Just diagnosed with PCOS, any tips? HELP

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LoosingLiz
LoosingLiz Posts: 8
in Health and Weight Loss
I was just diagnosed with PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) yesterday and it has come to make me understand so many aspects of how my body behaves. I am sad to know that there is little I can do about it, but grateful that I found out until now and that I was able to have three beautiful children with out any treatment. I have so many mixed feeling about it but overall the diagnosis has come to show me how blessed I am with my kids and how great God is. I have been on the weight loss battle for two months now and am 23 pounds down. I feel empowered to know what is wrong and I can only look forward to a healthier life for my own good. But also a bit sad to know how much harder this is going to be for me as my own body is working against me. Does anyone out there suffer from this condition? And do you have any tips on how to handle weight loss under the circumstances? How does this change how I should approach my diet and exercise?
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Replies

  • StrawberrySprinkles
    StrawberrySprinkles Posts: 90
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    I've been dealing with PCOS for about ten plus years now (only 32 and no kids).

    Best thing to do is low carb/high protein. I, personally, use the ratios of 40% carbs, 35% protein, 25% fat. So far it's worked for me. It sucked for a bit having to get past the need for carbs, but you will get past it.

    In the UK, they really push eating higher carbs for 'instant' energy, but with PCOS there is an aspect of it that makes carbs harder to use thus the weight gain.

    As far as exercise is concerned, you don't have to necessarily break your back trying to do a lot. Exercise regularly and that will help. I usually go for about an hour 3 or 4 times a week. That's a personal choice more than anything and thus far, it's worked.

    The biggest push in the right direction has been getting the eating under control. I went nearly 8 years or so without a period...at least one that didn't require medication to kick start. A couple of months after low carb, it came back quite regularly. When I fell off the wagon, it went again and now that I'm back on it, it's trying to come back. :)

    It's a difficult and weird thing, PCOS, but you learn it's quirks. Biggest thing to do is listen to your body and see how you feel. :)

    :flowerforyou:
  • got2tryagain
    got2tryagain Posts: 26
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    I was diagnosed 15 years ago. The best advice my Dr. gave me was cutting out all white carbs(bread, rice, potatoes, pasta). Also I take metformin to help with the insulin resistance. A few years ago I lost 70 lbs and all my symptoms stopped. Unfortunately a year ago I lost my job and have not been active. All my symptoms are back. Plus 40 pounds! My advice would be stay as active as you can. Exercise really helps. Good luck!
  • cramernh
    cramernh Posts: 3,335 Member
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    Does anyone out there suffer from this condition? And do you have any tips on how to handle weight loss under the circumstances? How does this change how I should approach my diet and exercise?

    Well... first thing to remember is that PCOS is not a straight-across-the-board disorder. There are varying severities... sounds like yours is the 'hormonal' variety so Im going to say this with all sincerity: do not ever follow anyone's suggestion on over the counter related medications. the role hormones screw around with patients like us is not something to mess with. Ever. Always discuss those items with the treating/diagnosing clinician you are working with.

    If you do a search, this type of thread has been generated numerous times... you are most certainly not alone.

    As far as how to approach the diet and exercise - again, ***do not*** follow anything outside what your treating/diagnosing clinican has outlined for you.

    If that clinician has not given you the important information you need, go right back to that office and slap them silly! Each PCOS patient's dietary needs will vary as well.

    Im going on 16 years since I was diagnosed, and through several allergy tests, crazy blood draws and yes - even suffering from borderline Insulin Shock thanks to a pancreas that didnt shut off in enough time, I learned that with my PCOS, I have food restrictions if I want to keep on living.... and I follow it to a "T".

    I survived having my first daughter thanks to not being diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes (never knew about PCOS at that point). I thank the doctor though for saving my life, but this garbage has rendered me incapable of sustaining a pregnancy. And Im perfectly fine with it. I am an empty-nester now and have the freedom to get my butt into the gym a hell of lot more now.

    I have a perk though: I work in healthcare as well. Ive been very fortunate to work with some of the most amazing physicians and specialists - they truly are awesome people! They have helped to keep my sanity in check! LOL!!!! And working with them as a fellow associate is even better! Free advice from them is PRICELESS!!!! HEHEHEHEH .


    Let me know if you need help finding an Endocrinologist who specializes in PCOS, I can help do some searching with you.
  • mogletdeluxe
    mogletdeluxe Posts: 623 Member
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    Hello soul cyster!

    I have PCOS, damned blight that it is. Personally, my symptoms are:

    - store weight in my middle
    - poor fertility
    - hair loss
    - hirsutism (not on my head, the irony)
    - gain weight very easily

    I won't blame my PCOS for being fat before, because that had a lot more to do with eating too much and moving far too little. However, some downsides do apply - I have to exercise a LOT and eat relatively little to shift a pound.

