PCOS

[lballard]

Hi All,

I was diagnosed w/PCOS almost 20 years ago. I had surgery which regulated my cycle. From what I understand LC'g can help with this. My questions is, has anyone out there become pregnant after changing your diet? Guess I'm looking for some hope.

[Lawbooks]

Lori,

I am copying my reply from another thread re: PCOS...
If you want to read the whole thread, here is the link:
PCOS
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.

Summer


www.herstorygirl.com

[Lawbooks]

More threads in this forum dealing with PCOS...

Hair Loss

LC and chance of conceiving?

HTH,
Summer

[carlawent]

Thanks for your inspiration Summer.

I was diagnosed with PCOS when I was just 16 - I had terrible mood swings and they did a blood test which showed my testosterone levels were through the roof - a scan followed ans there you have it. My doctors answer was to put me on Dianette. Now I'm 30 and am getting married in September. I came off the ppill in January last year because we wanted to be ready to have kids, and since then I have gained 45 pounds, my hair has thinned, I have terrible bouts of depression and I have to have elevctrolysis twice a week to control the facial hair.
The good news is that after coming acroos your posting when I was considering ways to lose weight, I went back to my doctors and pushed harder, he has now *FINALLY* referred me to an endocriniologist.
In preparation, I have also started the LCWOE and hope to be posting back here in 6 motnhs to say I've lost the terrible symptons, but most of all the weight!

Thanks again
Carla

[Lawbooks]

Carla,

I am so sorry. I can *hear* the frustration in your post and I just want to encourage you to keep reading and keep learning about this syndrome. You are doing the right thing and I truly hope that you find the relief and the success that I have found by eating this way.
I hope you'll keep posting here and let us know how you are doing. Sometimes the healing can be really slow and frustrating... we are here for you if you need us.
{{{hugs}}}

Summer

[Ladybug]

If you are on Yahoo! there are several really good groups dealing with PCOS, LCWOL and Pregnancy.
There are also some other really good websites out there that deal with this. www.soulcysters.com is a really good one and they will give you links to others.
I also have PCOS. I was diagnosed about 2 years ago, but had the symptoms for about 5 years before that. It sucks!
tt4n,
Tammy

Never Frown, Because You Never Know Who Is Falling In Love With Your Smile!

[luvnaz]

Thank you so much for this info. My 16 year old daughter's Dr. wants her to be tested for this syndrome. I knew she was likely to have it a year and a half ago, but the Dr. didn't test her then. I will get the books by Diana Schwarzbein you recommended and find out how to help my daughter. I hope Low Carb eating will also help her. Until more tests are done I don't know what else to do other than try the Low Carb WOL. You all have been a real inspiration for us. Thanks, Mary