse when eating high carb/sugar or high fat meals. Some use Imodium if it gets real bad.

My experience has been only with diarrhea, usually within an hour after meals. I occasionally get it if I've been "bad". But, once it's out of your system for that meal, it usually doesn't recur. I've taken Imodium on occasion, and it has worked well.

Gosh, I know there's a lot more that I could write, but I can't think of it right now. I know that lost of magazines have full page ads for glucophage, and if you read the back page of the ad, it will tell you a lot. Also, check the web. The company that makes it (and I don't know the name) has a nice site. Just punch in glucophage or metformin into your favorite search engine, and you should have no problem.

I hope this helps....sorry it's so long.

Let me know what else you need.

Lynn

Hi everyone! It's been a long time since I've written in. I was diagnosed with PCOS about 13 years ago. My treatment was mostly just birth control pills. I have since had two beautiful little girls. Now I'm really having problems with low blood sugar. I am being tested for diabetes and am also very interested in the Metformin. My Dr. said that Metformin can delay the onset of type 2 diabetes.

Those of us with PCOS also have to watch out chlorestoral very closely since we have 7 times more chance of heart disease than someone without PCOS.

I have been doing WW and have lost about 14 lbs with about 15 lbs to go. I know that exercise is also very important for PCOS sufferers and have been trying to do more. It's hard with 2 small children to watch.

My weight loss is going very slowly and the hypoglycemia is definitely aggravated by the lower cal. diet. I've been trying to eat more protein.
Please write back with your comments!

Lynn,

Thank you for your support and sharing your story. The sadness has gone away now and I'm on the track of kowing I need to lose this weight and keep myself on track! Thanks agian for your encouragement! :)

Joy,

Thanks for sharing your story it is very encouraging to hear when other people are on the right track. That helps me to know that it is possible as long as I keep a positive attitude. :) Again thank you for sharing your story.

I will talk with you all again soon! :)

Karbear

Pulling to the top for Mary from the Healthy Exchanges list from egroups.

Jane

Wow..I go away for a bit and everyone comes in! I am so happy so many newbies have joined us.
I have been ill and have taken on a new position at my job, so been very busy.
I forgot if I posted that my last cycle was a complete waste or not. But for an update, I did not respond again to the clomid so they could not give me the shot to induce ovulation. So, we are moving onto injectibles. My husband will have to give me injectios for two weeks every day for a month. Sometimes more than once a day. I did not take this news well. We have to actually attend classes before we begin too. I decided with my husbands support that we would stop treatments this month (December) and enjoy the holidays. We will begin again in January. Been doing this since July with no response to anything yet. Very dissapointing. I am emotionally exhausted and physically exhausted from the meds. But am not giving up hope.

I am also having a problem with my hair falling out. It has been bad for about a year now, meaning I noticed that my hair was shedding more than the norm. In the last 2 months, it's gotten twice as bad as before. My RE explained to me that PCOS causes hair loss, knew that already, but from overstimulating my ovaries, my hair will fall out more. Nice huh? One option only, we could stop the infertility treatments and see how my hair is or we could stop and put me on meds for my hair loss. But I cannot take meds for the hairloss while taking infertility treatments. So, would I be happy being pregnant and bald? I have to laugh..LOL But he did say that once I do become prego the hair loss will stop and then after the birth we could try out the meds for hairloss. So, I am just hoping now, that all of myhair won't fall out before becoming pregnant.
Please don't think I have almost no hair. I look normal to anyone, but I can tell. My hair is no longer as thick as it once was, and alot of my hair has broken. It's depressing.
Anyone have any good hair ideas?

Kathy..Welcome! So glad you found us. What is Aldactone for? My RE explained to me the vicious cycle of weightgain and PCOS. But explained to me that it was very important to lose weight but also how hard it would be. He explained to me about the high carb low fat diet ws killing me, not to mention the recent gain of 50 lbs. So, I started cutting out pasta everyday and bagels for breakfast. Small things like that. Walking 5 times a week and tons of water. And since January I have lost 58 lbs. Very slow, but it's coming off at least.

Horselady..Welcome!! I saw 4 doctors in 2 years who never diagnosed me even though when I asked for my records that had written down PCOS. How come I wasn't told? Because I was fat and tehy saw that as the problem. **** them I say. I was very angry for a long time. I don't blame you for being angry. It's ashame that doctors can get away with that.

karbear..Welcome!! Birth control nly hides the problems, so I wouldn't be too worried about not being able to take it. I was told birth control would help me till I wanted babies. BS. Doctors throw birth control at any woman with a complaint. It's horrible. Water pills help stop facial hair? I've never heard that before.

