Diagnosed with PCOS, need some advice

Recently I went to a fertility specialist and got diagnosed with PCOS, I'm very serious about having another child so I'm doing everything I can to get myself in a better position to do that.

I don't know a lot about PCOS but I do know my RE put me on a diabetic meal plan and some medication to help control my bodies sugars

I had gestational diabetes with my son so I know I can live on the diet fine, I guess what I'm asking for is any and all advice you guys might have to make this change easier and any stories of success you might have. (With PCOS or diabetes)

Thanks! I'm slightly lost...

Replies

  • cebreisch
    cebreisch Posts: 1,340 Member
    I have PCOS and insulin resistance in spades. PCO is considered a "pre-diabetic" condition, and is typically treated with a Type II Diabetic drug (Glucophage/metformin). I didn't have gestational diabetes with either daughter because I was on the Glucophage for the pregnancies (and still am).

    What has helped me immensely is: focus on lean quality protein, and the fats/carbs will take care of themselves. Choose carbs carefully: Do you want the bun the cheeseburger comes on, or would you rather have some fries? I like to order cheeseburger's without the bun when we're out - so I can afford some fries. My husband would rather cut the cheeseburger in half - loose half the bun and thereby make 1/2 a double cheeseburger. Then he steals one or two of my fries! LOL

    Also - track your fiber. Protein and FIber help keep you "fuller, longer". Carbs are the instant burn - protein takes longer to process....fuller....longer.

    I also order kids meals a lot. Nobody's given me grief about it yet - if they do, I'll try telling them I'm a food addict and on a strict food plan and see what happens.
  • anneouel
    anneouel Posts: 68 Member
    That's lovely advise! I've been focusing on protein like no tomorrow. The half a hamburger idea is great, even with stolen fries haha.

    I was put on metformin, and being overweight I am pre-diabetic. Runs in the family. Although sugars seem fine now
  • tryett
    tryett Posts: 530 Member
    I have had pcos for decades, maximum doses of clomid to get pregnant, gestational diabetes when pregnant controlled entirely by diet (they let me try it even though they thought I was going to have to have insulin injections). Pcos is not prediabetes. However many sufferers are insulin resistant. Most everyone in my family have diabetes and thyroid probelms. The endo told me I would have both by 40, I am now 57 and still have neither.

    All that being said the diet I was put on then was the diabetic diet which was basically low carb. Only diet that worked ever for me. Lost a bunch of weight during both pregnancies on it (babies were both born normal weight) eating 2800 calories a day. I am trying it again now granted with much fewer calories but success. No meds. Just watching calories and keeping the carbs lower (aim for between 50-100 although some days it gets under 50).
  • anneouel
    anneouel Posts: 68 Member
    Thanks :) ya it's my fertility doctor that wants me to lose weight before pregnancy. 280 is a bit high but he hopes metformin will help me ovulate on my own, with the weight loss as well.
  • anneouel
    anneouel Posts: 68 Member
    terable_t wrote: »
    I am going to message you!
    anneouel wrote: »
    Thanks :) ya it's my fertility doctor that wants me to lose weight before pregnancy. 280 is a bit high but he hopes metformin will help me ovulate on my own, with the weight loss as well.

    OK lol
  • Tabbatha22
    Tabbatha22 Posts: 9 Member
    I have PCOS and Endometriosis and conceived my 2nd child naturally :) I wasnt diagnosed till after my 1st was born. Dont give up! Doctors told me I wouldnt have anymore children even with fertility drugs and it only took that 1 time. I lost over 50pnd after struggling with my weight after my 1st for 2 years and I reached my goal of 145pnd and soon after fell pregnant.
    I suggest your research abit about PCOS so you understand a bit more about it and focus on weight loss :)
    When the times right you may even fall pregnant naturally also without medication.
  • kshama2001
    kshama2001 Posts: 28,052 Member
    Many women with PCOS have mentioned reducing carbs or going low carb. There's a PCOS group here: http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/group/3070-p-c-o-sis
  • ashbar9915
    ashbar9915 Posts: 11 Member
    I have pcos. I have insulin resistance and cycles that are nearly non existent. I also was diagnosed when i was trying to get pregnant. I took a few rounds of clomid and femara to try and get pregnant and neither of them ended up with the desired result. What did work was going on metformin, eating a low carb diet and exercising. I lost 10 lbs and had my first non medically induced cycle in about 4 years and got pregnant that cycle. now i have a beautiful and healthy 11 month old son =) So there is definitely hope. I'm currently on a low gi/ moderate carb diet trying to get down to a healthy weight so in the future when hubby and I want to have another baby, we wont have to struggle as much. Hopefully =)
  • anneouel
    anneouel Posts: 68 Member
    Good then I'm on the right path!
  • anneouel
    anneouel Posts: 68 Member
    edited August 2016
    Thanks for sharing
  • SusanMFindlay
    SusanMFindlay Posts: 1,804 Member
    edited August 2016
    I don't know whether or not you've previously had issues with breastfeeding, but there's recent evidence to show that keeping the blood sugars controlled can help with that too - particularly in women with PCOS. Which might give you another reason to be happy for the metformin. (My breastfeeding specialist doctor had me on metformin for supply issues, but evidence is that it works much better if taken during pregnancy rather than post birth.)
  • anneouel
    anneouel Posts: 68 Member
    I did have breastfeeding issues! It never came in properly. I will talk to my doctor when I get pregnant to see what they think.