Holistic Approach

mjdonley · 10-14-2008, 08:41 PM

Hello everyone,

I was diagnosed with a mild case of PCOS over a year ago when I went to get a pap smear and told the doctors that I hadn't had a period in about 4 months. The only signs I showed were some acne and no periods. I was and am 5'9, 135 pounds.

The obgyn said that he didn't think I had PCOS but wanted to make sure with a sonogram. Sure enough, it showed that my ovaries were enlarged with tiny pearl-like cysts all over them.

He scared me afterward by telling me a couple of times that I needed to make sure I stayed active and ate properly to avoid becoming overweight/obese. I said that I do those things already, so does this mean that even if I continue to be active and eat properly, I could become overweight/obese? He said yes.

As someone who has always been thin and where the women in my family are thin, this freaked me out to say the least. Then he prescribed bcps and metformin. I began taking both and felt worse. I was moody, depressed, eating more, and my skin was not improving and most importantly, I still had no periods.

LUCKILY, I only took the metformin for 2 weeks. The nurse told me that I would need to come back after 2 weeks of taking it and get a liver function test to make sure my liver was functioning properly. Ladies, this should have been my first clue.

I have read through these threads and most of them seem to list out medication after medication rather than all-natural remedies. I find this very disheartening. If I would have only listened to that gyno, I don't know where I'd be now....

I stopped taking the bcps after 3 months and went to see a holistic chiropractor I've known about for years but never visited. After 20 minutes and a few tests, he told me the following:

1. That my pancreas was extremely unhealthy and that I needed to cut out wheat from my diet because I was unable to process it.

2. That I needed to get more healthy fats/proteins in my diet (i.e. olive oil, avocado, almonds....etc).

3. That I needed to take the following SUPPLEMENTS, NOT MEDICATIONS:
fish oils, multi-vitamin, and ovary supplements.

Within a couple of months, I got my period. I got it consecutively for 8 months or so until this past May when I moved to France for a few months and my diet changed. From May through July, I did not get my period. But since August, I am now getting my period regularly. I have been back in the states since August and stick to this regimen plus I eat lots of fruits and vegetables.

My skin is not great and that is always something I try to work on, so I may try the apple cider vinegar or saw palmetto that I have seen on this website. If anyone else has any natural remedies for acne, by all means, please share them.

I just wanted to emphasize how much I encourage those who have not tried holistic approaches to treating PCOS to please give it a try or several. Everything in our body is connected and we need to treat it as such.

Thank you.

Christie_Anne · 10-15-2008, 07:17 PM

Hi mjdonley,

Thank you for your post. Like yourself, I switched from MDs who threw bc pills and Rogaine for my thinning hair, to a holistic approach. I am now seeing an ND (naturopathic doctor) who has prescribed a total lifestyle change for me - cardio every day, cutting out all wheat and dairy (the only grain I can eat is quinoa) and other foods that I love, herbal supplements and vitamins, spearmint tea, and so forth. I thought this lifestyle change would be really hard on me, but it's actually been quite nice thus far. Then again, it's only been a few days! Heh.

My MD wants to put me on Yasmin - she says that's the only thing I could do for my PCOS. The problem is that Yasmin won't suppress the androgens that come from my adrenal glands (I think that's what it's called - it sits on top of the kidneys). My MD admitted as much but said that there was nothing she could do. She didn't even suggest that I exercise or change my diet or ANYTHING. So I knew that I made the right choice in seeing the ND - and in going on this site!

Granted, this MD actually found that I have elevated androgens; she bothered testing for them. I was younger and not informed, so I never asked for those tests from the other uneducated and ignorant MDs I saw. But I think that MDs still have a long way to go in addressing PCOS. I mean, exercise and healthy diet never hurt anyone. And why NOT give it a try? You're still doing your body good.