Lynn..185! WOOHOO! That is wonderful!!! Yes, I have been on Metformin since July and I responded right away to it. That is the only reason why my period returned after a two year absence. I always had to take Provera in order to get it. So, yes Metformin is working for me, but nothing else is. My insulin levels are down too.

dipsy..Hello..how are you doing? Congrats on the weightloss so far! That is wonderful!!


Hope everyone is well...

Jennifer
250/192/165

Hello Everyone,

I just wanted to report that I'm doing much better than the last time I wrote. I haven't heard from my doctor about my test, but I was able to get a copy and it seems that the numbers of my test are normal so I don't think I'm ready to be a diabetic yet! I have been doing really well with my eating program. I know with pcos it is harder to lose the weight so I'm just taking one day at a time and enjoying life!

Jennifer, I have never heard of a water pill helping with the facial hair, but my new doctor thought it would help. He told me it would take a month or so to really notice and I think it has somewhat helped. I think it mainly slows the growing process. I wish you and your husband the best after the holidays. Don't give up hope it will happen when the time is right. Witht he stress of the holidays and the start of a new position at work January will be the best time! Don't worry about being bald that's why us women can wear wigs! LOL Keep your spirits up everything will work out! I will keep you and your husband in my thoughts and prayers.

I hope everyone else is doing good!

Take care,

Karbear

Hello all!

Jenniffer - I think you guys are making the right decision. Take some time, enjoy the holidays, as they are stressful enough without having to deal with a new protocol. I wish you much luck when you finally do start up again.

I had my RE appointment last week. She's happy, I'm happy, renewed scripts, see you in a year. 'Course that's what happens when you are not TTC. Saw dermatologist also last week. Discussed a bunch of things, not least of which was Vaniqa. Got to do something about this hair business. I really am offended that I have to shave my face. Dermatologist didn't seem to think that I have that much growth, but I've gotten pretty good at shaving, and my makeup, even though light, covers things up pretty well. Anyway, as soon as I see some changes, I'll let you all know.

Hope all is going well with the rest of you.
Lynn

Aldactone, for whomever it was that asked, is an antiandrogen drug. PCOS was explained to me that the cysts on the ovaries make the ovaries think they need to produce more androgen, the "male" testosterone. They don't, so the result is the excess hair, weight gain, deepening voice, all those wonderful things we know so well. The problem is, Aldactone can also wreak havoc with your cholestorel level, so I was started off at a very low level and gradually increased it. I started off at 25 mg/day, and now I take 75 mg/day. The goal is for me to work up to 100 mg/day. I saw results as soon as I started taking it; the hair problem got better and my voice wasn't as deep. I still have some excess hair, but not like I used to--and it gets less all the time. I should go up to 100 at my next endo appt the end of this month.

Hi everyone...anybody around? Been too quite here.,

I'm here....Just not on too often....

I'm doing well. Got a script for Vaniqa in December from my RE. Justs got it filled. It has an interesting texture...more like a liquid-y preparation than a creamy thing. It does sting a bit if you put it on right after a really hot shower or over an open zit or ingrown hair. But it's not bad at all.

The insert says that it will take a while to work. I think it might be doing a bit already. I usually shave on Monday and Thursday, and I don't feel like I need to today.

Hope everyone else is OK!

See you.

Lynn

Hello to everyone!

I hope everyone had a nice holiday!

My doctor has me on that sparonial lactone and it's suppose to help with my hair and I think it has, but I still use the tweezers so I plan to ask him about the Vaniqa also! I hope it works out for you Lynn!

I'm very pleased withe the past few months since my doctor prescribed this new medication. He also gave me a prescription for provocol so I could have a period once in a while. I'm so happy to say that I have never had to use it! I have had a normal period each month since around September. I never thought it would be possible and my friends who don't have a problem think I'm nuts because I'm happy to have one! LOL I tell them when you go for 6 or 7 months without one you would be happy too! I'm happy to feel normal for a change!

Well, thanks for listening! I hope everyone is doing good! Talk to you again soon!

