Recently diagnosed...looking for advice

AcctgChicka83
AcctgChicka83 Posts: 21 Member
edited November 2024 in Social Groups
Ive suffered with irregular periods, bad pain in my back & ovary area, depression, mood changes, bloating, weight gain, headaches, nause, etc for the past year and a half. I've become such a couch potato bc I just never feel well. It's almost cost me my marriage bc I am always tired, bitchy, and no sex drive. I have an appointment with a metabolic doctor in a few weeks. My doctor told me that not only does pcos affect fertility but also causes miscarriages. My husband & I were "considering" having another baby (I have a 2 year old). And pcos also reason for my weight gain. I've tried losing weight & the first couple weeks I'm ok but then I hit plateau & it just throws me off. I get depressed & then it takes another month or two to get back on track.

My question is - where do I start? Will the metabolic doctor give me meds to help me loose weight? Or will my gyno only give me meds to enhance fertility? Why do I just feel like crying??? Anyone else feel mad bc your opportunity to possibly having another child is being taken away from you?

Replies

  • Dragonwolf
    Dragonwolf Posts: 5,600 Member
    This will likely help: http://health.shaunagordon.com/so-you-have-pcos.html

    As for your questions:

    Where to start? I recommend starting with diet. I responded to another post recently with my usual guidelines. They've helped several women that I know of and probably many I don't know about: http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/comment/31870341/#Comment_31870341

    The metabolic doctor might give you meds, it depends on what your test results look like. The most common medications prescribed are Metformin (an insulin sensitizer), Spironolactone (a diuretic and blood pressure medication that's known to reduce androgens), hormonal birth control (much to my dismay, as unless it's something like Yaz, it just covers up the problems), and progesterone supplements. Your gyno may suggest Clomid and other fertility treatments, but like the birth control, it only masks the real issues. Some doctors will also prescribe supplements like Vitex (chasteberry; a general hormone balancer), Inositol (B8, has the effect of increasing insulin sensitivity and improving egg quality), or others, though these supplements are generally only utilized by naturopaths or doctors in Europe (however, you can get these things over the counter without a prescription, just make sure you inform your doctor). Many of these things can help you lose weight by correcting the underlying hormone issues, but keep in mind that none of these are "weight loss" drugs, nor should you be put on weight loss drugs without exhausting methods to correct the underlying hormonal issues (especially since you appear to be physically able to lose weight, but lose motivation too easily).

    You feel like crying, because you don't know what to do, you're frustrated, and it feels hopeless. It's not hopeless. You know you're fertile, you have a child already. You just need to get your body back into a state where it can make use of that fertility again. Starting with a good, whole-foods-based, reduced carbohydrate (especially refined) diet will very likely get you most of the way there. Additionally, your cortisol may be one of the hormones that's elevated for you (if you also feel anxious, on edge, and snippy, then cortisol may be the problem; it's worth checking out Phosphatidylserine, a supplement that is known for reducing cortisol). PCOS affects the entire endocrine system, as well, so your thyroid and adrenals may also be affected. Your doctor should run a full thyroid panel to ensure you don't have a co-morbid thyroid disorder.

    Your opportunity to have another child is not being taken away from you, but you do need to take action now, or things will just get harder as time goes on. Make the conscious decision to improve your way of life, so that you can improve your quality of life. Make that decision today, and every day. Wallowing for weeks on end over a stall in weight will get you nowhere, and sure as hell won't get you any closer to your goal. Stop looking at only your weight, and look at your health, because your weight will continue to be a fight if your body is not healthy.

    Arm yourself with knowledge. Read through the archives in this group, there's a ton of stuff here. Then, go read through every PCOS resource you can get your hands on. Two common ones to start with are http://paleoforwomen.com/pcos-an-introduction/ and http://pcosdiva.com/ (note: both pretty heavily promote their book, diet plans, etc., which require you to pay; you don't need them to learn about PCOS and create a way of eating that works for you). Create a list of questions for your doctor appointment and write them down (take that list with you). Unfortunately, most doctors are pretty clueless or have severely outdated knowledge of PCOS, so it's important to be informed and be an advocate for yourself.
  • A_Dabauer
    A_Dabauer Posts: 212 Member
    I agree with Dragonwolf, this certainly isn't hopeless, but it is confusing and overwhelming at times.

    As you find out more you'll have more questions and the community here is awesome. I've learned so much from everyone here. So ask away, read learn and the most empowering thing you can do is take control :) good luck!
  • mhulgan
    mhulgan Posts: 101 Member
    I suffered two miscarriages in between my first and second child. Yes, second child :). I am finally at a healthy BMI, I am over the not so pleasant side effects of Metformin, and my periods are regular for the first time in my life. It is hard, but not hopeless! Best wishes as you figure out your plan of action.
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