polycystic ovaries
- Thread starter Mary Hall
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jasper10101010
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My wife...and sister in law...
They both have it. Can be very painful at times, while other times you wouldn't notice. The irregular "cycles" can be scary too! You never know if you are really "late"! My wife and I have dealt with this for 6 years now and have not found a doctor that knows or is willing to do much about it. Good luck!
They both have it. Can be very painful at times, while other times you wouldn't notice. The irregular "cycles" can be scary too! You never know if you are really "late"! My wife and I have dealt with this for 6 years now and have not found a doctor that knows or is willing to do much about it. Good luck!
SweetErika
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Yes, and I started a PCOS thread a few weeks ago after you or someone else brought it up in another thread. I even advertised it in there, but no one posted to it. 
What's up, Mary?
I've been doing well on 1000mg of Metformin TWICE daily, a good diet (try to limit high GI foods, but nothing extreme), and supplements like green tea, cinnamon, cal/mag/zinc, and B Complex for a couple of years now. I'm off of the birth control pills, have fairly regular cycles w/ ovulation, and the weight's dropping off with thyroid treatment (though that's a separate issue). I think I have some little cysts occasionally, as my ovaries can be painful, and a tiny bit of hair growth came with going off the Pill, but it seems to be well under control. I have no reason to believe I'll have trouble getting pregnant when the time comes.
What I've learned is that I have to take charge, research on my own, and bring that to my doctors sometimes. For example, I was on 1000mg Metformin total for years, but then read the gold standard was becoming 2000mg daily, so I brought that and the supplement info to my doc, she agreed, and bumped my Metformin up. After a month or so of adjustment (which was hellish, admittedly), I was doing better, so that's what we stuck with.
So, don't be afraid to research and educate/bring ideas to your doctors. Should they know more? Yes, but you can help them learn. If they're unwilling to do that or help you try different solutions, then it's time for new ones.
What's up, Mary?
I've been doing well on 1000mg of Metformin TWICE daily, a good diet (try to limit high GI foods, but nothing extreme), and supplements like green tea, cinnamon, cal/mag/zinc, and B Complex for a couple of years now. I'm off of the birth control pills, have fairly regular cycles w/ ovulation, and the weight's dropping off with thyroid treatment (though that's a separate issue). I think I have some little cysts occasionally, as my ovaries can be painful, and a tiny bit of hair growth came with going off the Pill, but it seems to be well under control. I have no reason to believe I'll have trouble getting pregnant when the time comes.
What I've learned is that I have to take charge, research on my own, and bring that to my doctors sometimes. For example, I was on 1000mg Metformin total for years, but then read the gold standard was becoming 2000mg daily, so I brought that and the supplement info to my doc, she agreed, and bumped my Metformin up. After a month or so of adjustment (which was hellish, admittedly), I was doing better, so that's what we stuck with.
So, don't be afraid to research and educate/bring ideas to your doctors. Should they know more? Yes, but you can help them learn. If they're unwilling to do that or help you try different solutions, then it's time for new ones.
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southernsky
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I'm being successfully treated for it by a very skilled acupuncturist. I feel so much better.
My doctors didn't do jack shit. I've heard that progesterone cream rubbed on the skin does wonders for some people though. Might be something to check out.
My doctors didn't do jack shit. I've heard that progesterone cream rubbed on the skin does wonders for some people though. Might be something to check out.
cinnamonstick
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I have it and am being treated with metformin. Took 15 years to find a doctor to do anything about it.
Mary Hall
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I've tried all the meds the doctor has thrown at me and they just don't work for me. I did research on PCOS and i read that if meds are failing then a possible surgery to remove the cysts should be discussed.....well its not even been mentioned and he doesnt seem bothered my reproductive system is somewhat in tatters. I was diagnosed at 18 and am now 3 months from turning 26 and nothing has been done to try and fix me.
I wish there was something i could do to either restart my periods or get rid of the damn cysts.