Anyhow, just letting you know that I agree with everything you said in your post, and that I think holistic approaches are great because they aim to address underlying causes. If you have an MD who is open to supplementing your medications with lifestyle advice, that's ideal...the problem is that most MDs aren't nutritionists!

mjdonley · 10-16-2008, 02:10 PM

Hi Christie,

I love quinoa. I alternate between eating that and oats for breakfast. Can you eat those? Not oatmeal packets, but organic rolled oats. If you're not supposed to consume gluten products, I know you can find gluten-free oats as well (those not manufactured in a wheat facility or near wheatfields I believe?).

On dairy, I still consume and love it (especially for protein), but the more I read the less I want to consume it, even organic which is what I buy.

Also, I drink lots of herbal tea. Is there a specific reason that your ND recommended spearmint tea? I was just curious because I'm always looking for good health advice.

And yes, I didn't mention exercise because in a way, I take it for granted. I can't imagine not being active in some way every day, so I practice yoga several times a week, walk as much as possible, and jog occasionally. Our bodies were meant to move.

I have not seen an MD or gyno since I was diagnosed which I know is not good. To tell you the truth, I have been put-off by Western doctors since then, so I haven't rushed to see any of them. But I definitely should see an obgyn to see how my ovaries are now.

I don't know much about bcps including yasmin. I just know that the one I took made me miserable and that any time I see bcp commercials I laugh at the laundry list of possible side effects that come afterward. Not to mention those potential effects that they/we don't know about potentially happening in the long run.

Oh yeah, and I agree with everything you said too!

Christie_Anne · 10-17-2008, 03:30 AM

Thanks for your oat suggestions

But I can't actually eat any kinds of oats, regardless of gluten content or not. So it's been kind of rough trying to figure out what to eat for meals, especially breakfast. Today I had an egg and some fruit, and looked longingly at the bread in my fridge...but I will stand strong and not eat it

I picked up my first batch of quinoa today and am very excited to use it!

My ND recommended spearmint tea because it's supposed to help suppress androgens. There have been a few threads in the Alternative Medicine part of this board on spearmint tea - a few women have found that their facial hair becomes finer and/or grows more slowly while drinking the tea. My ND says that peppermint tea is NOT the same at all, so get spearmint tea.

As for exercise - I admit, I have been pretty bad about exercise in the past. It's been only the past three weeks or so that I've been exercising regularly - jogging and doing weights/other strength training. I have been feeling quite wonderful since I started exercising - my skin glows, I feel happier and healthier and just more positive overall. How do you like yoga? I used to do it, and I think I'm gonna start again, with Hatha yoga.

I think you seeing an MD is a great idea; it's not like I think MDs are all quacks/ignorant/etc. But I think that the picture isn't complete without NDs. They complement each other. My MD diagnosed the PCOS, and now my ND is treating it. The ND actually predicted that my adrenal gland was producing excess androgens BEFORE my MD knew for certain, and gave me appropriate treatment NOT in the form of a birth control pill

I got off the birth control pill because, like you, I wasn't crazy about the long-term effects. Plus, I eventually want to have children, and I'd rather know that my body can have regular cycles (hopefully one day it will!!! I'm working on that!) on its own.

supersmurf · 10-17-2008, 03:05 PM

Hi everyone,

I want to add my two cents worth about ND's and other alternative medicines. Prior to being diagnosed with PCOS, I turned to ND's when I got a superbug infection that mainstream medicine struggled to treat and was amazed by what I found. I have seen several ND's since then and they have all been fabulous and I really appreciate their approach in treating the root cause of the illness, rather than the management of the symptoms.
For me I think I have had PCOS all my life (I'm almost 30 now) but it has been undiagnosed for many years. I've always had irregular periods but have had not other symptoms and been thin. I went on the pill when I was 19 and then stayed on it until recently and found that I had almost no periods at all and hair problems when I stopped taking them. My Gyno's solution is to put me back on the pill and then give me fertility drugs when I want to have kids.... not the solution I was looking for, so off to my ND. Like the others here, she has given me a very specific diet, exercise routine, supplements as well as some herbal tonics and my periods are starting to improve - they are almost regular (without the help of BCP) for the first time in my life -it is amazing.
So to everyone who is trying mainstream medicine and getting frustrated, maybe look into alternative therapies, they do work. There are many useful diagnostic tools available now with mainstream medicine and believe me that is where I will go if I break my leg or something, but for long standing health issues I have really found alternative medicine to be very effective.
Supersmurf

mjdonley · 10-24-2008, 12:55 PM

Are excessive androgens one of the causes of PCOS meaning that we all have that or is it that only some PCOSers have excessive androgens? I don't recall what exactly my obgyn said I have except large ovaries covered in cysts.

