A.N. asks from Fergus Falls, MN on May 07, 2008
Pcos
Has anyone had any experience with PCOS -- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome? I was diagnosed with it about three years ago and miraculously had a beautiful daughter a year ago. I felt great during the pregnancy and up until about 4 or 5 months ago. Does anybody have any advice, nutritionally and naturally, about how to cope with PCOS? I exercise and watch what I eat. I am so fatigued and most days I am in physical pain ( back, neck, shoulders). Any suggestions?
So What Happened?™
Thanks for your responses. I have taken Metformin and it made me so sick, I even tried the time release and it wasn't any better. I met a few times with a dietician and that helped with my food choices, serving size and good carb choices. I finally found a doctor that would prescribe a high enough dose of natural progesterone cream, used it for six months, felt much better and then became pregnant. :) However, I'm still nursing and can't use it yet and that most likely goes for many other things. I had no idea that sugar goes straight to breast milk. Thank you for that info. I may be looking at having to stop nursing. I really wanted to nurse longer, but maybe it'll be better for both of us if we stopped. Such a hard/emotional decision. I was wondering if there was something else that was natural, affordable and safe while nursing. Doctors won't give me any advice on natural remedies, Homeopaths and Kinesiologists are all out of pocket, a great distance from here and sadly not affordable (unless someone knows differently!). I do eat a lot of fresh vegies and fruit, whole grains, drink lots of water, take a good vitamin, try to avoid caffeine, high fructose corn syrup, sugar, hydrogenated oils and limit carbs. Workout 3-4 times a week and run around after the kids the rest of the week. :)
Does anybody else have a lot of shoulder, neck, lower back and foot pain? I had Physical Therapy for painful back and neck, it helped, but now is worse. Had a cortizone shot in my shoulder, it helped and is now worse. I feel like I am doing everything that I am supposed to, but my energy is zapped, I hurt all over, am unable to lose a pound, and the list goes on. I don't want to complain and try not to, but I can't ignore it either. I am going to check out the books that were mentioned, I do have the book about "What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Pre-Menopause", good book, and have checked out numerous PCOS sites. I also have been in communication with my OB/GYN. I have learned a lot and have adjusted my lifestyle. I really want to feel better. It will happen! I have lots of faith! Thanks for your advice and encouragemnet.
Featured Answers
J.K. answers from Madison on May 08, 2008
Are you on Metformin? I find that helps me a lot. I am also on Yasmin birth control...that helps with the cysts. I still deal with fatigue by going to bed relatively early in the evening and taking a nap when possible...even if its 15 minutes at lunch. I wasn't as tired when I was thinner...but since the birth of my 2 kids I have had a HARD time losing any weight.
Good luck!!
More Answers
T.C. answers from Omaha on May 07, 2008
I have PCOS, and the best thing that I did was seeing a chiropractor that practices kinesiology. He put me on some all-natural whole food supplements that have been miraculous. Another thing that has worked wonders for me is cutting back on sugar intake and foods with a high glycemic index. In addition, avoiding caffeine has done wonders with my energy levels. It takes a couple of days to get past the initial "addiction," but the benefits are so worth it.
1 mom found this helpful
N.S. answers from Minneapolis on May 07, 2008
Aside from keeping on top of your doctor for guidance and help, check out "Fertility, Cycles and Nutrtion" by Dr. Marilyn Shannon. It addresses treating infertility and fertility issues through natural remedies and improved nutritional choices, including issues surrounding PCOs and related conditions. It is an excellent resource and can be found at most bookstores and at Amazon.com. for about $10.
1 mom found this helpful
D.L. answers from Milwaukee on May 08, 2008
have you tried looking into essential oils? try Gary Young's book:Integrative Medical Guide. it is a helpful reference book by Dr Young – as it has blend recipes listed for about any problem. if you are interested there is info on the oils on www.youngliving.com or research essential oils on google or such. good luck!
S.L. answers from Madison on May 08, 2008
If you are open to alternative/complementary medicine, you could try acupuncture. There are many acupuncturists that specialize in treating fertility issues, including PCOS and its symptoms. Acupuncture is a "safe" treatment and very "natural". Even if the acupuncture does not "cure" the symptoms you have due to PCOS, the treatments themselves are very relaxing and refreshing.
T.J. answers from Madison on May 08, 2008
Hi A.-
I am so sorry to hear about your health, you need your strength for your family. I just started taking products from Life Force, liquid nutrition. I love the body balance and liquid calcium. please go to my site www.momstayhealthy.com look at the products.
Would also love to talk with you on the phone, so many people have had great results with these products. My brother has had a terrible back and neck problem, he is seeing great results.
I personally love the increase in my energy level.
Please call me T. ###-###-####
thanks
S.K. answers from La Crosse on May 08, 2008
Hi A.
Have your loving husband get a gift certificate for a massage. It works wonders to relieve the stress your body is holding onto. Or attend the Fri nite at First Evangelical Free church with Brian Fennimore when he comes to pray for people. Call the church for more info.
S.
J.K. answers from Madison on May 08, 2008
Are you on Metformin? I find that helps me a lot. I am also on Yasmin birth control...that helps with the cysts. I still deal with fatigue by going to bed relatively early in the evening and taking a nap when possible...even if its 15 minutes at lunch. I wasn't as tired when I was thinner...but since the birth of my 2 kids I have had a HARD time losing any weight.
Good luck!!
A.M. answers from Grand Forks on May 08, 2008
Hi A.. I have PCOS and what you describe sounds very familiar to me, especially the fatigue. Changing my diet and exercise have been the best for me. I fought that for a long time because I really didn't believe that that would work. But it really is the best thing you can do. Another gal mentioned metformin. Many many many women with PCOS are insulin resistant and that may be part of your problem. Find a doctor that really understands PCOS and one that will run blood work. I was told that since I had PCOS I was at high risk for diabetes and should be checked for it every year. There is a great website that I got a lot of support from called soulcysters.com . You will find many wonderful women on there to talk to and get advices from. Hang in there, I know it's hard.
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