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Leslie_JnJs_mom -> PCOS (9/21/2007 12:07:24 PM)

I am thinking I may have this. I thought since I was fairly regular that I didnt but when I read an article about it I found that I indeed have many of the symptoms. I have the skin tags, brownish rash, weight problems, acne, and the biggie trouble getting pregnant. In 13 years of constant TTC I have done it 3 time with 2 children. Any ideas on how to concieve without going to the doctor and getting pills that may result in 4-6 babies at once.



clag4christ -> RE: PCOS (9/21/2007 12:51:48 PM)

You should get a referral to see a Reproductive Endocrinologist. He will likely put you on a medicine called Glucophage/Metformin that will help regulate your cycles so that you're ovulatory. It also will help your body process carbohydrates properly. I've got PCOS and with the Met. I lost over 33 pounds and we conceived our two daughters. It's not a fertility medicine. It's a diabetes drug that helps people with this disorder. To also help you should begin a low carbohydrate diet...similar to a diabetic diet since women with PCOS don't process carbs in the proper way. If you've got any more questions feel free to ask, a few of us on here have it.

Blessings,
Kim



Miss Giggles -> RE: PCOS (9/21/2007 12:53:54 PM)

I don't think I have PCOS but I have symptoms of Insulin Resistance which causes PCOS.

You have to work with a doctor, preferably a reproductive endocrinologist. You have a very high chance of developing type II diabetes. In addition you have to be monitored for other metabolic issues such as cholesterol and high blood pressure.



tinedanzer -> RE: PCOS (9/22/2007 10:17:03 PM)

YEAH! I'm soooo glad to see this thread! I'm not glad to see that anyone has PCOS, or even might have it, but I am sooo glad to see a thread for those of us dealing with it on a Christian website such as this!!!

We are TTC #3. I used chlomid (which is a fertility drug not famous for multiple births) to concieve our first born, third concieved, and God was gracious enough to not make me go through that again for our second born. I'm having alot of trouble with TTC #3, though. We are new to the area, so I have to go through the whole referral process before I can get to the RE that will decide what I need.

Oh! My point...Have patience and definitely get in to see an RE. You may not be the only one having a problem, and chlomid isn't just for women, men can take it too! My brother was scheduled for a round, but I never heard if he actually went through with it. I'm assuming not, since there are still no kiddos there. (He's stationed in Germany, sick and stuck in a German Hospital right now!).

As for the help without seeing a doctor...try increasing your barley intake. Barley contains a vitamin (B8) that seems to help people with PCOS. I forget the connections off hand, but if you go to webmd.com, you can find out alot of helpful stuff there about PCOS.



OneOfHisJewels -> RE: PCOS (9/23/2007 2:03:35 AM)

Leslie, I had PCOS for a while (I've never been married so I didn't know if it was affecting the conceiving part or not), but I had such a bad case that I had marble size, then developed into golf ball size lumps all over my face (not a fun thing to go through your junior year of college), and started having a lot of facial hair, and I would only have my "monthly" about every four months. Doctors kept trying to use birth control pills etc. Then I came down with lyme disease, and it just so happened that the doctor I went to for that was an endroconologist, and he found that I actually had an overactive adrenal gland, which was causing the PCOS. He put me on prednisone for a couple years, and now I am basically cured. I break out now and then, but comparitvely(sp) my skin is fairly clear. I deal with a little facial hair, but not much, and I'm a regular(every month) girl now. So, it may be well worth it (as was suggested) to see an endrocinoligist, and see if there is a root problem. I hope that helps.



Leslie_JnJs_mom -> RE: PCOS (9/23/2007 1:53:13 PM)

The next visit I was going to bring it up. The only thing that has me wondering if it is just a case of insulin restitance is that I dont have facial hair and I am regular every 27 days. I was reading though that there is no test for PCOS just a list of symptoms that says yes or no. I am also going to ask about the medication to help process carbs since I cannot eat normal and be thin. I eat whole grain most of the time, rarely ever touch sugar yet the only time I ever loose weight is on a low carb diet. It is hard to stay on one permently though. It is pitiful when I look longingly at a piece of toast thinking Iwill never again eat toast for breakfast even if it is 15 grain bread.



