Hello, I am a 28-y.o. single female diagnosed with PCOS several years ago. I have most of the usual symptoms, weight gain (especially around the middle), acne, hirsutism and scalp hair loss. I've spent many hours and many thousands of dollars on the doctors and the medicine (proscar, spironolactone, b/c pills), which all had ***absolutely no effect whatsoever***.

It's an infuriating Catch-22 that losing weight is supposed to help with PCOS symptoms, but PCOS makes it so hard to lose weight!! The last diet I tried was Atkins, and although it did help me lose a few pounds, it was impossible for me to stick to in the long run, as I was beginning to feel unhealthy and run down. The one before that was a regular low-fat, low-calorie diet, and I actually *gained* several pounds on it! No one but another PCOS sister believes me when I say that I was literally eating 1200-1300 calories a day and yet gaining weight.

I think I've finally found the solution for me -- EXERCISE. In large amounts! I'd always detested exercise, but for the past several months I've been forcing myself to do aerobics 4-5 times a week for 30-40 minutes and weights 2-3 times a week.

I'm down to 230 from a high of 255 in December. My target weight is 170. I'd love to weigh 145-150 like I did when I was a young adult, but I'm afraid that may not be realistic.

What's most amazing is that I've actually come to not hate, but even sometimes enjoy, the exercise. I've found it to be a great stress-reliever, the effect it has on my weight is a motivating factor, and it's even helping my skin look better. I still watch what I eat (limit carbs and portions), but I'm not starving myself or denying myself treats. I've also noticed that I can now go longer between meals without feeling hungry, I assume this is a side effect of the exercise.

I still get depressed about what PCOS has done to my body, but there is a little glimmer of hope after seeing that I can lose some weight using a method that I can continue long-term.

I try not to think that I have to lose another 60 pounds (oops, there, I though it!) because that is depressing. I try to just take it day by day and hope that those days add up.

Good luck to everyone on this board. I don't know if exercise is other people's solution, but I do strongly feel the medications are NOT the answer. 90% of the doctors have no idea hat they're talking about, the medications have long-term "side" effects that are very harmful, and I think natural methods are preferable...

Hi, I'm 26, and was diag. last year, the only thing that seems to work for me is exercise w/ low cal, low carb diet. I was wondering if you go to a gym, or just do the workouts at home? Have been thinking of joining a local gym (if I have to pay for it, I'm more likely to keep up with it ).
ps, It's great to know someone else thinks these docs. aren't helping, I came to the same conclusion.

I actually have a small gym I could use for free in my apartment complex, but I haven't (don't want to do it with people around, and everytime I've gone by at any hour there are people there).

Mostly my aerobic exercise consists of "jogging" around my apartment, dancing to music, or hiking in the national park that's nearby. Occasionally I'll follow along with an aerobics show on tv.

I have hand weights which I use to do a variety of different sets, pieced together from different sources, like magazine articles.

I do plan to attend a gym at some point, when I become less self-conscious about the weight. I'm interested to see the equipment available out there, as well as perhaps hire a personal trainer for a few sessions to get their advice about the best exercise and proper form.

One thing I read somewhere that I've put to good use is that to get your heart rate up, you raise your arms above your head. This works great even if you don't have a lot of room to move around in.

I go power walking 5 days a week right now... people might think I'm insane if I run around our local park with my hands flung up in the air , but I'm sure it works great. When I start doing aerobics at home I'll try it out and let you know. I wouldn't mind going to the gym to do stength training, but I'm a clutz, so no way am doing any kind of organized movement in front of other people! Having a national park near you must be great, the closest thing we have around here is a small place that has a few really difficult hiking paths(nothing for begginers), but it has a few really cool waterfalls that make it worth the work. Well, keep me posted if you want, my e-mail is [email protected]. I could really use a buddy to check in with. I've gotta go...time for that walk!

I was diagnosed several years ago also. I have taken the Glucophage Metformin a couple years ago and didnt dare get to far away from the potty, BADDDD side effects. Well I went to that wonderful girl appoinment and the Dr. asked for me to try it again, so I did they have changed the formula and it dosent give you the runs like before. I try to exercise but always find and excuse. I started Weight Watchers and the first week lost 3.5 pounds so that is good. I am having a harder time this week, but I think that with the new formula of the Med and me trying really hard I can do this!!!

Exercise is the key! I've not been diagnosed with PCOS, but I've not been tested. (no insurance). However, I have most of the symptoms. Both Jennifer and Amy definitely have PCOS. Anyway, I lost a lot of weight last year when I was on my exercise kick. 3 hours a day is what it took for me, but it worked. Unfortuately, I moved away, my schedule changed, and I never got back into the swing of things. Therefore, the benefits stopped. A perfect diet does nothing for me without the exercise.

I've read several places that "extreme exercise" is an alternate way to control insulin resistance.

I'm just going to add my little bit of two cents about exercising and PCOS. I'm 23 yrs old and I've always been an athlete. When I was in high school and college I had coaches watching what I was doing making sure I wasn't getting too big (muscular, etc). So, when I decided to join a gym, I thought, well, I know what I'm doing, I'll just join and use the machines like I used to. BUT, for some reason I decided to hire a trainer. THE BEST MOVE EVER. She wasn't too expensive and I told her I didn't need her all the time, just maybe once a month to make sure i was doing the right stuff the right way. I would've NEVER thought that I'd be using free weights and dumbbells and doing exercises that you see men do on the Strongest Man Show. But, my trainer made it so the weights that I was doing, i was doing quickly with a low amount of weight and therefore tricking my body into thinking I was doing cardio the whole time. Anyway, all I wanted to say was, it's my suggestion that you spend the little bit of extra money if you're going to go to a gym and get a trainer for a few times. Ask the hubby for it for a birthday or Christmas or something. IT'S DEFINITELY WORTH IT!