Just diagnosed w/ 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.
109541
I have PCOS and Im on Metformin. PCOS has to do with the pancreas and how insulin is made. Metformin (aka glucophage) helps restore the insulin you dont make having PCOS. Does it have side effects??? Heck yeah! Im gonna be honest, the first day, most likely youll never leave the bathroom. After that, its ok. Ive lost weight with it and its working. It helps regulate your period and its helped me start ovulating again.
371663
One of the main symptoms of Polycistic Ovarian Syndrome (P.C.O.S.) is uncontrolled weight gain.  I put one website below, but I'm sure there are better ones.  \n\nThe main point I wanted to make to you is that you must see a very GOOD doctor about your condition.  He/She has to be skilled at managing your condition and this requires a good amount of knowledge of endocrine and thyroid issues.  If your GYN physician is managing your condition, make sure he or she is board-certified (check the medical board website for your state).  Also, if I were you, I might consider seeing an endocrinologist to either provide my primary treatment or to assist the GYN in providing the treatment.\n\nThere is a LOT of information on-line about the illness.  Try to find one that ends in .gov.  I put a link to a Medline article that looks that it came from the National Institutes of Health, so that might be the most trustworthy one.  \n\nOnce you have information, then you will know that they is nothing you can do to lose the weight except to get your thyroid and other hormone levels in check.  There are also new and recent studies finding that people who work the night shift (they focused on diabetics, but diabetics share some of the same issues) have more weight problems than people who work another shift.  Like I said, it was just one study, but it might be something you want to check out more later.\n\nTake care of yourself...
254047
If you've got pcos, definately talk to your doctor, they have a drug, metformin, that will regulate your glucose and insulin and even out your hormones, making your cycle more regualar and easier for you to get pregnant.  But your doctor will want to do blood tests.  I had them done and it turns out although I thought I had pcos, I don't and there's something else messing up my hormons.  An obgyn that specializes in pcos or an endrocronoligist will be able to help you.  Good luck!
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.
1131008
It is possible that you are suffering from Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome as infrequent menstrual periods, no menstrual periods, and/or irregular bleeding are some of the most noticable symptoms.
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.
973934
I think you should ask your doctor about poly cystic ovarian disease and if he will check your thyroid.  Good Luck.
1104746
In re: to the snide comment above - POS is a *perfectly* acceptable moniker for the disease.  There are several ways in which to refer to the illness.  I knew exactly what you meant.  And secondly, no, it can't simply be cured by weight loss.  People need to check their facts before coming here and insulting others.  The second answer was much more on target and had some good info, but I also recommend reading through http://www.4woman.gov/faq/pcos.htm for details and info.  It is possible to live well with PCOS and obtain effective treatments to help you feel better.  Good luck.
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!
581712
I have PCOS (it used to be called stein leventhal syndrome) it is hereditary and every woman who has it has different symptoms and experiences so medications are on a case by case basis. There is a strong link to insulin resistance (pre-diabetes) so a diet that minimizes bad carbs is helpful. I have had difficultly in the past but I am about to have baby number 4 and I got my insulin resistance under control with diet and exercise - I still have weight problems but my blood work has improved. Talk with a reproductive endocrinologist for more detailed information. I hope this all helps.
72807
I too have pcos. Luckily i have now had 2 children.\nI recommend you going to a website where i get all my information & is very informative on everything from doctor's to infertility, birth control pills, & treatments. I wish you much luck! And i truly hope that you find all the info you need!
414980
Yes..I was diagnosed yesterday and I'm devastated. 2004 pap was normal, skipped 2005 (like a fool). last month I had another one and it came back with positive hpv high risk. Was sent to a OB/GYN who did a biopsy and it came back positive for Cervical Cancer...Next step, monday going for a cone biopsy to see if it's still contained in the cervix. Hopefully it is and I'll be cure with a simple hysterectomy. If not contained will be sent to another doctor...
1059610
get Biotin.  It's a pill at most vitamin stores.  Also look up PCOS on your PC.  It  stands for Polycysitc Ovarian Syndrome.  It causes many of they symptoms you are having if you are a woman.
912720
Here's a little info about metformin that might help. I also recommend visiting http://messageboards.ivillage.com/iv-bhpcos. It's a great place to ask all your PCOS questions. Good luck and hope this info helps. \n\n*Metformin is neither a weight loss nor a fertility medication.  It helps our body use glucose/insulin better.  In turn, it helps our body balance its hormones.  Some of the "happy" side effects can be weight loss, regular periods, and ovulation.  It can also potentially help with our other symptoms.  It is recommended that PCOSers take 1500mg to 2550 mg of Met/Gluc daily (after building up).  \n\n*****It can take up to 6 months on the right dosage to see any effects.*****\n\n*If you are taking the Extended Release version of Metformin/Glucophage, then you should be taking all of your pills at the same time each day.  Start the dosage out slowly, like one pill for a week or two and then add another one for a week or two until you are up to your prescribed dosage.  They recommend taking it with dinner.  What I, personally, have found is that I am better off taking it before bed.  But everyone is different!  (side note: some who are on the extended release have found that it works better for them to spread the dose throughout the day either because they don’t get the side effects or it help with their symptoms better.  If you are not getting good results after the six months on the full dose with the extended release you might want to try this)\n\n*If you are on the regular version of Metformin/Glucophage, you should be spacing your pills out through your day.  Start the dosage out slowly, like one pill for a week or two and then add another one for a week or two until you are up to your prescribed dosage.  Start taking your first pill at night.  Your second pill in the morning.  Your third pill in the afternoon.  Only up the dose if you are doing well.  It can take some time for your body to adjust to the medication.  Let it:)  *If you still can't handle the med after everything here, talk to your doctor about either switching to the Extended Release versions or another IR drug like Avandia.\n\n*Drink a ton of water!!!  About half your weight in ounces.  I weigh 170 pounds, so I should drink 85 ounces of water daily.  Your body needs to be able to clean itself and water helps it!\n\n*Try to eat good carbs rather than bad carbs (i.e. whole grains rather than white flour products).  Try to eat some protein with your carbs.  It does help your body use glucose/insulin better.  If this isn't enough, try lowering your carb intake.\n\n*Snack inbetween meals.  Don’t let yourself get too hungry.  Eat something about every 3 hours.\n\n*Take your pills with a meal and make sure you hve enough protein. Some do great making sure they have milk as well.  Milk has actually been proven to help with IR.\n\n*Think about the timing of when you take your medicing.  Try just before you eat, during, or after.  Sometimes that can make all the difference.\n\n*Fish oil…omega 3 and 6.\n\n*Milk Thistle
1172347
I took it to treat my PCOS.  The first couple of weeks were a little rough.  If your doctor is smart, he or she will start you on a low dose, and increase it after a couple of weeks.  That way you can build up tolerance and see how you react.  After about two weeks I was fine.  Make sure you eat, drink plenty of water, and eat fiber.  It will help with the adjustment.
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