Discussions

I have done a lot of research on polycystic ovarian syndrome.(pcos) I was just wondering if there are any woman that are also suffering with pcos, and would like to share anything? Be nice to hear some first hand stories on how you cope, or any tips, medication, etc. Thanks so much!

I have it. I just cope as metformin just makes me sick.  
 
I was going to Ye Traditional Chinese medicine for a few years (years ago). It helped a great deal. Just can't afford it now so I just deal with it.

I've always known that I had it, just from researching symptoms, it was always obvious to me. It wasn't til I was trying to get pregnant that I did seek an official diagnosis. I can't say that I've done anything to manage my symptoms but I follow a lot of people on instagram who do eat better and exercise etc, to manage. I did plan to start this year off with forgetting about getting pregnant, as the medications I was taking weren't working, and just focus on looking after myself better and trying things to manage my PCOS but then found out I was pregnant so now I'm focussed on that, and will look to different options later. I have found through different people that a low carb diet is what works for weight loss but I haven't gone that route yet. Glad to hear of some other ladies fighting the battle! I don't really know anyone else in my shoes and it's not really something I talk about with anyone.

there isn't a cure, there is symptom relief. Women prescribed Metformin for PCOS make sure you don't consume milk products with the medication-cramping, upset stomach is a side effect. There is the use of birth control methods to provide symptom relief but if you're trying to have a baby it is more difficult to conceive. There is many online support groups, just use Google and find one that works for you.

I received my official diagnosis almost six and a half years ago. As previously mentioned, better food choices and more exercise have helped me manage my symptoms.  
 
My biggest piece of advice is to work with your health care professional. I was stubborn about not wanting to be on birth control all of the time, but as soon as I stopped taking it, my cycle would stop and I'd go months without a period. My doctor finally scared some sense into me, reminding me that this is not healthy, and that even though I wasn't menstruating, my body was building up the lining in my uterus, and without my cycle, this material was building up, and could lead to long term complications, including worse infertility issues and even cancer.  
 
So, long story short, stand up for yourself and your body, but also take the advice of the professional to keep yourself healthy.

you have to find a way to manage your own symptoms. Everyone is different. I had an ultrasound done that showed I had no cysts on my ovaries, yet I was presenting all the hormonal symptoms (hirsuitism, weight gain, etc) I tried Metformin, and it made me sick. I was on birth control, but nothing seemed to work (it never helped my cycle get on track: i was always off regardless). I also found that trying to lose weight is harder, especially when you have insulin resistance (essentially your body stores the excess insulin that is created as fat, not burning it off as a "normal" body would). I agree with working with your health care professional, and if you need to, see a counsellor. Follow PCOS Diva on facebook, they have lots of great information for people with PCOS. If you do suffer from hirsuitism (excess hair/dark hair), apparently there is a skin care line that does help lighten/eliminate it. Unsure if it works as I havent done much research on it. There is also laser therapy but im scared to get that done... one day perhaps.  
 
Edited by MrsZ2015, 2016-04-27 13:30:05

I was given the unofficial diagnosis as I went to a specialist. Many gps don't know how the tests should be taken. For example you can't be on birth control or hormone therapies while they try to diagnose you. It's genetic a lot of times as well. I went on Diana 35 which was great except it isn't covered even with a diagnosis. I did research and the best thing I have found is a high protein diet low carb helps with the weight and cramps. Pain is managed with over the counter medications.  
Not sure if anyone else had the extra hair but I ended up with electrolysis to remove the extra. And wax what I can.  
I agree you have to keep on your doctor especially if you want to have children as you will probably need some help to either become pregnant or carry.  
And thanks ladies for sharing your ideas as well. Anyone know a good gyno who is helpful with this ?

I was diagnosed 23 years ago. Lots of struggles for sure. I agree with what some of the others have said, everyone is different. I'm on aldactone and metformin. I lost a lot of weight at one point by being an exercise addict and barely eating. Due to work demands I had to cut back to exercising 1 hour a day. All my weight came back. When I had lost all my weight all my symptoms went away. But the vicious thing is, PCOS makes it EXTREMELY difficult to lose the weight. I have to wear a hair piece because of my thinning hair. I have depression and anxiety which is also a spin off of this syndrome. Thankfully I have decided not to have children otherwise that would have been a struggle I'm sure. A difficult thing to live with and not many know about it or understand it. Talking about it and asking questions is a great way to learn.

I was diagnosed with Pcos a few years ago and struggled with it since. I had a cyst removed a couple of years ago. But I have dealt with chronic pain since. So I see Dr. Ambrose in Winnipeg. He is a gyno who specializes in pelvic pain. Probably need referral. But he is a great doctor. I dont have kids and more then likely will not be able to have any. If anyone ever wants to just get together and chat...for support. Let me know Always nice to have someone to talk to who is dealing with the same thing.