Absolutely!
 
 
 
In a message dated 9/4/2009 6:10:30 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, qtopic-3-xbwH454PbBi6MfbwkqFv@quicktopic.com writes:

< replied-to message removed by QT >

Can a women with PCOS go through menpause??

Take another test, and then go visit your gyn. You might need to take provera or another med to get your period started again.
 
In a message dated 7/29/2009 10:07:53 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time, qtopic-3-xbwH454PbBi6MfbwkqFv@quicktopic.com writes:
 
 



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since i dont get regular periods, im not sure when to take a pregnancy test. Everyone keeps teasing me that i'm having the symptoms but the test i took last week said negative. should i take another test or just wait?

You need to find a specialist who understands PCOS. Metformin is the most widely known treatment for the syndrome and does well at helping with all of the symptoms you are suffering through.
 
 
 
In a message dated 12/9/2008 2:07:56 A.M. Eastern Standard Time, qtopic-3-xbwH454PbBi6MfbwkqFv@quicktopic.com writes:




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Hi I am 21 years old I have been recently been diagnose with (PCOS),to be honest I started my period at the age of 13 and only got it once then it started back at the age of 16 only once. Then I became pregnant with my son shortly after that period. After his birth I bleed for almost two year, very heavily and painful enough to send me to the hospital. I was told if the bleeding would not stop then I would need a hysterectomy, thank God it stopped. I knew it was not normal for a teenager at the time not to have periods but the doctors kept telling me it was normal that I would grow out of it. Now I weigh 158lbs that is the heaviest I have ever been, my normal weight size is a 125lbs I have never been this heavy. I have this big stomach that just keeps getting bigger. I am always tired and have no energy to do anything, I constantly have pain in my pelvic area. The doctor put me on Provera, but that really made my stomach hurt and I had a lot of bleeding, which had me bleeding through my clothing. I have a lot of headaches. Physically and emotionally I do not want to keep going through this. My boyfriend wants to have another baby, but I do not know what to think about all of this. Its a lot to take in.

test topic

Senks, good luck

Try a control carbohydrate diet, like South Beach. Your diet should include limited whole grains and low glycemic fruits and vegetables. Good luck!
In a message dated 8/31/2008 8:01:58 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time, qtopic-3-xbwH454PbBi6MfbwkqFv@quicktopic.com writes:
 
 






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Hi im Alish from Pakistan.. i hve just been recently diagnosed from PCOS.
i ahve so many questions about this disease..
i was suffering from irregular peroids since last two months, then i went to doc and she gave medicines. the third month i had perods but only for one day.. now i m noticing a change in my belly :( its getting fatter.. how to solve it?

Hello. My name is Christopher Hearn. Along with Dr. Shahab S. Minassian, we have written a new book on PCOS called, "Pocket PCOS- A Quick and Practical Guide to Polycystic Ovary Syndrome with Personal Testimonies."

"Pocket PCOS" is available through both Amazon and Barnes and Noble. I also put up a website which helps describe the book:

http://www.pocketpcos.com

Thanks!

Christopher

If you want to find out more information about in vitro fertilization and infertility I recommend you this site in-vitro-fertilization.eu. In this site you will find useful information and the latest news about in vitro fertilization procedure, infertility treatment and infertility causes. Learn about in vitro fertilization process and every step of its development.

Hi, I'm 31 and was diagnosed with PCOS about 2 years ago. My periods have never ever been regular...i was a slender active girl with honey blonde hair until around age 11...then i started packing on weight and my hair changed to this coarse curly dark fuzz. I continued to put on weight and deal with *irregular* periods through out high school. When ever i would tell the doctors about it i would get the...it will straighten itself out in time, your body is adjusting as you get older. I didn't have a clue and neither did the docs. 2years ago i went to the doctor because I had been having a period for something in the neighborhood of 3months straight and i was just completely fed up with it.
I know you're thinking 3months? i would have been in there after 1! But remember I'd been told that irregular periods were a *normal* part of growing up.
There are too many doctors out there who just know nothing about PCOS ..even the doctor who diagnosed me gave me absolutely no information. I had no idea it was related to insulin resistance...or that it was the root cause of all these symptoms i've been fighting so long.

I do have a question for all my fellow Cysters out there....I have this rash..it's like thick reddish-brown patches that sometimes itch...it started on my chest and has since spread to my back neck and in the crook of my arms....I've seen on many different PCOS sites that these spots are part of it...but I've yet to see anything about what to do about them. Have any of you had any luck treating this problem? And any tricks on dealing with the excess hair growth on my face chest and back?

Edited by author 03-22-2007 08:11 PM
Hi, everyone. I was diagnosed with "borderline" PCOS a few years back. It all started when I gained 80 pounds with my first pregnancy. I've since lost half but had a hard time conceiving my other two children. They were concieved with low doses of clomid and low carb eating. I am an "apple-shaped" person and I know that plays a part with PCOS. I was experiencing the classic male-pattern hair loss and hair-on-the-face symptoms. I had bloodwork drawn and it revealed I was in insulin resistance and prediabetes since my tryglycerides were high and HDL (good cholesterol) was too low. Recently, I went on the South Beach Diet and I can't say enough great stuff about it! It almost seems like a diet created personally for us!!! I urge you, if you are trying to get pregnant, DO THIS DIET!!! You will save yourself alot of heartache and headache. I know what it feels like to want to be pregnant in the worst way and obsessing about it to where you cannot think about anything else. You have to try to channel all that energy into losing weight, enough to whip your hormones levels back into shape. The diet is hard for a few days and then miraculously, it gets easy. I am of the personal belief that lifelong drugs are not a permanent answer. It is so hard to diet, I know, but why take drugs (many with side effects), when you can have the power to reverse your problems naturally. I think long term drug therapy invites many problems to the party, even if the problems start down the road. Drugs are chemicals and we should keep this in mind, "minimal necessary". If you have any questions you can email me at ayala99@alltel.net

Hi Christina,
I was just going through your case and wanted to share a few things with you. I have PCOS since 7 years. I am 25 now. Doctors gave me Medroxyprogestrone to get my periods regulated. As long as I was using that I was getting periods regularly but if I stop then the problem starts again. I got married 3 years back and since last year I am trying to get pregnant,so my doc gave me Metformin 500 mg/1 perday lastyear Dec. Again in Jan 07 she increased the dose 500 mg/2 per day. So finally I got my periods on Feb 27th/07 but till date I am bleeding and its very heavy and I told my doc about this but she told me to have patience.
Can you please tell me if this is normal??
I am very desperate to get pregnant.

Hi again!...My Hcg level at the time of noted pregnancy (Wednesday) was 25. I suppose right where it'll tell you that you're indeed pregnant. I took another blood on Friday and have to wait over the weekend to get the results given that it's the holidays. I understand that if it halves it's a miscarriage, if it stays the same it's ectopic. Another issue I'm facing is that I'm an alcoholic whose been drinking pretty consistently during the first 4 weeks. I have stopped but I still have a huge concern. Thanks for your time.

best..cari

Cari,
 
I know it is really hard not to worry right now. I had the same feelings you did the last time I got pregnant. (It was a blighted ovum.) But, all is not lost yet.
 
It is good that you are getting in for an ultrasound in a couple of weeks. Once the baby is visualized in the uterus (and not somewhere else), then you can at least relax a little. (I had an ectopic two years ago, and it was really scary, so I know why you feel so worried).
 
Have them been following your numbers? Hcg? Progestrone? That is how they knew my pregnancy was ectopic.
 
I wish you the best of luck! Please drop in and let us know how things are going.

Christina,

Thanks for replying so quickly. A couple of my concerns are ectopic, since along with PCOS I have only one working tube as well as I went for a pelvic exam on Wednesday and they couldn't find a gestational sac. Perhaps to soon? I am going to my OBGYN on the 4th of January. At that point I should be 6 weeks along. Long enough to see something. I have to be honest I'm not all that hopeful. Tying to stay calm but just not hopeful. Thanks again for responding.

much love
cari

You need to make sure that you get in to see your doctor for an early ultrasound and that your obstetrician classify you as a high risk patient. You must be monitored very closely until the very end of your pregnancy.
 
Some women with PCOS have just wonderful pregnancies. My first one was terrific. Just be prepared for a potentailly bumpy road. Educate yourself as much as you can.
 
Christina

Hi everyone. It's been over 3 years since I've been around. My husband and I gave up trying and decided to just go the route of adoption. Well, unexpectedly we are 4 weeks pregnant, au natural. My question to you all is, what should I expect. What is the chance that this may go the whole 9 months. Will take success stories and stories that were not successful. Thanks much!

Cari

Congrats! Here's to a sucessful pregnancy!

Guess what...Just after 4 months on Metformin and 1 round of Clomid.........I"M PREGNANT....I am so excited and nervous..Thank you for all of the encouraging words.

Some docs say it is fine. It depends. As with any medication, it is always best to use the lowest dose possible.
 
Christina

Is it okay to startclomid at 100mg?

Toni

Good luck! Have your tried changing your eating habits? I ovulated for the first time and got pregnant while on met alone with South Beach in just six weeks.

Sorry I should have mentioned that I'm from S.A. and we don't have any support groups and our medical aid doesn't cover "fertlity" treatment. I am trying to be optimistic because a lot of people say that it's all in the mind but it can all very frustrating!!!!

I have been diagnosed with PCOS four years ago. I've been on met and clomid, had a laproscopy, DD & C and cystectomy, all to no avail. I am now 3 met tabs a day and I'm due for another lap on 08/08/06. Hopefully this works!!!

Toni--There is so much you can do! First, you should try to get on a good diet and exercise plan. I recommend the South Beach Plan. Even if you are not overweight, you need to start now and get a handle on your hormone levels now. Also, depending on how PCOS effects you, you could try herbs or drugs to treat some of your symptoms. There is not cure for PCOS, but I sure wish I could have gotten a diagnosis when I was your age. --Christina

Hello Everyone

I am 20 yrs old and I am suffering from PCOS. My doctors are clueless and I don't know what to do or where to start.Can someone help?

Toni

Thanks Christina, I thought it was a hormone, just couldn't remember which one. Wish me luck!

