Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

mreneecohen

Hello!

My doctor just recently diagnosed me with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and wants me to get down to 150 lbs. I was 228 (prior to losing my 9 pounds in 2 weeks)!!! I don't even remember the last time I was that weight. I am 5'6" and all of my weight is in my thighs and arms! I got to school full time and work full time and am so overwhelmed with the idea of losing that much weight! Any suggestions? Anyone else out there with PCOS?

MyWishfulShrinking

I was diagnosed in September of 2009. I haven't had any bad side effects from it, I didn't even know I had it till I went for a checkup. I was told it would be hard for me to lose weight because of it, but I'm almost 20 pounds down and I don't see it stopping me

Willowy_Jen

I also have PCOS and problems losing weight. You may want to see if he has something that can help you. My doctor offered me some pills for hormones, as well as some pills to help with weight... stupid me didnt take em though and losing my health insurance in Jan i think.

I was thinking of trying the Cabbage Soup Diet next week and seeing how that turns out.

heathercrist1

Did they check your blood sugar? Going on Metformin was one of the best things I ever did. Also, because you have PCOS it is a lot harder to lose weight...but definitely not impossible! I was over 200lbs and became dedicated to losing weight. It was definitely a struggle but learning how to live a healthy lifestyle (eating healthy foods, not drinking sugary drinks, no drive thru's, and discovering exercise) I've managed to hang out from 140-150lbs for the past several years. It is a long, tough journey...but it is definitely worth it!

mrmarius

my wife was diagnosed with it before she got pregnant with our daughter. She ended up losing 82lbs by controlling her portions and going walking/jogging. The doctor said she was insulin resistant and gave her all kinds of meds which did not work but hard work and dedication did the trick

mreneecohen

Did they check your blood sugar? Going on Metformin was one of the best things I ever did. Also, because you have PCOS it is a lot harder to lose weight...but definitely not impossible! I was over 200lbs and became dedicated to losing weight. It was definitely a struggle but learning how to live a healthy lifestyle (eating healthy foods, not drinking sugary drinks, no drive thru's, and discovering exercise) I've managed to hang out from 140-150lbs for the past several years. It is a long, tough journey...but it is definitely worth it!

No, they didn't check my blood sugar nor did she do any tests! What is Metformin? Thanks for the inspiration- you look great!

Willowy_Jen

Yea they never checked the blood sugar on me either. They just did a pap smear and then looked at certain patterns and discovered I had it. They were willing to put me on medications but did not say which ones, but if i were to take the medications then at that point they would run blood tests to see how much dosage of what i needed.

Delicate

I've always had problem with blood sugar and anaemia prior to being diagnosed with pcos, and was put onto metformin just over a year ago, it helps alittle however it wont control everything, it would be best to look towards a low GI diet as it levels out blood sugar levels rather than having spikes which may cause alot more fat storage through excess insulin. alot of women who developed diabeties type 2 had pcos without realising it, im down as pre diabetic pulling myself back from the pithole!

kjensen15

I read some where the other day that a lot of women have success losing weight doing a lower carb diet when they have PCOS.... Not sure if there is any truth in that but just thought I'd share...

heathercrist1

Did they check your blood sugar? Going on Metformin was one of the best things I ever did. Also, because you have PCOS it is a lot harder to lose weight...but definitely not impossible! I was over 200lbs and became dedicated to losing weight. It was definitely a struggle but learning how to live a healthy lifestyle (eating healthy foods, not drinking sugary drinks, no drive thru's, and discovering exercise) I've managed to hang out from 140-150lbs for the past several years. It is a long, tough journey...but it is definitely worth it!

No, they didn't check my blood sugar nor did she do any tests! What is Metformin? Thanks for the inspiration- you look great!

Well then diagnosing you with PCOS was just an assumption and not a real diagnosis if they didn't bother checking your blood work. PCOS is not simply a disorder where you have cysts on your ovaries...it is a cascade of hormonal issues. One being insulin resistance. Not everyone with PCOS has insulin resistance, but MOST do. Metformin is a medication for diabetics but it is also used for women that have PCOS to help with the insulin resistance. I also do tend to eat a low glycemic index diet (low sugar foods, lean proteins, veg/fruits, whole grains, pairing lean proteins with healthy carbs).

I would recommend asking your doctor to check to see if you have insulin resistance (and go from there with the Metformin if it is necessary). Also, I recommend just planning on this taking some time. If you try to go on some crash diet you will fail and gain everything you lose plus more most likely. This is not a diet, but a way of life. For the rest of your life you will have PCOS. I would find a good book and educate yourself on all that PCOS incorporates. Any more questions, just let me know!