PCOS Advice

I was diagnosed with PCOS 4 years ago. I find that dietary changes have made a TREMENDOUS impact on the symptoms. In fact, when I finally found a doctor who understood the disease, he immediately referred me to an endocronologist at University Hospital who put me on a very strict very low carb/high protein diet. I felt like a different person altogether. There is virtually no sugar on the diet, and I also take metformin. My cystic acne has gone away, the weight fell off and I felt great. When I don't stay on a regimented diet (I can't follow the strict diet all of the time), I can tell a HUGE difference in how I feel.

Not sure if you are overweight but if that is the case, then the issues with PCOS can be exacerbated greatly. Adopting a healthy nutrition and exercise plan can help a great deal with PCOS (and also ward off diabetes and heart disease too!).

I have PCOS and have dealt with it all my reproductive life. I've never been regular. Recently I lost 45 pounds of post-baby weight and for the first time in my life I have been regular for 4 months in a row. Although I am not 100% certain, I like to attribute the regularity to the healthy changes I have made in my life.

Quite honestly, Nutrition for Dummies (not that you're a dummy; I have the book and love it) is a great read. It is presented in an easy to read fashion with jargon that isn't too technical or too dumbed down. Just do a lot of reading and research on healthy eating and exercising; you don't need to resort to any 'miracle plans', pills, vitamins, or weird, wacky cures.

S.,
I now of many people that have great success by changing their diet and adding natural nutritional supplements. A friend of mine has been working with women for almost 30 years, she recomends dietary and supplement changes and works with you offering support. Every body is different and so she works on an individual basis to discover what the deficiency in your body is. Her services are free. I also know of a great physician who provides similar information, but she does have an hourly fee. Both are great and have seen wonderful successes.
I can give names and numbers if you are interested. My # is ###-###-#### or you can e-mail me.

I don't have advice yet, but was just confirmed/diagnosed on Friday that I have PCOS and I'm waiting for the results to see if I have diabetes. I too, am serious about making the necessary changes and can't wait to see what responses you receive. You're not alone in this journey and I'll be rooting for you all the way.

My advice is to ask about being put on Metformin and to see a nutritionist. The Metformin should help to regulate your cycle though it will take time. I thought I would have huge problems getting pregnant with my first child because I had been on birth control for 15 years when I decided to try for our first.. and whenever I had stopped taking BC in the past I would bleed constantly (months on end). However, when I stopped BC this time around b/c I had been on the Metformin for several months already I never bled like I used to and I was pregnant after the frist month of trying! I suggest the nutritionist b/c you will need to treat yourself as if you are diabetic to some extent when it comes to your diet and a dietition will be able to tell you what you specifically should and should not be doing. Some insurances cover a nutritionist and some dont'... but if they don't it shouldn't cost more than $100 and it is money well spent. Also keep in mind that even though you are not diabetic now it is likely that whenever you do become pregnant the pregnancy will send you into diabetes. So it's probably good to be prepared for the type of diet you will need to be on then. I was just on the border of being diabetic when I became pregnant.. and by the end of my pregnancy I was taking 360 units of insulin a day plus taking glyburide twice daily in order to control my blood sugars... and they day after my son was born, I was taken off of it all!

I would seek out a dietian to help you with your menu planning and talk to your Dr. about a safe medication as well as a reasonable exercise plan.I started having problems with this in my 20's and was very active out dancing every night so I got plenty of exercise but I still had bad acne and those horrible stray hairs that seemed to grow over night.My periods were awful and my Doctors kept trying to get me to get my tubes tyed.I refused. Now I am a type 2 diabetic, diagnosed at age 47 1/2 .I am over weight but am losing it slowly through diet medication for my diabetes and exercise as I can tolerate it.I lost 17 1/2 pounds in 3 months according to my doctor's.I am beginning to feel great again and my sugar is now on average only about 88 fasting.It was 220 and I was mean and felt horrible all the time.My blood pressure is back to normal 118/58. It is work, hard work but I want to grow old so I do what I have to so I may obtain my goals of growing older and wiser. If you drink colas of any kind wing yourself off of them and limit your caffine intake to no more than 2 cups a day.Don't be tricked by diet soda makers, the chemicals they use to sweeten thier drinks actually will make you fatter and cause many other health issues.Drink plenty of water each day it cleanses your body, take your weight and divide it by two then drink at least that many ounces of plain water a day.Stay away from sugar as much as possible and get plenty of fresh air and sunshine it worked for me.My goal is 145 lbs. and that is still a bit heavy but it is where I feel comfortable.
Good luck and don't get your self overwhelmed by the changes,do it slowly and comfortably.
Blessings, Debbie