You need to be sure that your progesterone levels are high enough during early pregnancy. Many women with PCOS have low progesterone levels, which lead to miscarriage early on. You can take a supplement to raise the progesterone levels. --Christina

Ladies, I'm going to the Dr. on Tuesday, I've gotten preg twice in the last year, but loose it in 6-8 weeks. I remember seeing a post that someone said I could get some kind of hormone or something to help me stay pregnant. Does anyone recall what that was? I want to talk to the Dr about it, since I'm 37 now, I don't figure I have much time left. Although I did start having periods on my own last year without any meds. Thanks!

Called the doctor's office today. Spoke with a nurse. She said that break through bleeding is common with Provera. She said that she couldn't believe that I never had it before especially since I have been on Provera on and off for 17 years.

I would call your doctor just to make sure. --Christina

Has this happened to any of you. I thought Provera was suppose to help regulate and control the severity and length of menses. I took my 10mg 2x daily for 5 days as prescribed by my MD (I never had an issue before). Sunday, 4/23 started staining...medium flow didn't occur until 4/26 with lots of lining (no menses for 8 months). Finally ended 5/5. I figured okay, it was after all 8 months of build up. Today 5/9 started staining again. I never had this happen before. I figured I would give it a few days before I call the MD in a panic. Haven't had menses on my own since 18 now 34. Maybe after being on glucofage for over a year along with aldactone my body is trying all on it's own so soon after the Provera cycle?

The first time...metformin alone. The second time....Clomid and metformin. Third time (just ended in m/c)....metformin and diet alone. --Christina

Christina,
   Have another question. When you became pregnant the first time when you first started metformin were you using Clomid as well or just the metformin.

My first met period was very light. My next one was extremely heavy, like the one you describe. It is interesting, though, that I had to go off met for awhile and when I went back on it, I didn't get my period on my own nor did I ovulate without the help of clomid. Every woman is different and if you haven't had a period in awhile that would explain the heavy bleeding. If it doesn't stop about about 10 days, you should probably call your doc so that you can get provera or prometrium to finish the bleed. --Christina

Christina,
    I have another question for you. You know both of our histories are almost exactly the same. So I was wondering, when you first started the Metformin and got your first period that next month was it a light one or a bad one. Reason I am asking is I have not had many periods in my lifetime but this one is not like any period I have ever had. I have really bad cramps and heavy bleeing. It also came on really fast where the ones I have had in the past gradually came one over a couple of days. But was just wondering if you remember how your was. Also thank you so much for making this site. Your entire web page has inspired me and given me so much hope. Thank you so much! :)

Congratulations on such a great victory! Awesome!

Well some good news here. I started Metformin on March 23 of last month and this morning when I got off work I came home went to the bathroom and YIPPPPPEEEE YAHOOOOOO I got my period for the first time in a long time. I am so excited and feel so good. LOL never thought getting your period could be this exciting. My next goal....Ovulating. Hope you all have a wonderful day and I would love to hear any news from others.

Got the address to work. I am forwarding the link to everyone in my address book. This is a "chain letter" worth starting and passing on. Hopefully it will lead to increased awareness and understanding of PCOS.

Tried to sign the petition but it keeps coming up that there is an internal server error.

Hi all,

There is an online petition calling for our legislators to investigate PCOS, fund further research for PCOS and change insurance policies to better understand and treat PCOS for all women. I am seeking a minimum of 1000 signatures from each state and would like everyone to encourage their treating medical professionals, support groups, family and friends with PCOS to sign on to the petition, as well.

Help make change, sign on today!

http://www.petitiononline.com/pcosweb1/petition.html

All the Best,
Ashley Tabeling
PCOS Awareness Advocate
________________________________
PLEASE FORWARD TO ANYONE
WHO MAY BE INTERESTED

Maybe you should give your doc a call. To me, it sounds like your metablic profile is changing, which is a very good thing, but your doc might have a better idea about what is going on and what to expect next. --Christina

Yes I took a pregnancy test this morning and it was negative...:(

I remember when I first got my dose upped to 2000mg. I don't remember how long after my dose was upped but I did have breast tenderness, bloating, and bad cramps for several days. I thought for sure... finally the med's are working. But menses never came. The symptons started again the following month and again for a third but...no menses no pregnancy. Hopefully things will turn out better for you since you weigh significantly less than myself.

Have you taken a pregnancy test?
Christina

Was wondering if anyone experience breast tenderness when taking Metformin. I have been taking 2000mg a day now for 3 1/2 weeks. I have not gotten a period yet but I noticed last week that my breast were tender and felt like I was going to have a period. (cramping, holding water, and craving sweets for a few days) That went away and still no period but my breast are still tender. Did anyone else notice these symptoms or side effects? Also I have lost 6 lbs since starting the medicine. Now I am down to 157lbs

Was wondering if anyone experience breast tenderness when taking Metformin. I have been taking 2000mg a day now for 3 1/2 weeks. I have not gotten a period yet but I noticed last week that my breast were tender and felt like I was going to have a period. (cramping, holding water, and craving sweets for a few days) That went away and still no period but my breast are still tender. Did anyone else notice these symptoms or side effects?

Way to go!! I recommend South Beach for weight loss and maintenance.

Just got back from the endocronologist. My total testosterone went from a 14 in January to a 13. My free testosterone went from 7 in January to a 6. Looked up normal rates on-line total 12.8, free 1.20. I'm alomst there as far as total but have a way to go on free. MD said I am at the max for med's (2000mg Glucofage XR & 200mg Aldactone). Only dropped 1 pound in three months. Said weight loss is the key.(like I haven't heard that before). She also gave me a prescription for Vaniqa (for facial hair) and I am going to take Provera 10mg. for 10 ten days to bring on menses. Bike exercise was going good until I got this chest cold. Going to keep doing the herbs, vitamins and carob powder. Go back to MD in July.

Heres a very good website for those that get the bad attitudes from the doctor about their wieght its motivation www.plus-size-pregnancy.org

Edited by author 04-01-2006 11:18 AM
I had that same Question because everyone don't have that same situation because some people have regular periods and still ovulate and everything but still don't release an egg because of the pearl necklace effect with thier ovaries so its hard to say but it depends on you and your body

I would say that you have your period first, which really isn't a period. You have ovulate in order to have a period. bleeding in an annovulatory cycle is usually overflow bleeding. Then, once you ovulate, you have a "real" period.

Have you ever wondered when someone starts Metformin and it helps regulate them... Do you ovulate first or have a period first. just a random thought that went throug my head...kinda like which came first?..the chicken or the egg???

Edited by author 03-27-2006 10:54 AM
Hi everyone i'm new to this site but i'm 19 TTC and diagnosed with PCOS since Feb. and I just started taking GlucophaseER(sp) starting with 500mg (per day)for 1 week then 1000mg then 1500 each week it gets higher then so forth so i'm kinda new to all this medicine but I hope I have luck the first go at it.

I am in the same place that you are in. I am eating well and losing weight, slowly, but I can't seem to get back into exercising. I really think it has to do with PCOS. One of the symptoms is tiredness. I sure feel it right now, and exercise does not alleviate the tiredness for me. When the PCOS is in check, like when I was on fertility meds and after my son was born, I had energy to burn (even thought my diet was horrible), so I think there are so many things that no one quite understands about this syndrome. Weight loss is not THE answer, though I am sure that it helps to an extent. And, you know, it is not a matter of laziness because I work hard at everything in my life. There is just so much to this syndrome.

I hate the whole lose weight attitude from the doctors too. I have been eating mostly vegetables/chicken/seafood/fruit. My endocronoglist had me see a nutritionist that was working with the office for a few months. When the nutritionist went over what I should and shouldn't be eating & I explained to her that I have been eating pretty much what she had just said I should (I even bought the more expensive pasta that is made with whole grains and protien in it). She told me, "don't get discouraged, unfortunatley it is really hard for someone with PCOS to lose the weight". If she understands this how come the doctors don't? When I was younger I was at an average weight. Never had a regular cycle (started age 11). Around age 15 weight started piling on, menses down to 2x yearly. Age 33 weight maxed at 292. After 1 year on med's down to 268 and stuck! Just bought exercise bike now I just need to get on it!

And see, that seems ridiculous to me...the whole "lose weight" thing. You only weigh 163! I got pg at 290 lbs. Now, at just 10 more lbs, I can't. I don't think it is that simple at all. Gluc worked for me the first time around. I got pg on it within four months. But, now, the older I get the harder it is to get a period and obviously to ovulate. I am 32. Lost two children and had an ectopic. No one really understands PCOS. They are only guessing.

Gloria
I take 2 500mg tabs twice a day which gives me a total of 2000mg/day. However I have read while researching you can take more. I do not take the XR either.

Christina
To answer you question no I do not have regular periods, havent since I was a teenager. Hoping the metformin will help me to start. I am not going to take the clomid until I know for sure that I am ovulating without achieving pregnancy. BTW..Im 29 yrs old and 163lbs..carry most of my weight in my mid section. My regular Dr told me...ohhhh just loose weight and you will prob get pregnant. That is when I went to a reprod endocr.

I don't know of the precise documentation, but most of the women I know are on the max dose: 2550 mg. It is not extended release, though. I take 850 mg 3X a day.

My doctor told me that 2000mg. was the max. for Glucofage. Do you know of any documentation that states otherwise?

Please do post about your next appointment. I am on the max dose of Glucophage: 2550 mg a day. It worked very well for the first year...lost 36 lbs without modifying my habits at all. Then, the weight started piling on. South Beach has been amazing, but I just don't think dieting alone will do it. I think we need to change our hormones, not with birth control pills, but with a mixture that is set for our individual bodies.

FYI, I have been seeing a diabetic endocronologist since last year. Blood work every three months. Testosterone has improved but still no where near normal levels. She keeps adjusting my prescription med's but can not increase the glucofage any higher (2000mg since fall). Going to ask her about RX Vaniqua for facial hair. Hoping to see results with next blood test (started herbal vitex, inositol, lechithin, carob powder and apple cider vinegar after my last visit). Will let you know if there is any improvement. Visit scheduled for April 12.

Stick with it. We know exercise can help some women. It is frustrating, though. I have lost nearly 30 lbs and my periods have not returned, even though that was the promise. I will continue to lose, but....

