PCOS
pinkluckyhair
Posts: 4
Do any women suffer from pcos? If so, what is your tip to losing weight, besides following low-glycemic diet? Very frustrated!
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Replies
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Honestly, just keep plugging along. I know it's frustrating, I've lost about 17 pounds since April, but I've gained and lost so many of those pounds over and over and over. Just try not to get bothered by others results, when someone says they've lost 20 pounds in a few months that's just not something that is possible for us. I've been put on Glumetza for PCOS and I'm hoping it will help.
Good luck, feel free to message me if you have questions, I've done a lot of research :bigsmile:0 -
I have PCOS, but don't follow any diet other than eating "smart" (cover all your major food groups-- fruits, veggies, grains, and protein), and stay within my calorie limit. Just take each day as it comes and commit to yourself to getting exercise done, even if it's just going for a walk!0
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Hi there! I don't necessarily follow a strict low-GI diet, but I do count carbs in addition to calories. I never have more than 30/meal and 15/snack and never more than 90/day. I limit fruit to one serving a day of something low in carb like berries...
For people with PCOS who are prone to insulin resistance, exercise is VERY important, since it boosts insulin production. Cinnamon (in medicinal doses) will also help to control your blood sugar levels.
Other than that - just eating healthy, clean and moving regularly. Weight loss is definitely harder for us, but NOT impossible. Best of luck to you!! :flowerforyou:0 -
Honestly, just keep plugging along. I know it's frustrating, I've lost about 17 pounds since April, but I've gained and lost so many of those pounds over and over and over. Just try not to get bothered by others results, when someone says they've lost 20 pounds in a few months that's just not something that is possible for us.
Tell me about it. :sad: I've spent the last 12 months experimenting with different formulas (nutrition percentages, exercise, carbs) etc. And I've gained and lost roughly 20 pounds. I think I've FINALLY discovered something - what I said above - that works for ME, and I couldn't be happier.
Here's to you ladies finding out what works best for you!! :drinker:0 -
I honestly have never thought about the type of diet I do. I struggle, but I just eat healthy and am trying to exercise. I find counting calories is making the biggest difference and making sure they're healthy calories and not from junk.0
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I honestly have never thought about the type of diet I do. I struggle, but I just eat healthy and am trying to exercise. I find counting calories is making the biggest difference and making sure they're healthy calories and not from junk.0
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I have exercised in the past, but was unable to lose more than 20lbs. At this point i have started the diet and am working out. Im gonna switch doctors because mine is saying that there isnt a real way to treat me because i have normal sugar levels. Thank you everyone, Im gonna keep doing this!!0
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I would definatly see another Dr. I went to a new one and all my blood work came back normal...she doesn't even think I have PCOS...grrrrrr!0
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I'm glad to know that there are other women out there with PCOS on this site. I don't follow a low glycemic index diet. However, I try to eat healthyish meals. I am an incredibly picky eater who doesn't like many vegetables or meats. All that leaves is carbs. It's really hard to make myself not eat many carbs and to try to incorporate veggies into my meals. However, I have found that when I counted calories, it made a difference. I lost 20 pounds in 6 weeks. I stopped counting calories for about 8 months, and I'm doing it again.
I took metformin for awhile, and it didn't help at all (with losing weight or with controlling other PCOS symptoms). I know exercise is important, but I have a difficult time making myself exercise. Good luck!!!0 -
I was also on metformin for about a year to see if that helped. But recently i found out that i was on such a low dose, it wasnt going to help anyways. My cousin also has pcos and she is on a special birth control to alleviate painful cysts, she has a little pen for shots (and she had normal sugar levels) , and takes 8 pills a day for control of other symptoms. Her bloodwork was very similar to mine, she said the only way she got help was to see an endocrinologist. So that would be my advice for other women also. Wish me luck, im making my appointment tomorrow!!0
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Good luck, pink! Personally I would also make an appointment with a reputable nutrition specialist. They can be a big help on the journey to weight loss as well!0
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Hello pink! I have pcos also. Excerise and counting carbs and calories is your answer. I finally discovered that carbs are not your friend!!!!! I am counting both and have lost 13 pounds since october. Plus the fact that mfp is a wonderful site for support and advise. Good luck on your journey! I wish you all the success
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I saw a nutritionist a few months ago. After hearing my history she speculated that I may have PCOS. I've since seen my GP who's sending me for U/S and Bloods to confirm/rule out the diagnosis.
