Women Question-- Hormone Imbalance and Weight or PCOS

Maria052007

Hi,

I'm new to MPF. Before starting this, I had been on Weight Watchers with little success. Anyway, I've been trying to lose weight for about two months now and my weight has been dead locked. I'm not sure what to do, I do cardio everyday for 45 minutes. Mainly to reduce stress.

My doctor told me I had a hormone imbalance (I'm not having periods either) and to take BC. Which I've tried and, not lost any weight (when I say any weight I mean not even 1/2 lb in 2 weeks) I'm just wondering if any women out there have had hormone related problems or polycystic ovary syndrome and how they lost weight and got past the hormone problem?

Thanks!

P.S. I would open my food diary up, but like I said I just joined so I really don't have but a day or two in it. I guess if it helps could you leave a note saying how to open it up?

Kany

Have you ever tried low-carb diet? If you have PCOS, I think low-carb or low glycemic diet should help with the weight loss.

Josie_lifting_cats

Have you been tracking your calories for a while? If you have, what are you trying to eat each day? What's your current weight?

snkoyle15

I do!!! I have PCOS and all of the hormonal problems to go with it. you can add me if you'd like! It really sounds like you are insulin resistant, which if you have PCOS is almost a guarantee. if you do, you probably need to be put on Metformin (if you arent already on it) it helps a TON! it helps to regulate your insulin and glucose levels which helps balance out your hormones and most likely help with your weight too. within just a few months of starting it, i lost 20lbs. you could also look into taking a cinnamon supplement, for some reason it also helps regulate your glucose levels. if you dont regulate your insulin and glucose its almost impossible to loose weight. if you are on FB there is a closed group you can ask to join. it is basically a support group for women with PCOS. It is so nice to be able to talk with other women that have the same problems you are going through. whether it be weight, acne, hair loss, trying to conceive, or any other the other bazillion problems we have because of PCOS. http://www.facebook.com/groups/cystersunite/

michellebd1980

I have PCOS and have been able to lose weight! I've tried the Insulite program and had to stop because it was too expensive. So, I'm back on Metformin and I workout nearly every day. Also, try eating 4-5 small meals a day, joining carbs and protein to each small meal and that will kick start your metabolism!

Frappuzzino

I have PCOS and refused to take BC or Metformin. Instead, I started takin 1,000mg of Cinnamon daily, cut out processed carbs, started exercising. I lost 40 pounds and when I went for my first follow up appointment, my doctor said all of my hormones were completely normal now. Just keep at it. I really suggest a low GI diet if you have insulin resistance.

Wherethebleepisourstork

I too, have PCOS! I was diagnoised Friday. I am on Metformin, but JUST started it! I have been unable to lose weight, even when I was hitting the gym 5 days a week! It can be so frustrating! I am here if you need support!

suztheq

Hi,

I'm new to MPF. Before starting this, I had been on Weight Watchers with little success. Anyway, I've been trying to lose weight for about two months now and my weight has been dead locked. I'm not sure what to do, I do cardio everyday for 45 minutes. Mainly to reduce stress.

My doctor told me I had a hormone imbalance (I'm not having periods either) and to take BC. Which I've tried and, not lost any weight (when I say any weight I mean not even 1/2 lb in 2 weeks) I'm just wondering if any women out there have had hormone related problems or polycystic ovary syndrome and how they lost weight and got past the hormone problem?

Thanks!

P.S. I would open my food diary up, but like I said I just joined so I really don't have but a day or two in it. I guess if it helps could you leave a note saying how to open it up?

Hey there! I too had a hormonal imbalance, am not having periods, and on BC. I do cardio 4 days a week and a full body strength routine 2 days a week. I mix up my cardio between biking, swimming, zumba, P90X and Insanity workouts to name a few. I've found that lowering my carbs and upping my protein intake has helped. I currently eat a 40% carb, 35% protein, 25% fat split. I've also upped my calories to 1,400 a day instead of 1,200. I know everyone is different, but I have heard that a low(er) carb diet helps with PCOS and endometriosis (which is what I have). Hope this helps you!

- You can open your dairy up by going to settings and then diary settings if you decide to do so

Wherethebleepisourstork

I do!!! I have PCOS and all of the hormonal problems to go with it. you can add me if you'd like! It really sounds like you are insulin resistant, which if you have PCOS is almost a guarantee. if you do, you probably need to be put on Metformin (if you arent already on it) it helps a TON! it helps to regulate your insulin and glucose levels which helps balance out your hormones and most likely help with your weight too. within just a few months of starting it, i lost 20lbs. you could also look into taking a cinnamon supplement, for some reason it also helps regulate your glucose levels. if you dont regulate your insulin and glucose its almost impossible to loose weight. if you are on FB there is a closed group you can ask to join. it is basically a support group for women with PCOS. It is so nice to be able to talk with other women that have the same problems you are going through. whether it be weight, acne, hair loss, trying to conceive, or any other the other bazillion problems we have because of PCOS. http://www.facebook.com/groups/cystersunite/

Thanks for the web link on FB- I just asked to join!!

