Slow metabolism maybe related to PCOS or Insulin Resistance

Interesting. I always wondered if there was a connection. I had my RMR measured by a BodyGem machine several years back and the trainer said it was low especially considering my muscle mass (it was 1190). About a year after that I was diagnosed with PCOS.

FiresongUK wrote: »

I have been tentatively diagnosed with PCOS but my doctor really doesn't seem to care. "You're not trying for a baby and you can get facial hair remover so does it matter?"

I was wondering about this earlier too. I've always had abdominal fat more than anywhere else, even now it's all on the stomach, and it's really difficult to shift unless I cut calories to 1200. It took me 6 months to lose 12lb before a holiday and I put it all back on quickly afterwards.

Since my cat got spayed last week they gave me an information leaflet stating that neutered animals typically need 20% less calories than intact. It made me wonder whether this is the same case as in humans with hormonal problems. I've had a look through my university library for journals relating to it but I can't find anything, even on where that 20% figure came from.

When your hormones are off this can cause weight gain and hard to lose it like others that have normal hormone balance. If you think you may have PCOS, here is some info as to why its hard to lose weight with hormone inbalance problems(in this case due to PCOS)

PCOS makes it more difficult for the body to use the hormone insulin, which normally helps convert sugars and starches from foods into energy. This condition -- called insulin resistance -- can cause insulin and sugar -- glucose -- to build up in the bloodstream.

High insulin levels increase the production of male hormones called androgens. High androgen levels lead to symptoms such as body hair growth, acne, irregular periods -- and weight gain. Because the weight gain is triggered by male hormones, it is typically in the abdomen. That is where men tend to carry weight. So, instead of having a pear shape, women with PCOS have more of an apple shape.

Abdominal fat is the most dangerous kind of fat. That’s because it is associated with an increased risk of heart disease and other health conditions.

Thanks for all of the responses. I have PCOS and IR and it sometimes feels like I'm the only one in the world with it.

I have been that person who follows "diets" completely accurate, weighing,measuring, and following whatever rules of that diet with minimal success. I have been told "what do you eat when I'm not around?" by friends and family because they still believe that I MUST be binging on something when they are not around. I have been ignored and misguided by my Dr. who looks at me with that "just eat less and exercise more" look.....

It took YEARS of different diets,Dr.'s,and my own research to find what works for my PCOS and IR..YEARS..years of me feeling like a failure KNOWING that I was following the old CICO with minimal results...growing facial hair,balding thinning hair, and MAYBE 1 period a year...

UGH...we can do it ladies.It may take some trial and error to find what works best for your body,but never give up and find a DR. with compassion and knowledge about PCOS and IR.