Just read some of your messages. I have been on Glucofage XR 2000mg. for about a year now along with Aldactone 200mg. I have noticed a small difference/lightening of the hair on my arms and face. Still no menstruation. Married almost 13 years, no birth control. Have had numerous IVF's no sucess. Over stimulate with feritility shots. Gave up due to $$$ (15,000 a try). Significantly overweight even when focusing meals around low carb high protien and vegetables. Recently added Vitex, Inositol, lecithin, Carob powder, and Apple Cider Vinegar to my daily regimin. Going to start getting out their and adding exercise to the mix. Diagonsed at 18 and put on provera for menses. No menses without med's since 18. Still have hope...but it is dwindling.

Honestly, I would not trust an online pharmacy. Try the generic Clomid. It is still fairly expensive, but less. Also, my advice is to stay on the met until you feel better before starting the clomid. Do you have regular periods already? If not, I would want until you started having regular periods.

also had another question...My doctor wrote me a prescription for clomid for me to start whenever I wanted to and if I wanted to. I know the med is expensive and was wondering if you or anyone had tried ivfmeds.com. They have clomid for $1.50 a pill. Did not know if it was a safe site or not. This is not something I want to chance you know?

If you body is handling it, then you might as well give it a shot. Good luck to you! Give met a try. Some women really have to wait quite awhile to see any benefits.

Well I started out on 1000mg/day and can max to 2000mg/day. So far I have been on it for 3 days without and bad side effects. Just wondering if I should go ahead and up the dose. Dr said it was up to me and how I felt. He wanted me to start out at 250mg/day and work my way up, but my body is handling it fine.

It can take up to six months or longer for the medicine to really start working. The lowest dose for effectiveness with PCOS is 1500 mg. Good luck!

I just started taking Metformin. Does anyone know how long it takes to get into the body and take effect at a therapudic level. Hours, days, weeks?? Thanks for any help.

Have jaut had another u/s and they found 34 cysts on the lefy side and 22 on the right side. Never had this many and have had pain+++ 24/7 for at least the last three months. Diagnosed at 17, now 32yrs and lucky to have two children with help of clomid and persistence+++! Any else had this many?

Edited by author 03-09-2006 12:18 AM
I was wondering if any of your ladies with PCOS have or were trying to conceive without success. Also was wondering if anyone had an insulin resistant screen test done that was positive and their doctor put them on a medicine called Glucophage. If so did that help you start ovulating and achieve pregnancy? How long did it take for you to start having regular cycles and get pregnant.

Thanks for any information.
traumagyrl@yahoo.com

I would ask around and see what other docs recommend. All the women I know who have PCOS and therefore chronically low progesterone, begin supplementation around 3 days after ovulation. By the BFP, implantation has already ocurred.
 
Christina

My progesterone saids to take after I get a BFP, not before, it is a vaginal supplement, I insert vaginally twice a day till I am 12 weeks along or until she takes me off them. I have not had a problem getting PG, its just with the implantation, and by the time I get the BFP she saids I have time to take the supplement and not have any problems. Is this wrong??? She also saids that the progesterone is sometimes not safe while you are PG, but they have not had any clinical tests that prove that
progesterone has caused birth defects yet.
Sharon

1. Progesterone supplementation should begin 2-3 days post ovulation not after you get a BFP. By that time, it might be too late. 2. While monitoring might be a drag, it is really important, especially given that women with PCOS cannot accurately use OPKs because of our normally high LH levels. 3. Do you take your temps? This seems to be a more accurate method of assessing ovulation and pregnancy.
 
Christina

I know about the progesterone that is why I MC in October, my Doctor gave me progesterone supplements that I have in the cabinet, so when I do finally get a BFP I am to take 200 mg twice a day. She wanted me to have them on hand so I did not have to wait till I could get in and see her, and I could start taking them right away. In regards to monitoring she does not do all that stuff, she has me use OPK so I dont have to try and get an appointment with her when she is usually booked solid.

Plenty of wome have gotten pregnant on the metformin/clomid combo. It is important to have your progesterone levels assessed to make sure they are high enough to sustain a baby. Women with PCOS have chronically low progesterone levels, which is often the reason for m/c. Also, be sure that you are monitored to ensure that ovulation is in fact ocurring. A simple ultrasound test or a blood test should tell you.
 
Christina

New to group, just found it tonight, in October I MC and was told the reason I MC was because I had PCOS. I am now on Metformin this is my first month of TTC on the Metformin, and Doctor also has me taking Clomid with the Metformin, so now its just a waiting game, I should ovulate any day now, has anyone taken the combo of Metformin and Clomid and gotten PG?

Thanks
Sharon

That is really odd. Even thin women with PCOS an apparent hormonal balances continue taking Glucophage. It is probably what made your hormones regular again.

thanks for the answers

i was taken off glucophage b/c my hormone levels and everything were steady and so i asked if i could lower any of my doses and so the doctor said i could just stop taking gluco all together

Why were you taken off Glucophage?
 
Many women with PCOS go on to have children. It is generally harder for us, and we have higher rates of miscarriage, but we do have children.
Christina

The weight gain could be caused by being off of the Gluc.
In ref to your having children question, I was put on Gluc. So I could conceive.
I have 2 beautiful children. It may take a while for pregnancy but the hard work will pay off.
These are great question, I had the same questions when I was diagnosed. I think we all have many questions and a lot of them are unknown.

Selene Jensen




< replied-to message removed by QT >

hey just discovered this site, im 17 and was diagnosed with PCOS when i was 15 i think, i'm on birth control, spironolactone (sp?), and glucophage. recently i was taken off glucophage and i seem to be having more mood swings and gaining weight, so i was wondering if you guys thought it was because im off of glucophage? heres a naive question from a 17 year old but will I be able to have children later on in life? thanx.

Edited by author 09-28-2005 10:53 PM
I have been taking glucophage for several years. I think about five or six for PCOS. I was very sick at first but it gets better. In fact I was so sick I lost 33 pounds when I first started taking it. I would say about a year after I started taking the Glucophage I became pregnant with my son. He is almost four now. I continued to take it through my 13th week of pregnany then I went off of it. As soon as I was finished breast feeding I started taking the pills again. Hope that helps a little!

Also, watch fat intake. Too much fat while on Glucophage when send you to the bathroom in a hurry.
 
Christina

I was also told by a doctor that you should watch your intake of sugar. Though you are not diabetic, the glucophage is used to treat it. And sure enough, when I limited my sugar...I no longer had the upset stomach I did prior. (This is after stopping and restarting the meds, so it wasn't that I was adjusted to it!)
Keyshia
 

From: QuickTopic daily digest <qtopic+3-xbwH454PbBi6MfbwkqFv@quicktopic.com> To: keyshia@hotmail.com Subject: PCOS Questions and Answers
Date: 16 Sep 2005 20:59:28 -0700
>--QT------------------------------------------------------------- > Messages for the topic "PCOS Questions and Answers" for 09-16-2005. > Reply by email or visit > http://www.quicktopic.com/3/H/xbwH454PbBi6MfbwkqFv > >----------------------------------------------------------------- > >From: Christina Time: 12:22 PM >I have been TTC for 3 years and I just found out that I have >PCOS and my Doc tried putting me on glucophage and I was very >sick from it. I am on medicaid and my Doc refered me to go to a >specialist and they would not take me becuase i am on medicaid >and I am really depressed and i dont know what to do so if >anyone has any ideas please help. >god bless. >thank you >------------------------------------------------------------ >From: CLFisanick@aol.com Time: 03:38 PM >Some women don't react well to Glucophage, but most women don't >stick with it. Sometimes it takes months to get acclimated to >Glucophage, but there are several things you can do to help >the process: > >Move up to your full dose slowly. Use 500 mg for a week and >then move up to the next level. >Drink Herbal tea three times a day. >Take your pills in the middle of your meal, not at the end or >beginning. Never, ever, take Glucophage without food or milk. > >Hope this helps. >------------------------------------------------------------ >_________________________________________________________________ >To unsubscribe: http://www.quicktopic.com/3/X/xbwH454PbBi6MfbwkqFv >Start your own topic in 20 seconds: http://www.quicktopic.com |QT

Some women don't react well to Glucophage, but most women don't stick with it. Sometimes it takes months to get acclimated to Glucophage, but there are several things you can do to help the process:
 
Move up to your full dose slowly. Use 500 mg for a week and then move up to the next level.
Drink Herbal tea three times a day.
Take your pills in the middle of your meal, not at the end or beginning. Never, ever, take Glucophage without food or milk.
 
Hope this helps.

I have been TTC for 3 years and I just found out that I have PCOS and my Doc tried putting me on glucophage and I was very sick from it. I am on medicaid and my Doc refered me to go to a specialist and they would not take me becuase i am on medicaid and I am really depressed and i dont know what to do so if anyone has any ideas please help.
god bless.
thank you

I have been on metformin for about two weeks and yesterday i found out that i was pregnant!!!! Yesss! The meds have helped out so much, not only with the pregnancy but my face has cleared up and i have lost weight.

I was on metformin/ gluc for not even two months and became pregnant... I am still on it two years later. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance.


>"The secret to a happy life is not doing what you like, but liking what
you do."
>

< replied-to message removed by QT >

Hi. My name is Brandi. I have just been diagnosed with pcos. The doc is putting me on glucamage(don't know if that is the correct spelling). I am trying to get pregnant. I am a little worried about the road ahead. If anybody would love to offer support or any tips you can email me at: bramblectr@yahoo.com. I would really appreciate it. Thanks.

Brandi

Many, many women with PCOS do not have abnormal tests..blood or ultrasound...so if you have many of the symptoms of PCOS, it might be a good idea to get a second opinion. At the very least, you should probably live your life as if you have the syndrome...meaning cutting back on bad carbs, exercising often, and charting your menstrual cycles. These things will not cure the syndrome, but can at least delay the onset of the most severe symptoms.
I would consider seeing an endocrinologist, or if you want to have children soon, seeing a reproductive endocrinologist.
 
Christina

I have many symptoms, but did not know of what. went to the doctor and she told me about pcos and did some hormone tests. i went home and read up on it, and instantly knew that this was it. i was shocked when my doctor told me that my hormone levels were fine, in fact better than normal. she then told me to have a sonogram, just to make sure, and again, everything was fine. does this mean i'm off the hook? should i get a second opinion, or are there any other tests i should take?

