anyone else with PCOS?

madelainet
madelainet Posts: 5
edited October 1 in Motivation and Support
Hi There.

I just diagnosed with PCOS and have been finding it really hard to lose weight, as well as becoming more depressed since getting this news.

I would just like to be friends with other fitness pals to get support, info etc

:)

Replies

  • RunningAddict
    RunningAddict Posts: 548 Member
    Hey there. I personally don't have PCOS but a good friend of mine does. I hear her talk about it alot.
    Keep your head up lady!
  • cassondraragan
    cassondraragan Posts: 233 Member
    Hi! I have PCOS too! Feel free to add me :) Please don't be depressed. Now you know why your body has been strange and you have the tools to combat it! I have a friend on here just diagnosed as well. Just educate yourself and you will be fine!
  • sharishar
    sharishar Posts: 44 Member
    Hi, not sure if you already know this but found the on the net, probably what your doctor already told you

    Low-carbohydrate diets and sustained regular exercise may help. Some experts recommend a low GI diet in which a significant part of total carbohydrates are obtained from fruit, vegetables and whole grain sources.

    Feel free to add me for that support.
  • CoxTX
    CoxTX Posts: 30 Member
    Hi Madelainet,

    I too have PCOS and it took forever to get a diagnosis. And it is incredibly hard to lose weight. And it's incredibly hard to get a diagnosis and treatment because the Dr's first response is to tell you lose weight and your menstrual problems will resolve themselves.

    Tell me when you first noticed problems and what you went through to get a diagnosis and what your Dr's advising. I don't have any secrets or solutions but we can compare notes. The only advise I've gotten that seemed sound was that PCOS makes you insulin resistant (or the fact that you're insulin resistant resulted in your PCOS, who knows) so keeping your blood sugar level and avoiding anything that'll make your insulin level spike is of the utmost importance.

    Anyway, I'd welcome you to fitnesspal, but hey, I'm a newbie too! Have a great day!

    Ruth
  • hpsnickers1
    hpsnickers1 Posts: 2,783 Member
    For you:

    http://theprimalparent.com/2011/07/07/an-unconventional-approach-to-pcos-polycystic-ovarian-syndrome/

    She was never overweight - she's on the other end of the spectrum - but insulin resistance seems to be a common theme with PCOS - from what I can tell in these threads and on marksdailyapple.com. I don't suffer from it but I like to send the ones who do this link. And Peggy (the primal parent) responds to comments and questions. And with insulin resistance comes a very difficult journey of weight loss.

    Good luck. No offense to the doctors but it seems they just want to treat with a pill these days. Not try and figure out the underlying cause.

    She even managed to have a child once she took matters into her own hands. So there is a chance for future health and motherhood.

    I wouldn't even chance whole grains - they are just broken down into simple sugars and if there is insulin resistance they won't help (why I believe the "experts" think diabetes isn't curable - it is - I see it all the time in success stories on MDA). And fruit can hinder weight loss - limit that and look for fruits that are the lowest in sugar - berries are great.

    Kudos to the doctors that have figured it out. It gives me hope for the future of health and medicine.

    I keep adding on to this: remember that fat doesn't make you fat and doesn't mess with your insulin levels - and the body needs it. Protein has a small but very measured effect on insulin - and the body needs it. Carbs are what mess with the insulin response and keep your body from being able to burn fat for fuel.
  • bookyeti
    bookyeti Posts: 544 Member
    Another PCOS'er here!

    Daily exercise is key for those of us with PCOS. I cannot do it merely by watching what I eat, on its own. Be prepared to work twice as hard as most people (non-PCOS'ers) to lose weight/inches. But it is certainly possible - if you type "PCOS" into the message board search engine, you will find many PCOS'ers and many who have lost significant amounts of weight.
  • meerkat70
    meerkat70 Posts: 4,605 Member
    Me too. hi there. :-)
  • Felicityfierce
    Felicityfierce Posts: 1
    Hi
    I was diagnosed with PCOS over 9 years ago before it was a really well known issue. I was blessed to have a persistent doctor. Specialist after specialist told me I probably wouldn't have kids and should remove my ovaries. I stayed strong, exercised and tried to eat right. Don't get down on yourself over the years I have found ways around the bad cramping and changes in hormone levels that send you in a tirade.

    I'm new to fitness pal but please feel free to email me if you want some of my remedies....most of them are in whole foods

    Felecia

    BTW I have a 3 year old son!!!
  • meerkat70
    meerkat70 Posts: 4,605 Member
    Another PCOS'er here!

    Daily exercise is key for those of us with PCOS. I cannot do it merely by watching what I eat, on its own.