    What's worked for me? Not gonna lie - a whole world's worth of cardio. Zumba (and hard - 650 - 750 calorie an hour burns) six to seven times a week, kettlebells and weights once or twice a week to trim the edges and keep it all firm.

    Diet-wise, I did try low-carb for a spell but found it unsustainable - obviously, this varies from person to person. Now, I just tried and have a slightly more low-GI approach - little refined carbohydrates, most sugars coming from fruit, and just sensible portion sizes. I don't deny myself much - a life without wine, Chinese food and chocolate is not one I want to live - but just not every day. I know some people say not to reward yourself with food, but I take great pleasure in a Friday night takeaway.

    Med-wise, I'm on Dianette and Metformin every day. I'll be frank, not sure they've had much impact, but then who knows - my condition may have worsened without them, as opposed to sllloooooowly plodding on.

    All the best - PCOS is an absolute pain, but it can be battered into submission xx

    ETA - post above mine? Gospel.
  • Joannie30
    Joannie30 Posts: 415 Member
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    I'm a PCOS sufferer too after having being diagnosed in Jan of this year. Its HARD, but not impossible to manage it.

    Add me if u like!

    J x x x
  • plinkityplonk
    plinkityplonk Posts: 30
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    I also have PCOS. I'm 29 and no kids yet. I've just started seriously trying to shift the weight his week so it's very early days for me and I'm still working out the bet way forward. This week I e just been trying to control calories but I think I need to start looking at the balance of carbs/protein etc to maximise the benefits. My problem is I find all that stuff really complicated and boring so I'm struggling a bit to work out what a healthy weight loss menu will look like for me. Add me as a friend if you like and maybe we can compare notes? I've done well this week with getting under calorie goal and have exercised every day. I was weighing mysel every day and from the first weigh in (Sunday night) to now I am down 2 pounds but I think I'm going to start a weekly weigh as its disheartening to see the fluctuation through the week. So Friday morning is my new weigh in time. Hopefully by next Friday I will see a bigger loss (was expecting loss to be higher in first week). This is going to be a long hard process I think but it needs to be done.
  • StrawberrySprinkles
    StrawberrySprinkles Posts: 90
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    I don't deny myself much - a life without wine, Chinese food and chocolate is not one I want to live - but just not every day. I know some people say not to reward yourself with food, but I take great pleasure in a Friday night takeaway.

    Med-wise, I'm on Dianette and Metformin every day. I'll be frank, not sure they've had much impact, but then who knows - my condition may have worsened without them, as opposed to sllloooooowly plodding on.

    All the best - PCOS is an absolute pain, but it can be battered into submission xx

    I know, right?

    I take 3 * 500 mg Metformin (breakfast, lunch, dinner). Like, you, I'm not sure if it's working. At first it did help me lose 10 lbs or so, but after that, it kind of leveled off.

    I think healthcare professionals can be hit and miss. Mine didn't really take me seriously at first. I was in my very early 20s and had just moved to the UK and the dr I was seeing was dismissing the no period as 'stress'.

    [Graphic] He didn't even seem that bothered that I had this..hell..I don't even know how to describe it. I bled so heavily at one point that standing up wasn't possible because I had already stained the carpet. Had to literally stand in the shower. Needless to say, I switched drs after that. That's when someone actually listened after my numerous visits. I guess I was lucky my normal dr was away at that point and I got to see his 'stand in' who then referred me to a woman's clinic. [/Graphic]

    I, too, carry the bulk of my weight in my middle. However, for me, the low carbs and high protein has made it shrink quite considerably. It's still not as flat and even as I'd like, but it's a massive improvement from looking like I was mildly pregnant all the time. :)
  • StrawberrySprinkles
    StrawberrySprinkles Posts: 90
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    I've done well this week with getting under calorie goal and have exercised every day. I was weighing mysel every day and from the first weigh in (Sunday night) to now I am down 2 pounds but I think I'm going to start a weekly weigh as its disheartening to see the fluctuation through the week.

    *nods* The fluctuations do happen, but as long as you're drinking enough water they aren't as severe. My fluctuations can be as bad as 5 or 6 pounds. :/ But drinking lots of water and other low sugar liquids will help. Increasing protein will help reduce the fluctuations as well. I stumbled on that one by accident after having eaten a good whack of protein one day. I looked it up on google and sure enough, protein helps with leveling out the water balance.
  • plinkityplonk
    plinkityplonk Posts: 30
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    *nods* The fluctuations do happen, but as long as you're drinking enough water they aren't as severe. My fluctuations can be as bad as 5 or 6 pounds. :/ But drinking lots of water and other low sugar liquids will help. Increasing protein will help reduce the fluctuations as well. I stumbled on that one by accident after having eaten a good whack of protein one day. I looked it up on google and sure enough, protein helps with leveling out the water balance.

