Yes. My ob/gyn actually made that comment to me this morning (I slack and hadn't seen him in 3 years; didn't realize it had been that long!): "I forgot you have PCOS. You're not typical, since you're slim." However, I have to work hard at it; I gain weight easily if I don't eat low carb. I was also diagnosed w/prediabetes when I was technically a normal weight. I'm 5'7" and seem to do best staying in the 130s (goal range for maintenance is 130-133).

I actually had hypoglycemia previously but my blood sugar stays more stable eating LCHF (after experimenting I plan to eat this way for life, not just for weight loss; I've been mostly maintaining since early 2016). Besides polycystic ovaries I've also had irregular and heavy cycles all along (better since having kids though, and even better when I eat low carb), frequent anovulatory cycles, hair growth, thinning air, and bouts of hormonal acne (just broke out again recently). I took Clomid when I conceived my twins, and 4 years later had an early miscarriage (I suspect low progesterone). I also have about 5 days of spotting before every period now.

Hi you guys, I don't have the weight issues common with PCOS but have most of the other symptoms (rings of cysts around both ovaries, an unfortunate blossoming of thick hairs and on my chin, adult acne at 35, reversed numbers of LH FSH and a slew of other hormonal imbalances. I've been exercising (pilates, yoga and strength) and have noticed a normalization in my periods, will report back once I get a blood test on any major progress, but I definitely have noticed a lot of positive changes in my body and mind- the biggest are no acne and no more major mood swings out of the blue- so that's something! Good luck and this is such a great group for support and sharing

Here. though the topic is quiet old. not sure if someone is still reading this

I just wanted to rant a bit. Even though my weight is ok despite pcos we have trouble to conceive n I was just told off by someone in my personal life that my pcos is not bad since my weight is fine.
My advice with regards to food is that my maintenance is lower due to lower metabolism n that I need to eat about 5 to 10'percent less a day due'to this if I do not want to gain weight

First, those people are jerks. I'm sorry you had to deal with that.

Find what your hormonal imbalance is and work to treat that. Insulin, cortisol, lutenizing hormone, progesterone, testosterone, and estrogen all play a role, so make sure they're where they should be. Also, get your vitamin D levels checked, as it's another "master hormone" that's responsible for a number of other things.

Check out things like "pregnancy diets" or whatever that have extra nutrition in them, and take a prenatal vitamin if you aren't already. Might also be worth supplementing magnesium if you aren't already, to build up your stores (there's some evidence connecting it with reduced morning sickness if you get extra before getting pregnant, and it helps in a ton of other processes in the body).

I personally also recommend avoiding gluten grains as in my experience, they wreak havoc on the system, even if Celiac tests come back negative (I especially recommend it if you suffer from things like anemia, frequent headaches, or other signs of inflammation).

I also second the Inositol. It's a B-vitamin, which like the others support our body's "communication channels" and can, independent of other factors, improve fertility. Vitex is good, too, but as I recall, you have to stop once you get pregnant, so be mindful of that and I recommend if you go that route, track your cycle with an app like Glow or one of the other options out there, so you know when you should be most fertile and when you might be pregnant (yes, even if you don't have periods, it is possible to get pregnant).

That's probably a good thing to do (cycle tracking), anyway if you aren't already, since the cycles are still usually there, just not as obvious. It should also help you uncover which phases are wonky, which will help you work with your doctor.

Can we get our hormone levels checked with any primary care doctor? Or does it need to be with a reproductive endocrinologist? I put trying to conceive on hold at the moment, but the last time they did my bloodwork was with the ER.

LolaDeeDaisy23 wrote: »

Can we get our hormone levels checked with any primary care doctor? Or does it need to be with a reproductive endocrinologist? I put trying to conceive on hold at the moment, but the last time they did my bloodwork was with the ER.

Your PCP can order them. Just let them know your diagnosis, why you need them checked and they can order them, just let them know what lab you plan on going to. My pediatrician ordered my initial labs that gave my diagnosis. Don't pay out of pocket for tests, you'll be spending like $500 on tests that are covered by insurance. Estogren, progesterone and testosterone testing isn't that cheap. I'm a lab tech btw.