Miss Giggles -> RE: PCOS (9/23/2007 3:21:01 PM)

Well I am in the same boat, I have had one irregular period, and I am not that overweight so my doctor won't test me for it yet. I have the acne, and worse allergies and some of the other symptoms though. So if I get another irregular period I will call her office back.

From what I read is you can have PCOS and may have insulin resistance but all women with PCOS have irregular periods. So it sounds like you and I might just have regular insulin resistance.

There is a good book I read called Blood Sugar Blues : Overcoming the Hidden Dangers of Insulin Resistance (Paperback)
by Miryam Ehrlich Williamson and also the Insulin Resistance diet which has some good ideas. It isn't about just avoiding sugar, its limiting carbs..so that it won't spike your insulin. Also daily exercise might help.



kpenn05 -> RE: PCOS (9/23/2007 5:12:22 PM)

I was told when first diagnosed to switch my diet to something like the South Beach Diet or a diabetic diet of some sort and to get some exercise..

Miss Giggles -It shouldn't have anything to do with being overweight, I am not persay overweight, I do have extra weight around my stomach, but other than that I am fine. It is about getting you system regular, I don't agree with your dr. not testing you. It is a simple blood test and maybe an ultrasound...



Miss Giggles -> RE: PCOS (9/23/2007 6:47:35 PM)

Yeah I am working on it, I have been to two different doctors since I had the thyroid symptoms\diabetes symptoms and it is like pulling teeth. If I have to go to a third, I will. The bloodwork comes back normal so they keep saying I am fine.

Your nephew is so cute!



agapetos -> RE: PCOS (9/23/2007 9:05:30 PM)

quote:

I am also going to ask about the medication to help process carbs since I cannot eat normal and be thin.
I know you follow up by saying what you do eat, but it's worth keeping a food and exercise diary for a week (longer if you can) and list everything you eat in it, and the times you eat, also what exercise you do ~ take it with you when you go to the doctors so they can see (it's better than just telling them) for themselves. May be worth you logging your weight each week too.

I find keeping a food diary for a long time really difficult but I try to keep one for a week every month.

Also, may be worth you have a check to see if there are any other underlying medical conditions that are preventing you from losing weight.

Finally, look at how much stress you are under ~ that can have an impact too.

I've been diagnosed as having pcos but I suspect the diagnosis was wrong ~ but the symptoms I get aren't really enough to worry about to look into at the moment (too much else to deal with).



Mrs.Wifey -> RE: PCOS (9/23/2007 11:57:07 PM)

quote:

I was reading though that there is no test for PCOS just a list of symptoms that says yes or no.


There are tests that can point to PCOS, just nothing definite, alot of them have to be done on certain cycle days(3 and 21). I have PCOS and was diagnosed about 4 years ago after having several ruptured cysts. I have regular periods and am thin but have FSH and LH levels in a 3:1 ratio which is a HUGE PCOS indicator as well as a myriad of other symptoms including insulin resistance.

When we decided it was ok to get pregnant I went on a low-carb(south beach) diet, exercised and starting taking a cinnamon supplement. I really think that is what got me pregnant, but I was also fresh off BCP. I ovulate regularly for about 6 months after stopping bcp so I think I'll try that again next time we ttc.

Definitely get in to see an RE, but a very aggressive OB/GYN can also do the right tests if they know enough about PCOS and infertility.



clag4christ -> RE: PCOS (9/24/2007 12:06:59 AM)

Oh and another thing...not every woman with PCOS has cysts or is overweight. In my opinion PCOS and Metabolic Disorder are inextricably linked. I've got some (but by no means all) symptoms of both but classify myself as having PCOS. It really is an interesting disorder.

Have you tried charting your cycles? Like with something like NFP (Taking Charge of Your Fertility)?



Miss Giggles -> RE: PCOS (9/24/2007 7:59:41 AM)

Ok I misunderstood, no one in my family has it but I am adopted anyway and the 2nd doctor kind of wanted to "wing" my family history.

I thought you had to have irregular periods, anyway I will bring it up to her.



ladioffaith -> RE: PCOS (9/24/2007 12:29:04 PM)

A lot of you are using different names for what, in my mind, is the same syndrome.