I'm so glad both of you have posted your stories!

Christie, I do love yoga. It sounds cliche, but it really has helped me in so many ways. I feel stronger, more balanced, more flexible and more in touch with my body. I also know that my breathing has improved both in and outside of class. And even though I practice in an indoor studio, I think there is nothing better than practicing outside in the sunshine, be it on the grass or sand. Hopefully, some day, I will be in a place where I can make that happen every day.

Christie_Anne · 10-25-2008, 03:02 AM

Supersmurf, congrats on getting your periods regular! I can only hope that mine will be like that. Although today I got my period and it's been EXACTLY 30 days since my last one - I was smiling ear to ear!

Normally my periods are in 35-50 day cycles - my last period took 6 weeks to arrive. Yikes. Anyhow, as excited as I was today, I didn't shout it from the rooftops (I'm sure people thought that I won the lottery though!).

Quote:

Originally Posted by mjdonley

Are excessive androgens one of the causes of PCOS meaning that we all have that or is it that only some PCOSers have excessive androgens? I don't recall what exactly my obgyn said I have except large ovaries covered in cysts.

From what I remember reading, I think some women with PCOS have excessive androgens, and some don't. High androgens is supposed to be typical of women with PCOS though.

Quote:

Originally Posted by mjdonley

Christie, I do love yoga. It sounds cliche, but it really has helped me in so many ways. I feel stronger, more balanced, more flexible and more in touch with my body. I also know that my breathing has improved both in and outside of class. And even though I practice in an indoor studio, I think there is nothing better than practicing outside in the sunshine, be it on the grass or sand. Hopefully, some day, I will be in a place where I can make that happen every day.

Wow me too...sounds like heaven to me

How often do you practice? I'm aiming for once a week now, and hopefully to be more often once I find a studio I really like and is easy on my student wallet.

I'm really excited about all the positive changes Yoga will bring to my body - reading about your experience helps encourage me to stick with it even more. I'm going tomorrow morning - nothing like waking up to Yoga and then eating a healthy brunch.

As for practicing outside...I'll have to wait till spring. Right now it's freezing here!

supersmurf · 10-26-2008, 03:44 PM

Thanks for your well wishings.

I too just got my first 30 cycle a few weeks ago, (my cycles were around the 40-50 day mark before) and I could have shouted it from the rooftops as well......

Now if only I could quit growing the hair..... (it isn't bad really, but enough to be annoying).
I am not sure that excessive androgens are really the cause of PCOS, but more of a symptom - the body somehow does not metabolize the estrogen quite right so it produces more estrogen and then in turn the androgens go up (not sure on this but this is what I recall.) My androgens are just barely over the normal limit but last time I had blood work my LSH & FSH ratios were about 4:1, which is very characteristic of PCOS.....my understanding of PCOS is really that it is a disease of the metabolic / endocrine system and polycystic ovaries are the more common and obvious symptom so that is why it is called a disease itself.... someone please correct me here if I'm off base.
Supersmurf

MrsCros · 10-26-2008, 06:20 PM

Hello Ladies,
Glad to see this thread...I do not have severe symptoms either, but hard just the same. Love Yoga too---and bought a GREAT video that I do at home when I cannot make it to the gym....
I am working with a ND as well--only day 5! I feel better overall already...Have my fingers crossed. I will keep you posted on my status---and hope you will keep posting yours! Let me know if you want to see what treatment I am on with the ND's guidance.
I am leary of drugs(already tried Provera/Prometrium/Clomid) and there are always other side effects that can come from those...

