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PCOS ladies help
Have you been able to lose weight on your own without medication? I have been trying with no result since January. I am frustrated. In the past, BCPs have helped regulate my hormones and kept my weight steady, but since going off them I have not been able to get the scale to move. I have cut out a lot of sugar and am eating below ~30 grams per day, I've cut out most carbs and stay low on the GI index of what I eat and avoid starchy veggies. I'm working out about an hour a day 5-6 days a week. I'm tracking calories and have had my BMR measured w/ a breathing machine by a registered dietician.
I am so frustrated. I'm not really overweight, but have about 5 to 10 pounds I would like to get off that I have gained since coming off BCPs. I stopped taking BCPs because they gave me massive headaches every day.
Any tips you can share? Anything that you've found that works for you? Help!
Re: PCOS ladies help
I'm doing most of the same things you are. I've lost 5 lbs in the past two weeks (just got back on the wagon, lost 10 lbs last time, hence the ticker). Granted, I may have more to lose, and I don't doubt that there will be plateaus along the way. If you're on My Fitness Pal, you can follow me. Same screen name. My diet is a work in progress, so you may already be eating better than me. I've also been doing zumba an hour a day 3-4 times a week, and walking for 45 minutes 5 days a week, with a little strength training thrown in.
If you're not that overweight, you may just be stuck there without meds. Some people are just naturally a little thicker, epsecially PCOSers.
**Nestie Besties with Deutschefairy**
Diagnosed PCOS '03, TTC #1 Since March '09
BFP - 10/20/10, M/C - 10/29/10
June 2011 - 50mg Clomid = No O
Dieted and exercised my butt off for PCOS = BFP 5/7/2012
Due 12/29/2012
Yes, I've lost 40lbs by working out about 6 times a week - minimum 1hr cardio (mostly running) each workout with 1hr weights every second workout. I've been eating a low GI vegan diet of about 1200 cals with occasional splurges. Lots and lots of homemade cabbage salads to fill me up. It's taken about 8 months and maybe it's been easier this time around as for most of it I was on hypothyroid meds for my borderline issue but I was on them before hitting the exercise hard and having eaten a whole grain vegan/veggie diet for years.
Im now off the thyroid meds as my cycles regulated somewhat and I'm temporarily testing to see if I still need them and I have definitely plateaued although that may be because I don't 'need' to lose any more weight but would like to drop the last 10-15lbs.
In the past I've lost but it's always been a long, slow struggle. I'm older now and I really think Met is helping some. I know I'm a slow looser and I'm ok with that but wow, I think I would have given up if I didn't know about my PCOS or if I tried to do it all w/o medication. Do you see an endo or a RE? I see my RE every year even though we aren't ttc. He does a full blood screen (all hormones, A1C, testosterone, thyroid, liver function, cholesterol, probably even more). If you haven't done a full screen or it's been over a year I would strongly encourage you to get one. Go through a specalist, not just an ob or pcp. My insurance does not cover ART but it does cover all my appointments with the RE to monitor & treat my pcos. A hormone or something could be off just enough to throw off weight loss efforts and PCPs or family docs sometimes don't pick up on that. Also, you should be able to tell the specialist why you do or do not want to be on medication and s/he should give you alternatives or explain why medication might be the best bet. My first RE wasn't a right fit but my 2nd always takes the time to discuss my bloodwork and answers my treatment questions.
FYI, my testosterone was way, way off and I think getting that under control helped with my weight loss and helped lower my cholesterol.
Another thought-do you know your body fat percentage or muscle mass? You might be in an ideal range and that's why the last few pounds are not budging. If you feel good, your PCOS symptoms are under control or better control, you have regular periods, and the extra weight isn't a TTC issue you might be doing ok.
Sometimes it's really hard to get to a happy place with our bodies. I think it's even harder for women with PCOS b/c off all the external symptoms. I mean really, our ovaries are lazy AND we get to live with pimples, moustaches, and pudge! I'm not 100% happy yet so I feel for you, I really do. Hang in there!
Thanks yes and the above describes me. Nothing really out of control, I do have regular periods and I am considered overweight (I think 5 pounds over normal) by BMI standards, but overall very healthy and all my bloodwork is great as well. I haven't seen an RE, that sounds like it might be a good idea. I am generally always tired though even though I eat well and exercise a lot and get enough sleep.
I have always had body issues, but mainly all of the PCOS is under control. I just wish for those few pounds that weren't there during BCPs weren't there now. Blah!
Aww, hang in there! Going off of BCP might have thrown off your hormones just a little bit. You could go over to IF or SAIF on the bump and ask if anyone can rec a RE in your area that knows his or her PCOS. I know here in Ohio there are a few that do lots of PCOS research through some of our universities. I bet you could find someone like that in NC. Some are more focused on getting people pg but I bet you can find one who wants to help you get and stay healthy no matter your TTC plans.