Anyone have PCOS? - Page 2

solstice · 08-12-2008, 06:40 PM

Really? Most women with PCOS who use Metformin seem to experience a decent amount of weight *loss* from what I read and hear from those I speak with......

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tishalicious

Watchout for the metaformin... that stuff can pack on weight like nothing, unfortuantly most insulin-resistant meds do.

I'm type I diabetic, but also had insulin-resistance problems as well. I had a long talk with my endocrinologist and he took me off the metaformin (I was on 1'000mgs/day) and I'm lowering the resistance with diet and exercise and he is happy with the progress.

swindled · 04-20-2009, 10:19 AM

I was actually just diagnosed this morning with PCOS, and although I have lost body fat (6lbs in the last few months) I haven't actually lost weight. I have stayed around 145lbs for the last few months, I know the fat loss is good, but is it ok for me to maintain my current weight? Or should I be targeting to lose that too?

I am definitely going to buy that book, they actually have a copy at the bookstore near my house

Also, although I really don't eat carbs or refined sugars (I've never been a big eater of either, salt is my weakness), I really don't eat much meat because of my family history of colon cancer, as such I eat tofu. Does anyone know if tofu is a big carb contributor?

Its nice to know that I am not alone! Thanks for the help

MJJRules · 04-20-2009, 03:44 PM

Plain tofu is very very low in carbs, usually only 1 or 2g per serving if any. I'm a vegetarian/diabetic/PCOS so I eat tofu a lot to get my protein in. Some of the flavored tofu contains sugar, so be sure to check the packages.

jill.jmc · 04-27-2009, 09:19 PM

A doctor told me I also have PCOS. Regardless of diet and exercise I was still gaining weight. I finally found a doctor who specializes in bio identical hormones. She also dianosed me with Diabetes and Metabolic Syndrome.
I have read symptoms of PCOS include excess testerone but my testerone levels are so low they are almost non-existent.
Also, my doc told me the Gluophuge(Metformin) would help me to lose weight. I don't take it right now though. I want to try losing weight without it. I have been losing about a pound a week. I just started 3 weeks ago with a trainer and a nutritionist. It's coming off slowly and i am working my butt off!!!!

MJJRules · 04-27-2009, 10:56 PM

When I first started taking Metformin for my PCOS and Diabetes I initially lost 5lbs because it seemed to act as a appetite suppressant to me, but it very quickly wore off, and I ended up gaining 20 more lbs over the next 2 yrs. I lost 110lbs from diet, Metformin didn't help me, but I know others have had success with it for weightloss.

kitebean · 04-29-2009, 12:20 AM

I have PCOS and lost all of my weight through careful carb consumption and heavy lifting, with appropriate levels of cardio. I would be very suspicious of any doctor who said this wasn't possible. It was fricken hard, but I have never taken any drugs.

LilFroggyCT · 11-04-2009, 06:36 PM

Good morning/evening all...

I was diagnosed with PCOS when I was 16, me now being 33 means that was quite awhile ago. At the time, I didn't realize it, but I have the variant complete with insulin resistance... didn't realize that until I started caring about why I was putting on weight like no tomorrow, around age 23. I finally got around to seeing a doctor... again... ran blood work, and they confirmed that. I was put on Metformin, changed my diet, and had no real positive effects. Anyhow, I found that when I made an effort to cut refined carbohydrates out of my diet... without metformin, it was the only time where I was able to lose. So here I am... on bodybuilding.com/bodyspace.com... knowing that lifting will help my muscles become more sensitive to insulin, I am here for an all out transformation... Hope 2010 is when I can see my body where I want it to be!

If anyone has any suggestions for a core supplement program, as well as diet (knowing what portions are correct for the 6 meals/day thing), I would be most appreciative!

kitebean · 11-04-2009, 06:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LilFroggyCT

Good morning/evening all...

I was diagnosed with PCOS when I was 16, me now being 33 means that was quite awhile ago. At the time, I didn't realize it, but I have the variant complete with insulin resistance... didn't realize that until I started caring about why I was putting on weight like no tomorrow, around age 23. I finally got around to seeing a doctor... again... ran blood work, and they confirmed that. I was put on Metformin, changed my diet, and had no real positive effects. Anyhow, I found that when I made an effort to cut refined carbohydrates out of my diet... without metformin, it was the only time where I was able to lose. So here I am... on bodybuilding.com/bodyspace.com... knowing that lifting will help my muscles become more sensitive to insulin, I am here for an all out transformation... Hope 2010 is when I can see my body where I want it to be!