    Good tip! I do drink a lot of water (and really nothing other than water) and have been making sure to eat at least 5 portions of fruit/veg a day. I'm not sure yet how PCOS is going to affect weight loss but I hope it doesn't make it too difficult.
  • justgin
    justgin Posts: 23
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    Thanks so much for this topic! I was diagnosed with PCOS 8 years ago after the birth of my third child. My doctor told me it would be hard to lose weight but I didn't realize how hard. I don't take any meds for it - originally the doctor put me on a BC pill but took me off because it made my blood pressure rise and since my husband had a vasectomy there really wasn't a need for it.
    My symptoms are:
    Mood swings
    Missed periods
    hair growth

    I don't attribute my weight gain to the PCOS cause I was fat before I was diagnosed and I didn't eat well. I know in the past that I've been able to have "normal" cycles if I exercise regularly. I've just started trying to change my lifestyle with better diet and exercise.

    Glad to see I'm not alone in the battle of PCOS
  • lynz4589
    lynz4589 Posts: 389 Member
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    I was diagnosed at the age of 14 - im 23 now (no kids yet) best tip I can give is low carb / high protein and DONT GIVE UP I have so many times, but in reality if you keep going and the will is there you WILL get there even if it takes a little longer than most!
  • Anastasia0511
    Anastasia0511 Posts: 372 Member
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    I was diagnosed with PCOS back in 1996 but have been very lucky to not get many of the side effects other than irregular periods, (which have been regular and on time for the past 11 years) skin tags which I had burned off, and I have about 5 dark spots on my lower back. I took Vitex Elixer for Women for about 15 years, its a natural herb that helps regulate periods and it's amazing and cost $12. The cheapest most amazing thing I've ever tried.I stopped taking it four years ago because I just didn't need it anymore but took it more out of habit plus it's known to help with PMS. I stopped having a period out of nowhere at age 17 and did not have one again until age 28 when the doctor put me on Spironolactone, but once I found out it was carcinogenic I stopped using it, and have never taken anything ever again since then, that was 1999, I just did the Vitex Elixer after that.

    I have never had a weight problem and have been a vegetarian all of my life and do not eat dairy of any kind, but just recently added fish to my diet about 5 months ago. I think the best thing women with PCOS can do to try and keep it under control is to get the weight off, follow a low glycemic diet, cut out dairy, cut out sugar, flour, wheat, junk food, candy etc.. Although we'll never get rid of it we can definitely keep it in control with diet and exercise being the most important.
    I know women who have PCOS that have taken medication for it and are now wishing they would of never started as it has made it worse for all of them and they've had horrible side effects. My endocrinologist doesn't give PCOS women Meteformin or any other type of medication but will refer you to one that will if that's the route you want to take.and instead suggests many other homeopathic options and diet and weight loss options. They have all stopped taking their medications and went vegetarian and started lifting weights and are doing quite well actually, and not to sound rude but some of these woman need to loose 80 or so pounds and they're feeling much better now and are losing weight slowly but it's coming off. I personally think it's the diet. Had I not been a vegetarian my whole life I just might of ended up with all the other side effects that come with this pain in the *kitten* disease.

    I wish you all the best cause I know how you're feeling. If you'd like another Cyster on your friends list feel free to add me. Good luck to you all :D


    Edit :Typos and sorry so damn long of a reply lol
  • LoosingLiz
    LoosingLiz Posts: 8
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    I am just so confused, like you I was diagnosed after kids, but looking back at all the symptoms I can pinpoint in my life where it all began and the DR said that this generally a genetic disorder so although I was heavy before I was diagnosed it was already a part of me. My Dr didn't tell me much about what I can do except watch my weight and exercise, but I have a feeling I am going to need to go back to his office to get my questions answered. I was just in complete shock and numbness the day I was diagnosed so there wasn't much in my head and left without questioning.
  • LoosingLiz
    LoosingLiz Posts: 8
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    Thanks so much for this topic! I was diagnosed with PCOS 8 years ago after the birth of my third child. My doctor told me it would be hard to lose weight but I didn't realize how hard. I don't take any meds for it - originally the doctor put me on a BC pill but took me off because it made my blood pressure rise and since my husband had a vasectomy there really wasn't a need for it.
    My symptoms are:
    Mood swings
    Missed periods
    hair growth

    I don't attribute my weight gain to the PCOS cause I was fat before I was diagnosed and I didn't eat well. I know in the past that I've been able to have "normal" cycles if I exercise regularly. I've just started trying to change my lifestyle with better diet and exercise.

