PCOS Help

bump so funnygurl97 can see

I've read research that suggested low carb diets are the best for weight loss when you have PCOS... May be worth researching it.

Zara

I have PCOS. Was diagnosed 6 years ago. I have found that the same thing that works for everyone else, worked for me too. I made excuses, said I was special, said that I had to do things differently. I have found that, really, I do what normal people do, and sometimes, it is a little slower, but it still works.

I've been battling with PCOS for years. It feels like it's almost impossible to lose weight!

Once you start consuming fewer carbohydrates and more protein, you'll notice a change and start losing weight. I started tracking my weight daily for a solid month to compare fluctuations with carbohydrate consumption, it was great to see the proof that my body just doesn't handle carbs well. Give it a try and see.

Don't feel too discouraged though, you CAN lose weight with PCOS! Just takes a little extra work!

I was diagnosed in February of 2012, originally they put me on Metformin, which helped get my weight loss started. In June I discovered the Paleo/Primal diet, which given that PCOS is basically diabetes in your ovaries, has been ESSENTIAL to my weight loss. The basics of the diet are that you stop eating grains, legumes, and sugar as well as all processed food, and eat a diet rich in whole foods like lots of fresh fruits, vegetables, good quality meats and fat. I was struggling with fertility before Paleo, and 3 months after starting this diet I got pregnant (sadly it ended 2.5 months later, but hey! at least I know I can now). The reason why this works it that it eliminates the foods that turn straight to sugar in your system, which is what causes the insulin response, which is exactly what ISN'T working in your ovaries right now. I eliminated those foods and the weight started to come off (it didn't fall off, but I went from 1-3 lbs per month to 1-1.5 lbs per week pretty consistently). If you're interested in Primal/Paleo there is a group on here for that, and I also recommend the PCOS group too! Feel free to friend me, I'm always looking for others with similar struggles to support and be supported by Also, message me if you'd like more info, I love to share!

I have PCOS and yes weight loss is the key to success and to reduce and sometimes even eliminate some of the symptoms associated with PCOS. I don't really do anything crazy to lose weight and control my PCOS symptoms. I am on NuvaRing birth control to keep TOM and my hormones more in check and then I just count my calories and get some light to moderate exercise in at least 4 times a week...typically walking, workout dvds or stationary biking. Don't let PCOS scare you...you can be in control. Good luck!

The key is to stick with it. I have been on here for almost a year and have only lost 22 lbs. Doesn't seem like a lot but to me, the victory is in logging every day and trying to find what will work. I recently started lifting weights and cut back on cardio. I also try to be conscious of my carbs but I don't count them. and I take Metformin. One thing I would recommend would be to figure out what symptom is most important for you to get rid of and work on that. My irregular cycle and hair loss really bothered me. Happy to report that both are now under control!

I was diagnosed with PCOS about 2 years ago. I try to get the majority of my carbs from fruits and vegetables, and only eat a little bread - it's what my doctor recommended. When I follow what I was told to do, I feel so much better. I met the 10% weight loss they recommend and I feel like a completely different person. A lot of my symptoms (the body hair especially) are fading. Being back on BC probably helps my period-y symptoms, but I just feel better. The only meds I'm on are BC.

So I was diagnosed with PCOS yesterday and I am really bummed about it!! I need help to learn how to deal with the disease and how to work around it and lose the weight that I want. I want to manage this and be healthy and happy and not worry. I was told that if you lose weight it will help with the symptoms. Please help!!!

Well, I don't know about anyone else, but birth control made my symptoms WORSE. So tread carefully there.

Metaformin (sp?) and Clomid are typical drugs that PCOSers try, too, I've heard mixed reviews on those, too. I've never tried them, but they seem to have 50/50 sucess rate with PCOSers.

Personally I plan to control mine through diet and exercise. Seems to be working, I'm no longer constantly tired, and my face is clearing up. I'm also seeing inches lost, though no pounds yet.

I've given up gluten and dairy because I can't have them personally, and I've also given up soy because I've researched that soy is actually bad for women with PCOS. I also eat a ton of vegetables and have cut way down on added sugars (no soda, candy, etc.) except the occasional treat. Some women find success with low carb, but I haven't gone low carb, I just eat better carbs. And lots of water, 12 - 16 cups a day.

I've also added a daily multi, b-complex, evening primrose oil, cinnamin with chromium, vitex, and milk thistle. Occasionally I'll take licorice root. Do some reseach into what added supplements you might want to take.

I've also started to rub a natural progesterone cream on myself daily.

Edit to add: 30 minutes of exercise a day works wonders. Heavy lifting 3 times a week preferred.

I generally didnt do any special exercises. It does seem to take longer than the average person to lose weight though. Even just walking 20-30 minutes a day will show fairly quixk results. One thing i did, just by chance, was start getting chiropractic adjustments. It really helped my pcos and seemed to boost my weight loss. There's more info on this site www.pcos-insulin-resistance.info/newsletter