Diet for PCOS

I had my first appointment with the RE today. She agreed with my GYN that I have PCOS. I'm taking the "fasting" blood tests on Saturday, then Provera so I can have CD 3 testing and an HSG a few days later.

She talked to me about the importance of diet and exercise, which kind of came as a shock to me because I am at a very healthy weight. But it makes sense to me that since PCOS can be caused by insulin problems you should tackle it like a diabetic - lower your carbs / refined sugars and make sure to do aerobic exercise. She told me that along with Metformin, cutting my carbs and upping my exercise should help my body to behave normally. And while I'm at a healthy weight, I love nothing more than pretzels, bagels, pasta, pizza... I probably eat way more carbs than your average girl so maybe that does have an impact.

So, are you PCOS'ers ("cysters"?) trying this? Did you find that it made a difference? Do you have any web sites or books you can recommend?

Re: Diet for PCOS

I have PCOS and haven't changed my diet at all.. I was also a normal weight. I also didn't have a problem with insulin resistance, but started metformin during my 2nd IUI cycle.

Re: Diet for PCOS

I have PCOS and I'm overweight, about 40lbs. I'm taking Metformin right now to help with the insulin resistence. I haven't changed my diet yet but I really need to. I definitely think it will help me, just have to get that motivation to do it!

Re: Diet for PCOS

I found when I took Metformin, if I ate too much or had a lot of carbs it made me nauseus. My dr said that it is a possible side effect of the metformin.

Re: Diet for PCOS

Re: Diet for PCOS

i havent changed my diet other than eating more fruits and veggies and trying to eat more organic. but this is more for me than directly because of PCOS. i have always maintained a semi-normal gym schedule.

i started metformin at the beginning of april although i didnt have IR in my fasting glucose test. it def lessened my PCOS symptoms, esp. the acne. but my LH is still high and I still don't O in a normal time frame so it didnt fix those issues. i was lucky enough to have no negative side effects from the met. no stomach issues at all. the only side effect i noticed was decreased food cravings and TMI more normal bowl movements, which i feel are both positive things!!

also note that metformin can commonly take up to three months to become fully effective for treating PCOS.

Message edited 7/21/2010 10:32:51 PM.

Re: Diet for PCOS

Luckily, I was diagnosed with PCOS at a VERY young age (13) so I did go see an endocrinologist and then a dietician (maybe at around 17). She did put me on a diet that was exactly as you described, and said that PCOS is under the same family category as diabetes... as you my diet consisted of 90% carbs ( still is actually- i just dont like the protein as much as i used to!) but it did help me loose 30 lbs- prior my wedding, im sure that helped me get into shape as well. After I started IF treatments, I began to gain weight slowly- Im now up 10 lbs, but still lost 20lbs overall... now mind you, im not skinny, or wouldnt even say a "healthy" weight... im 5'7 and 165 lbs... so i did have to do it for my health also

Anyway, try if you can, to do what the doctor told you to do. Its hard, but it is do able. I allow myself one day of cheating, and I just couldnt give up bread... I cut it down but i never gave it up...

are you on metformin also? good luck!!!

Re: Diet for PCOS

great question, I was just thinking posting and asking about this. I guess PCOS minds think alike

Re: Diet for PCOS

Since being on Metformin I've been forced to change my diet somewhat because my stomach does not handle certain foods well at all anymore. I am a complete carb junkie, so I've tried to reduce the amount of carbs I eat. I've also added more fruits and veggies to my diet.

Re: Diet for PCOS

I have PCOS and overweight.

When I first started my IF journey I went to a nutrionist in the city that specilaized in PCOS. Unfortunately for me, diet/excercise and metformin combo did not work for me. But then again, PCOS was only 1 of my IF issues.

Re: Diet for PCOS

Thank you for all the thoughtful responses, ladies!

I just saw the RE for a consult this week. My fasting blood test is tomorrow, and when I get the results my doctor will decide about the Meformin. But she's pretty convinced that I have PCOS and talked to me a lot about limiting carbs/sugar (she said to CUT DOWN on fruit!) at our appointment.

I've tried for the past three days, but it's more like I'm weaning myself off. Like, I got eggs at a diner and only ate half of the hash browns that came with them. I'm trying, I'm trying!