Hello Ladies!!!

I am new to the 3FC!!! I was diagnosed with PCOS about 4-5 months ago. It has been a very difficult journey to this point. I have been prescribed metformin. I fought with it for 2 months before finally giving up. Any advice as to what herbal/homeopathic remedies I can use to alleviate some of my symptoms? I just recently started the P90X program to help with staying active, and I LOVE IT! If anyone knows what I could do to help me along I would appreciate it very much. Being 22 and finding out that I may never have children except for help with fertility drugs is very upsetting!!! Looking forward to joining your conversations! Thanks so very much =)

Renee

to the 3FC and this forum!

Not sure I have much advice, but have you tried the extended release metformin? It's a lot nicer to me than the regular, but I fight with it a bit as well. Seems to be treating me pretty well this time around, though. I'm sure someone else will come along with some ideas for you

Is there just one P90X program, or are there different ones? I was checking out some of it, and I just didn't care for the host, 'cause he was hard to watch.

Good luck! Look forward to chatting with you!

There is only one program, but Beach Body puts out the dvd's and they have a whole array to choose from. I have heard like slim in 6 or something like that is a much less challenging exercise program? Google beach body and check it out!

Thanks for the information about time release metformin. I will have to talk to my ob/gyn about it!!!

I haven't been officially diagnosed with PCOS, but I am almost positive I have it. So I can't help with any remedies. But what kind of diet plan are you on? A low glycemic diet helped me lose 100 lbs. It helped all my symptoms. I got my period regularly, unwanted hair growth slowed WAY down, acne cleared up, etc. I have also done P90X and loved it! I need to start again now that I'm down to one job (having 3 jobs put a halt to having enough time/energy).

Good luck with everything!

I don't actually have a specific diet. I usually fail if i tell myself that its a diet and I can't cheat. So my "diet": I don't buy anything from the store that would lead me to sitting on the couch and gorging. Lots of veggies. We try to use the grill as much as possible. Absolutely no chips, cookies, ice cream etc. If I had to guess at my caloric intake daily it would probably be at the 1800 range. That is actually how they found the PCOS. I was told to write my food down for a week, they looked at it and were astonished that I had gained weight. 200 pounds and slowly gaining is awful when you are already trying so hard. I just hope that if I keep putting my all into my exercise and keep my attitude in check, I will overcome this disease and my weight problems.

Check out the forums here on natural supplements. I couldn't tolerate the met...I just threw up alllll day long. It was AWFUL. So now I'm taking cinnamon and chromium supplements, along with fish oil and a daily vitamin. IT HAS BEEN A LIFESAVER. Before the supps, I couldn't lose a pound. I was stuck. The day I started taking them all sugar/carb cravings stopped. Instantly. It was crazy...I never realized how bad I was craving them until I wasn't craving them at all.
That said, don't stress about not having kids! I don't have any myself yet, but my doctor has told me that many times people can get pregnant naturally. You're taking the right steps to take care of yourself, and I've heard that losing just 10% of your bodyweight increases your fertility significantly.

Hi gals

i am also looking to get some vitamin/supplement help
i have pcos, insulin resistance and of course hypothyroid
have been living like this for years, no help from dr's and metformin like most of you comes right back out, so i gave up and got sick of fighting something that was winning.
i know that low carb and low sugar is the key for me, first time the scale moved, but i need to follow i think more guidelines because i am finding myself cheating a bit and also, the sugar cravings are still there no matter how many stinking eggs i eat....
any advice ill take it....

Could try the extended release version or see about Fortamet or glumetza -- similar but digested/absorbed in different areas.

You could try a naturopath or chinese medicine doctor and see if vitex or some other herb mix is appropriate for you.

Vitex gets a 3 on Mary's PCOS faq and I already have it in my new vitamin but I don't have a lot of time clocked on it yet so can't share more experience.

Anyway GL and welcome!

A.

Welcome!

My Endo suggested a calorie intake of 1500 or lower for women with PCOS. Take that advice at your own discretion. I'm trying to keep to 1500, but it's been hard with all the exercise that I do, so I've been tweaking my macros, making sure carbs are less than my protein/fats.

Chromium polynicolinate, based on Mary's FAQ that astrophe posted, have helped tremendously.......... my doctor prescribed metformin but told me this last visit that I didn't need to take it because I'm doing well on my own.

Good luck!!!!!