PCOS Check In

mrshall1027 · February 2014

Hey Ladies! So, we are bringing this weekly check in back and I plan on doing it every Wednesday. I'm hoping this discussion will help us to better deal with the syndrome and live longer, healthier and happier lives.

As the first post, @fusionbride suggested it might be nice to get to know each others history. As we move forward, it will probably be a set of questions, or if you'd like, PM me with any suggestions for questions to include in the next post. I can also do something similar to the 3T check in and list everyone's names that has been diagnosed, if you'd like.

When were you diagnosed?

What led to your diagnoses?

What symptoms do you have?

Are you taking any medications to treat the symptoms?

Are you following a certain health plan to help with the symptoms?

QOTW: Do you have any plans for Spring Break?

FFC/AW of the week:

fusionbride · February 2014

When were you diagnosed? 2009 I think

What led to your diagnoses? wonky cycles

What symptoms do you have? polycystic ovaries, long cycles, some annovulatory cycles, and acne

Are you taking any medications to treat the symptoms? no

Are you following a certain health plan to help with the symptoms? Not right now. Previously I've done low carb diet, which was helpful

QOTW: Do you have any plans for Spring Break? who gets spring break?? Im very jealous!

FFC/AW of the week: Valentine's day chocolate yum yum yum

brij2006 · February 2014

When were you diagnosed? May 2013

What led to your diagnoses? Not getting my period after getting off BC.

What symptoms do you have? The acne was unbearable at first. Then I started noticing a small little mustache I never had before. Hello testosterone!

Are you taking any medications to treat the symptoms? No

Are you following a certain health plan to help with the symptoms? Trying the PCOS diet and am considering going 100% GF instead of just 50/50.
My Dr has told me that the diet probably won't make a difference for me since I don't have an insullin resistance, but since we aren't doing treatment again for a while I feel that this is something I can attempt in the meantime.

QOTW: Do you have any plans for Spring Break? Nope.

FFC/AW of the week: I have a question. Whenever I look at people's charts who don't have PCOS, I notice that their temps are almost a full degree higher than mine. Is that another sign of PCOS? Since doing the diet, I've noticed that my temps are slightly higher than they used to be and will dip if I go off the deep end with the diet for a day or 2.

OohSparkly13 · February 2014

When were you diagnosed? Officially diagnosed in 2010

What led to your diagnoses? Weight gain and irregular/almost non-exsistent periods.

What symptoms do you have? Weight gain(primarily in my midsection), irregular periods, insulin resistance, thinning hair on my head, excess hair on my stomach and face.

Are you taking any medications to treat the symptoms? I'm currently on 1500mg of Metformin daily.

Are you following a certain health plan to help with the symptoms? Not really. I'm trying to eat better...focusing on more whole foods and less processed. Trying to get back into excersing but finding the motivation is hard for me right now.

QOTW: Do you have any plans for Spring Break? Nope

FFC/AW of the week: Can I brag on my DH for a minute? He recently changed work hours so he has to leave the house by 7am whereas I don't leave until after 8am. Every day this week, he has woken me up with breakast in bed! He says he will continue to do it everyday too! There's nothing like being woken up by your loved one with a plate of yummy breakfast

)

sparklingdiamond · February 2014

@brij2006 My acu told me that people with PCOS typically have lower temps than those who don't. As I went through the acu process, it gradually brought my temps up. I used to have some down in the 96 range, but then they all started staying above 97.

When were you diagnosed? My original OBGYN suspected it when I was only 16 and wasn't having regular periods. I wasn't officially diagnosed until we started trying to get pregnant, so I guess that was 2011.

What led to your diagnoses? I went on BC originally because I wasn't having regular periods like I should have. Then when I came off of it, I didn't have periods again, so they did testing and confirmed it.