I wish there was something i could do to either restart my periods or get rid of the damn cysts.
Malaria
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I didn't know this was so widespread. One of my best friends has polycystic ovaries and she didn't know there was anything that could be done about it. I'm going to send her a link to this thread.
Are polycystic ovaries conected to hormone imbalances?
Are polycystic ovaries conected to hormone imbalances?
Jackotheshadows
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Here too
My wife was diagnosed when she was young with PCOS, and had the irregular periods, early puberty, and all that fun stuff. She was also told that she would never be able to have children; ultrasound had shown a *ton* of cysts on both ovaries. Of course, she always told me that she couldn't have kids, told the priest when we married, etc.
God has a sense of humor, you know. A couple of years ago, two things happened. One, she got kicked in her left side by a particularly nasty horse (she's a large-animal vet), and not long after we fooled around when her mother was visiting.
On the 12 week ultrasound, the doctor told us that the ovaries were clear, we were having a girl, and not to try that particular method of fertility treatment ever again.
My wife was diagnosed when she was young with PCOS, and had the irregular periods, early puberty, and all that fun stuff. She was also told that she would never be able to have children; ultrasound had shown a *ton* of cysts on both ovaries. Of course, she always told me that she couldn't have kids, told the priest when we married, etc.
God has a sense of humor, you know. A couple of years ago, two things happened. One, she got kicked in her left side by a particularly nasty horse (she's a large-animal vet), and not long after we fooled around when her mother was visiting.
On the 12 week ultrasound, the doctor told us that the ovaries were clear, we were having a girl, and not to try that particular method of fertility treatment ever again.
MikesLuckyWife
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I agree
I was recently diagnosed and have several friends who also have this condition. There is no right way to treat it b/c everyone is slightly different. So you definately have to educate yourself and then advocate for yourself with the doctor. Try looking into pcosupport.org The ladies there have given me options that I would have never known about otherwise.
I was recently diagnosed and have several friends who also have this condition. There is no right way to treat it b/c everyone is slightly different. So you definately have to educate yourself and then advocate for yourself with the doctor. Try looking into pcosupport.org The ladies there have given me options that I would have never known about otherwise.
SweetErika
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That's a shame, Mary. I'm so sorry!Mary Hall said:
If he were smart, he'd realize insulting you isn't going to help any, and he needs to give you all the support he can.
Mary Hall
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It just makes me angry that he refuses to accept my PCOS causes my weight problems, his solution is just to yell at me and treat me like shit. He refuses to listen when i tell him im not overweight cuz of the food i eat, but cuz my PCOS. A bit of fucking understanding would be nice.
eXplorer63
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Thing is he knows you gained a lot of weight years ago and have tried to lose it the last few years, going to the gym and eating what's classed as good food so he has no reason to but either way, whatever you looked like I'll still find you attractive whether you had it or not, he needs to learn that it's not your fault.
pinkeden
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Pcos
I have PCOS too, or "functional ovarian cysts", since they "eventually" degenerate and new cysts form.
I'm on the birth control pill and have been for about 7 years, I have THE WORST (as in paralysing) period pain ever, and if I stop taking BC my periods are so crazy irregular.
I remember being 12 and having my period for 14 days, not having it for 17 days, having it for 9 days, then not having it for months. Fun fun.
Apart from the pill, nothing's really been done, or discussed, or suggested about my PCOS. Maybe I should look into it.
I have PCOS too, or "functional ovarian cysts", since they "eventually" degenerate and new cysts form.
I'm on the birth control pill and have been for about 7 years, I have THE WORST (as in paralysing) period pain ever, and if I stop taking BC my periods are so crazy irregular.
I remember being 12 and having my period for 14 days, not having it for 17 days, having it for 9 days, then not having it for months. Fun fun.
Apart from the pill, nothing's really been done, or discussed, or suggested about my PCOS. Maybe I should look into it.