PCOS Symptoms

"... diagnosis is especially important because PCOS is now thought to increase metabolic and cardiovascular risks. These risks are strongly linked to Insulin Resistance..."
- The Importance of Diagnosing the Polycystic Ovary Syndrome - Rogerio A. Lobo, MD and Enrico Carmina, MD


Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) can be caused by Insulin Resistance and may take the form of numerous symptoms, which vary from woman to woman.

Weight Gain. Many women with PCOS gain weight around their abdomen, taking on an apple shape rather than a pear shape. Such weight gain is linked with imbalances of glucose and insulin in the body.

Irregular Periods. Nine or few menstrual cycles per year may be a sign of PCOS. Bleeding may be heavier than normal. These conditions are caused because the ovaries are not producing hormones that keep the menstrual cycle regular.

Infertility. The high levels of excess insulin seen with PCOS can stimulate the ovaries to produce large amounts of the male hormone testosterone, which can possibly prevent the ovaries from releasing an egg each month, thus causing infertility. Because women with PCOS don’t have regular menstrual cycles, many are unable to become pregnant. With help, however, many PCOS sufferers conceive.

"I wanted to let you know how much I appreciate your caring advice and guiding me towards taking control of my health. It's hard to express in words how long I have been trying to find the answers you have so easily provided for me.

I am only 27 and was really feeling the effects of my IR and PCOS, with terrible lethargy and fearing that I would never get my active life back. I was taking glucophage which did nothing for me but cause stomach and bowel problems. After 2 1/2 weeks on Insulite PCOS, I feel an amazing difference in energy and even a little in my weight.

I am so excited about the positive changes in my health and I can't wait to see where I am six months from now, yet alone the year. Thank you again!"
- MS
Stuarts Draft, VA


Hirsutism. This symptom causes excess hair, which can be difficult for many women. For most PCOS sufferers, hair in the mustache and beard areas becomes heavier and darker. Masculine hair on the arms and leg is also possible, as well as hair on abdomen, chest or back, together with more growing in the pubic area. High levels of male hormones (androgens) cause this condition.

Thinning Hair. Just as heavier hair growth is possible, so is the type of hair thinning that many men experience. This is caused in women by higher levels of androgens.

Acne. Pimples and oily skin can also bother women with PCOS. The acne is usually found around the face (especially along the jaw line), chest and back.

Other Skin Problems. Skin tags – thick lumps of skin sometimes as large as raisins – can form as a result of PCOS. They are usually found in the armpits, at the bra line or neck and can easily be removed by a dermatologist. Darkening and thickening of the skin can also occur around the neck, groin, underarms or skin folds. This condition, called Acanthosis Nigricans, is a sign of Insulin Resistance, the underlying cause of PCOS.

Depression and Anxiety. Many women with PCOS may find themselves more anxious or depressed by their appearance or their inability to become pregnant. Depression can also be caused by hormone problems. Managing your PCOS symptoms may help to relieve depression.

I have PCOS and have always been overweight, lethargic, and have a strong sweet tooth. I was raised to be wary of gimmicky diets, but the South Beach Diet, (pretty much the same as a low glycemic index diet) really helped me get my eating under control. I lost weight for the first time in my LIFE. Really, I had tried lots of calorie counting and low fat eating and exercising and never lost a pound. But with SB I lost over 30 pounds and my period got more regular and my energy levels were better. I really felt like my body chemistry had changed somehow and I was a different person. I'm back to my old ways since pregnancy and breastfeeding but plan to revamp when I wean.
Good luck to you.

Basically, what everyone else is saying: Low carb/high protein diet. Limit your sugars (as they turn into carbs). My doctor suggested that I follow the Atkins plan and limit my carbs to 50g per day to control weight gain during pregnancy. (I believe this is Stage 3 of Atkins. Check their website - they've got tons of advice on what you can/can't eat and lots of yummy recipes, too.)