AnCus

I don't have the issue, but your post is very encouraging!

snkoyle15

Thanks for the web link on FB- I just asked to join!!

No problem!!!

harleyshan1

I was diagnosed with pcos a few years ago. Back in 2005 I followed weight watchers and lost weight w/out an issue. I haven't been able lose a dang pound in a long time. I lose a few and then gain them back. I do also have major digestive/colon issues that I take a med from Europe. I have been doing mfp for 95 days and counted calories and added cutting carbs in the past few weeks and I just cannot bust any weight. I am being honest and workout 5-7 days per week, I eat w/in my calories and like I said cut waay down on carbs. NOTHING.. My MD I think is sick of listening to me.. He did put me on Metoformin 2500mg last year but I have been on/off compliance with it b/c it makes me nausea. HELP.. I'm so glad I found this post.. Any advice? I was down to 147lbs last year and now back up to 157lbs. I can float those 10lbs w/in a week or two. Back in 2005 I weighed 135lbs. Uggh!

sun33082

I have PCOS and metformin did not work for me. It gave me horrible diarhea (sp), but I wasn't following a healthy diet either. I've found the best way to lose weight with PCOS is a low carb diet. Eliminate processed foods, starches and added sugar. I think you'll have better success with that.

snkoyle15

I have PCOS and metformin did not work for me. It gave me horrible diarhea (sp), but I wasn't following a healthy diet either. I've found the best way to lose weight with PCOS is a low carb diet. Eliminate processed foods, starches and added sugar. I think you'll have better success with that.

It took me a long time, several months actually, for my body to get used to taking it, that and my dr had me start a high dose from the start instead of working up to it. if you dont eat much sugar then the diarrhea isnt SO bad :S

Devon_Bates

I have PCOS and mine is a really bad case. I tried metformin 500 and 1000mg and it didn't help at all. I also had tried 8 different types of BC and none of that worked either they told me it probably wouldn't help and to not use either. I recently had a stillborn and all the complications with that caused from my PCOS. Just a fair warning to anyone planning on getting pregnant make sure to find a high risk obgyn I was told it is almost a definite you will have pre-eclampsia with PCOS especially if it is your first child. But because I had it so bad I didn't find out I was pregnant until I was 20-21 weeks and I lost him at 28 weeks. I am still having a lot of trouble been exercising a lot more and trying to eat right... working my way out of sweets and things is hard again. But I have lost inches which is still good. I have tried a low carb diet and that didn't even work.... plus it was hard for me to stick to... I do however eat a higher veggie and protein and less carbs which maybe how I lost the inches. I was only doing cardio so I am going to add in strength training and I may try to do the cinnamon regiment that others mentioned.

ddrobi

I have the same problem as you. I was never formally diagnosed with PCOS (one doctor said yes, another said no). For years, no luck. Working out everyday, counting calories, bought a food scale, tired a personal trainer, blah blah blah. The only thing that has REALLY worked for me is a low-carb diet. I have been eating less than 20 grams of carbs a day (mostly from vegetables). Look into the Atkins diet or a more extreme long-term ketogenic diet. It's working for me, it may work for you.

sun33082

snkoyle15--sorry i re-read my post and it sounded like I was saying she should try low carb diet INSTEAD of the metformin. I didn't mean that. I meant she'd have better success with a lower carb diet instead of a high carb, low fat diet.

However, I did try metformin for 2 years. Different doses and such. The diareah was so bad that I ended up with horrible hemmroids (sp and tmi I'm sure lol). But like i said, I didn't change my diet though and I'm sure that would definitely have helped with the side effects. I was just trying to say that metformin didn't work for me and why.

snkoyle15

snkoyle15--sorry i re-read my post and it sounded like I was saying she should try low carb diet INSTEAD of the metformin. I didn't mean that. I meant she'd have better success with a lower carb diet instead of a high carb, low fat diet.

However, I did try metformin for 2 years. Different doses and such. The diareah was so bad that I ended up with horrible hemmroids (sp and tmi I'm sure lol). But like i said, I didn't change my diet though and I'm sure that would definitely have helped with the side effects. I was just trying to say that metformin didn't work for me and why.

oh no problems! i have actually heard that sometimes the met just doesnt work the way it should. and if you find something else that works, then go for it!

thisisabbie

I'm gonna jump in this thread too! Hope you don't mind OP!

I've just been diagnosed with PCOS too, after finding an amazing GP who won't leave a stone unturned. He also discovered I have Hypothyroidism.

Between these 2, it's a nightmare for me trying to lose weight! It can be done, but it's very hard work, for slow results. I've been on Thyroxin for a couple of weeks, and just started on Metformin today. Hoping these will help, but also hoping there are other ways to combat these problems, as I don't want to take meds forever!

