Is PCOS different for thins?

doolin · 03-03-2008, 03:05 PM

This may be a stupid question but I'm still trying to figure this all out.
Is the PCOS mechanism different for thin cysters than non-thin cysters?
It seems like most of the other symptoms are on a continuum: more or less hairy, more or less acne, anovulatory v. lengthy or skipped cycles. But the weight gain thing has me stumped. I've always been thin with a high metabolism. I eat a ton and when I don't, I drop weight very quickly. I also can get into shape very quickly. When I do gain weight, it's in my butt and it usually hits my belly last.
Does this indicate a different hormonal imbalance mechanism than our fluffy cysters experience?
Any insight is greatly appreciated.

KatCarney · 03-03-2008, 03:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by doolin

When I do gain weight, it's in my butt and it usually hits my belly last.

Are you IR? That + lifestyle tend to be the biggest factors moreso than the presence or absence of a pcos diagnosis.

doolin · 03-03-2008, 03:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KatCarney

Are you IR? That + lifestyle tend to be the biggest factors moreso than the presence or absence of a pcos diagnosis.

I don't know if I'm IR. I'm supposed to have PCOS panel b/w on friday. I do, however, have lots of diabetes in my family and my rather thin grandma had pretty severe Type 2 and had a beard. (poor gma) I suspect she had PCOS too.

Do women who are IR tend to not have weight issues? Or vice versa? (Sorry for such a rudimentary question)

KatCarney · 03-03-2008, 03:46 PM

Check out some of the 'quick link' stickies here: http://www.soulcysters.net/research-articles-4-pcos/

They will help give you a better overview of IR and pcos, in general.

Rose28 · 03-03-2008, 03:56 PM

I've heard doctors say that there is IR in every PCOS patient, to a certain degree, so they prescribe metformin regardless. Other doctors don't believe this and refuse to give metformin or check insulin levels.

I'm thin and have IR but I gain ALL my weight right in my stomach area, which is typical of IR. I guess everyone with PCOS is different, you just have to find out what works for you.