PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome)

sparklin_r0se
sparklin_r0se Posts: 19 Member
in Motivation and Support
Hi sweet ppl out there...
I just wanted to know is there anyone who's struggling with PCOS? I've been diagnosed with PCOS since last year.. I was so slim and all but now gained weight so much now having a tough time with this disease.. Any1 out there have the same problem? Any motivation?
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Replies

  • Mrsurban2011
    Mrsurban2011 Posts: 27 Member
    I did a search and stumbled upon your board. I was recently diagnosed with PCOS. Cried for days and was in denial. I use to be petite but after I had my daughter things went up on the scale. We can encourage each other if your looking for a friend. Hopefully by the weekend I can get a personal trainer. Are you trying to lose to have a baby or just personal goal?
  • LKArgh
    LKArgh Posts: 5,178 Member
    PCOS does not cause sudden weight gain. Focus on exercise and monitoring calories, and you will lose, nothing to worry about.
  • Mrsurban2011
    Mrsurban2011 Posts: 27 Member
    That's not the case for everyone with PCOS. It's easy to gain and harder to lose for some of us. It can be a constant struggle.
  • LKArgh
    LKArgh Posts: 5,178 Member
    Mrsurban2011 wrote: »
    That's not the case for everyone with PCOS. It's easy to gain and harder to lose for some of us. It can be a constant struggle.

    It is harder to lose, I agree. But it will not cause gaining a lot of weight (unless of course one considers e.g. 10 lbs a lot) and it will not cause sudden weight gain. On the contrary, weight gain will make PCOS symptoms worse.
  • Mrsurban2011
    Mrsurban2011 Posts: 27 Member
    The original poster was looking for someone to relate to and have motivation. She didn't state she gained weight because of PCOS. We all know what causes weight gain. If you don't have PCOS then you don't know the struggle.
    Like I said before sparklin_rose if you need someone to go through the process with you I'm here for you. Have you had your insulin levels checked? Has a doctor given you a weight loss plan? I can scan you a copy of the one I have if you want it.
  • lizierin2015
    lizierin2015 Posts: 4 Member
    I also have PCOS & am losing weight to get it more under control. Feel free to send me a friend request. :)
  • kthompson601
    kthompson601 Posts: 174 Member
    I have PCOS as well. As a teenager, my periods were really irregular and I would go months without having one, which isn't healthy; so I got on birth control to keep me regular. I have lost 93 pounds and my birth control script ran out in the summer (I haven't renewed it because I'm lazy and don't want to find a new OBGYN); since then I've continued to have regular periods, something that wasn't happening when I was a teen and was heavier than I am now. I think my weight loss has improved my health so much that my reproductive system is functioning more normally now, and that's a good sign.

    My understanding is that there is some debate in the medical community about PCOS and obesity. Some doctors argue that PCOS makes you more likely to become overweight, and some say PCOS is a side effect of being overweight. Apparently the relationship between the two isn't hard and fast.
  • Mrsurban2011
    Mrsurban2011 Posts: 27 Member
    I'm sorry to hear about that Kthompson, but I'm glad you lost the weight. I start my birth control today.
  • LKArgh
    LKArgh Posts: 5,178 Member
    Mrsurban2011 wrote: »
    The original poster was looking for someone to relate to and have motivation. She didn't state she gained weight because of PCOS. We all know what causes weight gain. If you don't have PCOS then you don't know the struggle.
    Like I said before sparklin_rose if you need someone to go through the process with you I'm here for you. Have you had your insulin levels checked? Has a doctor given you a weight loss plan? I can scan you a copy of the one I have if you want it.

    I have PCOS. Diagnosed more than 20 years ago. It has not controlled my life. It should not control OP's life either. It is a very common medical problem. Some have it harder then others regarding fertility. But it does not condemn one to being overweight. OP should know she can lose weight and not give up. On the contrary, losing weight and being as physically active as she can (regardless of weight loss) will help her manage her condition.
  • Mrsurban2011
    Mrsurban2011 Posts: 27 Member
    Sparklin_rose, Kthompson, and Lizi, I hope we can encourage each other and reach our goals.
  • Achaila
    Achaila Posts: 264 Member
    I was diagnosed with PCOS 10 years ago. I can tell you one thing - that mid section fat is not wanting to budge. I'm losing weight everywhere but my stomach. Losing weight and being active has helped regulate my period, but it hasn't helped with any of my other symptoms. Still have acne, thin hair, and I'm starting to grow a soul patch to match my mustache. :s
  • omgitsme81
    omgitsme81 Posts: 3 Member
    I was diagnosed with PCOS about 15 years ago and I have been trying to lose the belly too. I have found that stress fat is the hardest to burn and the last to go but I've started to see it move after taking some yoga and meditation classes.
  • sparklin_r0se
    sparklin_r0se Posts: 19 Member
    Guys.. Good to hear all these stories.. Well i've started gaining weight after PCOS only.. 1st i was healthier and had my periods on time but since last November i didnt unless i use primolout pills.. I have a 3yr old girl and now im trying to conceive but bcoz of this i almost lost my hopes.. I even consulting a gynaecologist since 2 months and she didnt put me on pills yet rather she's doing so many tests on me which freaks me out..

