Hallo,

I was diagnosed with PCOS in 1997. I was 160lbs, and my only other symptoms were amennorea (Sp?), severe acne, and dark patches of skin. At that time I was put on BCP's, and I went on antibiotics for 3 years, followed by acutane for 6 months (which I'll never do again).

Since then I've had that diagnosis confirmed with 2 other doctors (each doctor didn't 'believe' in the previous diagnosis, I suppose) in 2000 and 2004. I am now 260lbs ::cries:: which is about 15lbs lighter than I was a few years ago. I have excessive hirsutism on my chin and upper lip that I pluck obsessively. Still got the bad acne and dark patches of skin and amennorea, which went from a period every 6 months, to having two periods (one induced with progesterone) since I stopped the BCP in 2001. Depression, my hair has thinned out considerably (I used to have very thick and full hair, now it's fine and very thin). I have about every symptom in the book EXCEPT for sleep apnea/breathing problems, and high blood pressure.

Though my husband and I have thrown the thought of having children naturally out the door, I've begun to try and get treatments for it again recently, because I've had some other issues come up that I am not sure are from the PCOS, including no sex drive (isn't my husband lucky?) and being highly irritable, as well as anxiety. I also have constant sinus/respiratory infections. (yuck) Probably the most agitating for me has been issues with memory loss.

My previous treatments included Welbutrin XL/Bruproprion for the depression/anxiety and Metformin for insulin/pregnancy issues. My body had bad reactions to the Metformin, and I stopped taking all pills altogether after a year.

For the past 2 months I've been working out at a facility for 30min-1hr, 3-5 times a week and my diet is good and dr. approved, though I have not tried low-carb dieting. That is part of the reason I am here. In the past two months, I have GAINED 1lb.
I saw my doctor (who I do love, though he can be stubborn) and he has decided to put me on Spironolact for the hirsutism and possible help with the weight issue, as well as the Bruproprion again. I am scheduled to have my potassium levels tested in a month, from the Spironolact. This is where I currently stand.

Okay, so that is all about me.

I would love to hear if any of you experience similar issues with your PCOS, since I know everyone is different, and what you have done that has worked/helped. I need it! And I would love to hear from others that are 'overcoming' it. As well as how well the low-card diet has worked for you. I must say I am very reluctant, as I am a carb-maniac. Has it really shown improvement with the weight loss and any other pcos related issues?

Thanks!

don't lose hope. Stay on low carb.

It kicks PCOS in its butt. I have all of your issues (had actually) and after low carbing and some laser everything is under control.

I cannot impress upon you enough how important it is for you to stay away from carbs. Your skin will clear up, you will find your hirsutism gets under control... it's almost like not having it.

You might lose weight slower, but it will work.

I agree with pennik low carb does work the hard thing for us that have pcos that we crave the carbs so much and they are just so bad for our pcos. Give yourself a fair chance on a low carb(as soon as I do induction my period starts on its own ) So give it a good try keep us posted how your feeling.

Hair falling out, hair growing slowly, deep depression, intense irritability, exhaustion & fatigue, weak brittle nails -- these are all symptoms associated with iron deficiency anaemia.

I would agree that you need to low carb, increase your protein and fats. Also I would suspect you may have diabetes. lil' annie is right that iron difficeincy is a problem with your symptoms, but so is diabetes, and with your weight as you state it, it is very likely that you have it on top of the PCOS.

Find Dr. Bernsteins book, Diabetes Solution, and check out other good books. You need to get your insulin incheck and as you do so your body should start to heal, even if it takes time.
PCOS is one of those conditions that you have got to be patient with, because it is tough.

Thanks everyone, for your advice!

I have had my iron checked last month, as well as been tested for diabetes (twice, most recently last month), both of which I have no issues/problems with currently.

My hair thinned out about ten years ago, I haven't had recent issues with hair thinning or falling out. (Though I miss the thick head of hair I had as a pre teen/young teen!) I don't have weak nails, though I do struggle with depression and fatigue, both of which come with the PCOS however. I am not sure what is going on with the memory loss...but my dr ran a ton of bloodwork, all of which came back that I am within "normal" range. My mom 'reassured' me that all the women on her side suffer from short-term memory loss. I think I'm a little young for it---and most the women on her side also suffered from prescription drug abuse, which I have not--so I just don't know what to think. Or what I was thinking about 5 minutes ago. (slight joke)

I was reading that a protein defficency(sp) can cause irritability as well. I read you're supposed to get 70g daily, which I don't get. I'm wondering if that may be the cause of my recent and sporadic bursts of anger.

