What's the worst thing about PCOS?
818706
Having it is the worst!\nThis web site should answer any questions you have
355076
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS, also known clinically as Stein-Leventhal syndrome), is an endocrine disorder that affects 5–10% of women. It occurs amongst all races and nationalities, is the most common hormonal disorder among women of reproductive age, and is a leading cause of infertility. The symptoms and severity of the syndrome vary greatly between women. While the causes are unknown, insulin resistance (often secondary to obesity) is heavily correlated with PCOS.
963819
I would highly recommend treatment. It is nearly impossible for women with PCOS to lose weight without treating the PCOS.\n\n The underlying cause of PCOS is insulin resistance (IR). If you treat the IR, then your chances of getting pregnant are about the same as anyone else (assuming there are no other problems not related to the PCOS). The best treatment for PCOS is going on an insulin sensitizing drug such as metformin (1500-2550mg per day) combined with a low carb diet and exercise. If this doesn't work by itself (which in most cases I've seen..it does), then you can add fertility treatments to this. There are a few important things to know:\n\n1. Many women "pass" the test for IR, but still respond positively from the metformin. No one knows exactlly why..my thought is that the test is not a sure fire way of detecting the IR.\n\n2. You must be on a high enough dose of metformin. I've heard women complain that their bodies dont start working even though they've been on metformin for awhile. Some doctors are hesitant to up the dose past 1500mg...but for some of us it takes more. I don't respond until my dose is around 2000mg a day. \n\n3. It can take a few months on the correct dose, before your body ovulates on it's own. \n\n4. It is important to treat your PCOS even when you are not trying to get pregnant. There are higher risks for many things (high blood pressure, blood clots, diabetes, and many other things) when you have PCOS, but if it is treated properly, then those risks go back to a normal rate. \n\n5. The side effects of metformin are not the greatest, however...I lost almost 30lbs in 3 months without really doing anything differently. It seemed like the weight just melted off for me. \n\n6. PCOS symptoms and how a body responds to the treatment vary incredibly. No one can predict exactlly what will happen and how your body will respond. That being said: most women I know how treat PCOS properly, report very positive things. \n\nI recommend seeing a reproductive endocrinologist. They are the most knowledgeable about PCOS and any fertility treatments that you may want to do in the future. I also highly recommend visiting http://messageboards.ivillage.com/iv-bhp... It is a great message board, where you can ask all your PCOS questions. The women there are great. Good luck.
818225
Dont know what that pain could be..maybe an ulcer. I wanted to let you know that IBS is more common among women with PCOS. So, it's very possible that you do have PCOS. I recommend visiting this message board to ask all your PCOS quesitons. Maybe someone there has an idea about this pain. As far as I know, it isnt directly related to PCOS. Good luck. http://messageboards.ivillage.com/iv-bhpcos?redirCnt=1
119332
i had a cousin with PCOS and she has a beautiful 1 year old. They say that the biggest issue with PCOS is realizing that it is what causes your infertility. once you know what the problem is, you can find the right help to get pregnant.  you are probably more likely to miscarry more often, until you get pregnant (my cousin went through years of miscarriages before she had a successful pregnancy) and you will probably be high risk the whole time.
430569
First of all I want to say that Hmzwave has NO IDEA what he is talking about.\nAs someone that actually has PCOS I can tell you that you cant just fix PCOS. How uneducated are you?\nFor those that dont know, and for those like HmzWave that think they know, PCOS is a result of a HORMONAL IMBALANCE!!!! Fact is, once you have ovarian cysts, you have them forever...they dont go away.\nYour underactive thyriod defiantly plays a huge part.\nJust because you get a regular period doesnt mean that you have ovulated. These hormonal imbalaces effect the ovaiures due to the fact that we dont get a high enough surge of LH to actually make us ovualte. While we do have an amount of the hormone, its not enough to allow the egg to actually mature and break away from the ovaies. The cysts on your ovaries are actually unmatured eggs that have formed into cysts. The trouble is that due to the fact that there is cysts there, if infact you do get to the point where an egg is mature enough to be released, it cant escape. \nMy suggestion to you is to get a really good understanding of this condition. Diet plays a massive role in managing your PCOS, as do a whole lot of other factors. Search around on the net, and go and see a good Gyno. Ask questions, dont be scared of them. I was terrified when I first saw my Ob/gyn, but after reading more about PCOS, I realised there was so much more I needed to know. \nThe contraceptive pill does not "fix" PCOS either...it just mearly gives an artificial cycle, and addss to the hormonal imbalance by throwing them out even more. \nAfter doing my research Ive been working with a naturopath for 8 months, and Ive been able to balnace my hormones naturally and actually ovulate regularly for the first time in about 3 yrs. \nPlease, please get some good advice from a good Ob/Gyn. Dont be complacent with your fertillity.