I was diagnosed with PCOS at the ago of 18 as I got my periods later (I was 16) and was advise that it was normal to have my periods everyday, I was placed on the pill and that didn't work, I still today have heavy period and ver painful and I mean painful. I have been trying to have a child for now 5 years as I'm 27years and have so many IVF treatments and 3 miscarriages and still I find hope, as hope in having a child. Since being diagnose with PCOS I have facial hair and put on a lot of weight as I was a size 8 and have gone up to a size 24. I find I need to believe in myself and I have only thought like this after my last miscarriage with was 5 months ago and since then I have gone a tough diet and exercise every day and I feel GREAT, I'm down to a size 16 (90 kgs), still have not achieved my goal. But to all you ladies out there please don't give up and keep trying as I will not let PCOS bet me and I'm determined in have a child before 30.

I really wish that I can help you. You must be in considerable pain. Have you asked your local government agencies if there is a specific fund set up for women's health? This is true in many states. If not, I would just go to the ER and have them bill you. You can only pay what you can and you shouldn't have to suffer.
 
Christina

I was incorrectly diagnosed for many years, even after I had a cyst rupture in 1992 that required emergency surgery. I was on several medications including Yasmin, which helped me not only have regular periods, but also seemed to help reduce the size of the cysts I normally get. The last doctor I saw, said I was one of the worst cases she had seen, very advanced. I need your help, we relocated to PA in July 2003, before that I had full-time work and full medical coverage, so getting help and prescriptions was not a problem. Now, I can only find part-time work, which I have been doing since Oct. 2003, but only make about $9k a year and can't get help through our local assistance agency. I can't even afford to get yearly check-ups or the yearly biopsy my last doctor in VA, said was necessary since I had a tendency to have large amounts of build-up in my uterus from not ovulating properly. Does anyone know where I can get help??? I've had increasing pain since September 2004, sometimes I can't even walk since the pain is so intense, not sure if it's smaller cysts rupturing, or what. I know if my temperature gets above 100, to get to the emergency room, ASAP - from the first rupture in 1993. If anyone knows where I can get help, I would greatly appreciate it, I'm running out of ideas and hope. Thank you and God bless you all.

First, docs often say there will be no problems conceiving with PCOS...not true. Second, there are plenty of things that can be done to get women with PCOS pregnant: clomid and other fertility aids, for instance.
 
Find a good reproductive endocrinologist who is knowledgable about PCOS.

HI ALL!
A FEW WEEKS AGO I HAD AN ULTRA SOUND SCAN TO SEE IF I WAS SUFFERING FROM PCO, THE NURSE SAID THAT IT SEEM'S LOKE I DO HAVE A BIT OF PCO AND DOEN'T SEEM TOO BAD.
ANYWAY I AM DUE TO GO TO THE DOCTORS ON MONDAY MORNING TO GET A PROPER EXPLANATION OF WHAT IS REALLY GOING ON WITH MY BODY.I FEEL VERY NERVUS ABOUT THE WHOLE THING.
I HAVE PUT ON A BIT A WEIGHT IN THE LAST YEAR, AND HAVE BEEN TRYING TO LOSE IT BUY GOING TO THE GYM AND TRYING TO WATCH WHAT I EAT. I HAVE ALSO NOTICED AN INCREASE IN THE AMOUNT OF BODY HAIR. I'M JUST A BIT WORRIED BECAUSE MYSELF AND MY PARTNER WOULD LIKE TO HAVE ANOTHER CHILD AND NOT SURE WHEATHER I WILL BE ABLE TO CONCEIVE, EVENTHOUGH MY DOCTOR HAS SAID THERE SHOULDN'T BE A PROBLEM.

I lost 80 lbs on a low carb diet (about 10 lbs a month), but gained it all back once added carbs back in. I find it too hard to do forever, and I became concerned about being deprived of some basic food sources. Anyway, I have been on a Zone diet (roughly...more protein than carbs and fat) and have lost about 30 lbs in a year and that is really, really good for me.
 
Good luck!
 
Christina

Hi! I was dianosed with pcos when I was 18. I gained weight and gained weight. Nothing I ever did helped!!! I was woundering if anyone has tried the "Low Carb Diet" and what kind of results they have had. Any advice would help. Thanx!

I guess I should say that Glucophage is not for everyone, but it sure has helped me and other women I know. The first time I was on it, I was not sucessful, but then my doc switched me to brand name and I saw major improvements.
Christina

I know a lot about this drug and know right where you are.
Email me with any ?? shilohmorris@aol.com

Some women with PCOS (me included) find more sucess when we combine Glucophage and Clomid.

Gaining weight is one of the most difficult things to deal with with PCOS. It comes on all of a sudden and it seems to come from no one source. I have lost about 30 lbs on Glucophage, but very, very slowly (a whole year), but it is better than gaining, which is what was happening before I started it.
Christina

We have been ttc for 6 months now, i though for sure i was pg since i was 6 weeks late, but when i went to the dr- she did a blood test and i am not, i was just diagnosed w/ pcos and she now had me take provera to start my period then i will take clomid on days 5- 9 of my cycle. Does anyone have any experience w/ this drug. since i went off the pill in june i have gained about 30 lbs. i am only 23 yrs old and hope that someone has been in my situation and can give me some good words of wisdom. thanks
bell

I am on metformin. I have been on it for over a year know. I don't think it balances hormones necessarily, but it has improved a number of things for me, including getting ridding of that fuzzy-brain feeling, giving me more energy, less carb cravings, and just an overall feeling of "better." So, in that way, it is worth it. When I took it in 2000, it restored my menses within three months and I got pregnant in four months. This time, it has not restored my periods and although I was able to conceive with metformin and clomid, it was an ectopic pregnancy.

Before taking metformin, make sure you discuss the risks with your doctor and that you take plenty of B vitamins, as metformin depletes your body of B vitamins.

Christina

Hi,is anyone on Metformin out there if so does it work and balance hormones

Any of you ladies currently pregnant with a growing cyst. I am looking for someone to talk too. I had early m/c in 2001, stillborn son in 2'20'04, currently pregnant again. Was diagnose with PCOS in 1994! Thanks
TheaSoSwt2@aol.com

I am not a doctor, but it could be a problem with your thyroid or the onset of diabetes. It could also be changes in your hormones, as PCOS is wont to do. See your doc and find out what he or she has to say. I would be sure to get tested for thyroid problems and diabetes.

Good luck!

I am 24 years old and I have PCOS.. Just in a years times I have went from 236 pounds to 185 pounds and from a 24w in pants to a average 18 and from a 2x shirt to a large shirt. This weight I have lost I am not understanding cause I have not changed my eatting habits or my exercise. I am wondering what could be going on. I also have a problem with getting energy and keeping it. I want to sleep more then I am awake. If anyone could help me understand what is going on please write me back. Thank you

I am 28 yrs.old, I have had PCOS since I was 15yrs.old. I have been trying to have a baby for eight years. I have had one miscarriage and had give up on haveing a baby until today. I went to a new doctor and she told me about HCG injections.
So I am going to try one more time with clomid and HCG. Has anyone heard of this or had good luck with it. I don't think I can take another heart break.
shilohmorris@aol.com

Brandie,
I am concerned that you have not had a cycle in 2 years. You should at least be taking Prometrium or some other cycle-inducing drug. My doctor told me that we need to have our periods at least 3 times a year, preferably 4, to reduce the risks of things like uterine cancer and endometriosis. The glucophage may take a while to kick in. I don't know how long you've been on it. I've been on it for a year, and it has really helped to regulate my cycle. Just a note of inspiration, I did conceive my son, who is now 3 years old, while having PCOS. I was not on any medication to help with conception---just a relaxing trip to Europe sealed the deal for us. PCOS varies for every woman who has it. Some have a very difficult time conceiving, others not so much. I have learned to accept that it's all up to God. Exercise really helps my pcos symptoms as well. If you're not currently exercising, I suggest starting some kind of routine. It's done wonders for me. Good luck to you.

Hi! I am 19 from new orleans and my husband and i have been wanting to have a baby. We have been trying for over a year with no results. I was resently diagnosed with pcos and began taking 1000 mg of glucophage. I have not had a cycle in 2 years and the medicine has done nothing. I also have not been back to the doctor because i resently moved away from that city. iIf anyone has any advice to offer or experiences to share i would really appreciate it. Thanks.

Hello!!! I just wanted to tell you about this wonderful new site all for women with PCOS no matter what stage!! So come by and sign up... it's easy and the women are SO caring!! Please... when you sign up mention my name (Alecia) in your first post! It'd mean a lot!! Thank you!!!

http://pub53.ezboard.com/bdownwithpcos

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Hi! I wanted to add a link for anyone who might be looking for a good PCOS online support group. Down With PCOS is a great site for support and it's really fun, too!

Edited by author 02-25-2004 10:07 AM
Hi i have been diagnosed with pcos for about a year now and my doctor first put me on a pill called dianette. That just gave me regular preriods but i wanted to be able to concieve and treat the problem so i went back and they put me on metformin. I have been on the drug 4 2 days and was wondering if anyone out there is on it and what sort of effect is it having on the disease.

Edited by author 02-08-2004 03:25 PM
Does anybody out there know of any Doctor in Canada, Calgary Alberta, to be exact, who has any knowledge of PCOS.
I have visited many Doctors who say "I eat too much", "your just fat, go on a diet" etc....!!!! Anybody who know's me, actually knows I don't eat enough... Even though I have had tests done which directly point to PCOS, nobody wants to take me seriously... Can any one help, Please..
E.mail bridgetttiamo@yahoo.com

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My doctor just replaced my birthcontrol to "Yasmin"
which is made more for PCOS...
I was wondering if anyone else is taking Yasmin and if so did it help with hair growth?

Hi. I'm not sure what you are talking about. I was not in the chat room. I have only posted a question when I was diagnosed with PCOS. Teach

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hello im 25 years old and we have been trying to have a family of about a year. my doctor think that i have POCD
so he put me on medformin.befor the medformin my periods were very messed up a i would never get it. now i have been on medformin for 2 months. im getting my period ever month os far. i started the medformin on may o8 03 and got my period on june 07 03 and then again on july 06 03.im hoping that this is a good sign that a family is soon to come. is there any one how it is happen to if so PLEASE e-mail me i would love to here from you.

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please forward and sign and send on to every one in you address book!




