I've recently started to do something about my PCOS.
I was told last year by a gynocologist at my college clinic that I had PCOS. I'm 5'7", and was 143 lbs. She told me that I need to "lose some weight". I've suffered from moderate acne problems since puberty.
This same gynocologist had me taking Levora/Nordette, originally the ultra low dose (I can't remember exactly), and then when I stopped having periods on that she upped the dosage. I quit taking the pills in December because I quit having periods on the newer pill and I was so frustrated with the doctor because she seemed reluctant to get the labwork done on me. I was having semi-regular periods for a while (6-week intervals), but I completely stopped having periods in late March. I've always been told I had normal sized ovaries.
My parents' health insurance kicked me off when I turned 23 in April, and I just got my own recently. I'm around 153 lbs now, and when I tried to lose weight this summer I lost 1 1/2 lbs in a month (this was with exercising an hour three to four times a week, and switching to a healthier diet). Everyone around me said that I should have lost at least five pounds.
I've also noticed I have more body hair, but I'm not sure if I'm just noticing it or it's more than before. I have it on my upper lip and some on my lower stomach. I've also noticed it's getting darker on my thighs.
The research I've been looking into leans toward taking BCP and/or metformin for the rest of my life, until I want kids, and then the medications switch. Not exactly something I'm willing to do. I went to a doctor of Oriental Medicine recently, who prescribed some herbs for me to take. I'm supposed to take them for three months and then I *should* be back to a normal cycle.
I've been taking the herbs for about two weeks now, and my skin has really cleared up (I also switched to Proactiv recently from Neutrogena's Complete Acne System, so I'm not sure how much is from the Proactiv and how much is from the herbs). I've also noticed my vaginal mucus is changing from ultra-thin and almost soapy to a thick, stretchy mucus. Sometimes my pelvic area will feel tender, and my ovaries will feel super tender.
I was told it would take between 4-8 weeks for the herbs to work. I'm so frustrated with waiting.
I'm tired of eating well (I can't even eat fast food anymore; I feel sick afterwards) and working out for nothing. I was so excited when I got my new job this summer because I would be moving to L.A. and I could hang out on the beach, but I'm really self-conscious about how I look. I don't think I look terrible, but nothing I do seems to help the gradual weight gain, and no amount of crunches and cardio work seem to help tone my abs (where my excess weight lives, btw).
I really hope these herbs work, but I just wish that I would know in advance. I'm not too excited about the alternative.
Not all cysters go on BCPs, and according to the articles board they are NOT a long term solution for PCOS. I'm on Metformin for my insulin resistance because I fear diabetes. It has helped me a LOT with symptoms.
What type of diet were you on? I gain weight with grains, even lower carb ones. In order to loose weight I have to not eat grains, table sugar, high fructose corn syrup, potatoes and rice. I also avoid soy and caffeine which I am highly sensitive to. Since being on my diet and going on Met. I have lost about 55 pounds and several of my symtpoms have gone away. Sometimes it's a matter of getting the right diet plan that works for your individual body.
You need to find a doc who will run the right tests (including thyroid, cushions, diabetes, insulin resistance, etc.). There is an alternative medicine board on here you might want to check out.
Taking Metformin has helped me lose some of my marriage weight. I too don't lose weight with exercise and diet. The Metformin has curbed my appetite and gotten rid of most of my cravings. You could ask your DR about it.
Also, it sounds like you are within your normal weight range, so I don't know why the clinic wanted you to "lose some weight". We aren't all meant to be a size 6. I'm 5'10" 159 lbs and considered a lean PCOS patient. Of course this is 20 lbs heavier than I was 14 years ago, but... I'm hoping the Metformin will help me lose another 10-14 lbs.
Good luck, and keep reading up on PCOS. The National Library of Medicine Subject Heading for PCOS is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. I think PubMed and Medline are open for public searching. You might find additional help there.
__________________ Pam (34) Rob (37) Otis the Doberman (3)
TTC #1 since 01/03 2003- Clomid - HSG - SA 2004- Lap - Gonal-f 2005- Break 2006- Saving for IVF - Metformin - BFP 10/06
Katherine Olive was born July 16, 2007!!!
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Hello there and Welcome to SC!
You will find this site to be full of info and the ladies here very supportive.
I wish you all the best as you continue to try and sort all of this out.
Hi and welcome! I don't personally take any medication apart from the pill, and know plenty of people who never need it, although some do. I think a lot of it is personal choice.
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I've read "The Savvy Woman's Guide to PCOS", and stuff on the internet. The author recommends Yasmin and Nuvaring.
I've had sketchy improvement with BCP, but I wouldn't mind trying either of those if the herbs don't work. But I've been noticing some funny changes in my vaginal mucus and with how my ovaries "feel" so maybe the herbs are doing something!
I hope the herb treatment works for you! Are you having different discharge all the time now, or is it just some of the time? I get the long stretchy stringy stuff when I'm around ovulation, just wondered if maybe you were O'ing!?
Met helped me. My cycles, my weight, and eventually pregnancy. Just in case you need another option..
Hugs
Jenny
__________________ Jenny(30) Josh (30) married 3/30/96
PCOS dx 1/03
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jsut wanted to say hi and give some of my experiences!
i put a lot of weight on around 50lbs in 3/4 years! im still only a uk size 16 (i was a skinny thing b4 lol) but im 5ft4 i found that bcp as the worst thing for me! completly ruined my body - as it seems to do with some cysters!!
also i would say the lowGI diet is agreat idea!! also wanted to say welcome and good luck! metformin maybe a really great idea as well xxxx
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No More NHS Treatment 2nd of Jan 2009.
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