PCOS

[pecan]

It’s shit that you can only unlock a half decent treatment if you’re trying for a baby though. Another example of ‘if this happened to men instead of women, it would not be like this’. I feel like a right bra-burner but honestly it’s hard to convince me otherwise!

No I totally agree with you and I think most people in this thread would too! It’s always the same with women’s healthcare. I’m sorry you’ve had a rough time of it with your mental health, I empathise and it’s definitely important to prioritise that. Regarding losing weight, it can help but won’t necessarily lead to big improvements. I am well within my ‘healthy’ weight range but I still have excessive body hair, hair loss from my head, terrible skin, irregular cycle, all the fun stuff. Obviously everyone has their own journey, sometimes things improve and other times they don’t. Again women’s weight is something else that every GP will use as a reason for things. Of course I advocate for being the healthiest version of yourself but don’t let anyone shame you into losing weight. Do it because it’s what you want for yourself. I really wish you all the best in receiving treatment that suits you and on your TTC journey when you feel it’s the right time again.

 

[Redline]

It does help with this, it’s life changing

I have heard a few people say similar. I'm going to have to look into it - I'd love to calm the noise in my head for sweet things and booze.

 

[Curly]

Oh I’ve never heard the time thing! That’s interesting and I’ll be taking that on board for my workouts going forward
---

It’s not something the doctors seem to say. Everyone bangs on about food and losing weight but nothing about the best ways to do it

I didn’t know the time thing until she said, apparently she said after 30 minutes your body then produces too much cortisol and then will
store fat.
She also said to cut as much gluten, sugar and dairy from diet and focus on protein and fats. This has been the only way I have managed to lose weight and feel healthier. It’s a total overhaul but I can see how certain foods were really bad for me.
I’ll also make sure I have one cup of spearmint tea a day

 

[shadawayo]

Hi Ladies!

I’m looking for some insight from those who might be in the same boat. I have PCOS and work in an office, and lately, the physical discomfort has been overwhelming.

My main issue is extreme bloating and gas—it usually hits right after my 'healthy' lunch (typically chicken, broccoli, and sweet potato). By mid-afternoon, my trousers are so tight it’s painful to sit at my desk.

Beyond the bloat, my biggest struggle is weight loss. Even though I’m trying to eat 'clean,' the scale isn't moving, and I feel constantly inflamed. Has anyone else found that certain 'healthy' foods actually made their PCOS symptoms worse? What helped you get the scale moving and keep the bloat down during the workday?

 

[Lizzie Mintdrop]

I'm just feeling a bit emotional, but my bf was with me and he was really supportive. I wear a UK size 8, so to be told I need to lose a few kgs was a bit shocking - although tbh, I do have this belly pouch that just can't seem be shifted! any advice anyone has in terms of anything I would really appreciate. I'm so glad there's a thread about it so I have people I can talk to who'll understand
thanks to those who've replied x

What height are you? I'm not actually expecting you to answer that, your Dr has possibly been inappropriate with this advice but my niece is 5ft and wears a size 8 and she is a touch overweight, she hasn't been told to lose any weight by her GP though.

You have said you have a bit of a belly, which is a result of PCOS, I have it myself and it is difficult to get rid of it, I've tried for years. The best thing is to try and reduce your carbs, I've been using berberine for a few months and that has helped a little.

 

[Looboo]

I have an appointment with the doctor tomorrow, I’m pretty convinced I have pcos I have all the symptoms and I think it might be quite obvious, was just wondering what the doctor does is there any tests/blood work? I’m rather nervous so just wondering if anyone had a rough idea of what to expect?

Blood tests and a scan for me too. If you have symptoms and your blood test shows you have it too then you might not need the scans (I think).

 

[blossombloss]

Is sleep something to do with PCOS? I always need a good night sleep or I really struggle but didn't realise they were related.

I found out as I had 4 months without a period which is unusual for me. I was actually kind of relieved to find out, obviously I would rather not have it but it explained my acne which I have always struggled with and also I've had really low libido so was good to have an explanation so that I can try and work on improving symptoms.

I have a lot to learn really about how to adjust my lifestyle and what PCOS can cause.



I didn't know I had to get bloods done every year either my doctor didn't say. He just said when I get pregnant I need to tell the nurse and be tested for pregnancy diabetes and if I don't get my periods back he can give me medicine for that. I don't want kids anyway so wasn't relevant for me but that's all he seemed interested in really - how it would affect fertility. Obviously I know that's important but he didn't seem interested in discussing any other issues.

yeah PCOS does affect sleep, it makes you fatigued but then also unable to get a good nights sleep.
some people also have sleep apnoea, which is also common with pcos. Never ending I tell you....

But yeah some doctors only see it as a fertility thing which is so bad because it affects so many other things!

