PCOS/INSULIN RESISTANCE

I thought for the past 2 years that I have just eaten my way 60 pounds heavier and have been a complete failure at any attempts at weight loss, until Monday when I visited my GYN doctor. She had ordered labs a few days prior because I had explained symptoms of weight gain, hot flashes, insomnia, anxiety, sluggishness, and malaise. One of these tests was an insulin level (NOT GLUCOSE). My insulin level was 46 and the normal range is 3-19, thus being diagnosed with insulin resistance and PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome). She explained to me that any attempt at losing weight would have been in complete failure due to my high insulin level, and that women with PCOS have a really difficult time losing weight.

I have been a member of My fitness pal since September 12, and had already changed my eating habits extremely. I had also started walking at least 3 days a week. Knowing now that there is a cause to my not being able to lose weight like I had before is a relief. She has now placed me on Metformin (which is a diabetic drug even though I am not diabetic). This is supposed to help lower my insulin levels and also control the symptoms of PCOS (read below)

PCOS symptoms that may develop gradually include:

Weight gain or upper body obesity (more around the abdomen than the hips). This is linked to high androgen levels.4
Male-pattern baldness or thinning hair (alopecia). This is linked to high androgen levels.
Repeat miscarriages. The cause for this is not known. These miscarriages may be linked to high insulin levels, delayed ovulation, or other problems such as the quality of the egg or how the egg attaches to the uterus.
Inability to become pregnant (infertility). This is because the ovaries are not releasing an egg (not ovulating).
Symptoms of too much insulin (hyperinsulinemia) and insulin resistance, which can include upper body weight gain and skin changes, such as skin tags or dark, velvety skin patches under the arm, on the neck, or in the groin and genital area.
Breathing problems while sleeping (obstructive sleep apnea). This is linked to both obesity and insulin resistance.2
High blood pressure may be more common in women who have PCOS, especially if they are very overweight. Your doctor will check your blood pressure.

The most common reasons that first bring women with PCOS to a doctor include:

Menstrual problems.
Male-type hair growth (hirsutism) on the face and body.
Infertility.
Weight gain or upper body obesity.


To sum this up, If you are a women who has tried and failed, had any of the symptoms above, get checked out. You could have the same problem.

Luck to all,
Amy Jo.