Samantha Purdy









>From: pinkypurdy21@handbag.com

>To: blondepurdy81@hotmail.com

>Subject: FW: please sign and send on, from lisa

>Date: Tue, 20 May 2003 13:30:43 +0100

>

>

>

> >-- Original Message --

> >From: "lisaw3398"

> >To: "miss Samantha Purdy"

> >Subject: please sign and send on, from lisa

> >Date: Fri, 25 Apr 2003 17:11:50 +0100

> >

> >

> >

>

> > from: michelle.thorne@btopenworld.com

> > date: Thu, 24 Apr 2003 19:34:16

> > to: asanthasaka@yahoo.com, kc1916@hotmail.com, dennis@rig-engineering.com,

>kwm@st-andrews.ac.uk, TLWATCHUS@aol.com, Handycampbell@aol.com, dawnlhogarth@btop

> >nworld.com, noddawn@hotmail.com, graham.thorne@ntlworld.com, karencarlson@tiscali.co.uk,

>vdiff@btinternet.com, louise.thaci@kcl.ac.uk

> > subject: Fw: Please Pass This On After Reading It. It Is Not A Joke!!

> >

> > Do you remember February 1993 when a

> >oung 3 yr old was taken from a

> > shopping mall in Liverpool by two 10-year-old boys. Jamie Bulger walked

>away

> > from his mother for only a second and Jon Venables took his hand and led

>him

> > out of the mall with his friend Robert Thompson. They t

> >ok Jamie on a walk

> > for over 2 and a half miles, along the way stopping every now and again

>to

> > torture the poor little boy who was crying constantly for his mommy. Finally

>

> > they stopped at a railway track where they brutally kicked him, threw

> >stones

> > at him, rubbed paint in his eyes and pushed batteries up his anus. It

>was

> > actually worse than this... What these two boys did was so horrendous

>that

> > Jamie's mother was forbidden to identify his body. They then left his

>beaten

> > sma

> >l body on the tracks so a train could run him over to hide the mess they

>

> > had created. These two boys, even being boys, understood what they did

>was

> > wrong, hence trying to make it look like an accident. This week Lady Justice

>

> > Butler-Sloss ha

> > awarded the two boys anonymity for the rest of their lives

> > when they leave custody with new identities. We cannot let this happen.

>They

> > will also leave early this year only serving just over half of their

> > sentence. One paper even stated th

> >t Robert may go on to University. They

> > are getting away with their crime. They disgustingly and violently took

>

> > Jamie's life away - in return they get a new life. Please read it

> > carefully... then add your name at the end... and send it to ev

> >ryone you

> > can! Please add your name and location to the list and send it to friends

>

> > and family. Please copy this e-mail (highlight text, right click, copy

>and

> > paste into a new email) instead of forwarding so we do not get arrows

>at the

> >

> >eginning of the sentences. If you are the 220th person to sign, please

>

> > forward this e-mail to cust.ser.cs@gtnet.gov.uk and attention it to Lady

>

> > Justice Butler-Sloss. Then start the list over again and send to your

>

> > friends and family.

> >

> >

> >The Love-Bug virus took less that 72 hours to reach the world. I hope this

>

> > one does as well. We need to protect our family and friends from creatures

>

> > like Robert and Jon. One day they may be living next to you and your small

>

> > children, witho

> >t your knowledge. If Robert and Jon could be so evil at 10

> > years old, imagine what they could do as adults!

> >

> > 1. SUSAN STOCKER, BRAMPTON, ON, CANADA

> > 2. Karen Butler Oshawa, ON, CANADA

> > 3. Ann-Marie Butler, Ajax ON, Canada

> > 4. Erin Catto

> > Brooklin ON, Canada

> > 5. Scott Hamilton, Perth, Scotland

> > 6. Gordon Scott, Uni of Abertay-Dundee, Scotland

> > 7. Kevan Gibson, Uni of Abertay-Dundee, Scotland

> > 8. Lynne Ramage, Glasgow Caledonian University

> > 9. Melissa Price, Buckinghamshire, E

> >gland

> > 10. Zoe Dignam, Walnut Creek, CA, USA

> > 11. Siobhan Dignam, Montrose, SCOTLAND

> > 12. Declan McCann, Glasgow Caledonian University

> > 13. Joanne.M, Leeds, West Yorkshire. England

> > 14. Sarah Beales,leeds,west yorkshire. England

> > 15. alan t

> >omas,leeds,west yorkshire.england

> > 16. Sam Haworth,Blackburn Lancashire,England

> > 17. chris hipgrave,wolves,midlands,england

> > 18. Adele Griffin,Peterborough,Cambs,England

> > 19. Grace Munday, Abingdon, Oxford, England

> > 20. Lisa Hamilton,Peterbor

> >ugh,Cambs,England

> > 21. Julie Hamlet, Abingdon, Oxfordshire

> > 22. Richard Karpa, Bicester, Oxfordshire

> > 23. Rachael Karpa, Bicester, Oxfordshire

> > 24. Mike Bourne, Colchester, ESSEX, ENGLAND

> > 25. Lizzie Duncan, Hemel, Herts

> > 26. Farah Abbasi,

> >atford, Herts

> > 27. Gemma Davison, Watford, ! Herts

> > 28. Zoe Corsan , Watford, Herts

> > 29. Danielle Fleming, Watford, Herts

> > 30. Sarah Barratt, Watford, Herts

> > 31. Nicola Franklin, Chesham, Buckinghamshire

> > 32. Andrew Paul Sitzberger, Amersha

> >, Buckinghamshire

> > 33. Gemma Richardson, Amersham Buckinghamshire

> > 34. Laura Axtell, Hertford, Herts

> > 35. Ross McConnell-Tait, Herts

> > 36: Ricky Parkins, Hemel, Herts

> > 37. Sarah Manning, Herts

> > 38. Joanne Lowe, Hemel, Herts

> > 39. Oonagh Mc

> >oberts, Hemel Hempstead, Herts

> > 40. Lucy Lawrence, St Albans, Herts

> > 41. Holly Lawrence, St Albans, Herts

> > 42. Dave Timoni , Milton Keynes , Bucks

> > 43. Sarah Reynolds, Milton Keynes, Bucks

> > 44. Carla Lyons-Davis, Milton Keynes, Bucks

> > 45. N

> >tasha Lyons-Davis Milton Keynes UK

> > 46. Natalie Bennett, Milton Keynes, Bucks

> > 47. Kerry Russell, Milton Keynes UK

> > 48. Tracey Halstead, Milton Keynes, Bucks

> > 49. Jody Witham, Milton Keynes, Bucks

> > 50. Alastair Davies, Milton Keynes, Bucks

> >

> >51. Tracy Jaquest, Iver Heath, Bucks

> > 52. Alane Coles, Manchester, UK

> > 53. George Coles, Manchester, UK

> > 54. Kher Singh Landa, UK

> > 55. Ravinder Singh, Manchester UK

> > 56. Donald Wilson, Edinburgh, UK

> > 57. Darren Perrie, Edinburgh, UK

> > 58.

> >atrina Belghache, Edinburgh, UK

> > 59. Stuart Steven, Edinburgh, UK

> > 60. Louisa Smith, Edinburgh, UK

> > 61. Mark Ishaq, Edinburgh, UK

> > 62. Jenny Watson, Edinburgh, UK

> > 63. Murray Skinner, Edinburgh, UK

> > 64. Laura Carmichael, Hamilton, UK

> > 65.

> >Sam Bethune UK

> > 66. Mark Young, Airdrie UK

> > 67. Anne-Marie Fulton, Newmains UK

> > 68. Debbie-Lee Fulton, Larkhall UK

> > 69. Stephen Richard Banyer, Hartlepool, England, UK

> > 70. Kelly Usher, Hartlepool, England, UK

> > 71. Laura Yardley, Hartlepool

> > england

> > 72. Naomi Smallman Hartlepool, England

> > 73. Michelle Lyon. Hartlepool, England,UK

> > 74. Ashley Mcbean. Hartlepool, England, UK

> > 75. Peter Tate Hartlepool, England, UK

> > 76. Val Tate Hartlepool, England, UK

> > 77. Michael Tate, Hartlep

> >ol, England, UK

> > 78. Jonathan Tate, Hartlepool, England, UK

> > 79. Liam Dunnett, Hartlepool, England, UK

> > 80. Katrina Connolly, hartlepool, england uk

> > 81. Carl Rowbotham , hartlepool, england uk!!!

> > 82. Claire Bartlett, Hartlepool, England, UK

> >!

> > 83. Andrew connor, England, UK.

> > 84. Laura Parker, Hartlepool, England, UK.

> > 85. Kim Coulson, Hartlepool, England, UK.

> > 86. Leanne Robbins, Hartlepool, England, UK.

> > 87. Craig Thurlow, Liverpool, England, UK.

> > 88. Tony Heath, Liverpool,

> >ngland, UK.

> > 89. Kimberley Hall, Widnes, England, UK.

> > 90. Claire Grady, Widnes, England, UK.

> > 91. Hannah Booth, Great Sankey, England, UK.

> > 92. Katie Mills, Great Sankey, England, UK.

> > 93. Fi Jones, Great Sankey, England, UK

> > 94. Phill Bel

> >, Great Sankey, England, UK

> > 95. Louise Bell, Great Sankey, England, UK

> > 96. Marc Hughes, Birchwood, England, UK

> > 97. Donna Morris, Locking Stumps, UK

> > 98. Leanne Lawson, Orford, England, UK

> > 99. Tony Hewitt,howley,england ,uk

> > 100. Jade He

> >itt, great sankey, england, uk

> > 101. Anna Burchall, westbrook, england UK

> > 102. Natasha Collin, Liverpool, England, UK

> > 103. Sarah de-Vaal, Coningsby, Lincoln,UK

> > 104. David Thorne, Leuchars, Scotland, UK

> > 105. Michelle Thorne, Leuchars, Scot

> >and, UK

> > 106. DAWN HOGARTH< TAYPORT FIFE SCOTLAND UK

>107. Lisa Whittington, Warnham, West sussex. UK

> 108. Samantha Purdy Kent UK

>

>--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

>

>

>



If you love music, create your own online music collection with MSN Music Club.