    Yeah i checked my insulin level all normal, did some hormonal tests that is also came normal yet i'd have to do another hormonal test by this week..

    I eat right and do regular exercise and saw a slightly change in my weight.. Im so desperately want to have another baby by next year plus wanna lose my belly fat..
  • LKArgh
    LKArgh Posts: 5,178 Member
    edited December 2015
    May I ask how the diagnosis was made? Or is it still not definite?
    Have you seen a reproductive endocrinologist? If not, definitely try to get an appointment with one.
    Edited to add: does the dr who prescribed primolut-n know you are trying to conceive? Or is trying to conceive put on hold? Primolut will not help with getting pregnant, and actually it might not be safe getting pregnant while you are using it (I am absolutely NOT telling you to stop without consulting your dr first). It is also known to cause weight gain.
  • Expatmommy79
    Expatmommy79 Posts: 940 Member
    I was diagnosed with pcos about 10 years ago. I was put on metaformin and birth control. I was told to loose 10% of my weight.

    I did loose it and was maintaining my weight for about 5-6 years after, until my first pregnancy and then put on weight in that pregnancy and the next 2. I was still heavy. It doesn't take much weight loss to reverse symptoms.

    I am now 180 (started 195 2.5 months ago) and want to get down to 160; which I was 10 years ago. Then I will reevaluate. I'm only 5'2'' so 180 is much too much for me.

    I'm loosing at a normal rate. I focus on eating low-gi carbs to help deal with the IR. I am not doing keto or low carb...it's just not for me. I no longer take glucophage or birth control. Stopped both as soon as I lost the weight after diagnosis.

    Don't fall into the trap of the girl from my big fat fabulous life. She used pcos as an excuse to gain a few hundred pounds and became the pcos self appointed mascot. She has since been diagnosed as pre-diabetic. This season she started seeing a dietician, exercising more and is loosing weight. So despite pcos which she used as an excuse, she is now seeing results.

    If your dr is amenable, I would check out metaformin to help with IR and weight loss. Then after you loose 10pc of your weight try to come off it.

    I have read that people with pcos need to eat about 200-250 calories less than what the calculator tells you to compensate for the effect of our hormones and IR. Unfortunately I don't have a source for that.

    Good luck.

    Ps - I've also noticed my random chin hairs have stopped sprouting since I've started loosing weight.
  • Expatmommy79
    Expatmommy79 Posts: 940 Member
    I wanted to add - IR didn't show up on my blood panel, but I know I am just from the way I would feel when eating carbs and craving them. My dr gave me the metaformin anyway - and it helped a lot. At the time there was a study done on metaformin aiding in pcos so he thought it would be good to try.

    Since eating low GI I don't have the same need or reaction to high-gi foods.
  • Expatmommy79
    Expatmommy79 Posts: 940 Member
    I also had gestational diabetes in all 3 pregnancies which I think we are pre disposed to. I should have made a better effort in my diet but I didn't and ended up on insulin for the last 2.
  • LKArgh
    LKArgh Posts: 5,178 Member
    Expatmommy79 wrote: »
    I wanted to add - IR didn't show up on my blood panel, but I know I am just from the way I would feel when eating carbs and craving them. My dr gave me the metaformin anyway - and it helped a lot. At the time there was a study done on metaformin aiding in pcos so he thought it would be good to try.

    Since eating low GI I don't have the same need or reaction to high-gi foods.

    Specialised inuslin resistance tests are pretty expensive, unlike blood sugar tests. Maybe your dr simply did not want to ask for one? In any case, insulin resistance has no symptoms.
  • Expatmommy79
    Expatmommy79 Posts: 940 Member
    aggelikik wrote: »
    Expatmommy79 wrote: »
    I wanted to add - IR didn't show up on my blood panel, but I know I am just from the way I would feel when eating carbs and craving them. My dr gave me the metaformin anyway - and it helped a lot. At the time there was a study done on metaformin aiding in pcos so he thought it would be good to try.

    Since eating low GI I don't have the same need or reaction to high-gi foods.

    Specialised inuslin resistance tests are pretty expensive, unlike blood sugar tests. Maybe your dr simply did not want to ask for one? In any case, insulin resistance has no symptoms.

    Symptoms for me that have since reversed:

    Afternoon fatigue
    sugar crashes
    carbohydrate cravings

    I'm not sure why he didn't test for the IR. I think since he put me on the metaformin for the pcos anyway - and that would have been the same treatment for the IR, it didn't make a difference?