What symptoms do you have? Irregular (really nonexistent) periods, no ovulation, polycystic ovaries, some hormone levels that were off (can't remember which hormone at the moment)

Are you taking any medications to treat the symptoms? I was on 1000 mg of Metformin originally and it didn't really do anything. Then I went to a new OBGYN and she suggested upping it to 1500 mg and then I actually started having cycles! They were still long, but it was better than none at all!

Are you following a certain health plan to help with the symptoms? Not currently.

QOTW: Do you have any plans for Spring Break? No plans for me. Working. It's tax season.

FFC/AW of the week: My AW of the week is that we close on our house on Friday!!

RockABye · February 2014

When were you diagnosed? Unofficially, I think around 2003/2004. Officially in 2008

What led to your diagnoses? incredibly irregular periods/heavy bleeding prior to going on bcp and non-existent cycles after I got off bcp in 08.

What symptoms do you have? stupid cycles, wacky hormones, thinning hair, IF

Are you taking any medications to treat the symptoms? nope. Unless you count provera to end cycles. I've done Clomid 2x and injectables once, which I guess could be considered a treatment of some sort

Are you following a certain health plan to help with the symptoms? no. But I am vegan/gluten free 95% of the time.

QOTW: Do you have any plans for Spring Break? Spring break? what's that? People with jobs get off for spring break??

FFC/AW of the week: can't think of anything

brij2006 · February 2014

Another Question.

You girls keep talking about Metformin. What exactly does this do? It isn't something my Dr has brought up, but since we're on hold for a while I'm now wondering if it's something I should ask him about at my next appointment.

mrshall1027 · February 2014

brij2006 said:

Another Question.
You girls keep talking about Metformin. What exactly does this do? It isn't something my Dr has brought up, but since we're on hold for a while I'm now wondering if it's something I should ask him about at my next appointment.

Metformin is used to treat insulin resistance. I'm not sure if it would be prescribed for another reason.

brij2006 · February 2014

ystaalenburg said:

brij2006 said:

Another Question.
You girls keep talking about Metformin. What exactly does this do? It isn't something my Dr has brought up, but since we're on hold for a while I'm now wondering if it's something I should ask him about at my next appointment.

Metformin is used to treat insulin resistance. I'm not sure if it would be prescribed for another reason.

Oh okay, then that makes sense. Those levels came back normal for me, so that may be why he didn't offer it. I might still ask at my next appointment anyways.

sweetpotato123 · February 2014

It's supposed to help with regulating excess testosterone and some believe it helps prevent miscarriage, too, since we are also more prone to them. I can only tolerate 500 mg daily, but both REs said even a little helps.

mrshall1027 · February 2014

When were you diagnosed? When I was 16.

What led to your diagnoses? My period just didn't come one month and my mom was freaking out, thinking I was pregnant even though I was still a virgin! Very traumatic time in my life! lol

What symptoms do you have? Non existent cycles, don't ovulate, hair loss, insulin resistance, cysts, extra weight gain in my abdomen, hair growth on my upper lip and a little on my chin. Fun stuff!

Are you taking any medications to treat the symptoms? I'm prescribed 1500mg Metformin daily, but I'm bad at taking it every day. I try to take at least 1000mg. Unfortunately, it makes me feel sick if I take it all at once, so I try to split it up between meals and that's why I forget.

Are you following a certain health plan to help with the symptoms? Recently started a modified version of the PCOS diet. I'm still going to drink some alcohol, but healthier choices (vodka soda/water and red wine). I'm trying to get H on board with going 100% organic, but he's fighting me hard on it. Also, reducing my carb and sugar intake by a lot.

QOTW: Do you have any plans for Spring Break? I'd like to do something, but I probably can't take off the whole week. Maybe go to the beach for an extended weekend.

FFC/AW of the week: I've lost 4lbs since starting my diet and exercising last week! :-bd

sgautschi · February 2014

When were you diagnosed? Last month (January 2014)

What led to your diagnoses? I got an MRI in December 2013 to diagnose pelvic/back pain, but instead of finding an issue with my back, they found polycystic ovaries and pelvic congestion. My doctor had me do PCOS bloodwork just to be safe, and it came back with high testosterone.

