PCOS! ALL WOMEN READ!!! AND GET CHECKED!

Good advice!!

Although we have been trying to conceive for 17 months now and had scans, blood tests etc and they apparently showed nothing. Even though I had irregular cycles etc. But we are being referred to the fertility clinic so hopefully will find out from there! As I know a few people with PCOS and some of my symptoms are VERY similar!

I am so glad you posted this information. My daught in-law found out not to long ago that she has PCOS. She has always struggled with her weight even though she is a very healthy eater & excercises. She was given medicine to take that normally is given to diabetics even tough she is not. Thank you for passing this along. If you have any more information please pass it along.
I think you have helped alot of people by doing this. Again Thank You for sharing this.

I have not officially been diagnosed but my GYN has a "strong suspision" that I have it based on symptoms. She mentioned to me that she has heard of people having success with adjusting the types of carbs they are eating. Not cutting out all carbs just some but I forget the specifics. Some one on here once recomended a book

PCOS diet book by Colette Harris

http://www.amazon.co.uk/PCOS-Diet-Book-nutritional-polycystic/dp/0007131844/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1277133773&sr=8-1

I've also heard others on here mention that a Lower Glycemic Index diet will help. and also mentioned a book called:

The new Glucose Revolution: Guide to living well with PCOS

I've not checked out these books yet but they sound like they could be helpfull.

Thank you for posting this. I was diagnosed with PCOS last fall. I was concerned about extra body hair, so I got checked. The thing that bothered me most, to be honest, about finding out I had PCOS, was having high testosterone levels. For whatever reason it absolutely disgusted me and made me feel like less of a woman. My doctor told me I would have to lose weight to lower my levels and decrease symptoms cause by the high testosterone.

but its possible to stil have children and its possible to LOSE WEIGHT! If anyone has PCOS and has lost over 30 pounds please stand up and share your advice!!!

*waves*

I've lost just about 30 pounds, does that count?

It certainly hasn't been easy, and I still have a long way to go. Sometimes, seeing all the posts from people who actually are losing 2 pounds (or more!) a week can get discouraging, especially when you see that someone has lost the same amount as you in much, much less time. But I just tell myself that what I'm doing is important for my health, and for my future family, when I'm ready to have kids, and I don't give up.

Wanna know how I did it? THIS SITE!! I never would have been able to do it on my own; MFP has been an invaluable resource for me. I've also been trying to exercise more (I mostly use the Wii Fit and a treadmill), and making little changes- walking up the escalators instead of standing still, parking further away and walking, things like that. Like I said, it hasn't been easy, but it has always been worth it... and I know it will continue to be!

I had a friend in college who was diagnosed with PCOS very early on, when she had just hit puberty (which is pretty rare). She was able to lose a ton of weight (it was easier mostly because she was able to react to it so early on) and she said that it totally controlled her symptoms. She went so far as to consider herself cured of the PCOS, and it was all because she lost the weight! I'm not sure if I think it is actually a cure, per se, but she doesn't have any symptoms so that's all that matters! I wish I had listened to her sooner!

I'm currently being tested for PCOS (I have an ultra sound tomorrow), my doctor and my dietician both believe I have it, as well as insulin resistance and a whole heap of the other symptoms.

Thanks for posting At least I know (if I am diagnosed) I'm not alone!

I was tested about 6 years ago, and sure enough I have it. Im one of the lucky ones, I have every symptom/side effect that comes with PCOS. =( But I refuse to let it run me, I take action on my own life. I try every chance I get to educate people of this "disease". Let me add to this as well, if you have it then theres a good chance your mother or father carries it. If you have it, your sibblings are at high risk of having it. Don't be fooled, men can have PCOS also.

Just a few symptoms of PCOS:
Infertility, irregular cycles, obesity, male pattern hair growth (face,chest,back, darking hair on arms or legs), male pattern hair lose (front balding or thinning), pimples, sudden weight gains.

In short, if you think you may have it, research it. I in every way was feeling like less and less like a woman. Now I know that god has challenged me with this. I am a beautiful woman who is taking her life into her own hands. I am dropping weight and loving the gym. I CAN DO THIS!!! We all can!

Thank you for posting this. I was diagnosed with PCOS last fall. I was concerned about extra body hair, so I got checked. The thing that bothered me most, to be honest, about finding out I had PCOS, was having high testosterone levels.


I feel your pain, but sweetie you are a beautiful woman. Don't let it get you down, and if people talk or say something then educate them. "YES, I have this, now let me explain why." Fight back! Keep your head up

Thanks for posting this, I have sugar problems, passed out from low blood sugar last week, can't lose weight, irregular sometimes....I'm definitely going to mention it to my OB since we will be trying to get pregnant again in a couple months!

edit: double post.