PCOS

[pegster]

Hi All:
I remember there were several posts regarding PCOS on the former site. One of my staff just got news yesterday that her teenaged daughter has it. I couldn't be very helpful other than say that I had heard of it. She is really "web savvy" and has looked up all she knows to find about it already this morning. What can you tell me about where to direct her for more info.? (other than her doctor) Specifically:
What to expect in the future
what symptoms do you experience
How do you cope with symptoms
How has Atkins/LC helped you
Thanks y'all
Peg
1/1/03
205/178/165

[Lawbooks]

Well, here I go again; For the second time today I am going to tout the benefits of this woe (way of eating), but I swear I am not exaggerating. Really, I'm beginning to sound like a low-carb commercial! (referring to the IBS thread in another forum...)

About 2.5 years ago, I was diagnosed with PCOS by my OB/GYN doctor.
I was very overweight and my periods were becoming erratic. I had begun having cramps and twinges regularly -- some could be quite painful -- and I had experienced a rather sharp increase in adult acne!
I was also having horrible mood swings and depression and insomnia was becoming a regular problem.
The doctor did some bloodwork and other tests and diagnosed me with PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome). She sent me to my endocrinologist for further tests.
He basically told me that I would probably not be able to have any more children (I have two) and that the PCOS would continue to get worse. He also predicted that I would begin peri-menopause soon. I was only 31!

I began Atkins a little over 2 years ago and noticed almost immediate changes.
Within a month, the acne had decreased considerably.
Within 5 months, my periods were becoming more *regular* and the twinges/cramps were lessening.
I am VERY proud to say that I am now 33 (almost 34) years old and I am 15 weeks pregnant. The acne is sporadic at best, the cramps are gone, and my periods are, er, WERE regular again.

I am currently writing an article about this highly misdiagnosed and ignored illness for CarbHealth Magazine.
It simply **AMAZES** me how many doctors miss this diagnosis in their female patients. I am also angered by the medical community's lack of concern and seeming disinterest in curing their patients of this VERY TREATABLE problem.
I have talked to so many women whose doctors -- like mine -- acted like this diagnosis was *final* and did not advise them on ways to reverse it.
It most certainly is NOT final and it CAN be reversed in many cases. Your friend should do everything in her power to ensure her daughter's syndrome is reversed as the longer it goes *untreated* the more devastating the effects.
I would strongly suggest that she get and read two books that don't deal specifically with PCOS as a main subject, but which will clarify how reducing carbs *could* possibly cure the problem:
The Schwarzbein Principle, and The Schwarzbein Principle II: The Transition, both by Diana Schwarzbein, MD. She is an endocrinologist in California and her books do the ABSOLUTE BEST job of explaining the connection between insulin and hormone imbalance. (And essentially, that is what PCOS is.) Her books are also very easy to read and understand and she gives specific guidelines for rectifying hormonal imbalance through a lower-carb way of eating.

Please tell your friend that I wish her daughter the best of luck and much success in her fight.
Please keep us posted.

Summer


www.herstorygirl.com

[MinniePauz]

Your friend may have already found this site, but thought I would post it since it's very informative: http://www.pcos.net/whatis.html

Rebel with the Pause
http://www.minniepauz.com

[Lawbooks]

A great book: PCOS: A Woman's Guide to Dealing With Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, by Colette Harris and Dr. Adam Carey.

And another good website: http://www.pcosupport.org

Just FYI!
Summer

[xsharonx]

http://www.inciid.org/faq/pcos.html

this is excellent for answering all questions

I have a support group here:

http://www.greatestjournal.com/communities/pcos_support

PCOS dosn't effect you so bad when you are young. You can put on weight alot easier and faster and it makes it harder to lose weight.

Then if she becomes overweight the other symptoms may become worse. Like having her period stop. Not being able to eat certain foods without feeling like passing out. Another symptom is acne which is awfull to have as a teenager and if she has it she should take diane35 because its probably the only thing that clears it up and it also help with thin oily hair.
Just watch that she dosn't develop an eating disorder or depression.

She needs to start eating healthy now so she dosn't develop diabeties at a later age.

Hope that link helps

[xsharonx]

Also wanted to warn you... She may also lose some of her hair if she gets horribly stressed. This happened to me and it's just really depressing.

[pegster]

Hey, you guys! Thanks so very much for all the valuable info. I'll give it to my staff member.
Peg

[glorybe1024]

Thanks for the thread. A co-worker was just diagnosed with POCS and I forwarded her some of the links. I have told her that there are many LCers on this board that have found this WOL helps. Hopefully, she will find what she needs with this information.

Glo

Start LC on 10/29/02
Cheat free 11/2/03
188/167/155

Live well, laugh often, love much!

[Ginger]

Like Lawbooks, I was greatly frustrated with the lack of a proper diagnosis and treatment. I was seeing a regular OB/GYN from the time I married (and for five years thereafter) for my annual checkups and when I was trying to get pregnant, his response was really infuriating. I guess since he spent so much time with pregnant women every day, he wasn't too concerned about the ones who WANTED to be and weren't. I eventually left his practice and began seeing an infertility specialist who successfully treated the syndrome (I have two healthy boys, now aged 14 and 18.) I can't help but believe that earlier diagnosis and treatment is better than later. KUDOS to your friend for getting her daughter to the right doc for treatment at an early age. I understand that many women aren't diagnosed until they have the level of problems I experienced with infertility and the other symptoms. The thin hair and hair loss is a nuisance... more troublesome is the insulin resistance which leads to type 2 diabetes and all the health problems that go with it. Best of luck to your friend and her daughter. Like with so many things, knowledge is power. So encourage her to investigate the resources, discuss them with the doc and treat the symptoms before they cause the underlying damage.

Ginger

Life is NOT a dress rehearsal.
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