What symptoms do you have? Polycystic ovaries, pelvic/back pain, weight gain, acne and slightly irregular periods.

Are you taking any medications to treat the symptoms? Considering going back on BC to regulate the pain, but I'm still undecided. So in the meantime I'm just toughing it out. Probably not the best plan of action.

Are you following a certain health plan to help with the symptoms? DH and I are trying to eat healthy and lose weight, I'm hoping just by doing that my symptoms improve.

QOTW: Do you have any plans for Spring Break? Since we won't have school, we'll probably get a few house projects done.

FFC/AW of the week: I could be working out right now, but I'm watching a movie instead.

sparklingdiamond · February 2014

brij2006 said:

ystaalenburg said:

brij2006 said:

Another Question.
You girls keep talking about Metformin. What exactly does this do? It isn't something my Dr has brought up, but since we're on hold for a while I'm now wondering if it's something I should ask him about at my next appointment.

Metformin is used to treat insulin resistance. I'm not sure if it would be prescribed for another reason.

Oh okay, then that makes sense. Those levels came back normal for me, so that may be why he didn't offer it. I might still ask at my next appointment anyways.

My original OB offered it to me and said it may help and may not, but at least let me try it. It doesn't hurt to ask about it because it might possibly work for you.

OohSparkly13 · February 2014

sparklingdiamond said:

brij2006 said:

ystaalenburg said:

brij2006 said:

Another Question.
You girls keep talking about Metformin. What exactly does this do? It isn't something my Dr has brought up, but since we're on hold for a while I'm now wondering if it's something I should ask him about at my next appointment.

Metformin is used to treat insulin resistance. I'm not sure if it would be prescribed for another reason.

Oh okay, then that makes sense. Those levels came back normal for me, so that may be why he didn't offer it. I might still ask at my next appointment anyways.

My original OB offered it to me and said it may help and may not, but at least let me try it. It doesn't hurt to ask about it because it might possibly work for you.

I was on a PCOS forum and one member was saying that their RE told them that everyone with PCOS has some degree of insulin resistance but that it is hard to diagnose because your fasting blood sugar and daily blood sugar can be within the normal range but you can still be insulin resistant.

My most recent blood work from 3 years ago with my current obgyn came back normal. She still says I am insulin resistant though because of my weight issues and PCOS.

For me personally, Metformin has kind of been a miracle drug. Before Metformin, I had to either take Provera to induce a period or be on BC pills. I had one period after I came off BC pills in August but that cycle was 72 days long. I've been on Metformin since October and my most recent cycle was 30 days long. I was pretty excited about that!

brij2006 · February 2014

OohSparkly13 said:

sparklingdiamond said:

brij2006 said:

ystaalenburg said:

brij2006 said:

Another Question.
You girls keep talking about Metformin. What exactly does this do? It isn't something my Dr has brought up, but since we're on hold for a while I'm now wondering if it's something I should ask him about at my next appointment.

Metformin is used to treat insulin resistance. I'm not sure if it would be prescribed for another reason.

Oh okay, then that makes sense. Those levels came back normal for me, so that may be why he didn't offer it. I might still ask at my next appointment anyways.

My original OB offered it to me and said it may help and may not, but at least let me try it. It doesn't hurt to ask about it because it might possibly work for you.

I was on a PCOS forum and one member was saying that their RE told them that everyone with PCOS has some degree of insulin resistance but that it is hard to diagnose because your fasting blood sugar and daily blood sugar can be within the normal range but you can still be insulin resistant.

My most recent blood work from 3 years ago with my current obgyn came back normal. She still says I am insulin resistant though because of my weight issues and PCOS.

For me personally, Metformin has kind of been a miracle drug. Before Metformin, I had to either take Provera to induce a period or be on BC pills. I had one period after I came off BC pills in August but that cycle was 72 days long. I've been on Metformin since October and my most recent cycle was 30 days long. I was pretty excited about that!

