Anyone else diagnosed with PCOS?

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What symptoms do you struggle with because of it? Do you feel that changing your diet can improve symptoms?

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  • Leannep2201
    Leannep2201 Posts: 441 Member
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    I have PCOS. Diagnosed about 20years ago, so a longtime sufferer! Am irregular cycle is the worst symptom for me, along with some pain from time to time- over and above what I’d consider normal cramps. Couple other minor symptoms which I’m told are likely due to my PCOS.

    I’m hoping that losing weight will help my cycle regulate.
  • netitheyeti
    netitheyeti Posts: 539 Member
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    My periods randomly disappear for anywhere between 2-6 months, my hair goes through periods of falling out, and I need laser hair removal on my neck and chin a couple of times a year
    Weight loss unfortunately never seemed to make it any better for me, not even when I (at one point) dropped from a BMI of 36 to a BMI of 20
    I hear a low carb diet works well for some people with PCOS - I never managed to stick to it personally, I didn't feel good on it
  • hebreos416
    hebreos416 Posts: 3 Member
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    Stay encouraged with what your doing. I too am struggling with PCOS with bursting ovarian cyst from time to time, though the frequency has decreased. I tried the Paleo and keto methods of eating and though it has helped others, I didn't find it did well for me. I started on a whole vegan diet 8 weeks ago and I am finally seeing a difference in how I feel. Also I found that following a natural sleep cycle that is more in keeping with circadian rhythms has been truly beneficial. Also I found a supplement called Adaptogen by Plnt that has been helpful in lowering my cortisol levels. I really started noticing in my 3 month how balanced my moods and thoughts were. I am also taking a thyroid balancing supplement called Thyroid Support by Gaia. They really seem to be helping my PCOS symptoms. Listen to your body and be kind to yourself. You are not alone.
  • __TMac__
    __TMac__ Posts: 1,665 Member
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    Weight gain, hair growth, and no periods/infertility.

    Lowish carb helps keep my hunger under control. That and vigorous exercise helps me meet my calorie goals, which helps me lose weight. I’ve seen studies that show women with PCOS may have lower than expected resting calorie requirements, so that’s something to check out if you’re struggling to lose but are accurately logging and weighing your food as recommended.

    I did get my period back and was able to conceive once l left the obese category. The hair growth has reduced a little bit.
  • amusedmonkey
    amusedmonkey Posts: 10,330 Member
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    My hair is thinner in places and my cycle was wonky disappearing randomly for a few months every now and then. I have a few stray hairs on my chin, but only a few so no hair removal just periodic plucking which takes a minute. My blood sugar was high. Weight loss helped with my blood sugar and my cycle, which is more regular now although a little bit longer than average (35 days), but everything else is the same. People with PCOS go for a low carb diet specifically because we tend to have blood sugar issues when overweight, it wouldn't help with anything else PCOS-related. For the record I didn't go low carb, weight loss took care of my blood sugar so I didn't need to.
  • ddzgm
    ddzgm Posts: 11 Member
    edited February 2018
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    I am diabetic and have PCOS, I pretty much have all the symptoms. weight gain, hair growth, hair loss, oily skin and hair, dark patches on skin, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, periods come and go sometimes 6 months without one and then when I do have one it hits with a vengeance. Bad cramps, heavy bleeding lasts for at least 5 to 7 days. It all started in my 30's, I am 49 now. Doctors could not tell me what was wrong. I diagnosed myself about 5 years ago. I have tried dieting, I lose weight then fall off the wagon. The symptoms have gotten worse as I have gotten older. I am now trying Low Carb. I have started to lose some weight. praying this helps...
  • CaitG0902
    CaitG0902 Posts: 10 Member
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    I was just diagnosed yesterday. Stuff I'm always complaining about or have concerns with: weight gain and unable to lose, hair falling out of scalp but growing on chin, dry patches of skin, irregular periods and infertility, depression/anxiety, acne, trouble getting to sleep and staying asleep, as well as fatigue. Dr said majority of these could be symptoms of my PCOS. Hoping to learn more about PCOS and find out how to resolve/reduce the symptoms.
  • BizMa2
    BizMa2 Posts: 6 Member
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    I wasn't diagnosed but I do get cysts, have had a miscarriage and stillbirth, and my doctor gave me some Whole-Food, Organic pills called Utrophin, and Ovathropin, from Standard Process that work miracles. They support the hormones, and strengthen the reproductive system keeping it healthy and pain free. It's worth trying, it's completely safe. You can feel a good difference southward!
  • LZMiner
    LZMiner Posts: 300 Member
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    I was diagnosed at 34, when I finally saw a specialist after trying to get pregnant with no success for three years. The symptoms I had were irregular periods, lack of ovulation, depression/anxiety. I also have low immunity to skin infections. My niece also has PCOS...she's 26, and has very painful cysts. It doesn't affect either of us from a weight perspective. The only time it really impacted me was trying to conceive, and luckily for me, pharmaceuticals overcame that and I have two healthy and sassy teenage daughters.
  • crnl88
    crnl88 Posts: 1 Member
    edited March 2018
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    I was diagnosed 2 years ago by my fertility specialist after having problems getting pregnant. He thinks I’ve had it for about 10 years without a proper diagnosis. My biggest issues were absent periods/fertility issues, ton of weight gain and insulin resistance. I’ve since been put on metformin to help control sugars and I’ve cut carbs as much as possible. I’m down almost 40 pounds and starting IVF this month. Good luck to you. Pcos is hard but manageable with the right treatment.
  • flipflop4499
    flipflop4499 Posts: 7 Member
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    Have you read this article in the huff post about CoQ10? http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/coq10-more-than-an-energy-powerhouse_us_594d6809e4b0c85b96c65920

    There are many dietitians who specialize in functional medicine and may be able to recommend support supplements and dietary changes based on your unique situation. I would definitely not suggest messing around with supplements without guidance.