394498
There are several causes of PCOS and you have to see your gynie to find out what yours is. She may put you on Provera to regulate your menses and keep cysts away but if you have hormone imbalance problem then you may need to be prescribed with something else.\n\nA traditional way to regulate menses and reduce PCOS symptoms is to take oak gall tablets. I don't know where you're from but oak gall (or manjakani) is common in Asia. You can find oak gall drinks in cans too. They taste yummy. Try your local herb shop or pharmacy to see if they have oak gall tablets. Good luck!
1119704
I also have PCOS, I just didn't know there were websites to help I found a few:
829894
gyno gastro gengervitis its a horrible diease, it hits you in three places at once rofl.
480297
Irregular periods, excessive body hair, acne, tendancy to be overweight.\nThese could also be signs of something else so if you think you have pcos you should see a doctor. They can do a scan to see if you have the condition.\nSee link below for more info.
826236
I also have PCOS. I don't have the high insulin levels either. I only started having trouble with weight when I got into my mid twenties. That was one of the things that led me and my doctor to start doing some tests to find out what was wrong. I did have to undergo fertility treatments, but they were successful and we have a wonderful little boy. The fertility specialist I had explained that just as every person is different, so are the symptoms of PCOS. They range from dark patches on the knees, skin tags, horrible cramping, out of control periods or no periods at all, dry brittle hair, and weight gain around the middle. Since it has a lot to do with hormone imbalances, it can vary from person to person. Some women suffer tremendous pain and debilitating symptoms while others are so mild they may not know anything is even wrong unless it interferes in their ability to conceive.
245691
That's a tough one, I would say the eye thing. But I guess the worst would be watching your toenail get lifted with the eye that had popped out of the socket, that would suck.
1035257
The hardest thing to know about losing weight is there is NO Magic Pill.  No quick solution, only lot's of hard work and self control.  \nThe worst part about dieting for me is that the minute I restrict myself from a certain food, all I want is that particular food!  It's a total head thing.
98127
PCOS does not hinder your sex life. Some women have found a lower sex drive with PCOS, but that is not the same as not being able to have sex. What PCOS does do, it make it harder (in most cases) to get pregnant. So if you are wanting to have children you will want to consult with your Gynocologist to get you on medication that will regulate your periods and your hormones.
340068
PCOS (Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome) does not cause Bulimia.\n\nIf your hormones don't work in the normal way, your ovaries might make too many eggs. Those eggs turn into many cysts. The cysts (say: "sists") are like little balloons filled with liquid. \n\nPolycystic ovary syndrome is called PCOS for short. Women in their childbearing years can get it. It often begins in the teenage years. It doesn't go away. \n\nDoctors don't know what causes PCOS. If you have PCOS, you may have a problem with the way your body uses blood sugar (glucose). Because of this problem, the hormones that control your ovaries and menstrual periods can become abnormal.\n\nIf you have PCOS, you are more likely to get high blood pressure or diabetes. This means you have a greater risk for strokes and heart attacks. \n\nBecause of irregular menstrual periods, women with PCOS are more likely to be infertile (unable to get pregnant). They may also have a higher risk for cancer of the uterus or breast.\n\nYour doctor will look for the signs of PCOS. Blood tests that measure your hormone levels can help. An ultrasound exam can show if you have cysts on your ovaries. \n\nIf you have PCOS, you might need to lose weight. Medicine can help with your menstrual cycle, abnormal hair growth and acne. If you have diabetes or high blood pressure, they have to be treated. If you want to have a baby, there are medicines that may help you get pregnant.
325694
I do know that PCOS may make difficult for you to conceive, but it doesn't mean that you can't ever have children.\n\nThe disorder runs in my family, and I was told by my doctor that the best bet would be to stay on birth control pills until the time comes when I am ready to try to get pregnant. The hormones in the pills are supposed to slow the progress/development of the symptoms.\n\nYour doctor can do a symptom checklist to see if you fit the requirements for PCOS. If you do, or even if you don't, it might be a good idea to talk with your doctor about birth control hormone therapy.
1065537
Well, there are drugs which you can take to try to get a regular monthly cycle, it also helps to try and loose weight (if you are overweight, a lot  of PCOS sufferers are) \n\nBut if I'm honest, the best thing, (i know your not gonna wanna here this) is to actually forget about getting pregnant. 3 of my friends have got PCOS i had a similar chat with them all (at different times) they just focused on other things, like careers and stuff, and fell pregnant almost straight away. It's almost like you put your body under too much pressure to fall, then the pressure is lifted so your ovaries go "OK then lets get her pregnant"\n\nI don't know if this will help you, I just wish you all the best for your wedding and your future together.\n\nAll the best x