Thanks girls. Pretty much all of my cycles have been started with Provera. So even if it gives me some sort of "cycle," then I will be pleased.

sparklingdiamond · February 2014

brij2006 said:

OohSparkly13 said:

sparklingdiamond said:

brij2006 said:

ystaalenburg said:

brij2006 said:

Another Question.
You girls keep talking about Metformin. What exactly does this do? It isn't something my Dr has brought up, but since we're on hold for a while I'm now wondering if it's something I should ask him about at my next appointment.

Metformin is used to treat insulin resistance. I'm not sure if it would be prescribed for another reason.

Oh okay, then that makes sense. Those levels came back normal for me, so that may be why he didn't offer it. I might still ask at my next appointment anyways.

My original OB offered it to me and said it may help and may not, but at least let me try it. It doesn't hurt to ask about it because it might possibly work for you.

I was on a PCOS forum and one member was saying that their RE told them that everyone with PCOS has some degree of insulin resistance but that it is hard to diagnose because your fasting blood sugar and daily blood sugar can be within the normal range but you can still be insulin resistant.

My most recent blood work from 3 years ago with my current obgyn came back normal. She still says I am insulin resistant though because of my weight issues and PCOS.

For me personally, Metformin has kind of been a miracle drug. Before Metformin, I had to either take Provera to induce a period or be on BC pills. I had one period after I came off BC pills in August but that cycle was 72 days long. I've been on Metformin since October and my most recent cycle was 30 days long. I was pretty excited about that!

Thanks girls. Pretty much all of my cycles have been started with Provera. So even if it gives me some sort of "cycle," then I will be pleased.

Also, acupuncture did wonders for my cycles!

brij2006 · February 2014

sparklingdiamond said:

brij2006 said:

OohSparkly13 said:

sparklingdiamond said:

brij2006 said:

ystaalenburg said:

brij2006 said:

Another Question.
You girls keep talking about Metformin. What exactly does this do? It isn't something my Dr has brought up, but since we're on hold for a while I'm now wondering if it's something I should ask him about at my next appointment.

Metformin is used to treat insulin resistance. I'm not sure if it would be prescribed for another reason.

Oh okay, then that makes sense. Those levels came back normal for me, so that may be why he didn't offer it. I might still ask at my next appointment anyways.

My original OB offered it to me and said it may help and may not, but at least let me try it. It doesn't hurt to ask about it because it might possibly work for you.

I was on a PCOS forum and one member was saying that their RE told them that everyone with PCOS has some degree of insulin resistance but that it is hard to diagnose because your fasting blood sugar and daily blood sugar can be within the normal range but you can still be insulin resistant.

My most recent blood work from 3 years ago with my current obgyn came back normal. She still says I am insulin resistant though because of my weight issues and PCOS.

For me personally, Metformin has kind of been a miracle drug. Before Metformin, I had to either take Provera to induce a period or be on BC pills. I had one period after I came off BC pills in August but that cycle was 72 days long. I've been on Metformin since October and my most recent cycle was 30 days long. I was pretty excited about that!

Thanks girls. Pretty much all of my cycles have been started with Provera. So even if it gives me some sort of "cycle," then I will be pleased.

Also, acupuncture did wonders for my cycles!

:-( The nearest acupuncturist that specializes in IF is 2 hours away from us.

nightmare_of_beauty · February 2014

When were you diagnosed? June 2011

What led to your diagnoses? Heavy bleeding, weight, different pains I was having.

What symptoms do you have? Insulin resistance

Are you taking any medications to treat the symptoms? Metformin

Are you following a certain health plan to help with the symptoms? I use to South Beach diet to help

QOTW: Do you have any plans for Spring Break? No at the moment

FFC/AW of the week: I already posted about my biggest thing. I think this weekly check in will be nice.

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