Anyone Have PCOS? - Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Message Board

MyLilButterball · 09-12-2003, 06:03 PM

I was just diagnosed with PCOS this week and the Dr said that's what's making me fat (as well as bad habits). I never really believed there could be a medical reason, just thought I was lazy....and I am. He said to follow a low carb, low sugar, low fat, protein diet. Just wondering if anyone has this or knows someone who has and has been able to lose weight? Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks.

Kissy224 · 09-12-2003, 11:01 PM

I was diagnosed with PCOS a few years ago. Just so that we're talking about the same thing: Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, correct? It did explain my hirsutism (excessive hair, like on your arms) and missing or extremely irregular periods (amenorrhea). It's one of the leading causes of infertility. With PCOS, the affected gland is the pancreas, and you're overproducing insulin. So yes, weight is a big factor -- and a low carb diet will help you get your insulin levels under control, which is probably why your doctor suggested it. I'm on modified Atkins diet and lost about 40 pounds. I eat mostly protein and veggies.

I don't think we're allowed to post URLs here, so go to Google or some search engine and type in PCOS. There's a lot of research out there, and a lot of useful sites.

Some warning signs of PCOS:
irregular or absent periods
ovarian cysts
hirsutism (excess facial and/or body hair)
alopecia (male-pattern hair loss)
obesity
acne
skin tags
brown skin patches, often found in the nape of the neck
high cholesterol
high blood pressure
exhaustion and/or lack of mental alertness
decreased sex drive
excess "male" hormones, such as androgens, DHEAS, or testosterone
infertility

You might also want to see an edocrinologist, to be tested for diabetes (I'm also a diabetic).

Good luck!

MyLilButterball · 09-13-2003, 02:21 AM

Thanks Kissy, nice to know I'm not alone. Yes, we are talking about the same thing. As far as your list goes:

Some warning signs of PCOS:
irregular or absent periods
ovarian cysts
hirsutism (excess facial and/or body hair)
obesity
skin tags
high cholesterol
high blood pressure
exhaustion and/or lack of mental alertness
decreased sex drive
excess "male" hormones, such as androgens, DHEAS, or testosterone
infertility

I deleted the ones I DONT have. Sad, huh? I would like to try Atkins but hubby says we don't have money for it right now (meat is expensive in Aust. atm) and he thinks a healthy diet will work fine. He doesn't seem to understand the insulin resistent part and he should cause he's diabetic himself. Men!!! I'm really hoping we can still get pg. I have had 2 periods in the past 13mo and those were way heavier than normal. Anyway, thanks again for the response. Congrats on the 40lb!!

EllieMay · 09-13-2003, 03:13 PM

Hi, I've also had PCOS for nearly 20 years. DId the old Rosemsary Connelly diet over 6 years ago and lost 7st. Got pregnant with twins with fertility and gained 5st back!!!

Started Metformin and lost loads again down to size 12, then had another baby naturally and back to square one!!! Still on Metformin but no weight loss this time. Bought Zantrex 3 in desperation!!!! Lost 7lbs in roughtly 3 weeks, no bad side effects tho. Have you tried the starch, far and carbo blockers?