If anyone has any suggestions for a core supplement program, as well as diet (knowing what portions are correct for the 6 meals/day thing), I would be most appreciative!

supplements are not necessary, lifting heavy and changing your body composition is! I was first diagnosed in 1990 ish, sorted my diet out in 2000 (cut out all processed carbs and stayed around 50g/carbs/day and got my period back without metformin whoopee!) and lost about 20 lbs. in 2007 I sorted the rest out with a bodybuilding protocol (and the help of Emma-Leigh), and have never looked back. I have been as low as 15% bodyfat. PCOS is a condition not an excuse. You may have to work harder and be more strict about your diet and training, but in the end you may even get better results because of naturally higher testosterone levels.

LilFroggyCT · 11-05-2009, 07:29 PM

Kitebean: Sweet! That's exactly what I was thinking. I have a feeling my naturally higher testosterone levels are the very reason why I've always been able to lift heavier, and notice muscle definition quite rapidly. As far as supplements go, I am taking the following, not necessarily to help me along in terms of getting results faster, but to stay healthy:

One-a-Day Womens (1/day)
Vitamin C (1000mg)
High Potency Dry Vitamin D3 (1,000 IU/2x/day)
Calcium Citrate + D (500mg calcium/400 IU D/2x/day)
Cinnamon Extract (500mg/day) (to help with sugar metabolism)
Turmeric Extract (300mg curcumin/100mg turmeric/2x/day) (to help with systemic inflammation)

I take lots of D per my dr.'s recommendation due to some estrogen imbalances that can be potentially dangerous.

Putting a halt to my inconsistent consistency with routine and diet is the solution, I am certain.

Quote:

Originally Posted by kitebean

supplements are not necessary, lifting heavy and changing your body composition is! I was first diagnosed in 1990 ish, sorted my diet out in 2000 (cut out all processed carbs and stayed around 50g/carbs/day and got my period back without metformin whoopee!) and lost about 20 lbs. in 2007 I sorted the rest out with a bodybuilding protocol (and the help of Emma-Leigh), and have never looked back. I have been as low as 15% bodyfat. PCOS is a condition not an excuse. You may have to work harder and be more strict about your diet and training, but in the end you may even get better results because of naturally higher testosterone levels.

AdrianaW · 11-06-2009, 02:40 AM

I've done bloodwork and it looks like I do have PCOS. Going to a gynae in December to discuss the issues. Glad to know I'm not alone and I will be taking the advice of cutting out carbs etc. Let's see what happens!

lefta · 11-06-2009, 03:26 AM

Have any of you experienced hair loss as a symptom? My gf is losing her hair, brittle nails, and not able to lose weight. She has tested her thyroid and it was normal, so it is not that.

swindled · 11-06-2009, 07:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LilFroggyCT

Good morning/evening all...

I was diagnosed with PCOS when I was 16, me now being 33 means that was quite awhile ago. At the time, I didn't realize it, but I have the variant complete with insulin resistance... didn't realize that until I started caring about why I was putting on weight like no tomorrow, around age 23. I finally got around to seeing a doctor... again... ran blood work, and they confirmed that. I was put on Metformin, changed my diet, and had no real positive effects. Anyhow, I found that when I made an effort to cut refined carbohydrates out of my diet... without metformin, it was the only time where I was able to lose. So here I am... on bodybuilding.com/bodyspace.com... knowing that lifting will help my muscles become more sensitive to insulin, I am here for an all out transformation... Hope 2010 is when I can see my body where I want it to be!

If anyone has any suggestions for a core supplement program, as well as diet (knowing what portions are correct for the 6 meals/day thing), I would be most appreciative!