Christie_Anne and Friends:
Here are some food ideas. Do you have a health food store nearby or a Trader Joes?
Here are some foods I really like with out Gluten/Wheat etc:
-Brown rice pastas - 100% Organic--great with some Olive Oil drizzled over it...mix in veggies/basil and/or balsamic vinegar for a cold pasta salad!
-I prefer Extra Virgin Olive Oil(what they refer in Italy as "green gold") spend a little more $ on this "cold pressed" - better flavor treat yourself!
-Brown Rice Bread - super dense stuff, but wonderful and filling--toast longer since it so dense, again drizzle olive oil on it...The brand I like is Food For Life (gluten and wheat free)
-I am allergic to soy (bummer) but you can make fruit shakes! Yum!
- Organic RAW sugar not refined white granulated sugar
-Veggie stir-fry's with portabellos(they are hardy)(only if you like mushrooms of course!)
-Veggie Burgers (trader joes, gluten/wheat free)
-Ribblets(trader joes)
-Edamame - good snack
-Try the website for breakfast and other ideas: The Book of Yum(dot com) which is a Gluten Free/Vegetarian website with all kinds of recipes...
-Polenta with tomatoes and basil; or cook rosemary right in it---and cut in cubes and BBQ it--SOOO GOOD, love this! But then I am Italian so that's a given. Or layer it like lasagna too...
-If you are making lasagna(use eggplant?? if you can't find wheat free noodles) use TOFU(drained and puree'd) instead of Ricotta---I know it sounds crazy, but with the tomatoe sauce you can't even tell!
-Raw almonds are always good..and trail mixes...

ok, that's all I got for now and will send more as I get them!

Here's to getting this PCOS under controll!!!

Designchica · 10-30-2008, 05:41 PM

Hi,

This is my first post ever.

I was recently diagnosed with PCOS, just one week before my wedding actually. I can't say that I was surprised as other doctors had suspected it but ruled it out becuase I didn't have acne, am not overweight, and my facial hair is "not that bad". I think deep down I knew I had it though. Still, when it came as a formal diagnosis, it really hit me.

I've been doing acupuncture for about four months with no luck and have only had one period in that time.

We would like to start TTC in January. My doctor thinks I will need medicine, but my husband wants to TTC naturally before we resort to western medicine. So in the meantime, I am going to continue the acupuncture and change my diet. I don't even know where to start! I feel like I eat pretty healthy as it is, but I do drink a lot of wine so maybe that will need to go. Anyway, I'm really glad to have found this website; I'm sure that it will be very informative.

molly84 · 10-30-2008, 09:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by supersmurf

Hi everyone,

I want to add my two cents worth about ND's and other alternative medicines. Prior to being diagnosed with PCOS, I turned to ND's when I got a superbug infection that mainstream medicine struggled to treat and was amazed by what I found. I have seen several ND's since then and they have all been fabulous and I really appreciate their approach in treating the root cause of the illness, rather than the management of the symptoms.
For me I think I have had PCOS all my life (I'm almost 30 now) but it has been undiagnosed for many years. I've always had irregular periods but have had not other symptoms and been thin. I went on the pill when I was 19 and then stayed on it until recently and found that I had almost no periods at all and hair problems when I stopped taking them. My Gyno's solution is to put me back on the pill and then give me fertility drugs when I want to have kids.... not the solution I was looking for, so off to my ND. Like the others here, she has given me a very specific diet, exercise routine, supplements as well as some herbal tonics and my periods are starting to improve - they are almost regular (without the help of BCP) for the first time in my life -it is amazing.
So to everyone who is trying mainstream medicine and getting frustrated, maybe look into alternative therapies, they do work. There are many useful diagnostic tools available now with mainstream medicine and believe me that is where I will go if I break my leg or something, but for long standing health issues I have really found alternative medicine to be very effective.
Supersmurf

Hey there, I've been on BCP's for a few years now, just diagnosed with PCOS a few months ago. The doctor switched me to yasmin but with all the bad things i've been reading about bcps I'm really considering going off it, but I'm terrified of getting hair loss, or hair growth, as I already have dark hair on my upper lip and a few on my chin - nothing major but I'm scared it will get worse if I stop the pill. Did you find the alternative therapies helped with excess hair???

molly84 · 10-30-2008, 09:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Designchica

Hi,

This is my first post ever.