    This is definitely true for me too.
  • punkrockmama
    punkrockmama Posts: 142 Member
    I have PCOS, and wrote a few blogs about it...the link is on my profile page, if you're interested. I manage the majority of my symptoms through birth control pills and most especially a low gi diet. I haven't lost a lot of weight but I've lost a ton of inches. You can do this! It's a different ball game for us unlucky gals, but it's completely do-able!
  • AdAstra47
    AdAstra47 Posts: 823 Member
    I too have PCOS and it took forever to get a diagnosis. And it is incredibly hard to lose weight. And it's incredibly hard to get a diagnosis and treatment because the Dr's first response is to tell you lose weight and your menstrual problems will resolve themselves.
    The only advise I've gotten that seemed sound was that PCOS makes you insulin resistant (or the fact that you're insulin resistant resulted in your PCOS, who knows) so keeping your blood sugar level and avoiding anything that'll make your insulin level spike is of the utmost importance.

    Amen to this! I am not PCOS but I am insulin-resistant, and I was just so relieved when I was finally diagnosed. I finally found a doctor who didn't just say "lose weight," (Gee, ya think? I need to lose weight, really? Is THAT why I can't see my feet?). He actually figured out that the weight was a symptom of something else... such a relief not to be automatically labeled as a lazy, undisciplined slob, but as someone with a valid medical problem.

    So now that you know what the enemy is, you can do battle effectively! :happy:

    My doctor has me on two simple rules: eat no more than 25-30 carbs per day; and eat at least 50g protein every three hours while I'm awake. It's been a struggle to figure out how to make that work with my lifestyle, but I'm learning, and 4 months and 30 lbs later I'm feeling better than I ever have in my adult life. But this keeps the carbs from spiking your insulin / blood sugar levels, and the constant protein keeps your metabolism running smoothly & burning fat all day long. The chemical reaction that burns fatty acids also requires amino acids, which are obtained from protein. So the high-protein part is key.

    Check out this video from Dr. Mary Vernon: she has successully treated Type II Diabetes, Insulin Resistance, and PCOS using a low-carb, high-protein diet. Some of her patients who used to be on massive medications have been med-free and healthy now for over a dozen years. My current doctor is a colleague of hers.

    http://www.diabetesnewsstand.com/vissue/vernon/titlepage.html
  • Allyonthebeach
    Allyonthebeach Posts: 3 Member
    I have PCOS and am insulin resistant. This was finally diagnosed (after years of just saying I had overactive male hormones) - i found a description in a Dr. Oz book, took it to my Dr. and asked if this was me. She finally tested my insulin (you have to test insulin level,not sugar) and it was high and she said, "no wonder you can't lose weight." Duh.

    So now, I'm on metformin which helps my body use the insulin and will help delay (if not stop) the onset of diabetes, with a good diet as well. I am following the 4-hour body diet, sometimes called slow carb. The diet is protein, vegetables and lots of beans and legumes. No dairy or grains or fruit (all raise insulin levels.) but you get one cheat day a week where you can have all that. I used to think that having brown rice and whole grain breads and pastas were ok, but they definitely are too much carb and stall weight loss or even make me gain weight.

    :smile: It takes a different approach, but you can do it!
    Ally.
  • hpsnickers1
    hpsnickers1 Posts: 2,783 Member
    I too have PCOS and it took forever to get a diagnosis. And it is incredibly hard to lose weight. And it's incredibly hard to get a diagnosis and treatment because the Dr's first response is to tell you lose weight and your menstrual problems will resolve themselves.
    The only advise I've gotten that seemed sound was that PCOS makes you insulin resistant (or the fact that you're insulin resistant resulted in your PCOS, who knows) so keeping your blood sugar level and avoiding anything that'll make your insulin level spike is of the utmost importance.

    Amen to this! I am not PCOS but I am insulin-resistant, and I was just so relieved when I was finally diagnosed. I finally found a doctor who didn't just say "lose weight," (Gee, ya think? I need to lose weight, really? Is THAT why I can't see my feet?). He actually figured out that the weight was a symptom of something else... such a relief not to be automatically labeled as a lazy, undisciplined slob, but as someone with a valid medical problem.

    So now that you know what the enemy is, you can do battle effectively! :happy:

    My doctor has me on two simple rules: eat no more than 25-30 carbs per day; and eat at least 50g protein every three hours while I'm awake. It's been a struggle to figure out how to make that work with my lifestyle, but I'm learning, and 4 months and 30 lbs later I'm feeling better than I ever have in my adult life. But this keeps the carbs from spiking your insulin / blood sugar levels, and the constant protein keeps your metabolism running smoothly & burning fat all day long. The chemical reaction that burns fatty acids also requires amino acids, which are obtained from protein. So the high-protein part is key.

    Check out this video from Dr. Mary Vernon: she has successully treated Type II Diabetes, Insulin Resistance, and PCOS using a low-carb, high-protein diet. Some of her patients who used to be on massive medications have been med-free and healthy now for over a dozen years. My current doctor is a colleague of hers.

    http://www.diabetesnewsstand.com/vissue/vernon/titlepage.html

    I am so happy to hear this. Gary Taubes says the same thing in his book Good Calories, Bad Calories. He doesn't think that overeating and not moving enough are causing obesity. He thinks that obesity is causing overeating and lack of movement (although he says it better). Something else is causing obesity. I believe it is the high-carb diet that is pushed on us by the 'experts'. I hope it's okay that I say this on this thread. I usually get knocked around on other threads when I mention this.
  • TiffyCooper
    TiffyCooper Posts: 48
    Hi there!

