Hi Everyone:
Seems like a great forum, glad to be here. But I'm hoping someone can help me. Here's my story: I've been doing a lot of research in the last 6 months to determine what was wrong with me. In the last year I gained about 30 lbs., I was exhausted every day (even w/ the ususal 4-5 cups of coffee), no energy, completely slow reflexes and thought processes, and most nights in bed before 8 (which would be OK, if I were older; I'm only 27). I've seen a bunch of Dr.s who have all done the usual blood work, (thyroid, glucose, etc.) and have not been able to find anything wrong with me (One even told me I'm tired because I'm a single Mom!!!?). Anyways, I found this sight and identified with a lot of the symptoms of PCOS (which my sister has) weight gain, acne, hair growth..So I started low-carbing about a month ago (thinking I may have IR) and I'm down about 13 lbs.(and have more energy)!.But the latest Dr. to see me, did the bloodwork and told me that I don't have any of the metabolic symptoms of PCOS (or IR)?? Then what do I have.?? If anyone has any info, I would appreciate it..

I also was tired all the time before starting LCing. Now, I have so much energy I sometimes dont know what to do with it all and at night I sleep like a baby. I put it down to my new WOE and that I was eating very unhealthy before. There is probubly nothing wrong with you except that you needed to also change your eating habits. Congrats on your 13 pounds gone.

Hello and welcome to the forum!

When I had little kids (2) I was always tired as well, so what that doc said may not be so far off!

I hope you'll feel better in your newly adopted WOL.

Lots of good luck on the rest of your LC-journey!

Thanks for your replies. I need to make clear. First, that I KNOW (w/o a doubt) that my being tired was NOT caused by my being a single mom (I have been for the better part of 10 yrs;worked 2 FT jobs, etc.. down to one now; and never experienced anything like this).The question I have though is... Even though I do not have any of the metabolic symptoms of PCOS is it still possible for me to have it??. I do have the hair growth, acne, weight gain & fatigue (even though periods are normal).??.Is this PCOS?? Help!

Yes absolutely, some poor women have only one of the symptoms of it, some have 10 or more symptoms, which is why it is so easily overlooked by Drs. They still don't know enough about it, the only way of truly getting to know if you have it is to speak to someone who specialises in it, and obviously that can be costly. After 10 yrs of not being diagnosed I eventually found a proffessor in it and he diagnosed me. I had very little of the symptoms.

Good luck in finding out about it.
If you're interested in finding out about it some more then visit
http://www.soulcysters.com/

Ineedahelp

My doctor made an initial diagnosis of PCOS based on my symptoms, the most striking of which were irregular periods and very rapid weight gain. WHen my bloodwork came back, I, like you, did not have any of the typical PCOS markers.

I am having an ultrasound in a week to determine once and for all whether I have PCOS and I would suggest that this may be what you need to give yourself some real answers, too. Although I would say that unless your lab technician is very experienced at ultrasounding ovaries, I understand it is common for PCOS not to be spotted. I would ask to have a fertility specialist do the scan because they will be used to looking at the anatomy of an ovary.

I will say, though, that it is a little unusual for you to have PCOS without disturbances in your menstrual cycle (unless you are on the pill).

Whether you have PCOS and insulin resistance or not, you will probably find that low-carbing and other changes recommended for PCOS women (cutting out chemicals, eating more vegetables, etc) are simply good recommendations for everyone.

If you are hoping to have a firm diagnosis of PCOS to get metformin, then I would suggest changing doctors until you find one that really believes in metformin therapy and will prescribe it solely on the basis of your reported symptoms.

They might be hard to find, but they are out there.

Good luck.

Thanks. I find a lot of inspiration in what you've said. I supposse I will have to find yet another Dr. I just want to know (need to), so I can deal w/ and get treatment for whatever it is I have. I don't know anything about metformin, though. Is that a treatment??

The ultrasound is what you should do. I have one scheduled in a couple of weeks to see if I have PCOS. Good luck...

Whee a new member and a question I can certainly answer!! Lol.

Metformin is a diabetic drug used in the treatment of PCOS. It together with the diet regime is the only known treatment for the condition.

Correct me if I'm wrong here y'all!!

I've been put on the drug only very recently - my doc did this before he had all the results in ... I go for an internal ultrasound next Wednesday.

I had symptoms of hypoglycemia and all of my tests proved negative. However, beginning lcing has stopped all of my symptoms. Sometimes we have to rely on our own instincts and throw out the scientific technology to the birds.

Black57, are you taking Metformin or just LC'ing?

Ineedahelp What area are you in? do you have any fertility specialist in this area? I would try them. Like stated above some women with PCOS have 1 system and some have all. You can even be skinny and have it.
www.soulcysters.com is a good place
www.pcoscampaign.com is also good as it has FAQs and an actual written quiz. If i was you I would go there print out the quiz do it, and take it with you to the doctors the next time.
It may or maynot be PCOS. Your body could just be changing your metabolism slowing down. and etc. However since your sister has PCOS I would diffently check it out!