I was diagnosed about two years ago...but, I haven't done much to dealt with it. I went off my birth control pills, have to go back to see the gyno to get more, and my endocrinologist just keeps telling me I need to lose more weight. And I'm 21, and my last appointment with the endo I'd only lost five pounds, and I was told my blood pressure was high.
I have no idea what to do. I saw the Mystery Diagnosis on the woman with PCOS, but I don't know what foods to eat. I don't know what kind of exercise to do. I'm so lost, and hurt, and confused, I don't know where to turn.
Hi Honey I can def. help you.. birth control pills just mask symptons.. they aren't a cure and cause problems in the long run even making PCOS worse
Diet is a huge factor in PCOS..
What are your hormone levels? are they normal? testostrone? estrogen? prost?
Anyways This is what I suggest you eat:
Whole Milk, High Fiber Cereals, Almonds, Nuts, Lots of Vegetables -- unlimited amounts, A few fruits like apples etc, not too many a day though, lean turkey, eggs, fish, greek yogurt, brown rice, buckwheat bread, seaweed, take flaxseed oil with ligans to balance hormones, take women's toner tea or women's liberty tea to balance hormones as well, take multi - vitamins
DO NOT EAT OR DRINK: Soda, Skim Milk, Jucie (too much sugar in it) any processed foods cookies, cakes, candies, chips, fast food, white bread, white rice
Follow the GI/ LOW CARB DIET -- you can look up the GI food levels online, anything under 50 you can eat
As for excercise try Pilates or dancing anything you really like that gets you moving and strength training
Hectate is correct. Birth control pills aren't the answer, I have been on every kind of BC pill imaginable and all they did was mess with the natural balance of things even more. 5 years of BC pills and I'd had it. I've improved my symptoms ten fold without them, and I've never felt better. Well, maybe before puberty! lol
As far as the weight loss, take baby steps. Setting unrealistic goals and dates will only lead to anxiety and self defeat. Instead of saying "I'm going to weigh 20lbs less in 4 months" just relax and adjust your every day routine. Also, stop weighing yourself! Making small changes in your lifestyle will alter the grand scale of things greatly and with little stress. Start with what you're buying when you hit the grocery store. Stay away from refined sugars and simple carbohydrates, these are any white breads, pastas, pasteries, etc. Eat more raw and steamed organic vegetables, whole grains, and try and eat less dairy. If you're a meat eater I would stick with fish and chicken, red meat tends to be packed with hormones and with high BP I wouldn't suggest it at all. Stay away from salty foods, again with your BP it will only make matters worse. Drink lots of water! I carry a large nalgene bottle around with me everywhere I go, and in the morning I wash it (make sure you wash yours after every daily use) and drop a strawberry or slice of lemon in there to make things interesting. It will keep you from feeling hungry. Try and eat 5 or 6 small meals each day, and if your schedule doesn't permit this keep healthy snacks on hand while you're at work, school, what have you. You can eat large portions as long as you're using fillers such as spinach, raw veggies & whole grains. I would also suggest keeping a journal. Each day, start with writing down how you feel, and what you plan to eat. If you're really into it, write down what you're eating for at least 2 weeks. Also, write down how you're feeling while you're eating. When the 2 weeks is up examine your journal. This will give you a clear picture and an "outsiders" view on some of the patterns that you might need to correct. It will also hold you accountable for what you're eating and what kind of an attitude you're carrying around with you. Attitude is everything!
Exercise exercise exercise. I can't stress it enough! Cardiovascular exercise not only improves your overall health, but it's been proven to improve hormone imbalances. I've illiminated some symptoms and lessened others simply by altering my lifestyle and being a health freak.
Stay positive and use the fourms!
__________________ -D-chiro-inositol
-Vegetarian / Organic Diet
-Morning Cardio / Two Hours
-Vitamins / A, B, C, D, E, K Books- Skinny B!tch(s), The Ultimate PCOS Handbook Treatments- Laser hair removal, Dermabrasion
Topical Prescriptions- Differin, Vaniqa
Thank you. God, THANK YOU. I can't describe how wonderful it is to know that I am not alone...it means the world to me.
And BCP's are not the answer? What type of medication would you recommend? I don't get a menstrual cycle without them, and Metformin is sounding more and more like the better option. My endocrinologist and gyno have barely given me any information on where to go, other then to take the birth control pills and to lose weight.
If you follow the GI diet (the foods that were listed by me and Reverse) that should help balance your hormones and take of care of other symptons
In addition to the diet I reccomend you take supplements to help
Women's Toner Tea
Women's Liberty Tea - (Almost anyone who takes this end up getting their period)
Flaxseed Oil w/ ligans to balance hormones
Apple Cider Vinegar - To control blood sugar (I just add this onto my salads instead of dressing)
Maca Root - To balance Hormones
Sage has also been shown to bring on menstration and it raises estrogen and prost. levels
This syndrome is a curse, really it's made my life a living hell, I wish this information when about six years ago when I first started having these problems.. all medications have side effects in the long run.. The best way is to NATURALLY balance your hormones.. Trust me this works
Metformin may be a big help to you, though watch out for the side effects. It can take a while for your body to get used to it, but eventually it will. You should be able to ovulate and have your periods on your own with it. :-) *hugs* We are all here for you, don't worry!
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Okay, so we'll try natural and talk to my doctor about Metformin...
Everything is just so scary. None of my doctors want to give me help, I feel like, and it's so hard and confusing, and I just feel so alone sometimes and I hate myself.
I totally agree with the other women who posted! And a lot of people have issues with their doctor and PCOS. If they still don't help you, I'd look into a different doctor! This place is definitely a wonderful place to be, you're definitely not alone here!
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diagnosed; 2004.
Taking: 500mg Metformin; Vitex
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I Feel The Same Way!!!!!!
Im New Here Too
Just Diagnosed In Dec. 08
Im 22 But Been Having Symptoms Since 14 (when I Started My First Period)
Unfortunately I Dont Have Health Insurance To Cover The Infertility Treatments.
All The Doctor Did Was Tell Me I Have Pcos And Gave Me Sprintec Bc To Regulate Me. I Never Took Bc Before I Just Started It On Dec. 31st And It Took My Period Away? Is That Supposed To Happen? Im Very Scared To Take Bc Because I've Heard If Your On It For A While Sometimes You Cant Get Your Period When You Go Off It.
Is There Anything Else I Can Take That Will Help The Hormones???
Also, What Is Metformin? Is That To Help Get Prego?
Is There Anything Over The Counter I Can Take?
Also I Was Wondering Does Anyone Have A Huge Stomach?????
Im Overweight But Its Most Of It Is In My Stomach Area, I Have Thin Legs & Arms Basically I Look 9 Months Prego No Joke!
Its Really Embarrasing & Depressing.
I Dont Go Out Much Because Of The Stares & Looks
If Anyone Has Any Info Please Let Me Know!
Thanks!