I'm also on Metformin, which I love. It helps to balance out my insulin and fixed my ovulation issues. With my insulin all out of whack before, I used to get super dizzy and STARVING randomly thoughout the day. If I didn't eat *right then,* I would feel like I was going to pass out and get super cranky. I feel so much better and just more normalized on it. It's awesome.

Balancing out your diet, should help to balance out your insulin/PCOS which can kickstart ovulation. If that's the only thing keeping you from getting pregnant, then definitely go for it and stick to it. It's a much better choice than months of Clomid, the Devil Drug.

I was diagnosed with PCOS in high school (about 15 years ago). My older sister had it and had problems with fertility issues and ended up having triplets!! I was placed on Glucophage in college when it first was used for PCOS. Everyone but my endocrinologist constantly asked if I had diabetes and why was I taking that medicine. I did lose about 5lbs. I am not the poster child for PCOS. I am fairly tall and thin, don't have much hair in places I shouldn't, but I was lucky if I had a period twice a year and had bad acne. Glucophage immediately improved my acne however it did not regulate my periods. I ended up (whoops!) getting pregnant 2.5 years ago and have a beautiful daughter. However, my husband and I have been trying for baby #2 since March without luck even using Clomid. We made the personal decision not to proceed with reproductive specialists. I"m not quite sure we are ready for all that. We decided to stop "trying" this month and see what happens to take all the stress off. PCOS is a complex diagnosis and affects so much of your body. I definetely think you need to get yourself on Glucophage ASAP. Also, my sister recently moved to Philadelphia and she found a hospital that offers a PCOS clinic and it sounds wonderful. I will ask her about if you would like. You might be able to just google it too. Good luck!!!

Hi S.!
I have been on metformin for about 7 years now, and while I have not had the significant weight loss I would like, I find that it does help. I try to severly limit my sugar intake, because if I don't, I get really sick to my stomach. It really doesn't help with the hair (I totally feel you there) but was told by my fertility doctor we would address that after I have had all the kiddos I want. So I deal with the hair. There are so many books, I pretty much gave up with those. I see Dr. Jarrett at Jarrett Fertility Group in Carmel and his website has a wealth of information on it I found really helpful. http://www.jarrettfertility.com/
So, to sum it up, get on Metformin, limit your complex carbohydrates and try to get 30 minutes of activity a day (work up from there, but a good place to start). Also, I passed my glucose test when was pregnant with flying colors and had zero issues with regulating my blood sugar. I stayed on metforming until my 7th month then went off it on recomnedation from my OB. GOODLUCK and send me a message if you want to chat!

Dr Jarret at Clarian North has a great program for PCOS people. They have developed a great diet, I lost 16 lbs in less than 2 months and got pregnant with no drugs after tryiny got 2 years and doing clomid. They run seminars also for information. Call them I highly recommend their services.
Good Luck K.

My best advice is to avoid sugar. I'm hesitant to say 'low-carb, high-protein' cuz people can take it too far with the fat/cholesterol/sodium. Cut out sugar, non-whole grains and starchy veggies. Use lean proteins and low-fat cheeses and lots of green veggies and you'll do well.

I was diagnosed a couple of years ago and just came back from maternity leave after having my first after fertility treatment. When i was diagnosed i did not change a whole lot diet wise but when i did get pregnant i started eating more organic foods and have continued that. i am trying to get rid of as much of the extra hormones as possible. i am not sure how it is working as i guess my body is still kind of recovering from having a a baby but i can keep you posted. I feel better i know that!
i hope you find yor answer...good luck!

Hi S.! You might be excited to know that a new natural/nutritional product just came out this past weekend from a 20-year-old food-science company that's been helping people with health issues for 20 years. This product is for people who have metobolic syndrome, pre-diabetes, and diabetes, and there's nothing out yet like it. Get these facts:
Clinical studies show that in 8 weeks, it reduces glucose levels by 30% and the average weight loss is 15 lbs in that 8 week period! It tastes great, and comes with a 30 day money-back-guarantee. Absolutely no negative side-effects. People are noticing IMMEDIATE results. This is great for prevention for those who may have sugar issues, or for those who already do.
Even the basic nutritional products help people's bodies to start working properly, which has helped many people (women especially) to get their hormones back into balance and female issues to resolve. My PMS went away almost completely.
Message me with your contact info and I'll be happy to get more info in your direction!