Quote:

Originally Posted by kitebean

supplements are not necessary, lifting heavy and changing your body composition is! I was first diagnosed in 1990 ish, sorted my diet out in 2000 (cut out all processed carbs and stayed around 50g/carbs/day and got my period back without metformin whoopee!) and lost about 20 lbs. in 2007 I sorted the rest out with a bodybuilding protocol (and the help of Emma-Leigh), and have never looked back. I have been as low as 15% bodyfat. PCOS is a condition not an excuse. You may have to work harder and be more strict about your diet and training, but in the end you may even get better results because of naturally higher testosterone levels.

I do totally agree with what Kitebean said. On that note, I do take a protein supplement just because I was having a hard time getting enough protein in my diet and I was tired in the gym because of it.

Kitebean, when you got down to 15% bf did you experience anything negative from it?? I'm working at getting lower, but I was going to cap out around 18% just in case it caused more issues with the PCOS.

LMG462 · 11-06-2009, 07:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lefta

Have any of you experienced hair loss as a symptom? My gf is losing her hair, brittle nails, and not able to lose weight. She has tested her thyroid and it was normal, so it is not that.

Yes! That was one of my most troublesome symptoms. Are her periods regular? If she has symptoms that she feels are PCOS related I would suggest she visit a reproductive endocronologist for an evaluation.

kitebean · 11-06-2009, 09:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by swindled

Kitebean, when you got down to 15% bf did you experience anything negative from it?? I'm working at getting lower, but I was going to cap out around 18% just in case it caused more issues with the PCOS.

no, nothing negative, but I was just being what I now consider a bit unreasonably strict (for me) with my diet, it was really impacting my social life etc. and since I had no plans
to compete, I just backed off a little and started doing more athletic endeavours (adventure racing, mountain biking, triathlon etc) which obviously require a different
fuel focus i.e. more carbs! I stayed at around 18% for quite a while, but have had some non-PCOS related health issues this year which has meant that I have been concentrating
more on health than BF%

The only time I noticed anything funky was when I was training alot of LSD endurance + lifting, up to 12-14 hours per week, I started getting hypoglycaemic events at night,
but again where as I assume it probably has something to do with overall insulin issues, I'm not sure, as they stopped when my other issues stopped me training to that extreme.

I personally think 18-20% is GREAT for most women! Balance is the key to life ladies!

and Hey LilFroggy you are on the good way! keep it up woman, and stay focused on consistency! you can do it!

JIGSAW · 11-07-2009, 05:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kitebean

yes, i have pcos. The great thing is, you are in the right place if you are looking for a lifestyle that can reverse it!

Take a look at my progress.

eat properly, and lift heavy

try to cut out all processed food, eat as close to nature as possible.

No medication needed, just hard work and discipline - that is lifting, cardio and food :d

don't worry mate, it is control-able and it could be just the thing to change your life for the better, as funny as that sounds!

Good luck!

op 5'0 187............

kitebean · 11-08-2009, 08:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JIGSAW

op 5'0 187............

and why is this an issue? it might take a little while longer than it took me, but it WILL work if she is patient and sticks
to it. PCOS is an insulin sensitivity issue, and eating the right foods and getting the right exercise WILL impact it.

Bumbler · 11-09-2009, 07:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kitebean

and why is this an issue? it might take a little while longer than it took me, but it WILL work if she is patient and sticks
to it. PCOS is an insulin sensitivity issue, and eating the right foods and getting the right exercise WILL impact it.

Agreed. My start was 5'4" and 204lbs with IR, PCOS and I was a pack a day smoker who hadn't ever picked up a weight in her life. Four years later, my labs are normal, I'm at 19 percent bodyfat and slowly getting lower and can squat my starting weight. Sure, I'm not going to get on stage in either a spangly bikini or powerlifting singlet anytime soon but I feel good and my health is significantly improved. And this was all done by eating the right foods and busting my ass in the gym.

LMG462 · 11-09-2009, 07:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bumbler

Agreed. My start was 5'4" and 204lbs with IR, PCOS and I was a pack a day smoker who hadn't ever picked up a weight in her life. Four years later, my labs are normal, I'm at 19 percent bodyfat and slowly getting lower and can squat my starting weight. Sure, I'm not going to get on stage in either a spangly bikini or powerlifting singlet anytime soon but I feel good and my health is significantly improved. And this was all done by eating the right foods and busting my ass in the gym.

That's awesome, great work!