SweetErika
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I think that's probably a good idea. I've been aggressive about mine because I know it can seriously harm and destroy fertility, which would be pretty devastating to me (and my husband, I'm sure) personally.pinkeden said:
Another member's wife wasn't treated, and now they're having a hell of a time trying to get her well so they can get pregnant. Stories like that are really sad, knowing earlier intervention with relatively simple things could have prevented all of the stress, physical pain and heartache of having trouble conceiving. "An ounce of prevention..." is so true for this disease.
TBKahuna123
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Hey Mary, sorry I've been away, or I would have responded sooner. I never realized how widespread PCOS and I thought my wife was the only one. Now it turns out that her, my best friend's wife, my sister's best friend and now my sister all have it. My sister has always had issues, and a year ago she was in so much pain she almost quit law school. I told her that all these symptoms she had sure sounded like my wife's, but they(the school health service) told her she had endometriosis and had her take this battery of shots. Not only did she spend 3 grand, but they made her really sick. finally she was better to the point she finished school and moved on. About 4 months ago, now armed with a good job and health insurance, went to see a new doctor. The diagnosis? PCOS, a classic case!!!! Her doctor told her that she doubted she'd ever had endometriosis. So they put her on the pill because it's an easy fix usually. She's now having regular periods and the pain is basically gone.
It's all about finding a doctor who really UNDERSTANDS what PCOS is. My wife's doctor is actually a specialist, and we consider ourselves lucky. The amount of research we've done in the last few years is scary, because every health problem my wife has ever had can be traced back to PCOS. What most people don't understand is that PCOS is not just cysts on your ovaries, it's a complete hormonal embalance. It screws up everything.
The core problem though isn't those cyst, it's that your body is insulin resistant. It's a prediabetic condition, and that's what causes the weight gain. Your body resists insulin, so instead of properly burning calories it turns it right into fat. I'll bet your problem areas are your tummy, hips and butt, right? That's where the body stores fat when your insulin levels are out of whack. No matter how much you exercise, how much you starve yourself, you won't lose weight. I know how frustrating that is, because I've watched my wife and my sister fight it all their lives. Both my mother and my wife's mother have constantly harped on them about their weight, but my wife's mother was downright cruel about it. I wish I could tell you to just blow it off, but I know that's not realistic.
So what's the best way to lose weight? Well, my wife went to a diabetic dietician at the suggestion of her doctor. The key is getting your metabolism up and keeping your blood sugar consistent. That's what the metformin Erika was talking about is for and that's how you control PCOS if you don't want to go the pill route. My wife has to eat 6 times a day, rather than eating less, to keep her sugar and metabolism consistent. While this hasn't been the silver bullet, it has helped and she has lost weight. She needs to exercise more and I think that will really help.
Just burning off the damned cysts won't help. many women have PCOS and don't have cysts, as wierd as that sounds. They are a symptom, not the cause. Before you go the surgery route, I would look for an OBGYN who specializes in PCOS. You also have to remember that these treatments will all take some time, there is no overnight fix.
You're only 26, so take care of this now! My wife is 34 and now that we want to get pregnant, it is causing problems. If it had been properly diagnosed and treated earlier we wouldn't have these issues. I understand your frustration, but there are lots of options. You just need to find the right doctor first.
Good luck dear.
It's all about finding a doctor who really UNDERSTANDS what PCOS is. My wife's doctor is actually a specialist, and we consider ourselves lucky. The amount of research we've done in the last few years is scary, because every health problem my wife has ever had can be traced back to PCOS. What most people don't understand is that PCOS is not just cysts on your ovaries, it's a complete hormonal embalance. It screws up everything.