    Glad to see I'm not alone in the battle of PCOS







    I am just so confused, like you I was diagnosed after kids, but looking back at all the symptoms I can pinpoint in my life where it all began and the DR said that this generally a genetic disorder so although I was heavy before I was diagnosed it was already a part of me. My Dr didn't tell me much about what I can do except watch my weight and exercise, but I have a feeling I am going to need to go back to his office to get my questions answered. I was just in complete shock and numbness the day I was diagnosed so there wasn't much in my head and left without questioning.
  • lisamarie2181
    lisamarie2181 Posts: 560 Member
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    I agree with evryone on the diet advice but in the struggle with the sometimes not losing how you would like, dont let it discourage you. It is hard not to get discouraged when things arent moving along at times, but always remember that eventually if u keep at it, it will work. Sometimes you have to tweak things, maybe even do alittle research if ur struggling with certain things and may find something that really works for you. I try and eat a pretty whole food diet, lower on the carb end but i dont have a set amount of carbs, just try to not eat breads and no "white carbs" at all, sometimes eat whole grains but trying to stay away from them for awhile because i have kinda stalled. When this happens you just have to look at your eating and see what u can change. And if you are ever in need of motivation or advice, always come here, i have met some wonderful supportive people on here and know there are alot in the same boat that have tried so many things that can help you. The support system is fantastic on here and i highly recommend taking full advantage :). Friend me if would like, i am here for as much support as i can give because i am so grateful the support i get from others on here :)
  • LoosingLiz
    LoosingLiz Posts: 8
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    I also have PCOS. I'm 29 and no kids yet. I've just started seriously trying to shift the weight his week so it's very early days for me and I'm still working out the bet way forward. This week I e just been trying to control calories but I think I need to start looking at the balance of carbs/protein etc to maximise the benefits. My problem is I find all that stuff really complicated and boring so I'm struggling a bit to work out what a healthy weight loss menu will look like for me. Add me as a friend if you like and maybe we can compare notes? I've done well this week with getting under calorie goal and have exercised every day. I was weighing mysel every day and from the first weigh in (Sunday night) to now I am down 2 pounds but I think I'm going to start a weekly weigh as its disheartening to see the fluctuation through the week. So Friday morning is my new weigh in time. Hopefully by next Friday I will see a bigger loss (was expecting loss to be higher in first week). This is going to be a long hard process I think but it needs to be done.




    I totally understand I have been dieting for two months and counting calories for about a month now way before my diagnosis, and the frustration with the scale has proven to be my biggest challenge. I had a good start and then a month from now I have been stuck at a little at a time. My weakness are carbs and its been hard to keep away but I want to loose the weight so bad that I am willing to do pretty much anything at this point. I am adding you for sure so we can keep ourselves motivated.
  • Lina4Lina
    Lina4Lina Posts: 712 Member
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    I would look into glycemic load. I'm not a carb cutter but I am careful about my carbs. I think things like beans are awesome in a diet and even certain types of bread have a place.
  • wftiger
    wftiger Posts: 1,283 Member
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    Keep carbs under 100 grams net per day. Use calories on protein and fat. Use your carbs on items that have nutritional value, i.e. fruits and veggies and not on grains as they have nothing your body needs.
  • Gunner947
    Gunner947 Posts: 2 Member
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    I have pcos too. It just means you're going to have to be very careful. I only eat healthy, but the olive oil can sneak up very easily and make your diet into a high fat one, which you don't want! I find the best thing to do is simply start doing whatever exercise you can do, and really stick with it. Apparently when people lose weight, their pcos goes away? so make it your journey to do as best you can
  • KarenBoehlke
    KarenBoehlke Posts: 47
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    I've had PCOS since puberty. It can be controlled, but it doesn't go away. We will always have this battle to fight. But we are women. Hear us roar. Chin up sweethearts, it's not the end of the world...its a whole new one. A healthier one in the long run if you think about it. We must do that which everyone should do which makes us motivated to be champions.

    All the food advice here is on target. Low carbs (GI count is important), high protein and water is key. As for meds, that is an individual thing. I did take glucophlage/metformin but am off it now. I didn't have side effects, but hey I've only got one liver and I want that baby to stay healthy. Still, I waited till my cycles were regular before going off the pills. So far I have been fairly regular and I've been off meds for a year (give or take). My numbers have stayed good. I watch my A1C and vitamin D levels because they seem to be key to keeping everything else in balance.

    All things in moderation. Balance is key.

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