Karbear

Okay, I really need to vent about my new endo. He is the head of the endo department at a major teaching hospital. I was going to him because my new insurance didn't accept my old endo, who was fantastic. Okay, after waiting for over an hour to be seen, the nurse comes to get me for blood pressure, weighing, and so on. It's winter, so I have my purse and coat with me. I go in the little room where they do all this fun stuff and put my things on the table and step on the scale. The nurse yells at me "Hang up your coat!! Didn't your mother teach you any manners?" OF course, the hook to hang my coat up was behind the open door which I couldn't see because she was standing in front of it. Then, I see the resident, who does a great job. I then wait another 45 minutes--did I mention the place opened at 9:00 and I had a 9:30 appt? Then the doc walks in and the first words out of his mouth are, "you need to lay off the Big Macs, young lady." (I'm 32.) I replyed that I'd never eaten a Big Mac before in my life, which he didn't respond to. I then proceeded to ask him questions, and HE NEVER ANSWERED THEM! He would only talk to the resident, never to me. I'm so mad I'm ready to go back to my old endo and pay for the whole thing out of my pocket.

Hey everyone, I am new to this Forum. When I found it though I knew I belonged. I have PCOS. But, I really identify with you Jeniffer. I have a 9 year old son that took me 6 cycles of Clomid to conceive and twin girls that took me 3 tries. With them I conceived on a mix of Clomid and injections of Metrodin. Which my husband administered to me!While trying to get pregnant the second time I was diagnosed with PCOS. But having a baby was my main concern. They are 3 now so I am trying to take care of me finally. I have been on 1000mg of Glucophage for the last 3 months. I go back to the Dr. soon for repeat blood work to make sure its doing what it's supposed to and nothing that it's not. I am also insulin resistant so I am on a healthy diet. I have a support group at my church. We do a plan called First Place. I love it. We weigh in tonight so I will find out what I lost this week. I look forward to posting and reading all of the post you ladies make! Take care....Wendy

Jeez Kathy!! I would have made his wife a rich woman. I would have exterminated him!! You should call your insurance company and complain since he is one of their preferred doctors and then ask them for someone else on the list. Nobody should be treated like that. And let me tell you from experience with these doctors you have to be IN YOUR FACE. If he didn't direct his answers to me I would have said "uumm...excuse me. Who is the patient here? Is this residents insurance company going to pay you or is mine?" And well as for the Big Mac comment....that would have done it for me. Because I would have told him to kiss my...well you get the idea! LOL....OK now everyone knows I have a BIG mouth!! ya'll take care.. Wendy

Kathy -

I agree with Wendy. There is a component that I think we all need to develop, and that is to stand up for our needs when we are in a doctor's office. Not only from the PCOS standpoint, but it is OUR health, not theirs, and they must remember that we are customers.

You're quite right to consider going back to your other RE. It's also important to feel comfortable with the person who is treating you. If you are not comfortable, say so, and indicate that if things do not change, you will not stay.

I've done it both with my gyn (who said, "just diet and lose weight and you'll be fine...oh, and the facial hair, it's genetic" - but I'm Irish) and my internist (who said on finding out that I was taking glucophage "diet and exercise will take care of that"). In both cases, I let them know in no uncertain terms that if they were not willing to treat me for my condition or approve of how I was treating my condition, then I didn't plan on returning. I was fortunate to find another gyn who is wonderful and who referred me right away to an RE. I just recently changed internists, and have only seen my new doc once, so I don't really know yet about him. He did say, when I told him how I was treating my PCOS, "I don't know enough about PCOS to challenge any treatment given to you by an RE". Good enough for me!

I hope all works out for you...you have my thoughts.

Lynn

hi. i recently posted a note about PCOS, then realized you already have a thread running. Anyway, I have suffered form this problem sine high school, i will soon be 29. I never realized it till about two years ago whn I read a book about progsterone, and started using the cream which regulated my cycle. I was always a bit overeight all the years since my cycle started and had the common, extra peach fuzz, though never realized why. both my mother and sister were on birth control, so they never saw the symtoms that I did. My hsuband and I have just learned about the connection between Insulin Resistance, and PCOS. I was recently diagnosed with this. The last few years I have seen results following a lo sugar diet, and now I see why. ( I never understood the exact reason I would lose eight so quick, but gain it back when I started on bread again!) Now I am about 155 I am sure that doesn't sound to much, but with this syndrome, the practitioner told me I must lose at least 25 more pounds...I am doing it naturally, as my faith forbids the chemical meds. right now I excersize doing tae-bo and running 4 days a week, and try to cut down my carbs. anyone else trying my way? any one else using natural progesterone cream? please reply...thanks

Hey everyone. I hope you all had a great weekend. I have a question. Of all of you who are on Glucophage/Metformin how long after you started taking it did it take your periods to resume. I have been on 1000mg a day for 3 months and I just got mine without using Provera. I am just wondering if this is a fluke or not. I was begining to wonder if I was on a high enough dosage.........and to Meow I wish you luck with the diet, exercise, and natural progesterone because Insulin Resistance to my knowledge causes the PCOS...and in turn causes Type 2 Diabetes. My doctor put me on the Glucophage not only to help my PCOS symptoms but to try and prolong the inevitable...which is Type 2 diabetes and if I can put that off by taking the Meds then nothing will keep me from them.

