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PennyCat
Just call me mommy :)

Member since 7/08 19084 total posts
Name: Jib
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PCOS ... so confused
So, apparently I have had this for the last 10 years, maybe longer... but according to the RE, the bcp was controlling the symptoms.
One of my main symptoms is insulin resistance that showed up in the blood work.
My question is.... do I need to make any dietary changes? Since I'm not on the pill to control the symptoms anymore, I'll be starting metformin. I'm just wondering what all this means for my diet. This is just making me so confused... Will I ultimately become diabetic? Gain weight? Should I start avoiding carbs? I feel like I don't know where to begin......
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Posted 1/19/10 5:49 AM |
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MrsList
Sweet cheeks

Member since 4/09 1696 total posts
Name:
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Re: PCOS ... so confused
It does help to limit carbs when you have PCOS and to keep your weight under control. It helps maintain regular cycles and alleviates symptoms. However, it's not necessary. I'm a carb FANATIC and have PCOS and managed to keep weight off with regular exercise after losing about 30lbs 4 years ago.
Women with PCOS are more likely to develop diabetes later in life but women with PCOS are also more likely to be overweight - so if you can keep the weight off and get exercise, you should probably be fine from what I've read.
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Posted 1/19/10 8:55 AM |
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LadyBug1209
Mommy to FOUR little men!
Member since 8/08 9655 total posts
Name:
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Re: PCOS ... so confused
I have a very similar situation. I've had PCOS since I was a teen and my OB/GYN put me on BC immediately and I've been on it (pretty much) ever since. When I came off of BC in May 09, all of the symptoms that I never even remember having all came flooding back! I immediately put on about 20 lbs, my hair was thinning, my face was breaking out and I just felt like CRAPPOLA about myself! I ran out and bought the book 'PCOS and Your Infertility" among others, and I have to say, it really helped me understand how my body works and what I should/should not do. Good Luck and if you have any questions, feel free to FM me! There are many girls with PCOS on the board that will be able to answer any questions that you may have!!
ETA: Once I started regulating my body with Provera, the weight started coming of and all of my symptoms seem to be getting better!
Message edited 1/19/2010 9:02:25 AM.
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Posted 1/19/10 9:01 AM |
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Deeluvsvinny
DONE
Member since 10/08 4952 total posts
Name: Whatever
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Re: PCOS ... so confused
First- Second- there are so many of us on here with PCOS and we ALL have different stories! It's got such widespread symptoms, that every case is different.
I was diagnosed about 5 years ago because of crazy irregular cycles, thinning hair, and things like that. I went on BCP and my cycles regulated and most other symtoms were under control. I still had the tummy fat that I couldn't get rid of, but I learned to deal with that. In April, I stopped taking the BCP as I was told it would be difficult to get PG, so I thougt I'd go off and if we didn't get PG within 6 months, I could start talking with an RE. Well, I got pregnant in July. In those few months off the BCP, I didn't get too many of my old symptoms back.
Every case is different and you sould really discuss your situation with your doctor to find the best treatment for you.
We are all here if you have questions.
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Posted 1/19/10 11:29 AM |
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seasaw
LIF Adolescent

Member since 9/09 648 total posts
Name:
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Re: PCOS ... so confused
I am insulin resistant thanks to PCOS. It's similar pre-diabetes and puts you predisposed to diabetes as well. My RE says that it's a form of diabetes, but everyone else says no. I eat as if I was type 2 diabetic because I'm carb sensitive/ sugar sensitive now and now that my levels are controlled via metformin I notice when my sugar is high or low. I was diagnosed over ten years ago.
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Posted 1/19/10 11:55 AM |
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MrsPJB2007
MBA at your service!