I tend to call it "the syndrome with 6 names" because everybody seems to call it something different. The names I'm aware of are these:

• PCOS
* Metabolic Syndrome
• Insulin Resistance
* Syndrome X
* Syndrome W
• Pre-diabetes

Whatever you call it, it means your body does not process insulin the way it should. This leads to a variety of symptoms which are different for each person. Some are easy to spot, many cannot be seen without the proper blood tests. In other words, it's not just about the way you look and feel. This can lead to heart disease, put you at risk for underactive thyroid and a host of other disorders.

The thing to remember is that this is like a "cafeteria syndrome." In other words, one woman may have the brown spots and hair loss and/or hair in the wrong places. One woman may have wacky periods, weight gain and depression. One may have hair loss, trouble conceiving and weight gain. You get the picture.

I have the wacky periods (met has evened them out just fine) and the weight gain. (Due to this, genetics and other factors.) When I am low-carbing, I lose weight better than on any other plan. Don't know about the conceiving, just because I've never been in a position to try.

An endocrinologist is the way to go. She can do the proper blood test. And knowledge is power. I reccomend www.soulcysters.com. That site can also help you find a doctor in your area. I am shocked at the number of people in the medical profession who jump to the conclusion that I am diabetic just because I take Metformin!



clag4christ -> RE: PCOS (9/27/2007 12:03:30 PM)

quote:

I am shocked at the number of people in the medical profession who jump to the conclusion that I am diabetic just because I take Metformin!


Yep, I've found the same thing.



ladioffaith -> RE: PCOS (9/29/2007 2:09:41 PM)

Who do you all see for medical care?

My endocrinologist is pretty much my regular doctor. She checks my blood and prescribes my meds for cholesterol and thyroid.

I've had people tell me I should have a "primary" doctor. But why? That seems like a big waste of money to me. Why pay a doctor money just to write referrals to other docs?

The last time I had a primary she, like the rest of the medical profession, jumped to the conclusion that I was diabetic. She had me checking my sugar all the time. That was a big, expensive, collossal waste of my time. She also wanted me to cut my dose of metformin. So she was undermining the endo.



Miss Giggles -> RE: PCOS (9/29/2007 2:19:49 PM)

huh that is a good question. I saw a primary doc for the thyroid testing and he wasn't too bad, but I am sure there are some excellent ones and some bad ones. I guess I could say my gynecologist is my primary too for right now since is a R/E and I might have to get the insulin tested.

The thing is that many endocrinologists are booked solid so I will use the primary for only colds and stuff.

I guess I will use a primary doc unless I get a diagnosis that requires an endocrinologist - most operate by referrals anyway - I guess that makes sense to lighten their caseload a little.

The good thing with family practice medicine is you can get an appointment pretty quickly.



Grace-N-Mercy -> RE: PCOS (9/29/2007 2:22:17 PM)

quote:

A lot of you are using different names for what, in my mind, is the same syndrome.

Excellent post, Di. Yes, no matter the name, it's all the same and will be manifested differently in different people. I have had this, and resolved the resistance with the South Beach Diet. After this, my periods became regular again.

I always like to recommend that people see a doctor first to rule out major medical issues, and try to resolve the issues with diet. I've seen many people get pregnant after changing their diet.



clag4christ -> RE: PCOS (9/29/2007 3:02:20 PM)

quote:

I always like to recommend that people see a doctor first to rule out major medical issues, and try to resolve the issues with diet. I've seen many people get pregnant after changing their diet.


I agree with you that diet can have a major effect on PCOS/Metabolic Disorder. I do limit my carbs most of the time, and especially when I'm pg (because of the gestational diabetes)...but that for me isn't enough. The Metformin in conjunction with proper carbs helps me maintain a good weight. If I didn't take the Met. I'd most likely have to eat very strictly and cut out most if not all carbs...my system just can't handle them. But right now I'm not on Met. because it's not a drug that lends itself well to breastfed babies [&:]



Leslie_JnJs_mom -> RE: PCOS (10/2/2007 7:54:58 PM)

The bad thing is that the last time I had a major blood work up is right after my colon ruptured and I an illiostomy. It caused me to loose 40 lbs because none of my intestines were hooked up except a very tiny amount. I lost 30 lbs in a weeks time. When I had the reversal surgury done I had gone to my family doc for some pain and he had my blood drawn and had a huge work up. Everything was fine but I was also almost down to my target weight. I really thought if I just ate right l would not gain the weight back. Nope I gained every ounce back, only low carb seems to work. Boy I wish I could go back and try again



ladioffaith -> RE: PCOS (10/3/2007 4:17:12 PM)

Lots of reg docs have waiting lists too ...

