PCOS

honu18
honu18 Posts: 294 Member
in Health and Weight Loss
I was just diagnosed with PCOS yesterday after having lost a bunch of weight last year and then put it all on plus some in the last few months post BC pill. My doctor put me on a low glycemic index/low carb diet (pretty much the south beach diet). I'm starting off today with no added sugars (this is coming from someone who is a carb/sugar addict--i blame it partially on the PCOS, partially not) or basically any carbs besides what's in vegetables. I would love some support, as well as meal or recipe ideas. If any of you know of any groups or can relate, I'd love to hear your advice/experiences.

I was put back on the BCP and also given metformin to start next week. Is anyone else on this treatment and had luck with weight loss/stopping the constant weight gain associated with PCOS?

Thank you!

Replies

  • mylove0mylife
    mylove0mylife Posts: 70
    I have PCOS, was diagnosed at the age of 16. Was put on BC as well. Recently I went off my BC because my husband are almost ready to actively try for a baby.

    That being said, because of my PCOS, my weight, and other health conditions my body is no where near ready to get pregnant. I was never on meltformin, but weight loss with PCOS is doable. I've lost 26 lbs before, but gained it back. Don't get discouraged, I gained it back because I got lazy and ate and ate and ate.

    I'm also a sugar/carb junky. My (personal) opinion, is I can't do a diet that cuts it out. If you cut out carbs and you try to add them back later, then you hurt yourself more.

    Instead...you can just watch your carb intake, and calories perhaps. Use cauliflower instead of mashed potatoes (actually quiet good!) Use spaghetti squash instead of pasta. Use quiona instead of pasta. Eat pasta and rice, but eat it with smaller helpings, an healthier sauces (recipes are all over the place online). Eat more protein with a smaller helping of carps with a lot more vegetables.

    I'll add you as a friend and if you want to talk you can also message me on here and I can try to help you out!
  • shantiface
    shantiface Posts: 12 Member
    I've had PCOS for 10 years (well, more than that, but I was diagnosed 10 years ago) and I KNOW what a struggle it is to lose weight and keep it off.

    I ignored it for a while, but my acne and hairgrowth was out of control so I started on Metformin 9 months ago and I will say, it has helped!! Stick with it - if you're anything like me, you'll feel awful at first but it will get easier to stomach and you'll be glad you did. It took about 6 months for me to see real progress (not with my weight so much as other symptoms) but my periods are now regular and I do think it helps a little with weight loss in the 5-10 lb range. My doctor told me the results will only continue to improve over time and regular medication. I lost 15 lbs doing the low garb/Low GI thing earlier this year but did gain back 8 of those lbs in the last 3 months when I slacked on the diet side. But I'm on here to get back on track!!!

    Good luck - and I am part of 2 PCOS groups on here where there are specific topics related to our issues. It feels good to celebrate the tiny wins or just vent with others who get it.
  • electricmeow
    electricmeow Posts: 68 Member
    I just want to say, BCP are not the only option. When I look back at my birth control days I continued to stay "puffy" and could not lose weight past 167 (diagnosed at 175). My skin looked great though! (HA!)

    I don't know how advanced your PCOS is, but I stopped taking BCP despite everyone's advice. My periods went back to being 40 days apart, but since I had already cut carbs and sugar, that alone helped my symtoms! Then when I lost weight I practically forgot I had PCOS. Sweet cravings/sugar are both a cause and a symptom.

    But there are times when I have to jump start my system (if I go too long without a period) at this point I take licorice root extract to stimulate ovulation, OR I'll take my Provera prescription. Alternative meds can be just as helpful if not more helpful than doctor prescriptions. For one, I can actually lose weight! Birth control kept me from that.

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