  • sparklin_r0se
    sparklin_r0se Posts: 19 Member
    aggelikik wrote: »
    May I ask how the diagnosis was made? Or is it still not definite?
    Have you seen a reproductive endocrinologist? If not, definitely try to get an appointment with one.
    Edited to add: does the dr who prescribed primolut-n know you are trying to conceive? Or is trying to conceive put on hold? Primolut will not help with getting pregnant, and actually it might not be safe getting pregnant while you are using it (I am absolutely NOT telling you to stop without consulting your dr first). It is also known to cause weight gain.[/qu

    Hey..
    All tests done by testing my blood.. Dr put me on primoult-n bcz She wanted me to have my periods and then go for a hormonal test.. Yeah she's aware of that im tryna concieve and this time after testing my hormone level she would start the treatments it seems.. And she mentioned that its maybe premature ovarian failure..
  • sparklin_r0se
    sparklin_r0se Posts: 19 Member
    Expatmommy79 wrote: »
    I also had gestational diabetes in all 3 pregnancies which I think we are pre disposed to. I should have made a better effort in my diet but I didn't and ended up on insulin for the last 2.

    I was ok till my I delivered my 1st baby.. Done all the insulin tests as well.. All normal.. I used to use metfomin back in last year just for 15days but it made me dizzy.. Then i stopped and quit all the attempts.. But after i moved to UAE when i get scanned my ovaries it was worse
  • SuggaD
    SuggaD Posts: 1,369 Member
    Recently diagnosed and almost 1 month into birth control treatment. It doesn't affect my weight at all.
  • Expatmommy79
    Expatmommy79 Posts: 940 Member
    sparklin_r0se wrote: »
    Expatmommy79 wrote: »
    I also had gestational diabetes in all 3 pregnancies which I think we are pre disposed to. I should have made a better effort in my diet but I didn't and ended up on insulin for the last 2.

    I was ok till my I delivered my 1st baby.. Done all the insulin tests as well.. All normal.. I used to use metfomin back in last year just for 15days but it made me dizzy.. Then i stopped and quit all the attempts.. But after i moved to UAE when i get scanned my ovaries it was worse

    I also got my diagnosis in the UAE and after discussing symptoms he confirmed with ultrasound.
  • Expatmommy79
    Expatmommy79 Posts: 940 Member
    My Dr. Was a sweet Egyptian man at Al Wasl hospital. He was really great.
  • BinaryPulsar
    BinaryPulsar Posts: 8,927 Member
    I don't have this. But, I was wrongly prescribed medication that injured me and now have what appears to be a hormonal shift. The medical injury caused inflammation, food intolerance, weight loss, microbiome problems, extreme stress, inability to sleep. So, those may all be factors in why my hormones were impacted.
  • Lovee_Dove7
    Lovee_Dove7 Posts: 742 Member
    edited December 2015
    sparklin_r0se wrote: »
    Hi sweet ppl out there...
    I just wanted to know is there anyone who's struggling with PCOS? I've been diagnosed with PCOS since last year.. I was so slim and all but now gained weight so much now having a tough time with this disease.. Any1 out there have the same problem? Any motivation?

    My understanding is that it is a hormonal imbalance, usually with the androgens in a woman's body being too proportionally high. It has symptoms such as unwanted hair growth, oily skin and hair, problems with acne. I have a daughter who, although she doesn't have a PCOS diagnosis, she has the other symptoms mildly, including acne. Visits to the doctor have been unfortunately of no help, and they tend to pass it off and call her normal, much to my disappointment. We have been trying some natural approaches: cinnamon (to improve blood sugar), saw palmetto (to lower androgens) and herbal combinations to improve estrogen/progesterone.
    Currently she has started excluding gluten, as this seems to aggravate her acne.
  • BinaryPulsar
    BinaryPulsar Posts: 8,927 Member
    Spearmint tea can help lower androgens. And berberine.
  • cafeaulait7
    cafeaulait7 Posts: 2,459 Member
    I've had it forever, as a normal-weight PCOSer. I wish they'd done more than just put me on the pill for decades, because the facial hair problem looks to be permanent, and now I'm a mild T2 diabetic :(

    For a while now, I've been on high-dose progesterone instead of the pill, and it balances much, much better. I'm also on Metformin even more recently, but that didn't happen until I was clearly pre-diabetic. Metformin also helps balance the excess androgens, so y'all do consider that. Laser hair removal is expensive and doesn't work with pale hair :(

    I've only been overweight in short spells. I'm a good example of the theory that it's a hormonal problem first, imho!
  • sparklin_r0se
    sparklin_r0se Posts: 19 Member
    Expatmommy79 wrote: »
    My Dr. Was a sweet Egyptian man at Al Wasl hospital. He was really great.

    U too in uae??
  • Expatmommy79
    Expatmommy79 Posts: 940 Member
    sparklin_r0se wrote: »
    Expatmommy79 wrote: »
    My Dr. Was a sweet Egyptian man at Al Wasl hospital. He was really great.

    U too in uae??

    No I used to be before I got married. Now I live in Africa. I love the UAE. I hope to move back when my kids are a little older.

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