Anyway, the nutritionist basically told me to eat Low GI, cut out sugar and anything white (sugar, flour.)
Her recommendation for me was to eat 6 small portions (half a palm) of protein/day. She also suggested 6 servings of low GI veggies/day. They can be eaten with the protein or I can bulk them up more, say have 2 or 3 servings with supper or lunch.
There were also a few supplements (vitamins) she recommended for me after getting all of my history.
If it's possible for you, I'd try to meet up with a nutritionist or someone similar. GP's know (or are supposed to) what they're doing when diagnosing but I don't consider them experts in all aspects of health care, so feel free to see someone more specific.
I've lost a bit of weight so far, about 10 lbs since I made a conscious effort. It's difficult to eat low GI sometimes but what I do know, is how much better I feel when I do eat Low GI. A million times difference! I cheated and had a pizza meltdown last night and I feel like absolute crap today. I don't feel like that when I eat low GI......
Good luck with the endocrinologist, let us know!0 -
First I just want to say - DON'T LOSE HOPE. I have PCOS and I have lost 81 pounds so far with exercise and calorie counting. I have hit a plateau recently and someone recommended MFP as a source of information and support. I've never experimented with counting carbs because, well, I love my carbs! :laugh: I'm lucky if I hit half my protein goal and usually hit 1.5 times my carb goal, but I also work out A LOT. It's funny, I know PCOS can really affect weight loss but I've never really thought about lowering carbs in my diet to break out of this plateau. I think I'm going to start eating low glycemic foods and see if that can help It's awesome to see all of these great suggestions and support for other people suffering from this. Anyways, just know that it is possible! I've never taken any medications for my PCOS (well, my gyn has me on Yaz to help control symptoms), but I seriously think exercise is the best medicine for this syndrome. 0
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Also, speaking of low carbs, does anyone know of any diets/resources for tips and information? I don't even know where to begin to cut them out of my diet! Help!0
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I'm glad I stumbled upon this thread. I was just given the official diagnosis on Thursday. I started seeing an endochrinologist in December after I got rough with my family doctor. He just didn't see the need to write the referral. But he finally did and the endo doc has been wonderful to me. He suggested PCOS, but has been taking things one step at a time. First he put me on a thyroid hormone and suggested I see a gynocologist. My family doctor thought is was all a crock. He said PCOS is just a blanket diagnosis that some doctors use for insurance purposes and the only way to know is if you have an ultrasound to see if there are cysts on the ovaries. So I went to the gyno on Thursday and she laughed at my doc, she said cysts are a side effect of PCOS but not the main rule in diagnosing it. She did an ultrasound in her office just to stiffle my doctor and sure enough. I had both ovaries cover in cysts!
Anyway, she gave me a birth contrl to try and metformin. I haven't started it yet because I'm seeing the endo tomorrow. The thyroid medicine has helped! I'v lost 10 pounds this month! He also put me on a medical diet that wasn't reallt any different than what I was doing, but it is lower carbs. I've done the south beach diet in the past and found it helpful and very tasty to be honest! The endo said south beach is good but he wants me on his because it involves calorie counting while SB doesn't.
Good luck to you and I hope you find what works for you! If you have access to an endochrinologist, you should definately see one! This man has been a miracle worker for me! He understood everything I said I didn't even have to go into detail like with my family doctor. And when I leave his office I feel heard, rather than like I'm a psycho hypochondraic!
Holly0 -
I have struggled with PCOS for years, and so has my mom and sister. (It is hereditary). There are medications that you can take, like the others have mentioned, to regulate your menstrual cycles and resume ovulation, which would be important if you want to become pregnant. I didn't want to be on any medication, though, so I decided to read about the syndrome to learn more. I am now back in school to get my license as a dietitian, with the hopes of counseling women with PCOS.
I have managed to lose 70 pounds, although it has taken me about 3 years. Women with PCOS lose weight differently and more slowly than others, so you have to be determined and motivated to stick with it. The GI Diet is extremely confusing and hard to follow since so many factors affect a food's glycemic impact. For PCOS, a diet low in simple carbs and sugars is essential -- sugar seems to be the "fuel" for PCOS, and cutting it out has made a huge difference for me. Some of you say that you "just can't do low carb," but that's because your body is addicted to them. Simple carbs give your brain a similar "high" as alcohol or heroin, just not as extreme. Think about it...if the thought of limiting the carbs in your diet makes you instantly feel like you just won't make it...that's addiction!!! You can do it, and when you do, you'll be glad.
