Pcos/d

C.,

I have PCOS, and I found out by going to my endocrinologist and getting blood work done. I had decided to see the Dr. because I haven't ever had a regular period. I had my 1st period at 17 yrs old. When I was younger, I had a few a year. Somehow, I conceived when I was 27, (I hadn't been diagnosed at that time, but my Dr. said I wasn't likely to get pregnant in my life due to my hormone levels.) SO I have a wonderful 7 year old (smile). I don't think I have had a period in about a year at this point. My endo. said the next step that I need to do is get this test done and after, begin taking a small script of a steriod. (I haven't yet done this because I am broke), and depending on which way the steriod affected me, would determine what my next diagnosis was, and what treatment to begin. I do have (semi-regular)symptoms that I might start my period, huge painful pimple, grouchy, bloated, cramps etc... but I never start my period.

My Dr. says that I am not the typical case of PCOS, because he says in most cases, women are heavier than I am. (I am a size 4 currently- but my weight does fluctuate). Also, he says that typically, PCOS women are very hairy, and I am regularly hairy (LOL- that sounded funny)- so I don't know if I am typical case to ask questions to....

I do hope to have another child (although I am well aware that my window of opportunity is closing- plus, I have been single for a long time). The Dr. says that it is possible to have another child, but highly unlikely without doing some sort of hormone replacement (shots or something)...?? SO hopefully after I clear some of the financial hardships- I can tend to my PCOS issue, and also have a few other surgeries (I have 2 hernias, had 2 repaired before- just lovely, more of them, oh so attractive too!---I need ear surgeries... etc...)

Anyway, I hope life is as good as possible and your health is good. I am happy to answer anything you have questions about.

God Bless you and yours!

A.

C., I see many women with pcos in my practice. I recommend the following products: Wild Yam & Chaste Tree (Vitex) and Female Comfort. Both contain ingredients that balance the female glandular system. They are available at wholesale prices at www.naturalremedies4less.com. Also, your diet should be high in protein and low in carbohydrates. Many people get confused here. Lean protein, veggies, and low fruits are your best friends. Pasta, breads, noodles, crackers, pastries are you enemy. Your diet is basically the same I would recommend to reverse type II diabetes. Using hormones is overkill when simple things work best and they don't mess around with your future baby making.

A little bit about me. I am a Board Certified Naturopathic Doctor in Noblesville, have 30 years of experience, grandmother of 2 and almost 3 little boys, love what I do every part of everyday.

C.,
I was diagnosed with PCOS after my mother read an article about it in Woman's Day about 9 years ago (before that I had gone 7 years w/o a period). I contact Dr. Charles Glueck, who has been researching and working with women who have PCOS. I take Metformin (and yes, Metformin is safe to take during pregnacy- researchers have found that it decreases chances of miscarriage in the 1st trimester; and it is safe to breastfeed while taking it). Here is Dr Glueck's website http://www.ask.com/bar?q=charles+glueck+health+alliance&a... or search the web with the following search terms-- Charles Glueck PCOS Health Alliance

Without Dr Glueck, my husband and I wouldn't have our beautiful 5 year old.

Good luck.

There are a lot of doctors who will want you to go on birth control to control your periods. I went on a couple of them, and they all "made me crazy". I had much better luck using Glucophage (brand name)/Metformin (generic). You can take that whether or not you're trying to conceive (although it can make it easier to conceive).

I think when I went through the fertility cycles, to get me "on schedule", they put me on Desogen, and it seemed to work pretty well (not make me as crazy as some of the others).

FYI...

C.,

I have PCOS and have two wonderful kids almost 2 1/2 yrs and 7 months. Went through all the testing and tried for over 6yrs. I then found a program called the crieghton model type of family planning that does many things. This found us a doctor that did a bilateral ovarian wedge resection. along with metformin 1000mg twice daily and little help from Femera. We got our first, second was metformin only which I am told will need to stay on. Before all this we tried it all. Metformin alone didn't work. Over the top large doses Clomid didnt help either. WAs told do to no hormones to work with. Best of luck.

I am on Low-ogestrel (Low-overal) as a menstral regulator and 500mgs of glucophage (Metfornin) 2xs a day. I also have to go in for internal and external ultrasounds every 6 months. Some women can just get on a birth control though and it will fix it. My symptoms were sever cramps that would keep me in bed for a few days, going MONTHS w/o a period, false positives on tests, and a swollen spot on my abdomen that was tender to the touch... come to find out it was my ovary and it was the size of a clemintine orange. When I would get a period it was awfull, I thought at one point that I was hemeraging or some thing it was so bad.
K.

I have lived with the PCOS diagnosis for about 6 years. I say it that way because I had it much longer, but no one could put it all together. My first two symptoms were ovarian cysts (that burst) and cystic acne on my neck. I also have issues with excess hair, although not on my face. I have depression and difficulty losing weight. I am also insulin resistant. I take a Glucophage (aka Metphormin) which is a diabetic medicine and it has worked wonders. I was on a very strict diet through an endocronologist which was a miracle diet (very low carbs and very high protein). However, that was after having my son. I got pregnant with him while taking progesterone pills.