 

[Newbie mcnewface]

Hey guys! I’ve recently just been for an ultrasound as I haven’t had a period since June 2022. The sonogram lady suspects I have pcos but needs to send the scans to my doctor for confirmation. I have been off contraception since January 2022 and we’d really like to start our own family. I’m just wondering if anyone has any positive pregnancy stories with having pcos? Just trying to find a glimmer of hope as it feels so gloomy at the moment

I have pcos and fell pregnant naturally twice …I had a fantastic gp at the time after a horrible experience with a consultant at the hospital. I upped my excercise and watched my diet generally just took a bit more care of myself but the best word of advice I got from my gp and I believe it helped was to put getting pregnant to the back ok my mind ..go and have fun and relax and two months later I was pregnant.

Just to add that gp now retired was like a social prescriber he was always telling me to go and have fun , drink the wine and not dwell on sad times !

 

[Elsie1988]

I follow a gluten and dairy free diet and it’s really helped with my PCOS symptoms

 

[bbbbbbb123]

I think I might have PCOS but no idea where to start really. I've always suspected that i've had it but never dealt with it. Is it easier to go through your doctor or does anyone recommend going straight to a gynae specialist?

I went through my GP and had no issues at all, they did blood tests and referred me for a scan, it was all quite quick! But I know other people aren’t as lucky with their doctors!

 

[Blond3g1rl]

Oh I’ve never heard the time thing! That’s interesting and I’ll be taking that on board for my workouts going forward
---

It’s not something the doctors seem to say. Everyone bangs on about food and losing weight but nothing about the best ways to do it

GPs know very little about PCOS

 

[Blond3g1rl]

Sorry to hear of your diagnosis. It’s nice to be ‘labelled’ but it does make things much easier to understand. What pill have you been put on?

 

[noseybirdxo]

I came off the pill cold turkey back in November and had my first period back in March, had one end of April/start of May, then end of June/start of July. My cycle is a bit irregular at the moment, currently on day 56, last one was 57 days and first one was 45 days so I’ll be interested to see if I get a period in the next few weeks!

Anyway, let me tell you that coming off the pill is the best thing I’ve done. I have so much more energy, less brain fog and able to focus more generally, not as much frequent pain, my migraines have lessened. My skin has thrived too. It’s lovely and I’d really recommend coming off

I managed to lose over a stone after coming off and now I’m on my 2nd month of Mounjaro and lost 17.5lbs as of last week.

We’re not trying for a baby just yet as we get married next year but I’d like to get my body prepared for should we want to and just know my body without hormones

 

[soymilk]

Does anyone know if there’s a thread on here for other gynaecological issues? Or maybe someone here can help? As I’ve said on this thread before I always thought I had PCOS but looks like I don’t (I have symptoms but my bloods are fine and I don’t have multiple ovarian cysts). It’s looking like I might have endometriosis though, and I’ve been referred to the hospital.

Just wondered if anyone knows what I can expect when I get my appointment? I know that a laparoscopy is likely but just anxious about what else might be on the cards or what will happen when I first go x

there's an endometriosis thread on here, I'm on it too and lots of us talk about our experiences on there - you might find it helpful

 

[Lizzie Mintdrop]

I'm happy about the name changing but I didn't want ovaries mentioned in the name at all. I'm a bit tee'd off about that. I found out recently that they've discovered that men get a form of it, which affects testosterone levels and insulin production. It'll be interesting to see how much research goes into it now, with the name change and the revelation that it affects men too

 

[boomska]

I'm off to get a ultra sound done tomorrow at the lcoal hospital to see if I've got PCOS!! I'm soooo nervous because I know looking at my ovaries doesn't dertmine PCOS, but I do worry that they'll be look nah you're overweight, cause you eat! and you're just hairy hahaha

 

[Thank(space)you]

I've just been diagnosed with PCOS which was a shock as I was convinced I was going through early menopause

 

[ThisIsMyDragName]

I’m about 3 weeks into my mad supplement binge for PCOS and I’m not really sure how it’s going. I have some IBS-type issues and they seem to have become a little worse. I haven’t been very good at chugging the spearmint tea so my facial hair issues are exactly the same, but weirdly my anxiety has spiked in the last little while. Work’s a bit stressful so it could be that, right enough, but meh. I could do without this. I am on an SSRI but I take the lowest possible dose because we’re trying to conceive and whilst I tried to be fully off my meds, that did not work out well for me at all, so this is a compromise. It was holding me really well until the last few days. Meh. I’m taking myo-inositol, berberine, magnesium, NAC and L-Carnitine. Oh, and folic acid, biotin and Vit D3. Yes, taking pills has become a full time job and I rattle.

On the flip side, my sex drive has really increased which is great for the whole TTC thing but I think MrDragName is a bit bored of me at this point .

 

[boomska]

*hugs*

I've got a pretty high insulin resistance so my sugar cravings are insane. We usually have a treat in the evening after dinner.My husband is happy to have just 2 pieces of dark chocolate and my brain can't figure out how that is possible because I'm just craving all the sweet things.

oh people like that freak me out or leave half a chocolate bar “for later”

there is no later. It’s now or never!!

 

[LittleRoots]

Does anyone have any advice for the embarrassing hair growth? It’s ruining my confidence and I can’t seem to win I wax and get sensitive skin, tweezing and ingrown hairs and spots, shaving and not as close as I’d like. Someone please tell me what on earth you do!