My cycles have become completely regular and I continue to slowly lose weight, and I'm not on any medication at all. With a serious commitment to a healthy diet, you can take control over PCOS instead of letting it control you. I have some books I can recommend if you're interested. Good luck!0 -
I'm glad I stumbled upon this thread. I was just given the official diagnosis on Thursday. I started seeing an endochrinologist in December after I got rough with my family doctor. He just didn't see the need to write the referral. But he finally did and the endo doc has been wonderful to me. He suggested PCOS, but has been taking things one step at a time. First he put me on a thyroid hormone and suggested I see a gynocologist. My family doctor thought is was all a crock. He said PCOS is just a blanket diagnosis that some doctors use for insurance purposes and the only way to know is if you have an ultrasound to see if there are cysts on the ovaries. So I went to the gyno on Thursday and she laughed at my doc, she said cysts are a side effect of PCOS but not the main rule in diagnosing it. She did an ultrasound in her office just to stiffle my doctor and sure enough. I had both ovaries cover in cysts!
Anyway, she gave me a birth contrl to try and metformin. I haven't started it yet because I'm seeing the endo tomorrow. The thyroid medicine has helped! I'v lost 10 pounds this month! He also put me on a medical diet that wasn't reallt any different than what I was doing, but it is lower carbs. I've done the south beach diet in the past and found it helpful and very tasty to be honest! The endo said south beach is good but he wants me on his because it involves calorie counting while SB doesn't.
Good luck to you and I hope you find what works for you! If you have access to an endochrinologist, you should definately see one! This man has been a miracle worker for me! He understood everything I said I didn't even have to go into detail like with my family doctor. And when I leave his office I feel heard, rather than like I'm a psycho hypochondraic!
Holly
isn't it great when your doctor makes you feel heard, instead of like a nutjob? 0 -
I am 33 and have struggled with PCOS since I was about 15 - diagnosed at 19/20. Not being able to conceive was the first clue, but my sudden weight gain, non-existant periods, etc. added to the list. The ONLY way I've ever been able to lose weight was to follow a low-carb plan. However, it didn't work for me after my 2nd child was born - I gained 10 lbs. instead. I've tried following WW, gone to the local weight loss clinics, etc. But now following MFP and finally being in control of my daily intake, I've lost 12 lbs. and it's the only time I've done it since Atkins.
I was finally able to get to an Endo this past January and am now on 2000 mg. daily of Metformin. I have zero side effects from it and I know it's contributed to my weight loss. I am not on the Pill, as it didn't do anything for me as far as controlling my periods, or helping my PCOS symptoms subside. I currently only have 1-2 periods per year so I'm hoping the Metformin will balance that as well.
2010 is MY year to balance my body and finally take this PCOS weight off! I wish you all great luck as well!!!0 -
Hello pink! I have pcos also. Excerise and counting carbs and calories is your answer. I finally discovered that carbs are not your friend!!!!! I am counting both and have lost 13 pounds since october. Plus the fact that mfp is a wonderful site for support and advise. Good luck on your journey! I wish you all the success
This is true..........
Also, most grains are not good for women with PCOS. Most women that have PCOS their bodies process the grain as an allergy and that is why it is so hard to lose weight when consuming a considerable amount of grains.
It is best for women with PCOS to eat a very natural and unprocessed eating plan. Moderate amounts of protein and fats along with a lot of veggies and a small amount of fruit. Nuts and seeds are good to snack on..............0 -
I have PCOS. I've done the metforming thing and the birth control thing and the low carb thing... and ya know what? None of it worked for me. The metformin made me feel really awful. The birth control (several kinds) made me angry and mean. And well... the low carb thing made me batty.
I follow MFP... I don't watch my "carbs" - but I do watch my sugar. I eat fruit with a protein at all times... but I eat a lot of fruit! Increasing my fiber has really helped... I hit 50-60 grams a day. Drink lots of water!
Exercise is key. I don't work out as hard as a lot of people on this site - but I make an effort to walk or exercise for at least 20 minutes several times a week.
This is the 2nd time I've done MFP and I can honestly say that as long as I stay on the plan - I get my period once a month like clockwork - as soon as I veer off... forget it. I do tend to stay away from pastas... just because it's not worth it for the calories for me. If I want pasta - I eat whole wheat and it's always a side... not the entree. I eat potatos though - but a serving - not like I used to.