I was recently diagnosed with PCOS, just one week before my wedding actually. I can't say that I was surprised as other doctors had suspected it but ruled it out becuase I didn't have acne, am not overweight, and my facial hair is "not that bad". I think deep down I knew I had it though. Still, when it came as a formal diagnosis, it really hit me.

I've been doing acupuncture for about four months with no luck and have only had one period in that time.

We would like to start TTC in January. My doctor thinks I will need medicine, but my husband wants to TTC naturally before we resort to western medicine. So in the meantime, I am going to continue the acupuncture and change my diet. I don't even know where to start! I feel like I eat pretty healthy as it is, but I do drink a lot of wine so maybe that will need to go. Anyway, I'm really glad to have found this website; I'm sure that it will be very informative.

Hey there, I really hope it all works out for you. I dont know too much about the TTC part of PCOS but I've read a few success stories about girls who couldnt conceive but started taking evening primose oil and were pregant witihin a few months....and even if it doesnt work its also great for the skin! Good luck

danado · 10-30-2008, 09:55 PM

Designchica - I thought it was me in your post. Also an avid wine lover!! I was dx in may 2008. Non IR, not overweight, some facial hair (not so bad), long cycles. I've also been doing acu for a few months and taking chinese herbs - prescribed by my acupuncturist. But really haven't noticed any big change. I am in agreement that maybe i need to make those changes in my diet,

. Have you read The Infertility Cure by Randine Lewis? She has a chapter on pcos and suggests certain herbs and foods to avoid and eat more of. Like you i'm trying to conceive so maybe its time to cut out the wine completely

Designchica · 10-31-2008, 01:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by danado

Designchica - I thought it was me in your post. Also an avid wine lover!! I was dx in may 2008. Non IR, not overweight, some facial hair (not so bad), long cycles. I've also been doing acu for a few months and taking chinese herbs - prescribed by my acupuncturist. But really haven't noticed any big change. I am in agreement that maybe i need to make those changes in my diet,

. Have you read The Infertility Cure by Randine Lewis? She has a chapter on pcos and suggests certain herbs and foods to avoid and eat more of. Like you i'm trying to conceive so maybe its time to cut out the wine completely

Hi Danado,

I haven't heard of that book. I will definitely have to visit amazon and take a peek and order it. Thanks for the suggestion!

And if only it were that easy to give up wine completely! Cutting back would be an improvement, I will start with that and maybe by the time we are ready to TTC in Jan, I will have entirely eliminated it from my diet.

What sort of herbs does your acupuncturist have you on? I was taking Jia Wei Xiao Yao Wan, but next week she is switching me to another type of pill which I do not know the name of.

supersmurf · 10-31-2008, 08:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by molly84

Hey there, I've been on BCP's for a few years now, just diagnosed with PCOS a few months ago. The doctor switched me to yasmin but with all the bad things i've been reading about bcps I'm really considering going off it, but I'm terrified of getting hair loss, or hair growth, as I already have dark hair on my upper lip and a few on my chin - nothing major but I'm scared it will get worse if I stop the pill. Did you find the alternative therapies helped with excess hair???

Hi Molly84,
I am still having issues with hair despite my cycles improving. I had an appointment with my ND this week and she is reformulating my herbal tonics to try and help it, but she also suggested that I need to cut gluten / wheat out of my diet as they can cause metabolic issues which are likely at the root of my PCOS. I love bread, but I hate having to shave everyday.... fortunately my hair isn't dark (I'm fair haired), just light and coarse. I have also been working out very intensely (P90X) and I think it is helping..... When I was on BCP they masked my symptoms, but did not make them go away..... I hope to make them go away with herbs and lifestyle changes. If you do try alternative therapies you may have to try several diferent kinds and Dr's before you find one that works for you, but once you do I think you will find it a very rewarding and life changing experience. Good luck with your journey. Supersmurf