I've just been diagnosed with PCOS and insulin resistance. I have quite a few questions and I can't seem to be able to get a straight answer from anyone.
Background info: I'm 20 years old. I'm 5'5 and 120 lbs (all my weight is in my breasts and on my abdomen). I'm currently taking the birth control pill Yaz, which has helped my acne and regulates my period. I have no facial hair. My doctor is sending me a prescription for metformin.
Questions:
1. Everything I read suggests that I need to lose weight in order to control my insulin resistance. If I am already a healthy weight, do I need to lose any? I work incredibly hard to keep my weight where it is. I practically eat nothing and I exercise daily.
2. If I start taking Metformin, will it help to redistribute my body fat, or am I stuck with a beer belly and stick legs for the rest of my life?
3. I am a vegan and I have no desire to change this. I have been to a dietician and I was very unhappy with that experience. She told me I need to start eating meat. Is this going to be an issue for me? I will NOT start eating meat, dairy or eggs.
4. Are there any long term side effects from taking Metformin?
5. Will it help stop type 2 diabetes from developing?
Hi! Sorry I don't have any answers to your questions, but I wanted to welcome you to SC!
__________________ Kate (29) To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. DH-Neil (33)
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Married: December 28, 2002 2 furbabies - Q and Zia (They are Yorkies To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. ) Dx w/ PCOS - 2003 Meds: Metformin 1700mg a day HSG 08/16/06 - All CLEAR! TTC again...
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Answers to a couple of your questions.
Metformin does not have any long term side effects, you could experience stomach upsets and diarrea in the beginning, that will gradually calm down over time.
There are many women here who do not eat meat. I can't see why you would have to. Did the doctor say why? I can only imagine that she thinks you're missing out on protein, iron and calcium from the dairy.
Some women lose weight on Metformin. Not all women. I can't say it will redistribute your body fat tho. People who are IR, tend to accumulate most of their fat round their middle (I too store it all there and on my breasts), it'0s one of the signs of IR, and can be the most complicated to get rid of.
Hope some of this helps you. Welcome to S/C. As you move around you'll find tons more information, and the girls are always happy to try and help you out.
Big Hugs!!
__________________ Danielle (28) DX: Hypothyroidism - May 05/ PCOS & IR Oct 05 Meds: 1x850mg Metformin + 1x75mg Levotiroxin + Diane 35
"If you can keep your head, when all about you are losing theirs, it's just possible you haven't grasped the situation"
I don't know that much about vegan eating, but it sounds pretty healthy, so I doubt that would become an issue unless you splurge a lot on sugary foods, which it doesn't sound like you do.
I am going to start on met after the holidays, so I don't know much about it yet myself except that it's helped a lot of women with PCOS.
Have you tried working with a personal trainer to help with the belly problem? It's hard to fight body type, but maybe different exercises would help.
__________________ Dx 7/01 (but knew for years!)
also IBD, IC, fibromyaliga, hiatal hernia w/ acid reflux, asthma/allergies, and hypothyroidism
5'9" 332/250 present goal
I'm a mom! DS born 7/15/2005
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Welcome! I'm new here myself but I can say that the majority of people with IR tend to be overweight which is likely why most documentation stresses the need to lose weight.
If you are at a healthy weight for your body then I wouldn't worry about it. I can't see that you would have any weight to lose anyway since 120 is at the low end of the weight range for your height.
If you are eating correctly (and combining your foods to make complete proteins) then you shouldn't have any problems being a vegan as long as you eat healthy and don't eat tons of processed foods.
Unfortunately i am not vegan and dn't know much about it. Althoug, i do know there are foods out there for vegan to offer the proteins and iron you may lack in your diet. You may want to ask you dr why.
The cysters on here are wonderful and will try to help. Hang in there, I know it gets frustrating. If you ever need to vent, chat or a shoulder, you can PM me anytime!
Thank you so much everyone. I really appreciate your help. I guess I'm doing all I can to help with this problem.
It's just not fair that so many of us seem to have it. Plus, I can think of quite a few people who I think might have it but haven't been diagnosed. It's crazy.
Thank you so much everyone. I really appreciate your help. I guess I'm doing all I can to help with this problem.
It's just not fair that so many of us seem to have it. Plus, I can think of quite a few people who I think might have it but haven't been diagnosed. It's crazy.
Yes it is not fair that so many of us have it and it is scary that some doctors out there can't even correctly diagnose some of us. There are some cysters that have gone through THREE doctors until' their diagnosis of PCOS was confirmed. Hopefully in the coming years PCOS will be well known to everyone .
__________________ Kate (29) To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. DH-Neil (33)
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Married: December 28, 2002 2 furbabies - Q and Zia (They are Yorkies To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. ) Dx w/ PCOS - 2003 Meds: Metformin 1700mg a day HSG 08/16/06 - All CLEAR! TTC again...
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Welcome to SC!
It sounds to me like you are already doing the right thing for you.
Everyone who has this syndrome is different and the symptoms are so diverse for each of us that I really don't know if there are a straight set of answers.
I wish you the best!
{{HUGS}}
Hey apple...I'm newly diagnosed too, and at an almost normal weight. My weight, although trying to lose a few pounds wasn't moving for a long time, but I lost belly and leg flab. I did and am doing the 3-hour diet. Eating every 3 hours. Within an hour of getting up...eat bkfst. then a snack three hours later, etc. You should eat 5-6 times (small meals) a day. The dietician is wrong and probably old fashioned. There are plenty of ways for you to get protein being a vegan, like from beans and good fats such as avocado and most nuts. You will need to take a heavy duty vitamin for calcium and iron, so make sure you are getting that. I have heard that metformin can help women lose weight...so I'm hoping for that! The second day I took mine (I've been on it a little over a week) I felt nauseaus for like 3 days, I had to wear my sea sikness wrist bands! But it went away, so now I'm up to two pills a day. So far so good. One thing I suggest is taking it with some kind of bread if you have a weak stomach like me. Eat something like that take your pill, then eat the rest of your food. Helps cushion it. I haven't found any info about the long term effects, but hopefully they are positive!
BTW--I WISH I was 120lbs!
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To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Lori
Welcome Apple
I would think that not eating meat would be a plus... just because otthe horomones and such in the meat. I say as long as your eating healthy they shouldnt question that.
Good luck with the Met! I havent taken it yet but I plan to asap
I too have been at an average body weight until recently. weighing in at 136. I was diagnosed in 1998. I have had 2 beautiful girls, both conceived the same month i stopped bcp's. Since going of the pill this last time I have put on 8 pounds, no AF for 69 days, acne breakouts, etc. The weight I have gained is right in the middle! I am hoping my Dr. will consider Met. What about excess hair???
new diagnosis- normal weight 
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