Weight Loss & PCOS

jaimrlx

Hi everyone! So, I've had PCOS for 10 years (yeah, I'm only 23) and I have had a bad issue with having doctors explain a few seemingly simple questions to me. Maybe you guys can answer some of these for me? I know your not doctors, and I'm not looking for medical advice. I'm more looking for a simple understanding that will allow me to research more about this disease that has, honestly, ruined my life.

- Why does PCOS require a low carb diet? I know a lot of the diet is often treated like a diabetic diet and that it has to do with insulin production.. but what specifically? Is there a link between PCOS and diabetes? If so, what is it?

- I have a 'severe' case of PCOS (with very noticeable hirsutism, too). It's hurt my liver, my kidneys and I'm even get petichiae 'rashes' all over my skin on a hot day. I have severe heat exhaustion from it as well, and consistent dehydration, even though I drink a lot of water. Is this an insulin problem? I don't understand the link between gluten and insulin if there is one, should I be cutting gluten?

- Metformin did NOT work for me. It should have helped my liver mostly, but all it did was make my fibromyalgia go on a murder spree. It also had me so depressed, I didn't leave the house for days. Has anyone else had this problem? I've been on it on two occasions. Birth control does the same thing.. I can't use them.

I am not TTC. I never will be, that flew out the window a few years ago. I'm young, I know - it doesn't mean I won't want kids, it just means that I don't want to wait 5 years of trying. What meds do you take, other than Metformin?

Thanks for any general info you can give.

Delicate

Because alot of drs dont know what came first the insulin resistance or the pcos (since you can get the syndrome without the cysts, and you can have the cysts without the syndrome). Alot of women who have developed diabeties type 2 have had undiagnosed PCOS. so if they knew, they could of stoped the onset of full blown type 2.

Chicken or egg scenario. Which is why low carb or low gi/gl is recommended by drs for it.

gluten is found in alot of low gi items, you may be sensitive to it, but i dont believe its directly related to the pcos. I found it better when i cut out all processed items, no bloating, no feeling lethargic.

Have you tried different birth control? Dianette made me suicidal so got switched to yasmin which has worked out better for me, see about getting seen by a gynaecologist. Metformin normal release made me gassy, so i got switched to slow release and everythings fine, if you cant take the pills you will have to sort out your diet. I've always had blood sugar problems though, and fainted quite a few times (even though i thought i was being good and having a fruit salad for breakfast, grr!)

I'm not trying for a child but if you get your weight and metformin sorted it can help with pregnancy (which seems to be the general consensus with drs).

I spent 4 years in total fighting drs and gynaecologists to get diagnosed cause I knew something was wrong with my body (from age 12, having a period once every 5 months, taking inch long hairs out of your cheeks is not normal for a 12 year old child!)

[disclaimer]This has been my personal experience.[/disclaimer]

leahsundquist

I was diagnosed with PCOS when I was 12 (27 now) so I know how it can affect your life starting at a young age. There are ways to overcome many of the symptoms and you are starting it right by being here (on myfitnesspal) because weight is a huge factor in inhibiting symptoms. PCOS acts a lot like diabetes so it is recommended to basically welcome a diabetic lifestyle (eating, exercising etc.) hopefully without having to inject yourself. So low carbohydrate diets tend to work very well for women with PCOS. Last year I lost about 60 lbs. in three months just by eliminating carbs. Though I cannot generalize so not everyone can do this since our bodies are all different. As for getting pregnant, it can be quite easy for some women with PCOS and hard for others. I have had two children and I got pregnant each time after I lost weight. So if you want children in the future please don't think it wont happen because it could very well happen, it could be easier than you think. I also have a pretty severe case of PCOS, I have to shave my face twice a day at least, I have darkened skin in weird places, severe pain with cysts so please don't think PCOS has ruined your life, it is just something that a lot of women just have to overcome with some work and patience. Good luck!