I don't know. I do know if they are moving you up in mg. that could be hurting you instead of helping. I would also check to see if you have insulin resistance now. Hope that helps. Good luck. Teach

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i am still trying on clomid 4 cycles all together nothing yet it worked when i got preg with my little boy will it happen



Samantha Purdy




>From: QT - Teach3mm2@aol.com
>Reply-To: QT topic
>To: blondepurdy81@hotmail.com
>Subject: PCOS Questions and Answers
>Date: 19 Dec 2002 19:41:34 -0000
>

Chat with friends online - download MSN Messenger today.
< replied-to message removed by QT >

I don't have boils. Teach

It sounds like you have PCOS, but the only way to truly know for sure is to get a diagnosis. Boils are common with PCOS as are you other symptoms, but only a diagnosis by a qualified medical practitioner can confirm that you have PCOS.

Hi, i have a few questions i guess. well to start off i am 19 years old. when i was about nine or ten i started growing my pubic hair and along with that came a few sore like bumps. for the most part they never really hurt. then during that same year or so, i started developing these sections about a half inch to an inch in length on the creases where my thighs and my vagina meet, that were filled with white liquid. At this time i had never had sex so i know it wasn't an std. i never told my mom about it for fear of ridicul or something like that. well the sores or what i called them, boils, went away on their own but showed up again maybe a few weeks later. it became harder to deal with at times. well all this continued throughout my life. when i was 18 i went to a gyno and she found out that i had chlamydia. she put me on these pills to get rid of it which it did. i no longer have that. thing is i still have these boils every now and then. they are also in between my legs on my thighs. i read on another site that it could be pcos. i am a little worried about that. i am scared to ask a gyno about it. i mean i am about to be 20 next month in feb. and i want to have kids. will this hender me from having kids? i have also read up on the pcos syptoms: i have almost all of them. I went to a gyno about my period. she started me on these pills that helped but i only had one period and none for the past two months. i had never started my period until then. i have the hair growth problem, on my stomach, face, back of my thighs, toes. the boils on my thighs and my breast. and a few other signs. what should i do? can someone possibly confirm my fears that this is pcos?

Hi. I think you have me confused with someone else. I'm not trying to get pregnant. I have a 7 yr. old and 15 mth. old twins(thanks to clomid). I am just going to talk with dr. about a hysterectomy. I am trying to prevent any kind of uterine or ovarian cancer. I have a history of problems in my family and with the PCOS, I figured I'm doomed. But I am done having children. I'm 34 with high blood pressure. My body is done. Teach

did you find out if you are preg for sure yet



Sam purdy



>From: QT - km
>Reply-To: QT topic
>To: blondepurdy81@hotmail.com
>Subject: PCOS Questions and Answers
>Date: 24 Dec 2002 15:46:44 -0000
>

MSN 8 helps eliminate e-mail viruses. Get 2 months FREE*.
< replied-to message removed by QT >

Thin women with PCOS make up a large part of the PCOS population, yet, like you said, docs often dismiss thin women because there is this misconception that all women with PCOS are overweight.

About clomid---it is very dangerous to use clomid incorrectly. Using too much too fast can cause hyperstimulation of the ovary, which can later cause major problems and may even prevent future conceptions. It is also absolutely necessary to be monitored carefully via ultrasound while on clomid. You need to be sure that you are ovulating.

Oh okay. They always just looked at my progesterone levels. I do know you need to be careful increasing. My girlfriend went all the way to 150mg and was ovulating on all dosages. But didn't get pregnant. When she went to the reproduction dr. she was told the higher dosages caused her to produce too much cervical mucus, which prohibited the sperm to get through. So she kinda counteracted things. Something to think about.
I'm getting ready to go speak with my dr. about me having PCOS. I think I always have but was told I didn't because I was too skinny. Then my girlfriend was diagnosed and she is even smaller. Anyway, I just had twins and I have a 7 yr. old so I am done. But I would like to find out how to protect myself again uterine and ovarian cancer and diabetes. Hope you had a great holiday. Teach

unless they actually do a scan they cannot 100 erscent say you havn't oved with just a blood test i was told by my doctor



Sam purdy



>From: QT - km
>Reply-To: QT topic
>To: blondepurdy81@hotmail.com
>Subject: PCOS Questions and Answers
>Date: 24 Dec 2002 15:46:44 -0000
>

STOP MORE SPAM with the new MSN 8 and get 3 months FREE*.
< replied-to message removed by QT >

I have never heard of clomid giving a false positive. I would wait another couple of days and take another one. I actually had a period (well I spotted for two weeks) and I was actually pregnant. The only time I have ever had regular periods, I have been pregnant. Do you know what your progesterone level was. I was told anything 11 or more is good. Teach

I just started clomid and lab tests showed that I did NOT ovulate. Home Pregnancy test is positive. Before I get my hopes up, can taking the clomid cause a false positive on pregnancy test??

I took it days 5-9. And apparently I ovulated right on time. teach

what days in your cycle did you takeit i will take it from 2-6 days



Sam purdy



>From: QT - Teach3mm2@aol.com
>Reply-To: QT topic
>To: blondepurdy81@hotmail.com
>Subject: PCOS Questions and Answers
>Date: 18 Dec 2002 19:27:12 -0000
>

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< replied-to message removed by QT >

I took one dose of 50mg and I was pregnant with twins. I was on nothing else. Teach

yes i did to with my oneyear old but im now on it again i hope it works as quick how much was you on to get twins did you have to take anything else


Sam purdy



>From: QT - Teach
>Reply-To: QT topic
>To: blondepurdy81@hotmail.com
>Subject: PCOS Questions and Answers
>Date: 17 Dec 2002 12:12:18 -0000
>

MSN 8 helps ELIMINATE E-MAIL VIRUSES. Get 2 months FREE*.
< replied-to message removed by QT >

i got preg to on first time with my son justin he is one soon but i'm on it again wondering if it will work again really impatient!!



Sam purdy



>From: QT - Teach3mm2@aol.com
>Reply-To: QT topic
>To: blondepurdy81@hotmail.com
>Subject: PCOS Questions and Answers
>Date: 17 Dec 2002 12:12:54 -0000
>

MSN 8 helps ELIMINATE E-MAIL VIRUSES. Get 2 months FREE*.
< replied-to message removed by QT >

Hi. I got preg. first time around with twins and my sister in law did the second round. Teach

Blonde I got pregnant the first time around with twins.
Teach

has any one got preg on chhlomid second time round?

Okay, here it is. I have had problems with my menstrual cycle since I was 16. I was able to get pregnant with my first child after having a miscarriage. For my second pregnancy I had to be put on clomid, which caused me to have twins. I have had weight gain around my middle. I had gestational diabetes. I have had high blood pressure as long as I can remember. I look like I have a light mustache and I have skin tags. I am not obese, but again I have gained weight even after losing all and more of my weight from being pregnant with twins. I fight depression and anxiety with Zoloft. I also have fibrocysts in my uterus. So do I have PCOS and if so, do I need to do anything about if I am not going to have any more children?

What you are dealing with is very common. If you got to obgyn.net, you can read the statistics on how long it takes the average woman with PCOS to get a diagnosis, because docs simply ignore there complaints. You need to keep searching for a doc who understands and can recognize PCOS. In my case, it took four years to get a diagnosis and even longer to get treatment. Keep looking, you will find someone who believes you. Hang in there.

Hiya I was just wondering, I have resently been experiencing symptoms of PCOS and my sister has also been diagnosed with it, what I was wondering though was did anyone else have any problems with docs and the fact that they seem to want to just ignore it and pretend that PCOS doesn't exsist. Was just wondering what people have found because it has really got me down and makes me feel as though I'm not being believed.
maz

Start with diet and exercise. Read as many carb controlled plans as possible and see if you can find one that works for her. They really do help. Also, have her do cardio and weight training exercise. It may not solve all her problems but they will help. I have links to info about the role of carb controlled (not LOW carb) diets and PCOS on my site at
http://oak.cats.ohiou.edu/~cp391990.

My daughter was diagnosed at fifteen with pcos. Syptoms seem to be getting worse. Has had two cysts rupture in the last month. She has no insurance and we can't find anyone in our area to treat her. Any suggestions?

Emma...are you also taking glucophage with the clomid? I took the clomid along with 1500 mg of glucophage. I got pregnant the very first month on 50 mg. I lost that baby at 5 weeks. Then I took the clomid alone for 3 months and did not get pregnant but the very next month that I took the two together I got pregnant and am currently 13 weeks pregnant. :) Also there was a study done that showed that women who take glucophage during pregnancy (and have pcos) will decrease their chance of miscarriage from 60% down to 15%. Also it decreases their risk of getting gestational diabetes. :) Hope this was a help to you, feel free to email keyshia@hotmail.com.

Edited by author 10-20-2002 09:46 AM
I have been on clomid this will be my 3rd cycle at 150 mg. I have had to increase my dosage do to low progestrone. Can anyone tell me how successful clomid has been to them?

<PRE>A good resource for finding out info about PCOS and Teenagers can be found at the PCOSA's website: www.pcosupport.org. They have a whole department dedicated to PCOS and teen girls.

I would like to know if any one out there knows what the symtoms of pcos is in preteens or teenagers. I have been told that my daughter maybe showing signs of this but I have not been able to find out if there are symtoms that are different if your are a teenager. If there is anyone out there who has a teenager that has pcos please can you help me out.

You have great odds of getting pg. You just have to go to a doc who understands PCOS. Go to an knowledgable reproductive endocrinologist.

I am 5 and a half months pregnant and was diagnosed with pcos almost a year ago... They put me on Metformin(sp) and it made me really sick but it was worth it since we are due at the end of January. Good luck!

> ----------
> From: QT -
> CHRISTY[SMTP:qtopic+3-xbwH454PbBi6MfbwkqFv@quicktopic.com]
> Reply To: QT topic
> Sent: Monday, September 30, 2002 7:29 AM
> To: Jensen, Selene (was Swanson)
> Subject: PCOS Questions and Answers
>
>
< replied-to message removed by QT >

Hello, I am a 27 yr old who just got married and my husband and I want to start having children, the problem is is that I have PCOS and have only gotten my period about 10 times since I was 17. They gave me Provera for 21 days and then started me up on Jasmine which is a BCP. I had to stop taking it becuase it was making me really sick. I am terrified that I won't be able to get pregnant. Can anyone tell me what the odds are of someone with PCOS to be able to get pregnant? thank you

Go to another doctor. There might be other ways of taking care of the problem other than IVF.

