So Many Questions....

  •   #1  
    TXBelle1174's AvatarTXBelle1174 , 04-19-2012 12:10 PM
    I have recently been re-diagnosed (I'll explain that later) with PCOS and newly diagnosed with IR. I am also Hypothyroid. I am currently seeing an endo and taking Metformin. I also take a multi vitamin, a Super B Complex, and C0Q10. I am so confused about so many things!!! I have some questions that maybe you all can help me with. I have done some internet research on some things and have come up stumped so here they are:

    DIM - How does this supplement help? It balances estrogen but what specific symptoms does it help with? Weight? Hair Growth? Menses? Is there one brand that is better than the other or all pretty much the same?

    BMR - My BMR is around 1785 cals - give or take a few depending on the calculator. I read the article about lower BMR in women with PCOS. So does this mean I should drop my BMR by 40% to get the right number. I was on a 1500 cal diet plan but bumped to 1650 because I thought I wasnt eating enough (I stalled out with losing weight) and I still have not lost another pound. What are your thoughts on BMR?

    Net Carbs - I am on a low carb diet as well - My endo said no more than 50 carbs per day (Net). For those of you counting carbs - do you count total carbs or NET carbs (subtracting fiber grams).

    Other info - Are there any things in particular that REALLY help with the weight loss or help with energy levels, etc? Such as exercise, more water, eliminating specific foods (dairy, etc)

    I want to get on track with this and I want to lose weight. I know it is not going to happen overnight but I would like to do EVERYTHING I can do in order to promote the losses happening.Thanks for your help and advice. I am new to this site and my head is spinning from all the different, sometimes conflicting, info out there!
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  •   #2  
    astrophe's Avatarastrophe , 04-21-2012 10:11 PM
    In my experience?

    DIM - none to share.

    BMR - I don't think those calcs online help a PCOS person too much. Even my endoc crunching the formulas was perplexed. A dietitian I once had told me to estimate 20% less. Honestly? The one that works best for me is my fitbit tracking my steps. But it doesn't really matter if a PCOS person doesn't fit the usual. Keep a food log. THAT is YOUR usual to maintain wherever it is you are it. Subtract 500 from THERE.

    Assuming all meds are in place and there isn't anything out of control (ex: crazy IR hunger) then IME calorie counting does work.

    I know when I stall I need a lab to check on thyroid meds, hormones, IR, etc. There's always a REASON. Even if it takes a bit to sort it out.
    Quote:
    Net Carbs - I am on a low carb diet as well - My endo said no more than 50 carbs per day (Net). For those of you counting carbs - do you count total carbs or NET carbs (subtracting fiber grams).
    Subtract fiber.

    Quote:
    Other info - Are there any things in particular that REALLY help with the weight loss or help with energy levels, etc? Such as exercise, more water, eliminating specific foods (dairy, etc)
    Check for deficiencies. Like Metformin can blow your B's. Everyone is pretty much low on D in the US. Magnesium being low can mess you up -- just taking a general multi helps, but if you are seriously low you may need stronger than a general. So labs are in order. I did a stint of B12 and D3 and taking extra of those helped my energy. But I didn't know I was low even WITH the general multi -- labs showed it up.

    I've been trying to test for sleep apnea but no luck yet. But look into that esp if you snore. Unrestful sleep = poor energy later the next day.

    A.
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  •   #3  
    mariposssa's Avatarmariposssa , 04-21-2012 11:01 PM
    Well, I have all the same issues...PCOS/IR/Hypo.

    I have read the BMR study and I don't think the online calculators apply to us either. Especially with the hypo and PCOS. I am counting carbs, not calories right now. But, whenever I have done calorie counting it has to be a pretty low number, IME.

    I haven't ever taken DIM.

    The supplements I'm taking right now are Super B Complex, B12, Biotin, D3, and acidophillus.

    I count net carbs, myself.
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