I have been trying to get into the low-carb. I'm introducing it slowly, starting with portion control on the carbs...but from what I have been reading, carbs are in practically EVERYTHING. I'm also finding carb counts to be conflicting. I read two different atkins promoters, one saying eat less than 20g of carbs daily, the other saying don't go less than 50g because it can cause other health complications. I am not a water fan, but I am drinking 'Skinny Water' now, which is flavored, has no calories, and no carbs.

As far as losing weight slower, I am not losing weight now! (I work out 3-5 times a week at a gym and am practicing a fairly balanced and portioned diet for the past 3 months now) If it helps with the PCOS, then I'm down.

Thanks again for help and input, and keep it comin'! I am excited to see some positive changes ahead of me!

I am a turtle when it comes to weight loss, and I believe it's from my PCOS. Following a low carb diet is the ONLY thing that works for me. My weight loss is slow, but it goes down. Everything else I have tried I gain on.

I do take Metformin, and that seems to help in conjunction with the low carb.

I also find that a low carb diet does a good job of regulating my system. I don't seem to struggle as much with they symptoms. I have slight depression, hairy chin, weight gain, no period, etc.
HTH!

I have to ask about your reaction to metformin. What exactly were the bad reactions?

Has your doctor checked your fasting insulin levels? If not, make sure you get that checked. That information can rule out/rule in lots of diseases.

When you say you work out, is it straight cardio? With PCOS, insulin gets way out of whack and exercise is a great way to bring it down! However, strength training produces a more desirable effect on insulin than cardio.

How long has it been since you've had a period since you've said you are amenorrheic?

On the metformin, I had very bad stomach reactions, which I've read is common. We tried to gradually increase it, starting with really low doses, but I had diarrhea/sour stomach from the very beginning. I eventually threw in the towel after 8 months of being miserable. I was losing weight effectively--but only because I couldn't eat anything and I was always on the toilet.
I did do straight cardio for a month, then went to 50% cardio 50% strength under dr's recommendation. It's been three months since then and I have lost the initial 6lbs that I gained when I began working out, but that is all. I have noticed that I feel better emotionally, however, since adding strength training. But I get real lethargic quite easily now.
On my own, it has been since 2001 that I've had a period, and that is because I stopped the BC. We did induce a period with progesterone in 2003.
And yes to the fasting insulin, and even fasting glucose.

With PCOS - all of your hormones can be off the charts when not treated.

Mine got so bad that I developed Hepatitis - the effects of very high insulin caused my liver to react (Enzyme #9) to the point they almost had me quarantined.

After a 14 hour fast - they tested my estrogen, testosterone, androgens, liver profile, insulin, glucose, iron, potassium, follicle stimulating, thyroid stimulating, sex binding globulin - there were many off the charts!

I have the male-pattern hair loss, used to have the male-pattern hair growth (but thanks to the Dermatologist I have now, he put a stop to that!), I have the obesity common with PCOS-patients...

I am PCOS, Metabolic X Syndrome, allergic to coconut, now allergic to dairy (thanks to a case study I did with the Dermatologist), cant digest beef anymore (I dont really like it anyways), and recently - have been developing some weird reactions when I eat breads/grains/rice/pasta... Im actually heading for a consult with an Allergen specialist to have testing done...

PCOS patients will by far have one of the longer battles with weight loss because of what all the hormones do, when they are factored in. I learned so much more from my Dermatologist about PCOS in his medical jurisdiction that my PCP asked to meet with him to learn more... PCOS is one of those "They mention it in medical school but they dont really study it".. because there are so many different areas to test - and one woman's PCOS will be different from the next, as far as intensity/affliction.

Trust me when I say, being told you had enough testosterone for two men at the age of 22 is simply NOT the best thing to be told! LOL I balled my eyes out, and then immediately flipped to the angry side with no effort! LOL

One thing I have found - is that the foods you eat WILL have a significant affect when you are on hormone-leveling prescriptions:

Im taking the following:

Ocella (generic for Yasmin) - just to have a period and regulate hormones
Spironolactone - to help with the hair loss and its a diuretic
Fosinopril - blood pressure
Metformin - to regulate insulin and glucose (I have to get the link, the study is fantastic)

Calcium Citrate
Biotin
B Complex
Vitamin D3

Thankfully with all the veggies I eat, I have never had a problem with potassium depletion - all my blood work comes back with very good readings..

And, for me, since easing off the whole carb-ridden foods and only eating lean meats, healthy fats, fruits and veggies, my cholesterol took a 16 point dive within almost three months!!! That is when my Dermatologist recommended a Paleo diet for me once he learned Im having trouble digesting beef and breads/pasta. Im hoping in the next few weeks to be paleo in full force - it will be more difficult to wean off - like someone else said here on the thread - its a significant craving - but I know if I can wean off dairy all together - I know I can wean off the breads/grains/pasta and junk... Im up for any challenge..

Good luck!