Would love to hear any advice or stories from others who are, or have been, in a similar position.

tameejean

Another one jumping in I was diagnosed with PCOS in 2006 and just recently with hypothyroid. I've never really had a huge weight problem, but I've been on the higher end of the weight range for my height/frame before (150's) and that really didn't change despite what I did until I saw an acupuncturist two years ago who immediately suggested that I cut out gluten and dairy. I was shocked at first, but started cutting it out that day. Let me tell you, it has made such a difference in my life. I have more energy, digest easier, don't get bloated, I dropped 20 pounds right away and I don't really have to work too hard to stay where I am at, but still fluxuate with 5 pounds. I've read research and pcos, thyroid and digestive problems (celiac, gluten intolerance, etc.) all seem to be interconnected somehow.

tameejean

I also have to mention that (for me), eating a lot of healthy fat has helped a lot too. It keeps my hunger at bay and my skin from drying up as much as it used to.

breeanreyes

I'm kind of floored that i just found this topic, I am actually headed to the Dr in about 15 min to get my hormone and ultrasound results from a host of tests i had done last week. I stopped having periods 6 months ago and am a little freaked out about the results.. it's nice to see posts from women with hormone issues, i have such a hard time losing weight regardless of my effort (check my diary and exercise log, i really should be dropping easily).. it's so nice to know i'm not alone, thanks for the topic!

tameejean

Let us know how your appt. goes Bree

breeanreyes

so i have to go in monday for an MRI, they believe I have PCOS but the ultrasound was inconclusive so the MRI should show more. I also have something wrong with my uterus where there's a wall that splits it into two areas. My hormone labs came back normal. It looks like i'm in for a battle with fertility.. Not really great news but at least i'm finally getting some answers.

justaspringhaze

It's amazing to see how many women are having struggles that are similar to mine!

Last year I was diagnosed with PCOS. I spent the year trying alternative healing methods like reiki and acupuncture. What a surprise, they haven't helped.

Should I see my gynecologist or my GP for a prescription for Metformin?

Maria052007

Hi,

I'm glad I posted this topic! You all are so amazing! Thank you all for opening up! So far I have learned a lot from all of you.

I do have another question for you guys tho!!!

Have you tried High Intensity Interval Training(HIIT)?

I know it's a bit new, but have read a study done in the Netherlands (reputable school but not sure which one) and an article from Men's Health saying it increases insulin sensitivity and reduces weight around the middle area, along with boosting your metabolism for like 48 hours. I tried it just once, and lost a few lbs in next day. I just wondered if anyone else tried, or not?

But... I know studies can be bull.

JHR323

Have you tried High Intensity Interval Training(HIIT)?

I know it's a bit new, but have read a study done in the Netherlands (reputable school but not sure which one) and an article from Men's Health saying it increases insulin sensitivity and reduces weight around the middle area, along with boosting your metabolism for like 48 hours. I tried it just once, and lost a few lbs in next day. I just wondered if anyone else tried, or not?

But... I know studies can be bull.

I have done HIIT workouts! I did/do the Turbo Fire workouts by Chalene Johnson which incorporate HIIT training, and it is the ONLY time I have ever lost belly fat through an exercise program. It got me back to the body I had when I was in middle school and swam 7 days a week for hours a day. I highly recommend it. Thanks for sharing this info about HIIT training. I was just diagnosed with PCOS, and in looking back now, it helps explain why this is what worked for me when other exercise options had not.

Mission2Me

I know I am super late to this topic but I have been diagnosed with PCOS and hypothyroidism. Metformin made me so sick, nauseated, dizziness, headaches....I was barely able to walk to make it to the car to go to the ER. This happened both times I tried it. So now I am not taking anything and that was almost six years ago. I am not taking any thyroid medicine at all either. I have been eating more kelp and soon to start taking bladderwrack pills. I am cutting my carbs down and doing away with processed foods in hope of seeing the scale move. I have been on MFP since december and have only lost six pounds. It is going slow but I hope it will get better soon. I joined atkins website a few days ago and hope to use that in my diet as well.

I hope all is well with you ladies who posted here previously. I would love to hear about your results.

kazzsjourney

I actually have PCOS...but am not insulin resistant. I take no medications for it and have managed over the last 5.5 years to lose 205 pounds so it can be done. I have try and have a carb free meal once a day (usually my night time meal) i might have 3 carb meals per day maybe once or twice a week. This has worked really well for me...also go for lots of good carbs,....no white bread...healthy grainy bread....eat other carbs like barley, quinoa, brown rice etc - best of luck

bluetigger86

how are all of you being diagnosed! My doctors never believe me! My mother had PCOS and died from a heart attack at 37 because of it. I have every symptom she had, weight gain, facial hair, chest hair, elevated testosterone no periods or insanley heavy periods so bad I have to change tampons every hour and yet somehow everytime I bring it up to my doctors they refuse to treat me and say that I don't have it becuase I ahv eno cysts!

Jgen62

I was diagnosed with PSOS when I had trouble getting pregnant.
Did some research on my own and asked my Dr. to do a procedure
that isn't done anymore because of success rates but took the
chance and it worked. It is called a wedge resection where they cut a small
Wedge section off of ur ovary without puncturing ur ovary wall. (which if this
Happens you will lose all the eggs in that ovary but you have another ovary with
More eggs)Actually taking a small section of the blanket of eggs that never made it
thru to fertilize Therefore making a doorway for the new egg to make it thru. I was blessed
With two children a boy and girl. I also am having trouble losing weight I think I will
Look into the cinnamon.