PCOS

There are loads of us on here with PCOS. Don't despair. You CAN lose weight, but yes, it is hard. Getting a good idea of your deficiencies is a great place to start because balancing your hormones / chemicals is going to CHANGE your life! It's not all bad news, I promise, the weight battle is one you can win

Hi Mandiemma,

I, too, have PCOS and IR and have been dealing with (read: sweeping it under the rug) for the last 13 years. In the past I have done SlimFast, Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig, and sometimes simply didn't care. However, this last August I realized I'm getting closer to the age when children might be a more prominent part of my life plan, so I decided to make a change. I went to see a great endocrinologist and had a very frank discussion about which meds worked for me in the past, which meds didn't work, and which ones I would like to try. She also referred me to a local dietician who works primarily with people who have endocrine and metabolic disorders.

Remember that one of the best things to help keep insulin levels balanced (in addition to proper protein-carb-fat balancing) is fibre! Leafy greens, All Bran, whatever. And, there's the added bonus of it helping to keep you full longer.

My journey has been slow, but consistent. I take my meds (a BCP, metformin, and finasteride), watch my calorie intake (so easy with the iPhone app!), balance my meals, and even manage to get in a little exercise now and then.

As you know, there are no easy answers when it comes to PCOS. The only key is to not give up and to remember that you are not alone on this journey--look how many people have replied to your post already!

Cheers!
Emma

Another PCOSer here. I woulnd't say it's been difficult to lose weight but it has been a slower process than it was when I was younger. I do my best to log all my food every day, although lately I've been skipping the weekends. I also workout 3 or more days per week and I've found I have much better results mixing cardio and weight/strength exercises.

Just don't give up, the weight will come off. It just might take longer than you want. But that will help you develop good habits that you will be more likely to stick with the rest of your life.

Hi All! It's great to know that there are so many of us struggling to take the weight off, with the challenge I like to call PCOS. It is not impossible, that is what I keep telling myself. I lost about 40lbs on my own last year, but after the holidays, it's like it all came back. My doctors keep saying that the extra weight contributes to higher testosterone levels in my body which make my other hormones all out of sync. So I'm trying really hard to stick to this life style change for good. I want a baby, and unfortunately, the Metformin and the Clomid are not working, and so in order to try anything else, I've decided to lose weight before we try round three of Clomid. Would love to add some new friends!

Hello All. I am new to MFP but I am so glad that someone posted about PCOS. I got diagnosed in 1999 and have turned a blind eye to it for so many years. I struggle with some of the same issues of gaining weight quickly, difficulty losing the weight, and hair growth in all sorts of places where it should not be visible. I'm not on any meds and was fortunate to give birth to a beautiful baby boy last year. While my husband has been a big support, I'm glad to see that there are so many ladies up here to support each other. To all, keep up the good work with your healthy eating and exercise routines.

I have lost about 17 lbs prior to joining MFP and since December (notwithstanding any screw ups over the holidays). I have been on a clean eating regimen--no fried, processed or refined foods/drinks. Only veggies, lean poultry, fruits, tons of water and seafood. I avoid carbs (unless they naturally occur in the food) although my body craved them. I try to workout for a minimum of 30 mins 4-5days a week and will start to up that soon. My goal is to be down a total of 33lbs by my 33rd birthday on March 18.

I welcome any new friends! Be blessed.

Hello Fellow Soul Cyster...

When it comes to PCOS, it is all about the symptoms you are exhibiting. Just like your finger print, your PCOS is going to be different then anyone else. All of these suggestions are great, because women with PCOS need to stick together. I have been battling PCOS since I was 15, but it was not till I was 18 that I was diagnosed. The main thing to remember is that if you have PCOS and have most of your weight in the tummy (I know sometime I look like I am prego, which is a cruel joke) then you most like have insulin resistance as well. This means that you need to limit you sugar intake to help loose weight. You also are going to have to limit saturated and trans fats. Since you have just been Diagnosed you will need to start being aware of the other health issues that are associated and go hand in hand. Many women with PCOS find they also suffer from sever Vit D deficiency, they also can suffer from a Fattie Liver. Remember that your hormones are an issue as well. If you have stopped having your "Monthly" friend , then your body is lacking Progesterone and has an increase of estrogen. This is because estrogen is produced in Fat. If you are experiencing hairism or the growth of hair on you chin or lip, then your body is producing androgens, and if you are experiencing a high sex drive and moodiness this is because of an increase in testosterone. To be able to get your hormones in check then you have to loose weight, but you need to know where your body is. Add me and I would love to give you my knowledge that I have learned from years of research and reading books...

I also have PCOS - while I lose weight I feel like I never lose it in my stomach, It's always large and bloated looking and am hoping to get rid of that this year.... It is a struggle to lose any weight though so don't worry, you are not alone! I eat the 1200 calories a day and do not eat back the calories on most days that I've burned off by working out, so I usually end up about 400 calories under for the day... I've been doing this for 8 days now and have lost 7 pounds... I know that this will mellow out soon and I will have to bump up my workouts but it has helped to motivate me to stay on track and keep doing it. I went to an endocrinologist a few years ago who tested me on every level. I am really lucky and do not suffer from the insulin resistance at all, he prescribed for me aldactone which I take 100mg every morning. This has helped with some of the issues such as the facial hair (which sucks!!!). When eating I really try to cut out starchy stuff, like the white breads and white rice - i go with whole grain wherever i can... also, i avoid salt like plague! Salt makes me retain water like wooooah so i make sure to steer clear of it.

Hope my rambling helps

yes! I have PCOS too, (diagnosed when I was 17 or 18) I never had a weight problem though, so my side effects were minor. I take birth control (generic ortho-cyclen) to help with keeping cramps down and to have a period every month. I have been able to loose some weight, but i never feel like my stomach gets toned!! I like my arms. My legs are on the skinny side. But I never see much of a change around my lower belly and 'love handles'. Very frustrating. I also don't have hips, so I feel I look very top heavy.

Hi all,

My name is Kelly I also have PCOS I HATE it! :-( I would love to0 have a baby we have been ttc for 8 years (I am blessed to have a step son who is 13 and a daughter who is 9) I feel greedy especially when I know so many people dont get 1 baby but I feel that my family is missing a huge piece of the puzzle and I want to complete it NOW! I am the girl that looks at a chocolate bar and gains 10 pounds! I have tried pretty much any diet there is but always quit well not this time! I am on day 10 of JM 30 Day shread and I am loving it :-)

Kelly

just joined this group: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/groups/home/153-pcos-cysters-losing-together