New to this site and PCOS....

JoannaHarris · 05-31-2006, 05:12 PM

Hi,
I was recently diagnosed with PCOS after I had a miscarriage in March. I suspected I may have had it a while ago (I have problems with excess hair under my chin, acne on my chest arms and back, painful heavy periods, overweight etc), but I had always had regular periods (although a v. long cycle - around 35 days) and seemed to get pregnant very easily (I've been pregnant twice now, although I've had one termination due to the baby having severe spina bifida and the miscarriage I mentioned)
However, my period was due on Sunday, I have still not come on (its Wednesday now) I am deffo not pregnant (3 negative tests now) and am really worried. I have never missed a period before and as me and my hubby are hoping to try for a baby again soon, to suddenly stop menstruating is very scary. Could this be a one-off or is it the start of serious fertility problems relating to PCOS?
I have been dieting (on the advice of my GP) and have so far lost 1st 7lb in 8 weeks (could this have affected my period - although I don't think that's a crazy amount of weight to lose?) I follow a low GI diet - has anyone else found this diet helps?
Also, I was wondering if anyone can advise me on any treatments/lifestyle changes to help deal with PCOS as I am very new to all this and am finding my GP very unhelpful. I don't feel like I'm being listened to or being taken seriously. I don't think they realise how worrying this is for me. I am considering going to a specialist but cannot really afford it.
I am going to my GP tonight to ask for Metformin as I have heard really good things about it (particularly in relation to lowing the risk of miscarriage - I really don't want to go through another loss. This year has been hell for me and dh)
Has anyone else found Metformin helpful?
All advice/opinions gratefully received
Thank you
Jo

kat2000catwoman · 05-31-2006, 05:41 PM

Welcome!!

Glad you found this site!! Came to the right place.
There's tons of information on this site.. search all the forums.. there's everything from diet to meds, to TTC(trying to concieve) to research.. My favorite is on the 'Research 4PCOS' forum, and is near the top.. it's titled ' required reading'.. it's written by an Endo Dr, and is very informative.. It is lengthy, but a good read, and you'll learn how complex PCOS is!!
There's alot of wonderful cysters here that will give support and relay their experiences.. See you on the boards!!

Oomis · 05-31-2006, 06:08 PM

This is the most wonderful place for any info you need. There are also threads about taking Metformin. I have taken it in the past and even though I have never been pg it has physically made me feel so much better and brought my cycles to a regular 28 days. There are some stomach issues that can happen when you start taking it so be warned. I am sorry about your losses. There are also boards called "Coping with Pregnancy Loss" that can give you allot of support.

Losing weight and following the GI diet cannot hurt you. Maybe your body is doing alittle adjustment with the weight loss. Everyone with PCOS seems to have bodies that deal with it differently.

Good luck and if you need anything let me know!

AngelSam · 05-31-2006, 07:19 PM

Hi Welcome, I'm Sam, 28 from england.
I know how frustrating it can be , especially when your doctor doesnt seem to take you seriously or worse they know even less than you. PCOS form what I have come to learn is very complex and can be different for each one us when it comes to symptoms and treatments.

You will find lots of info on here and lots of peoples experiences to help you understand your own a little more.

Don't panic and assume the worse. My symptoms drastically changed only recently too. I was also scared that it might mean the worse when it came to conceiving etc. But I think the best way is to take it one day at a time. Don't assume the worse. I managed to conceive even though Ive only had two periods this year without any fertility treatment or doing anything different. Even though I miscarried I'm trying to stay positive that atleast there is hope. There is hope for you to. I have also found fish oil and a low carb diet to be really helpful.

You should really voice your concerns with your Doctor. If he isn't helpful, then get yourself someone who will sympathise and listen.

Best of Luck
email me anytime you want a listening ear dreamsands@hotmail.com

bduckie_1972@verizon.net · 06-02-2006, 06:29 PM

I had a dramatic change in symptoms after I weaned my daughter a year ago. But I feel better on metformin too. You mentioned a GP but I think someone else correct me if I am wrong but because Endocrinology and specifically endo’s who deal with solely women’s issues is a subspecialty if you have not seen one get an appointment I am telling you honestly after I met with one for the first time this week I have so much more confidence that this is not going to wreck my whole life. My NP was treating me but my Endo took away some stuff and is adding in newer treatments. She also gave me pamphlets, and hope not that she can cure it but she said control it. My diet is no refined carbs and as low of sugar as I can handle. Our whole little family of 3 eats less then three lbs of brown sugar every 2 months now (unless I am baking for a special occasion or holidays then I fall of the wagon for a few days but trust me I pay for it). I do use honey and molasses for cooking as much as possible we also switched to IF we eat bread we eat whole grains. It helps a lot. Hang about here there are lots of knowledgeable people who really have some great info.