After my ex-primary started undermining Endo, I remember saying, "If I get the flu, she'll the the first one I call, but ..." However, I didn't get the flu and I am not the type to see a doc if I have a cold. (Not having kids cuts way down on sickness for me!)

Thing is, now I have a dermo telling me that edema in my legs is causing this discolored spot on my leg, and that as such, it takes a very long time to heal. The doctor that first diagnosed me with The Syndrome noted my edema. Not once has anyone suggested that it is major enough to worry about. Well, to make a long story short, last month it got infected (causing me t see a dermo) and a few folks in Health and Fitness are worrying that it could be something life-threatening. I really don't think so. But the endo is monitoring my BP and blood work. I don't want to get into a big, expensive medical drama for nothing, especially since my med coverage is so pathetic.



agapetos -> RE: PCOS (10/5/2007 4:17:19 AM)

My psychiatrist thought I had hypothyroidism but told me to see my GP for sure (they both got the results of any blood tests I have, I happened to see him before I saw my GP after some came through). His theory on my seeing her (instead of him treating me) was that he used to know a lot about thyroid problems but it wasn't his speciality any more so wouldn't be totally up-to-date on treatment and such.

My GP is my first port of call any medical problem. But then health service here is free so it's not a problem for me to see her and then be referred on if necessary.

quote:

Well, to make a long story short, last month it got infected (causing me t see a dermo) and a few folks in Health and Fitness are worrying that it could be something life-threatening. I really don't think so.
I saw, and I think, posted in that thread but didn't think about this at the time...

I had an infection last year that started in February. Was still there in Sept/Oct ~ as I don't much like taking tablets and it wasn't bothering me, I didn't keep going back to my GP about it. It finally flared up into an abscess and cellulitis. While it may not seem important, it's generally worth getting things checked out because they can turn into life-threatening conditions really quickly. If you don't want to see a GP, it may be worth you seeing a pharmacist to help you judge whether you need to see your doctor.

quote:

However, I didn't get the flu and I am not the type to see a doc if I have a cold.
There's nothing a doctor can do for you if you have a cold or flu so I don't bother going then either unless I'm concerned about something that may be a secondary problem ~ a chest infection for example.



ladioffaith -> RE: PCOS (10/5/2007 6:17:46 PM)

A pharmacist???

Maybe pharmacists are different than the ones where I come from.

Around here, most of the people at a pharmacy just fill prescriptions. They don't evaluate patients in any way, shape or form. They just answer questions.

Anyway, I did see a dermatologist. He gave me a cream that seems to be making it heal up. But the red spot is still there. It's just really strange. I'll ask the people at the endo's office next time I see 'em.



agapetos -> RE: PCOS (10/6/2007 3:52:53 AM)

We can get advice from our pharmacists here (many even have little consulting-type rooms where you can speak to them without have the store hearing!). They aren't medically trained and can't prescribe, but they can often figure out whether someone needs to see a doctor or not ~ or even offer suggestions as to the best non-prescription treatment.

And there's a difference between a qualified pharmacist and someone who fills prescriptions. Here, my local pharmacy has one pharmacist and when she's at lunch no prescription medication can be given out, and some non-prescription meds aren't allowed to be sold.



SweetLittleErin -> RE: PCOS (10/10/2007 1:40:28 PM)

Well, I found out today that I am considered in this group.
I went off the pill in April, had two normal cycles then stopped. I gained alot of weight but I assumed it was because in Feb I broke my foot and was on crutches until the first of April (actually the last pill and the day I started walking were the same). I assumed the weight gain was due to the fact I had to stop the gym and eat my husbands "cooking" (aka: frozen pizza and taco bell). But then my periods stopped. My doctor at first treated me with one round of Provera and Clomid. That did nothing. I start Metaformin today.



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