I am sure glad I found this thread ! I went to the Dr. for a routine physical on yesterday. I have a new health plan...so I wanted to a fresh start. I wanted to talk about my weight and facial hair problem. Low and behold the first thing out of her month was PCOS. She asked if I had ever been tested...I have had numerous blood screens before...but never in depth.

I will take my first set on Saturday. In the mean time she gave me Glucophage to help suppress my appitete while following hte weight watchers program. I did a little research on the web...and looking at the symptoms...I have had or had over 75% of them.

Any suggestions on what website to go to get more info or what questions I should ask my doctor would be helpful :-)

I commend you all for posting and supporting on another...I hope to learn more about this disease....

Julie



------------------
235/227/145

Tinkerbell -

It took me about 8 weeks after I started glucophage before I got a period. The first couple of months after that were a bit irregular, but have since evened out (about 30-35 days, which is what it was before I was diagnosed). Most docs want you to have a period every 30-60 days, so I would check with your doc to see what he/she wants you to do. And, glucophage sometimes takes up to 3-4 months to see any sort of effect, so be patient. I'm glad that you're part of our group!

Julie, a welcome to you. It's good that you've found a sympathetic doc. I don't know about the rest of the ladies here, but I read www.inciid.org (PCOS cafe) daily. While I am not trying to conceive, many of the ladies are, and the support is wonderful. There is also www.pcosupport.com (or maybe .org) that is very good.

As for the metformin (or glucophage), it is not meant as an appetite suppressant. It is most commonly given to diabetic patients, and those of us with PCOS that have elevated insulin levels. It helps lower them, and doesn't make our blood sugar go down. In the first few weeks of taking it, it may make you feel less hungry...I know it did for me for a while.

I encourage you to continue your research on the syndrome, and feel free to ask any questions that you may have.

Warm thoughts,


Lynn

Thanks for the input Lynn. I do need to have one every other month...I usually only let it go about 2 weeks over and then I take the Provera. I feel crappy when I don't have a period. I am not trying to concieve either..I just want to feel good! 2001 I agree with Lynn. Glucophage isn't used to suppress appetite, and I hope you dr. did all the neccessary blood work before she put you on the meds. I go back for my 3 month at the end of this month to have my blood work redone. Glucophage can adversely affect your kidneys, liver, and I don't know what else. So, they do blood work before you get on it...and again in 2-3 months. To make sure everything is working fine and the med is not messing with anything it should not. Good Luck and welcome to the group!!....Take care everyone! Wendy

Hello :)
My name is Elizabeth, and I have PCOS. I was diagnosed in July '99 after going to 3 different Docs in 6 weeks and being on a battery of different hormonal medicines to make me stop bleeding. I am currently taking 500 mg. daily of Glucophage XR under a Dr's supervision and am on 1400 calories a day, along with 3-5 hours of Exercise this week.


I am not sure what all you have gone through or dealth with, but my goal weight to lose is 100 pounds total. I gained about 85 pounds between '96 - '99. There are no support groups in my city, and I have never spoken to many other females in my age range with PCOS.

Hope to hear from you soon. Take care and best wishes with what you are doing.

- Elizabeth :)

I hope to hear from you

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Happiness doesn't depend on any external conditions, it is governed by our mental attitude.

Hey Elizabeth. Welcome to the group. I have had PCOS since I was 17. But, was just diagnosed about 5 years ago. I am also on Glucophage and on a 1600 calorie diet that is 50% carbs, exercise<which I suck at> and 80oz of water a day. I also would like to lose 100lbs. I wish you luck and keep me posted on your success with the weight lose and how the Glucophage is working. As for me, I go back to the Dr. next week. I am curious to know if I am on a high enough dosage of the Glucophage. I have read alot and most of what I have seen the women are on 500-850mg 3x a day. I am on 500mg 2x a day. Hope to talk to ya soon, Wendy.