PCOS, Weight Loss and Infertility

I'd like to connect with other moms on here who are trying to lose weight to reduce PCOS symptoms and get pregnant.
Hubby and I went to see a specialist who said all the equipment for both of us works just fine, but I'm not ovulating and weight is an issue. It was depressing to hear it from someone elses month (although really I knew the truth)

I had my daughter 7 years ago and we had no issue conceiving, but I've gained 60 lbs since then (lost 24 so far).
The specialist said to come back in 3 mos after trying to eat healthier, lose weight and exercise and we'd look into a drug to make me ovulate.

Three months doesn't seem like a lot of time and I'm tempted to crash diet, but then I know that won't be a permanent solution of again.

I feel a lot of pressure and thought it might be nice to connect with anyone else going through something similar

Replies

  • tigger9759
    tigger9759 Posts: 55 Member
    Don't crash diet! Because if you do it will all go out the window when you get pregnant; if you go on my profile page you should be able to see a pic of my gorgeous triplets that were a result of infertility and PCOS :) There are certain diets or ways of eating that see to be more effective with women with PCOS; by chance did the doc refer you to a nutritionist or does your insurance cover it? Also have you been tested for insulin resistance?
  • PositivelyFlawed
    PositivelyFlawed Posts: 316 Member
    Your babies are precious. Thanks for sharing! :)

    I do know crash diets won't last and I want something lasting, but that's just the level of urgency and anxiety I feel. Right now I'm trying to take it slow. Trying to lower carbs, well moreso consciously control carbs, which I wasn't doing before. That's a challenge.

    I have been to a dietician who did not tell me anything I didn't already know. I have the knowledge i just need to be consistent and committed with eating.

    I do have insulin resistance and am on Metformin. Basically I have impaired fasting glucose (6.6-6.8 mmol/L with <6.0 being normal), yes random glucose is also fine at 4.4-4.6mmol/L) The logic of this escapes me. the metformin has helped control the cloudy/headachy/lethargic feelings I had upon waking. I am due for a fasting glucose check, but I imagine that the metformin is doing its job. My specialist has recently increased it to 1500mg/d (from 1000mg) so we will see. He believes it will help with the weight loss as well as the insulin resistance.

    I think my biggest issue is psychological right now and as an emotional eater, there is a real internal struggle happening. On the one side I want more than anything to have another healthy pregnancy/child so I'm committed to exercise and eating healthy, but on the other I feel guilty because it's been many years of trying and failing, and it's now officially my fault. I also feel pressure since it is really all on me. My hubby is very supportive and would never lay blame, but that is the truth of the matter, its me. This part is upsetting and drives my need to dull those feelings with food. So far I'm resisting, but its definitely a battle.

    I'm looking into seeing if there is some psychological support in my area.
  • 4legsRbetterthan2
    4legsRbetterthan2 Posts: 19,590 MFP Moderator
    I know there are a couple groups set up for PCOS women, you should search the groups and join one (under community, the groups tab). I am sure you will find some more PCOS knowledgeable people and some friends you can identify well with! Best Wishes~
  • oocdc2
    oocdc2 Posts: 1,361 Member
    I know there are a couple groups set up for PCOS women, you should search the groups and join one (under community, the groups tab). I am sure you will find some more PCOS knowledgeable people and some friends you can identify well with! Best Wishes~

    ^^ This, and if you can find something else to funnel your nervous energy into, you may find it helps overall. Keep checking your blood sugar and maintaining your healthy eating, of course, but constantly focusing on a medical problem THAT ISN'T YOUR FAULT and beating yourself up over it helps nothing. (We can thank our ancestors for that one. (Thanks, Dad!)) Paint, sculpt, play, start a side business...anything else.

    Looking at your diary, you seem to be doing OK from a layman's point of view. You keep your sugar under 40 g most days (I do, too). The only feedback I would have would be to keep your protein up--that and fiber really helped me feel full and keep muscle mass.

    I wish I had some sage fertility advice, but both my children showed up when they wanted to, so I've got nothin'. Good luck to you!
  • emmatowell10
    emmatowell10 Posts: 1 Member
    Hey first time commenting on here over all I've got about 6 stone to loose and one of the reasons is to build r family we've been trying for nearly 2 yrs now and I can't face going to the Drs as I know what they are going to say I'm trying but really struggling I feel for you
    Hun but plz don't crash diet it won't work and all the time you denied yourself will come back 10 fold if you would like msg me as it would be nice to have a friend who's in a similar position x
  • running_in_tiaras
    running_in_tiaras Posts: 29 Member
    I added you. Feel free to accept. 24 lbs is amazing and might make all the difference in the world. I could have wrote the same thing a couple years ago. I had my son with no issues (I did lose a lot of weight but wasn't trying to get pregnant). I gained all the weight with the pregnancy and never lost it. When I was ready to have another baby I got on metformin and clomid and didn't have any luck. I took a break from trying and when I was ready again I started to lose weight. I only lost 20 and then the holidays hit and gained some back, but I got pregnant on my first round of Clomid that time. I had my daughter 2 years ago and I am finally on a place mentally that I am ready to lose weight for good. I am done having kids but who knows what will happen if I get a skinny again.
  • PositivelyFlawed
    PositivelyFlawed Posts: 316 Member
    I know there are a couple groups set up for PCOS women, you should search the groups and join one (under community, the groups tab). I am sure you will find some more PCOS knowledgeable people and some friends you can identify well with! Best Wishes~

    i did search groups but most seemed inactive. Maybe i ddin't dig deep enough into the list. I will check again.
  • PositivelyFlawed
    PositivelyFlawed Posts: 316 Member
    oocdc2 wrote: »
    I know there are a couple groups set up for PCOS women, you should search the groups and join one (under community, the groups tab). I am sure you will find some more PCOS knowledgeable people and some friends you can identify well with! Best Wishes~

    ^^ This, and if you can find something else to funnel your nervous energy into, you may find it helps overall. Keep checking your blood sugar and maintaining your healthy eating, of course, but constantly focusing on a medical problem THAT ISN'T YOUR FAULT and beating yourself up over it helps nothing. (We can thank our ancestors for that one. (Thanks, Dad!)) Paint, sculpt, play, start a side business...anything else.

    Looking at your diary, you seem to be doing OK from a layman's point of view. You keep your sugar under 40 g most days (I do, too). The only feedback I would have would be to keep your protein up--that and fiber really helped me feel full and keep muscle mass.

    I wish I had some sage fertility advice, but both my children showed up when they wanted to, so I've got nothin'. Good luck to you!

    Thanks for the feedback. I am struggling with protein that's a certainty. Trying to keep my carbs lower and protein higher, but it is definitely a battle. I haven't really given much thought to fiber, but may be worth measuring although I'm not really feeling hungry on my current eating plan.
  • PositivelyFlawed
    PositivelyFlawed Posts: 316 Member
    asykers wrote: »
    I added you. Feel free to accept. 24 lbs is amazing and might make all the difference in the world. I could have wrote the same thing a couple years ago. I had my son with no issues (I did lose a lot of weight but wasn't trying to get pregnant). I gained all the weight with the pregnancy and never lost it. When I was ready to have another baby I got on metformin and clomid and didn't have any luck. I took a break from trying and when I was ready again I started to lose weight. I only lost 20 and then the holidays hit and gained some back, but I got pregnant on my first round of Clomid that time. I had my daughter 2 years ago and I am finally on a place mentally that I am ready to lose weight for good. I am done having kids but who knows what will happen if I get a skinny again.

    I accept you. Thanks!