Hello,I need some advice on what to do. I am diagnosed with PCOS. I have all of the same symptoms that everyone has discussed in their messages. My doctor has discovered that my tubes are blocked, and where they are blocked at, my doctor does not want to do the laproscopic surgery. She suggested vitro-fertilization, but the money is the issue. That can cost a lot of money. Please someone give me some good advice.

You must see an endocrinologist. In fact, you should see a reproductive endocrinologist.

Hi, I am new to this board and I wanted some opinions from some gals in the "know" So, I am 22 and was diagnosed with PCOS about 4 months ago, I have been having symptoms since my first period at 11. I was diagnosed by my OBGYN and she said, You have what we call PCOS, explained to me what it was, and then said that it is treated with BCP, no mention of any other symptoms or treatments. I have been going to this doctor for a long time and trusted her responce. However, I do experiance symptoms that the BCP can not treat, excesive hair, fatigue...and so on. I didnt know much about PCOS so I took it upon myself to research on the internet, and came across your forum. My doctor mentioned nothing about going to an endocrinologist for this problem. This is confusing to me, my question is, is it necassary to see an endocrinologist? Or is it just a matter of opinion?
Thanks

I had the same problems and my doctor lowered my dosage.I was prego within 5 months of taking the Gluc. So keep a positive attitude. :O) I do think you should call your Repro Endo and see what he thinks....



> ----------
> From: QT - EJ[SMTP:qtopic+3-xbwH454PbBi6MfbwkqFv@quicktopic.com]
> Reply To: QT topic
> Sent: Wednesday, September 11, 2002 2:37 PM
> To: Jensen, Selene (was Swanson)
> Subject: PCOS Questions and Answers
>
>
< replied-to message removed by QT >

I have PCOS and have been taking Glucophage--in order to ovulate normally--for about four weeks now. My dosage began at 500 mgs 1x for a week, moved to 500 mgs 2x the 2nd week, and now I am topped out at 1500 mgs each day (for the past two weeks). While I am excited about the potential for regulating ovulation and for weightloss, the gluc is making me very sick. I suffer from rolling waves of nausea unrelated to eating, cramping and diahrrea anywhere from 10-30 minutes after a meal, minor heartburn, food taste interruption, and flu-like fatigue. What I need to know is whether or not this will eventually abate, also if there are perhaps foods I should be avoiding (caffeine, dairy, etc) that might exacerbate the problem? Further, is there anything that can be taken to alleviate the symptoms that won't interfere w/ the medication? I tried Pepto but that did no good. My point being that inasmuch as I really want to ovulate normally so that I can work on getting PG, and as attractive as losing 20-30 lbs might be, it's ultimately not worth it to be this sick all of the time. This literally threatens to take over my life at times because I feel so ill I don't want to do even normal everyday things. If anyone out there has experienced this and can give me some advice (or hope) I will greatly appreciate it. If I don't get answers over the next few days I will call my Repro Endo and see what he thinks the next step should be.
I can be emailed at juliano96@yahoo.com or I will check back here over the next few days to see if anyone responds.

Thanks and best of luck to everyone out there who is trying to combat this disease--EJ

To find a doc in Colorado. Check the Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome's website at www.pcosupport.org. They have a great list of docs there.

Christina

Edited by author 08-29-2002 05:10 PM
Hello,
I was diagnosed with PCOS about two years ago. The repro endo I went to see diagnosed me. Unfortunately she left Colorado and her colleague took over. He's a good doctor but doesn't take my symptoms seriously. He said my acne, chin hair, etc. are the result of bad genes. He is even an infertility specialist! Now my husband and I are trying to conceive and I'm nervous that I'm not ovulating (I stopped the pill in May). I think if I don't get my period back I will have to go on Metformin. Can anyone recommend a good reproductive endocrnologist in the Denver, Colorado area? On a positive note, I lost 15 pounds last year. I say losing weight is possible with PCOS. I also have discovered that I am an emotional eater. When I get stressed or depressed I head for the kitchen. I have really taken steps to deal with my emotions before taking the next bite. Just as a side note, I am also wondering if weight gain and stress brings on PCOS? I never had acne, annoying hairs or delayed periods until I gained 15 lbs during graduate school (age 25). Thanks!

I am glad that you have it figured out. I don't recommend the pill for every woman with PCOS, but I understand that for some women it is their only option. I hope that you find a good balance. The thing to keep in mind when dealing with PCOS is to find a good balance, in what you eat, what you do (exercise), and how you feel.

thanks for your response. I mentioned it to my doctor and the response was I should be on the birth control pill to regulate my periods.

thanks for your response. I mentioned it to my doctor and the response was I should be on the pill to regulate my periods.

Have you called your doc? He or she might be interested in knowing this. Again, it is not that uncommon for women to have such episodes of bleeding while on prometrium. I have had it twice and my doc said that my period was probably close. Please call your doc.

i started bleeding when i went on prometrium and bleed on it for the 12 days that i was on it. I am confused and don't have any answers as to why i bled all the way through.

yes, it is quite common. You were probably near to starting your period before you took the prometrium, but didn't know it.

I was on prometrium when i had my period. a few days on it i started bleeding like a peiod again. Has this happened to anyone else before.

Could mean that you are pregnant. The only way to know is if you take a test.

alrighty...wel started my period (spotting) and i had sex but he only put it in and out 2 times...i have the flu...my period stopped...does me being sick have anything to do with it? i'm really scared...PUH-LEEZE help...

I HAVE BEEN TAKING SPIRONOLACTONE FOR ABOUT 4 YEARS. I STARTED WITH A HIGH DOSE BUT NOW I AM ONLY TAKING .50 MG PER DAY. I EXPERIENCED FATIGUE. I ALSO EXPERIENCE MUSCLE AND JOINT PAIN BUT DID NOT ASSOCIATE WITH THE MEDICATION PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF YOU FIND OUT ANYTHING.

THANK YOU.
>
< replied-to message removed by QT >

I asked my OB/GYN this question but I was wondering if anyone else knows. If you are taking metformin already and you are tested for PCOS will it cause a false negative result? I have many of the symptoms/signs of PCOS however I have also been recently diagnosed with Type II Diabetes, so I am already taking two doses of Metformin a day, at first I lost about 20lbs but now nothing, the little wiskers on my chin have dimminished and the dark patches around my eyes, chin, underarms, neck and thighs have gotten lighter but they aren't gone. The problem is that when the doctor did the blood test to check for testosterone I was already taking the metformin, and I feel it may have given a false negative result. Has anyone else had any experience with this? Oh yeah, my Mother, and three sisters and their daughters have been diagnosed, my 19yr old daughter is in the process of being checked.

lately i have been having join, back and shoulder pain. i thought it was due to the medication of pcos spirolactone, bcps. I as wondering ifn anybody else is having this problem i also have alot of fatigue with the pain in my mussles or joints.

Glucophage is one of those drugs that is still very hotly contested as to its effectiveness. I was able to get pregnant because of Glucophage after only three months, but as you know if you read the rest of this website, my pregnancy was very problematic (though not because of the glucophage) and my son died. Glucophage worked well for me for about a year and a half, after that it slowly stopped working and actually made my symptoms worse. I stopped taking Glucophage three weeks ago and have had no major problems. I was not insulin resistant according to lab tests, but much of the literature on PCOS and IR indicates that most women with PCOS will have all of the symptoms of IR and not have it show up in tests. So, you could very well be IR without being "officially" diagnosed.

I guess that my point is that Glucophage does wonders for some women (I know plenty who have had sucess on it), but don't fool yourself into thinking that it is the wonder drug. You will only feel disappointed later. It is not a cure for PCOS, but it does help many women with some of the symptoms.

Hi allison,

I am not insulin resistant and was put on Gluc. by my doctor... With in 3 months we found out we were having a baby... I am now 13 weeks along and can't wait to meet the little person growing inside me.... Good luck, Stick with the gluc, It made me really sick at first but that soon faded away...
> ----------
> From: QT -
> Allison[SMTP:qtopic+3-xbwH454PbBi6MfbwkqFv@quicktopic.com]
> Reply To: QT topic
> Sent: Tuesday, July 23, 2002 7:22 PM
> To: Jensen, Selene (was Swanson)
> Subject: PCOS Questions and Answers
>
>
< replied-to message removed by QT >

I was diagnosed with PCOS, although I am not insulin resistant. My Dr. prescribed Glucophage to help me get pregnant and loose weight. Does anyone have any success stories when you aren't insulin resistant?

I wasn't ever put on clomid.... My doctor put me on Gluc. and with in 3 months I was pregnant... I am now going into my 4th month of pregnancy... The one thing i know is with clomid you have a higher chance of a multiple birth.... Gluc. evens out your insulin levels and regulates your body's blood sugar... That with a semi low carb diet worked for me... I wish you the best, If you have questions about what your doctor is doing, may be go for a second opinion... That is what worked for me...

> ----------
> From: QT -
> timandmary[SMTP:qtopic+3-xbwH454PbBi6MfbwkqFv@quicktopic.com]
> Reply To: QT topic
> Sent: Wednesday, July 17, 2002 8:18 AM
> To: Jensen, Selene (was Swanson)
> Subject: PCOS Questions and Answers
>
>
< replied-to message removed by QT >

I am 22 and have had PCOS since I was 13. I have been married for 4yrs, and have been t.t.c. for almost 3 yrs.My doctor just put me on Proetrium and b.c. and in Aug. he is going to try to put me on clomid. Should I be on Glucophage also? When I asked my doctor he said 2mths. on clomid I should be pregnant. What are my chances on getting pregnant just on clomid? Why do doctors give or dont give Glucophage? I just want to be normal!!!!!

I have PCOS and have had 2 kids using Clomid and now I am pregnant after being on Glucophage. My doctor has said to stop using the glucophage while I am pregnant. Is that true? If I did take it would it help me prevent gestational diabetes (I had borderline with both kids). Also does anyone else have low platelets?

Does anyone know???? I have PCOS, Lately I have been getting my period on time. I'm on glucophage currently. I'm trying to get pregnant!! Has anyone had any luck??? Please e-mail me!! aaron_stacy57069@yahoo.com

is breast size related to pcos? if so, how & what is the cure?