I'm sorry you all have PCOS - but glad that I'm in good company!0 -
I have had PCOS since i was 18. i hate it! i have a very hard time losing weight and getting pregnant. i am currently on 500mg of metformin and upping it to 750mg this weekend until i get to 2000mg! i know for anyone to lose weight they need to have 150 carbs or less to lose weight, so i have been doing that. but what about a person w/ pcos how many carbs can we have and what about suger what is our limit?0
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I have had PCOS since i was 18. i hate it! i have a very hard time losing weight and getting pregnant. i am currently on 500mg of metformin and upping it to 750mg this weekend until i get to 2000mg! i know for anyone to lose weight they need to have 150 carbs or less to lose weight, so i have been doing that. but what about a person w/ pcos how many carbs can we have and what about suger what is our limit?
My endocrinologist set my numbers at 50% carbs, 25% protien, and 25% fat. I'm also taking metformin, 1000mgs. Since I started I've lost over 10 pounds.... in just over a month. More importantly, I've lost 3 inches off my waist.
He said the trick is to take half to dose at bedtime and always sleep with an empty stomach. Then always workout in the AM on an empty stomach. The metformin will keep my blood sugar under control while I sleep and my organs can put all the energy towards metabolising fat, mainly around the mid section. Working out in the morning on an empty stomach releases hormones that ease the symptoms and increase metabolism throughout the day. He said that doing squats specifically in the am on an empty stomach release these hormones that really help with PCOS symptoms and losing belly fat.
In all honesty, by doing these things, I feel the best right now that I ever have. I'm approaching my period and I can already tell a HUGE difference in my symptoms. This is also my first month on birth control, so I'm sure that has something to do with it as well. I will be reducing my metformin dose in a few weeks if my blood sugar levels are good and I lose some more inches off my waist.0 -
Lots of great info ladies! I am on birth control, and I had to pretty much beg my Dr for Glumetza (long lasting Metformin), I see her in two weeks to get it upped from 1000mg to 1500mg, I started out at 500mg. Since I've started 1000mg I've lost the most weight. I also follow the G.I. Diet 90% of the time, which works. I also do Kickboxing 4-5 times a week, I find I need the intensity of a workout like that to lose anything. I was walking 30 mins everyday then doing Wii Fit or the 30 Day Shred and was still hardly losing anything. Since starting Kickboxing I've been losing much quicker, and going down in inches like mad. I think I will try taking my Glumetza later in the evening as someone suggested, see if it makes a difference for me.
Good luck ladies, we're all in this together!0 -
I have had PCOS since i was 18. i hate it! i have a very hard time losing weight and getting pregnant. i am currently on 500mg of metformin and upping it to 750mg this weekend until i get to 2000mg! i know for anyone to lose weight they need to have 150 carbs or less to lose weight, so i have been doing that. but what about a person w/ pcos how many carbs can we have and what about suger what is our limit?
My endocrinologist set my numbers at 50% carbs, 25% protien, and 25% fat. I'm also taking metformin, 1000mgs. Since I started I've lost over 10 pounds.... in just over a month. More importantly, I've lost 3 inches off my waist.
He said the trick is to take half to dose at bedtime and always sleep with an empty stomach. Then always workout in the AM on an empty stomach. The metformin will keep my blood sugar under control while I sleep and my organs can put all the energy towards metabolising fat, mainly around the mid section. Working out in the morning on an empty stomach releases hormones that ease the symptoms and increase metabolism throughout the day. He said that doing squats specifically in the am on an empty stomach release these hormones that really help with PCOS symptoms and losing belly fat.
In all honesty, by doing these things, I feel the best right now that I ever have. I'm approaching my period and I can already tell a HUGE difference in my symptoms. This is also my first month on birth control, so I'm sure that has something to do with it as well. I will be reducing my metformin dose in a few weeks if my blood sugar levels are good and I lose some more inches off my waist.
Thanks for that info! I am gonna have to give it a try! Just changed my setting to the 50/25/25...hopefully it will help me out!0 -
Wow, I am super shocked and surprised that an endocrinologist told someone to consume 50% carbs with PCOS. Along with PCOS comes insulin resistence (pre-diabetes) or full blown diabetes.
Controlling carbs is the key to controlling PCOS and insulin resistence and 50% carbs is not controlling them. There is so much information out there that supports this that I am so surprised that an endocrinologist suggested such a percentage.0 -
Wow, I am super shocked and surprised that an endocrinologist told someone to consume 50% carbs with PCOS. Along with PCOS comes insulin resistence (pre-diabetes) or full blown diabetes.