The core problem though isn't those cyst, it's that your body is insulin resistant. It's a prediabetic condition, and that's what causes the weight gain. Your body resists insulin, so instead of properly burning calories it turns it right into fat. I'll bet your problem areas are your tummy, hips and butt, right? That's where the body stores fat when your insulin levels are out of whack. No matter how much you exercise, how much you starve yourself, you won't lose weight. I know how frustrating that is, because I've watched my wife and my sister fight it all their lives. Both my mother and my wife's mother have constantly harped on them about their weight, but my wife's mother was downright cruel about it. I wish I could tell you to just blow it off, but I know that's not realistic.
So what's the best way to lose weight? Well, my wife went to a diabetic dietician at the suggestion of her doctor. The key is getting your metabolism up and keeping your blood sugar consistent. That's what the metformin Erika was talking about is for and that's how you control PCOS if you don't want to go the pill route. My wife has to eat 6 times a day, rather than eating less, to keep her sugar and metabolism consistent. While this hasn't been the silver bullet, it has helped and she has lost weight. She needs to exercise more and I think that will really help.
Just burning off the damned cysts won't help. many women have PCOS and don't have cysts, as wierd as that sounds. They are a symptom, not the cause. Before you go the surgery route, I would look for an OBGYN who specializes in PCOS. You also have to remember that these treatments will all take some time, there is no overnight fix.
You're only 26, so take care of this now! My wife is 34 and now that we want to get pregnant, it is causing problems. If it had been properly diagnosed and treated earlier we wouldn't have these issues. I understand your frustration, but there are lots of options. You just need to find the right doctor first.
Good luck dear.
boston_bbw
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I am a PCOS women as well.. Spent years and thousands trying to get rid of my "man beard" (finally a success) Metformin did nothing but give me the shits .. I am on glucotrol for the diabetes and nuva-ring to try and keep me from bleeding to death. Doctor feels as long as I am not having any side effects (and this about the 1st time in my life I'm not) then leave well enough alone. We will deal with the fertility issue if and when it comes up.
TBKahuna123
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The biggest problem with Metformin is that is seems VERY hard to tolerate if you aren't eating right. When my wife first went on it she got so sick that she gave up. A few years and a new doctor later its a different story. This doctor is the one who set her up with a dietician. The trick is that in order to tolerate it, you HAVE to eat. It's totally counter intuitive, but it works. Although I'm sure there are still some women out there who just can't tolerate it.boston_bbw said:
Glad you got it under control.
asian_princess
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I'm sorry, i don't really have anything extra to add to some of the very helpful advice that the other memers have given...but i just want to say, that even if your doctors haven't been helpful, take SE's advice...try doing your own research..and taking it to the doctor..it'll make them pay a little more attention to you...
After a few trips to the hospital after i'd fainted from period pain and whacked my head against some kind of pointy surface, i decided playing "guess the period day" was losing it's appeal and i went to a doctor and began the endocrinology specialists merry go round.
I was then told I had PCOS...and there was nothing i could do except drill a hole in my navel, and fiddle around...but i should just leave it until I wanted to have children because, basically, in the state i was in, i was functionally "sterile"...and sent me on my scared and uninformed 19year old merry way...oh wait, they gave me a one page pamphlet.
My own condition and treatment is still in it's trial and error stage but...thanks to thread sna places like this...i know that there IS a way to live with it.
And I wish I'd found Lit much earlier, and such helpful people at that time...
Good thread. Makes some of us not feel so alone
After a few trips to the hospital after i'd fainted from period pain and whacked my head against some kind of pointy surface, i decided playing "guess the period day" was losing it's appeal and i went to a doctor and began the endocrinology specialists merry go round.
I was then told I had PCOS...and there was nothing i could do except drill a hole in my navel, and fiddle around...but i should just leave it until I wanted to have children because, basically, in the state i was in, i was functionally "sterile"...and sent me on my scared and uninformed 19year old merry way...oh wait, they gave me a one page pamphlet.
My own condition and treatment is still in it's trial and error stage but...thanks to thread sna places like this...i know that there IS a way to live with it.
And I wish I'd found Lit much earlier, and such helpful people at that time...
Good thread. Makes some of us not feel so alone