Member since 7/06 12020 total posts
Name: MJ
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Re: PCOS ... so confused
Fellow PCOSer here crashing...
Without a doubt, you will have to change your diet. The Metformin will also make you change your diet, because when you're on Metformin, if you eat things that are very high in sugar (or carbs that convert to sugar), trust me when I say you will REGRET it in the bathroom, if you know what I mean.
You need to look for a low GI (Glycemic Index) diet. There are tons of books out there about how to live with low GI items. Its really about eating healthier and with the Metforming and a new diet, you will also lose weight.
My PCOS escalated into Type II diabetes, and I absolutely hate it. I've been changing my diet and while I would prefer that big juicy sandwich on italian bread, I have to realize that a smaller portion on whole wheat with mustard instead of mayonnaise, is a much smarter choice.
Do a search on Amazon.com for "Insulin Resistant diets" or "PCOS Diet" There are tons of books there to help! I'm also seeing a dietician now as well, and they are trying to help me to change things.
Good luck!
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Posted 1/19/10 1:05 PM |
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PennyCat
Just call me mommy :)

Member since 7/08 19084 total posts
Name: Jib
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Re: PCOS ... so confused
Thank you everyone!! It seems like it's just so different for everyone.
I really appreciate hearing about everyone's experiences but I guess I just need to wait and see what happens in my particular case!
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Posted 1/19/10 4:18 PM |
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MrsC614
My little angel is here <3

Member since 7/09 2851 total posts
Name: Gina
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Re: PCOS ... so confused
Posted by PennyCat
Thank you everyone!! It seems like it's just so different for everyone.
I really appreciate hearing about everyone's experiences but I guess I just need to wait and see what happens in my particular case!
where do you live? my gyn has me seeing a GREAT nutritionist for my PCOS, and now this has been my 2nd NORMAL cycle and I KNOW it's because of the dietary changes i made. FM me if you want more info!
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Posted 1/19/10 4:43 PM |
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MrsRbk
<3 <3 <3 <3

Member since 1/06 19197 total posts
Name: Michelle
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Re: PCOS ... so confused
Limit carbs and sugar.
Just as a warning, metformin can cause ugly stomach problems in the beginning, so be especially careful of what you eat when you start the meds.
Ask your Dr. if you can slowly start the Met. If they have you on 1500mgs, see if you can do 500 for a few days, then 1000 for another few days and then the 1500. It should make the transition on your stomach a little easier.
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Posted 1/19/10 8:01 PM |
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PennyCat
Just call me mommy :)

Member since 7/08 19084 total posts
Name: Jib
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Re: PCOS ... so confused
Posted by MrsRbk
Limit carbs and sugar.
Just as a warning, metformin can cause ugly stomach problems in the beginning, so be especially careful of what you eat when you start the meds.
Ask your Dr. if you can slowly start the Met. If they have you on 1500mgs, see if you can do 500 for a few days, then 1000 for another few days and then the 1500. It should make the transition on your stomach a little easier.
Yes, that's what he will have me do! He said the transition will take 3 weeks.
What kinds of ugly stomach problems? You can be as detailed as you want.... I just want know what to expect
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Posted 1/19/10 8:05 PM |
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MrsPJB2007
MBA at your service!

Member since 7/06 12020 total posts
Name: MJ
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Re: PCOS ... so confused
Posted by PennyCat
What kinds of ugly stomach problems? You can be as detailed as you want.... I just want know what to expect
Just what you think! 
Painful diarrhea and tons of gas can come with Metformin, especially if you eat sugary or high carb items.
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Posted 1/19/10 8:16 PM |
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PennyCat
Just call me mommy :)

Member since 7/08 19084 total posts
Name: Jib
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Re: PCOS ... so confused
Posted by MrsPJB2007
Posted by PennyCat
What kinds of ugly stomach problems? You can be as detailed as you want.... I just want know what to expect
Just what you think! 
Painful diarrhea and tons of gas can come with Metformin, especially if you eat sugary or high carb items.
This totally stinks. (both literally and otherwise)
I am seriously tempted to just throw in the towel and go back on my bcp........ but what am I just never going to have a baby?!?! That's a ridiculous solution
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Posted 1/19/10 8:18 PM |
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LadyBug1209
Mommy to FOUR little men!
Member since 8/08 9655 total posts
Name:
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Re: PCOS ... so confused
Posted by PennyCat
Posted by MrsPJB2007
Posted by PennyCat
What kinds of ugly stomach problems? You can be as detailed as you want.... I just want know what to expect
Just what you think! 
Painful diarrhea and tons of gas can come with Metformin, especially if you eat sugary or high carb items.
This totally stinks. (both literally and otherwise)
I am seriously tempted to just throw in the towel and go back on my bcp........ but what am I just never going to have a baby?!?! That's a ridiculous solution
Do not throw in the towel!!! We are all here to support you!
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Posted 1/19/10 8:22 PM |
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