Success with PCOS

nanadeek

Bump. Losing SO SLOWLY with PCOS. Going to give your experiences a close read.

Whirlagirl

Hello, i wasn't diagnosed with PCOS, i had multiple testes done and an ultrasound they found NO cysts but I was told that you could still have PCOS and not have any cysts...

I pretty much have all the other symptoms, irregular menstrual cycle, heavy bleeding (this stopped since i was put on birth control), facial hair, thinning hair on my head, i carry most of my weight around my middle, acne, oily skin, mood swings/depression. I also had a 2 hour glucose tolerance test done and i was told i was Pre-diabetic.

I was prescribed Metformin but i didnt take it after i looked up all the side effects and what not.

I am wondering how you all eat, i know a lot of you limit your carbs and cut out sugar. I try and eat mostly clean foods with complex carbs and lean proteins along with healthy fats like coconut oil, avocado, nuts...
BUT i eat around 1700-1900 calories a day, i'm 5'4 and 197 pounds, pretty sedentary BUT i go to the gym 6 days a week and do 60-75 minute steady state cardio sessions along with lifting heavy weights 3-4 times a week.

Does anyone else have their calories set to that high and if so what are your macros set to?

I have the same symptoms without cysts or diabetes, which is weird considering my size. Explaining my trouble losing weight, ease in regaining, abdominal fat, and other symptoms has been in uphill battle with all doctors, from Gyn to GP, so congrats on finding a doctor willing to test and hear you out.

My macros fall within the frame of 40% protein, 30% carbs, 30% fat.
1700 calories - 170g protein - 128g carbs - 50-60g fat - 40g sugar. I also chart sodium and try to keep it to 1,500mg or less.

I have never actually reached my protein goals, but with protein shakes and including protein with each meal, I'm usually between 100-130 per day. Carbs I'm usually at least 120 and under 200.

Previously I was mostly cardio with a little weight training in hopes of facilitating fat loss, but I've recently decided that's not working for my body. Two months ago I began IF and lost some weight, but still only experiencing a 1lb weight loss per week when calorie deficit should create a 3lb loss per week (Gah, PCOS!).

Currently I am beginning a heavy lifting program and adding shorter duration HIIT training. Still tinkering with the routine, but I'm in the 290s now and that's breaking a several year plateau, so hopeful for long terms fat loss and muscle gain, which is easy for my body (thanks, PCOS!).

Stats: 5'11, 295lbs. Classic PCOS apple shape with broad shoulders and slender lower body.

Qskim

BUmp for friend

Harriann84

I have PCOS and not everyone with it can get on Metformin. I have been refused it many a time because I am not actively trying to conceive now.

A low GI diet has been proven to help PCOS sufferers. I am following Slimming World with some variations. With the PCOS I have IBS (after having my gallbladder out) as well, so have to stay away from my triggers (fat and oats are a big issue).

Experiment and don't be afraid to vary your diet and activities. I found that natural sugars break down easier for me, so I up my fruit intake.

Good luck x

molliepw

bump

bookyeti

Question: What is the percentage of people who are over weight with PCOS? I have two sisters that have it, one has never been over weight, the other was, but when diagnosed lost the majority of it and was at a normal bmi. Both cases are between moderate/severe. I also know 2 ballet students who have PCOS and have never had a problem with their weight.

I'm not sure about the weight percentage, but I do know that there are 5 different types of PCOS.... some don't include obesity as a symptom (ie. Victoria Beckham has PCOS). The different types are listed here:

http://www.soulcysters.net/showthread.php/129677-5-Types-of-PCOS