Controlling carbs is the key to controlling PCOS and insulin resistence and 50% carbs is not controlling them. There is so much information out there that supports this that I am so surprised that an endocrinologist suggested such a percentage.
I'm on a plant based diet. Carbs are pretty hard to cut out completely. He actually believes that controlling weight is the key. I've lost 36 pounds and 3 inches off my waist and my bloodwork is currently excellent. I have energy through the roof, my skin looks good, my mood is even, my periods are getting easier. I won't even have to be on medication when my waist gets back to a normal healthy range. In all honesty, I don't follow the plan. I just eat when I'm hungry. I eat whole grains like brown rice, Quinoa, couscous, etc. tons and tons of veggies. Beans, nuts, legumes for protien and 1-2 pieces of fruit per day. I recently transitioned to Vegan and haven't even had so much as a headache since I stopped the dairy. This is the best I've ever felt in my life.
That being said. I don't think anyone should do for themselves what my doctor recommended for me. It was based on other health problems, my bloodwork, and lifestyle. Everybody has theri own situation and should see a doctor for personal recommendations. My lifestyle was taken into account in planning my treatment.0 -
I have pcos and was diagnosed by ultrasound and lack of periods after going off the birth control pill in hopes of getting pregnant. I always had intense carb cravings and now I know why. Getting on 2000mg of Metformin really curbed the cravings and helped clear up my oily skin. Also, I gave up sugar completely for Lent and since I've gone so long without having any, I no longer crave it either. It's VERY possible to be lean and have pcos. My BMI is 21, but I also work very hard to maintain my weight. I can easily gain 5 pounds in a couple days and it goes straight to my belly. Nothing has restored my periods so I've been taking fertility meds to help with ovulation. I pray I get pregnant someday. I took Yasmin for 12 years and it masked all my symptoms - no acne, no facial hair, and a period every month. I just want to get pregnant, give birth, and go back on the Pill so I can feel normal again.
Good luck to you all. It's comforting to know I'm not alone.0 -
I have pcos and was diagnosed by ultrasound and lack of periods after going off the birth control pill in hopes of getting pregnant. I always had intense carb cravings and now I know why. Getting on 2000mg of Metformin really curbed the cravings and helped clear up my oily skin. Also, I gave up sugar completely for Lent and since I've gone so long without having any, I no longer crave it either. It's VERY possible to be lean and have pcos. My BMI is 21, but I also work very hard to maintain my weight. I can easily gain 5 pounds in a couple days and it goes straight to my belly. Nothing has restored my periods so I've been taking fertility meds to help with ovulation. I pray I get pregnant someday. I took Yasmin for 12 years and it masked all my symptoms - no acne, no facial hair, and a period every month. I just want to get pregnant, give birth, and go back on the Pill so I can feel normal again.
Good luck to you all. It's comforting to know I'm not alone.
good luck getting pregnant! i will pray for you.0 -
Wow, I am super shocked and surprised that an endocrinologist told someone to consume 50% carbs with PCOS. Along withi never PCOS comes insulin resistence (pre-diabetes) or full blown diabetes.
Controlling carbs is the key to controlling PCOS and insulin resistence and 50% carbs is not controlling them. There is so much information out there that supports this that I am so surprised that an endocrinologist suggested such a percentage.
I'm on a plant based diet. Carbs are pretty hard to cut out completely. He actually believes that controlling weight is the key. I've lost 36 pounds and 3 inches off my waist and my bloodwork is currently excellent. I have energy through the roof, my skin looks good, my mood is even, my periods are getting easier. I won't even have to be on medication when my waist gets back to a normal healthy range. In all honesty, I don't follow the plan. I just eat when I'm hungry. I eat whole grains like brown rice, Quinoa, couscous, etc. tons and tons of veggies. Beans, nuts, legumes for protien and 1-2 pieces of fruit per day. I recently transitioned to Vegan and haven't even had so much as a headache since I stopped the dairy. This is the best I've ever felt in my life.
That being said. I don't think anyone should do for themselves what my doctor recommended for me. It was based on other health problems, my bloodwork, and lifestyle. Everybody has theri own situation and should see a doctor for personal recommendations. My lifestyle was taken into account in planning my treatment.
I never said that carbs should be completely cut. Carbs should be controlled by getting them from natural sources only. Vegetables, fruit and nuts.
Grains are not natural, they are processed as they can not be eaten
in their natural state. My doctors, an endocrinologist and a naturopath, told me that grains are the worst thing to put in a woman that has PCOS.0
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