    I have PCOS too. I was diagnosed when I was 22, and I guarantee you that I was SO depressed for the longest time after hearing that. It is quite a life changer, so I do understand the feelings that you have right now.

    Even knowing what I needed to do to get healthy, I didn't do it then. The big difference between you and me at that juncture in our lives, is you ARE doing something NOW. GREAT JOB!!!!! What I have learned over the years (I am now 26) is HOW PCOS causes weight gain, and the best steps that you can take to start losing effectively.

    First, because of the cysts preventing "normal" cycles our bodies produce more testosterone than estrogen. This is what causes the initial weight gain in 98% of PCOSers. The hormone imbalance can be treated with the right kind of birth control that will help your body start cycling correctly every month. Second, because of the weight, we do develop an insulin resistance. Because of the insulin resistance and the body not processing sugars right, the weight keeps adding, or as being lost will remain steady because the sugars left sitting there are turned into fat. Most women are prescribed metformin (a medication that helps their body absorb insulin correctly and process sugars right). I have learned that cinnamon pills are a natural supplement to add to your diet that also help your body absorb insulin correctly, so that is one thing you can try, if your doc has not put you on metformin. Or if they have, and you find the metformin has undesirable side effects, you can use it to stabilize your sugars, then transition to cinnamon pills to maintain.

    The third, final, and most important thing you can do is become/stay active. PCOS makes us more prone to developing heart disease as we grow older. Working to get healthy, or at minimum, to get a healthy heart, will help prevent that likelihood. Find a way to incorporate walking, biking, any kind of exercise into your daily routine. I recently found a workout buddy that goes to the gym with me and we push each other to our fitness goals. But remember, this shouldn't be about getting skinny. It should be about developing habits that will keep you healthy as you continue your life journey. I can push myself harder at the gym than most of my friends who weigh much less than I. And I am proud of that, even with my belly in the way. :laugh:

    You will find TONS of friends here that are in the same boat, and willing to help you every step of the way. Add them, and if you like, add me. I love meeting new people on here all the time. You are definitely not alone here, and we call all help. Good Luck! :flowerforyou:
  • Caperfae
    Caperfae Posts: 433
    PCOS here too (with IR .. which has progressed to Gestational Diabetes. on Insulin until delivery).
  • RuthRW
    RuthRW Posts: 247 Member
    Hi,

    My name is Ruth and I'm the friend Casssondraragan mentioned in her post to you. I was just diagnosed this past week at age 34 and only because my symptoms (besides irregular periods, weight gain and past fertility issues) had become so extreme I talked to my new GP about it. I honestly thought it was stress for the longest time (hair thinning and falling out) but asked questions after other symptoms kicked in.
    This is the beginning of a new journey for me too - the doctor put me on birth control pills, which I had never taken before and started on Thursday. I am starting Metformin on Sunday as we are traveling and I don't want to be stuck in a bath room on the road - I've read that it can be a bumpy beginning and am not taking any chances!
    Please feel free add me, hopefully we can support each other.

    RuthRW
  • CelticDestiny
    CelticDestiny Posts: 61 Member
    I'm a PCOS'er too. It's been a long struggle with this and my symptoms, (easy weight gain and so hard to lose it, acne, unwanted hair growth, menstrual irregularities, and fertility issues). I was diagnosed 8 or 9 years ago and I've battled depression and anxiety as well as complete denial because of this. I am finally on the right track. My biggest key was education and finally listening to my body and what works for it. In order for me to lose weight I need to be especially mindful of my carb intake and definitely need the exercise on a regular basis. Feel free to add me. I'd love to support others who understand the struggles that PCOS can cause.
  • elsapm
    elsapm Posts: 51 Member
    Hi there - another cyster here! I have been knowingly battling the beast for well over 10 years now and it is a never ending. Feel free to add me if you like. The hardest part for me is since it is a "syndrome" not a disease it effects everyone with it differently and everyone responds to different tactics and medications differently and it can be really frustrating to find what works best for your symptoms. It is great to have such a supportive group here who are so willing to help out - hopefully through your connections here, your own research and trial and error you will find your best path. If nothing else, at least you have a name for all the "craziness" and if there is one piece of advice I hope you keep with you is to be your own advocate, learn what you can from others and do your own research. Quite frankly (and sadly) you will find yourself (more often than not) knowing more about this issue than most of the doctors you see. Low carb/Low GI, lots of excercise, sleep and water will be really helpful (exercise will help lower your androgens) but if you find you need medical support (i.e. metformin (which I personally think is the devil but has been a miracle for other cysters), spiro, BCpills, etc.) be sure you walk in fully prepared to educate them! :)

    GOOD LUCK...it does get better!!
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