Hi there,
This is my first post and it is pretty long. The first bit is just info about me, my actual diet related question is at the end. So if you want just skip the first chunk then go ahead. I'm just warning you.
I am 22 (23 on Friday) and I am about 20 stone - although I am pretty tall, so I carry it fairly well. It's mainly my big tum.
I was diagnosed with PCOS at 15 by a specialist but neither him nor my GP have ever taken it seriously. I have always suffered from very irregular periods, starting when I was 15. I was on the pill (dianette) from 16 till 19, it is only since I stopped taking it I have had real problems with excess hair.
I have many symptoms of PCOS. I have excess hair over my lower body (lower tum, top and back of thighs, bum and lower back). My face is a bit hairy but I am blonde so it isn't really a problem. The skin on my neck is very dark, my hair is always greasy - I have to wash it everyday. My skin is very greasy too and I get quite a few spots, I wouldn't class them as acne though. Obviously my weight is one of the most concerning issues and I feel by sorting that out it may have a knock on effect on the other issues
I need to start a low carb/high protein diet. I am a vegetarian and I'm not keen on dairy products or eggs. I can't cook and I need quick easy things to fit around my busy lifestyle. A lot of the low carb info I am finding on the net seems to be useful to meateaters and Americans (e.g brands and products only available in the U.S), so if anyone can shove me in the right direction or give me any info that I may find useful I will be most grateful.
Thanks for reading this, it's nice to know we're not alone.
Thanks again guys,
Kat
P.S
Does anyone know of any issues with soy aggravating PCOS?
Has anyone got any information on possible links between bi-polar and PCOS?
I have problems very similar to yours (but I am not overweight) I was diagnosed when I was a teenager so my doctor in Spain prescribed the bcp. When I came to England four years ago my GP gave me dianette as well and when I stopped it one year ago because I started ttc, my hair growth just went mad!!! I am hairy in my legs, belly, lower back, chin, neck... and have irregular periods but my GP says that I ovulate on my own so I am not taking any medication. I am low-carbing and I bought a book which is very useful. If you want to comment recipes you can email me anytime!! Low-carbing is hard sometimes but I will be happy to help!
Take care!
Maite
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Maite
25yo
dh - 34yo
No medication
Awaiting Fertility Clinic Appointment
__________________ Maite
25yo
dh - 34yo
No medication
Awaiting Fertility Clinic Appointment
There is a great UK low carb website you can visit at http://www.low-carbdiet.co.uk. In terms of vegetarian low carb I find Linda Mccartney products such as her sun dried tomato and herb sausages and her nuggets low carb,high protein and tasty. Plus she doesn't really use soy in her products. Too much soy can lead to tyroid problems which cysters are prone to anyway, so try not to consume too much of it. I hope this helps some.
scarlet
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21 year old college student; not ttc
Dx: Janruary 2001, got a good doctor and metformin May 2001
Symptoms: IR, overweight, irregular AF and acne.I was amennorrheic for 9 months, tried Vitex and have since got three AF's
Meds:Glucophage 500mg three times a day, a multivitamin,5oomg of evening primrose oil three times a day, Chromium GTF 200mg, and 2 teaspoons of Vitex, Cramp Bark and Yarrow mixture from my herbalist
Visit my website at:
<A HREF="http://www.geocities.com/pcosireland
First of all welcome ... i hope you get the answers you ar looking for and some comfort knowing that you aren't the only one suffering.
I can't help with the veggie low carb as i'm one of those dreaded meat eaters but i hope others will be able to help.
I may be able to help with the American Brands and products. I am married to an American Airman and we are based in the UK, I'm very used to finding US equivalents to UK products (hubby makes me shop on base for groceries) ... so if i have had to find US equivalents to UK products it must work the other way round right? If you want to throw me some specific examples I will try to help.
Keep in touch and let us know how u r getting on!
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Love
Lisa xxx
Age: 32 DH: 28
Huntingdon, UK
TTC #1 Since 01/90
^I^ M/C and mole pregnancy 06/91
__________________ Love
Lisa xxx
Age: 32 DH: 28
Dover, Delaware (ex.brit totally homesick)
TTC #1 Since 01/90
^I^ M/C and mole pregnancy 06/91
2000mg Metformin
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Age 34, dh 29, married 7 years, one son 4 years old
DX pcos Jan 2001
DX ibs Dec 1999
Dx LOCAH Sept 2001
Hidradentis Suppurativa
(lumps)
Cervical Ectropion
Raised blood pressure
High Cholesterol
Loads of meds - too many to mention!!
"She is buffeted by the waves but she does not sink"
__________________ Age 35, dh 30, married 8 years, one son 5 years old
DX pcos Jan 2001
DX ibs Dec 1999
Dx LOCAH Sept 2001
Hidradentis Suppurativa
(lumps)
Cervical Ectropion
Raised blood pressure
High Cholesterol
Loads of meds - too many to mention!!
"She is buffeted by the waves but she does not sink"
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I don't eat soy as it contains phyto-oestrogens, which mimic the effects of oestrogen. Since I am oestrogen-dominant anyway, I avoid the stuff as it could well agravate my PCOS.
As to possible links between bipolar and PCOS, I did have some info...I'll try to find and post them...I am one of the many cysters who has bipolar disorder (and Borderline Personality Disorder, and Multiple Personality Disorder, and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and sociopathic tendencies).
Good luck!
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No-one ever said that it was going to be just, you really ought to know by now how She's all red in tooth and claw; after all, weren't you the one screaming for more?
"It's a tattoo. Of COURSE it hurts."
"Most people can't see the wood for the trees. I see the wood, and the trees, and the small village beyond and what's more, I have a flamethrower."
"The best forms of torture rarely hurt" - Charon
feel free to email me at redshira@gothism.zzn.com
__________________ Shira - 26
James - 37
7 m/cs since 1998
Getting married 28th October '06, starting ttc (again for me, first time for him) then
"If you can't beat them....BEAT THEM! They will have expected you to join them by this point, and so you will have the element of surprise."
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All this stuff is great. I'm doing the low carb/high protein thing, I've decided after 10 years as veggie to start eating meat again. I'm going to start eating chicken and stop eating soy. I'll let you know how I get on.
Thanks Lisa, I should be OK now I'm going back to being a dreaded meateater again
That info on bi-polar would be great if you find it, thanks Shira.
Thanks to everyone who replied really, you are all fantastic.
Can I just say good luck to all the women tring to have children, I can't imagine how difficult it must be for you all. I hope evrything turns out OK for you all.
low carb/high protein diet for a uk veggie 
but i hope others will be able to help.
If you want to throw me some specific examples I will try to help.