I was diagnosed with PCOS 5 months ago, but I have it since I got my first period. My big problem is hair loss, I have some hair my stomach and maybe from 2 to 4 in my chin, I can really count them (I think they started growing around last year, never had problems with excess hair, my problems were hair loss, a little bit of acne, oily skin, and I started gaining weight 3 years ago and no matter what I do, I can not lose it, I was 129, now I am 154 lbs... ). Well I do not care about the hair on my stomach, I just wax it every month, and the hair was getting thinner! And now it is better I was taking spironolactone and I noticed that the hair from the stomach disappeared and no hair in the chin anymore... I think it was a good start.. However I got some problems with the bcc and spironolactone, I had breast soreness and I can not stand it anymore, so I decided to change treatment. I started Glucophage, I hope I can get my period soon, with the bcp I had problems, and when I got my period only twice and it was not heavy...

I WAS TOLD THAT I HAVE PCOS 4 YEARS AGO. SINCE I HAVE BEEN ON A LO-CARB DIET AND SPIRONOLACTONE. RECENTLY MY DOCTOR WANTS ME TO TAKE PROMETRIUM. I HAVE READ VARIOUS OPINIONS IN REGARD TO HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY AND I AM NOT SURE THAT I WANT TO CONTINUE TO TAKE IN THE FUTURE. WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS AVAILABLE.

Hello..new to the message board and had a question..I've been diagnosed with PCOS for about 2 years now and my usual problem was lack of periods..did the glucophage thing for a while and it made me sick so stopped that. Then I decided to go back on the pill to deal with it (oh and MELISSA - i've heard that going on the pill can help with eliminating some of the cysts - so then when you want to get preg, you can stop taking it and the cysts should be less of a problem)..anyhow..getting to my question - I started the pill about 3 weeks ago *orthotricyclin - took it for several years before without problem but quit may 2000* and for the last 2 weeks, i have had bleeding that I would call period bleeding - has anyone ever experienced bleeding b/c of PCOS?? I am going to the doc in 2 days for something else and will look into it with her, but just wanted to see if anyone else had ever had this fun thing to deal with. Thanks for reading! :)

Prometrium is used very often to jump start periods. Other docs will perscribe provera in its place. Prometrium is safer just in case you could be pregnant and I like it better than provera.

Hi everyone!!
Iwas just diagnosed today with pcos and my gyno put me on prometrium? anyone heard of it?? from what I have been reading I have not seen anyone mention it. I have also been put on birth control. I want to concieve so I am unsure why she put me on bc. Any answers or response is greatly appreciated.

Hi there... I am new to this forum. I am wondering what drugs everyone here is on. I was just prescribed spironacton but what I am reading indicates to me that this is not right for me!! Please, give me some advice.

   I have PCOS. About 10 members of my family have been diagnosed. I am 52, and was only diagnosed two years ago.This came about when my 25 yr old daughter was diagnosed, and we realized that this was no doubt what my mother had beginning in the early years of her life.
     I have lots of questions, but the one that concerns me at the moment is the loss of libido. Since my early thirties, I have had almost no sex drive. I understand that usually the male hormones are high. If this is the case, why is the sex drive low?

whats is always changing;ex:tempature people height weight hair

Well there is a great deal of speculation as to whether you should continue to use Glucophage during pregnancy. Those against it say that there is not enough information about Glucophage and the human fetus, which is pretty true, even though many diabetics and women with PCOS have had successful pregnancies while on Gluc. The research being done by Charles Glueck in Cincinnati (search for his great site on the web) indicates that not only is it safe, but it also protects PCOS women against early term miscarriage and may prevent the development of gestational diabetes and preeclampsia. For my last pregnancy, I stayed on the Gluc the whole time. I plan to do so again as soon as I get pregnant again. (Fingers crossed.) It is a decision that you have to make with your doctor.

does anyone know if continued use of glucaphage should be used through out pregnancy.

Our requirement is : Low dose contraceptive pills. 50 million cycles.Please contact immediately. Thank you very much. sincerely yours .
 Khairul Hafiz.

Christina(read all the info and research you have put together..Thank-you) and others....

I was told last week that I have PCOS.

I had a vaginal ultrasound which confirmed it. My right ovary is 3x the size of my left with the cysts. My LH to FSH ratios are 3:1. I have been steadily gaining weight for the last 5 years despite following a lo-carb diet and exercise. I am well on my way to being 60lbs overweight. I have not had a "normal" period in years and years. My cycles run anywhere from 35-60 days and I have had to have medicine in the past to start my period. I was able to conceive 3x and have two children. I just had my glucose levels tested:
fasting glucose (while following a lo carb diet) 98, insulin 11. In February 2002 my glucose was 107.
I am wanting my doctor to put me on Metformin to help with the weight loss. According to his office my levels are normal. I do not feel normal. I am always bloated and achy in my pelvic region. My mood swings are horrible. I feel swollen all the time and crave sugar and carbs constantly. I never know when my period is going to start and ovulation is painful. I tend to have breakouts on my skin, but would not consider it acne. I have a lot of peach fuzz on my face which is light in color. I do have excess hair from my pubic area to my navel. My cholesterol and tryglicerides are normal to excellent. My HDL was 30, a little low?
I am furious that for the last 5 years I have ben presribed anti-depressants, BC pills and told it was in my head. I have been treated like a silly female and told to have my stomach stapled. I did not have to live like this. My doctor prescribed Avandia (side effect:weight gain) which I refuse to take.
Any advice? Thanks so much.

Hi Everyone,

I was told last week that I too have PCOS, I had an ultra sound on tuesday and it was confirmed... UGG... They have me on Glucophage, It has not made me sick yet thank goodness... I am thinking once I up my dose I may have some reactions. When I first found out I had PCOS I cried and was really sad, But now I am glad to know what is wrong with me... I don't have all of the physical signs of PCOS but my ovaries, blood work and cycles show all of the classical signs... I have been reading the book "insulin resistance diet", and I think it is great so far...
Anyway, I have a 3 and1/2 year old, I became pregnant with her when I was 20 years old... She was unplanned which I guess is rather commin in PCOS... The problem is that My husband and I want to have a baby... I am scared if I have a miscarriage I will not want to try anymore and my husband really would like to have a baby that is between he and I... Are there anyother woman going throught this?

:O)selene Msjuvis@hotmail.com

It sounds like you have PCOS. What does your doc think that you have if not PCOS? No periods or irregular periods are both symptoms of PCOS. Other symptoms include the following:

excess body hair
skin tags
dark, velvety patches of skin between the thighs, under the arms, around the neck
irregular or no periods
excessive weight gain
depression
infertility
acne
male pattern baldness

Go to another doc. Has your doc done tests? I have a list of PCOS tests and interepretations on my PCOS site. http://oak.cats.ohiou.edu/~cp391990/
I hope this helps.

hello everyone i am 32 never had a period and i have facial hair under my noise. I read that with pcos you gain weight in your med section is that true? because all the weight i have gained in five years(50lbs) has been right in the middle. I asked my doc(obgyn) and she said all the women she had seen has irregual periods not no periods so i do not have it. I still feel strong about this pcos please help someone. GODBLESS.....

Hi, My name is Kayti and I am 20. I was diagnosed with PCOS 1 month ago. I am very confused by all of it, and looking for answers. Ive been losing weight because the smell of food jsut makes me sick. Is this normal. Ive also had minimal hairloss. I have very low blood sugar, and I don't know if any of it is related to the side affects I have with the PCOS. I am lucky if I get my period 5 times a year. If any of you can help me my email address is punkrock@inna.net. I am also doing a research paper on this for school so any information is appreciated.

It is very common to experience uneven emotions with PCOS. In fact, until I was able to get it somewhat under control, I was thinking of trying an antidepressant. Many women that I have met who have PCOS having mood swings. Depression is now often listed as a characteristic of PCOS just like obesity and skin tags.

I have always had irregular periods. After my third child I got a tubal ligation. Shortly after that I started missing ny periods again. I don't eat alot or get wierd cravings I don't gain very much weight, but I can't seem to lose it. They told me I had pcos. I was put on the pill, the moment I stop taking the pill, I start missing periods. Nothing really seems to make a big change. One thing that bothers me the most is that I seem to be on an emotional rollercoaster, is this common? I wonder if this is common with this syndrome, or if it is just me.

   I am 20 years old and found out that I have pcos a year ago. I have always had irregular periods, but it wasn't untill I missed my period 6MONTHS in a row that they finally tested me. Mind you, I was told I had an eating disorder almost two years before. I always felt fat. Even when I was involved in three different sports i was 20-25 pounds overweight. After a knee injury I quickly gained 50lbs over the next year and a half, graduating high school at almost 200lbs. Amongst the mood swings, fits of depression the oh so great aid of birth control, I was told I needed to grow up and stop acting like a child. My anger made things rough at home, and also put my 3 year relationship on the rocks. After all this I have relief to know I actually have something that I can work to fix without counselling, trying to figure out what's wrong with me, and have goals. I was originally devastated when my nurse practioner who delivered the news also said that getting medical treatment would be difficult unless my boyfriend and I were trying to conceive. She also didn't go into detail about all the other major medical risks. I am so pleased to find other women that understand me, and also other men that can relate to my boyfriend and his fears

The first thing that anyone needs to do when they find out that they have PCOS is to find out just how bad things are. Once you find out where your weaknesses are, then that will determine your course of treatment. For example, if you have high androgen levels, then getting treating with an anti-androgen like spironolactone would be a method of treatment. I have a list of PCOS tests on my PCOS website at
http://oak.cats.ohiou.eud/~cp391990/. These tests were done by my doctor when I first went to see him and every couple of months since.

Christina Fisanick

I am seeing a gynecologist just so see what exactly is going on. I am not trying to have children, just get my system in order and trying to lose more weight.


>From: QT - CLFisanick@aol.com
><qtopic+3-xbwH454PbBi6MfbwkqFv@quicktopic.com>
>Reply-To: QT topic <qtopic+3-xbwH454PbBi6MfbwkqFv@quicktopic.com>
>To: coyote_010@hotmail.com
>Subject: PCOS Questions and Answers
>Date: Sun, 10 Mar 2002 03:11:56 -0600 (CST)
>




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<DIV>size=4>Jenna</DIV></DIV></html>


_________________________________________________________________ Chat with friends online, try MSN Messenger: http://messenger.msn.com < replied-to message removed by QT >

Hi,

Who are going to about PCOS? A reproductive endocrinologist? A gynecologist? A fertility doc? If you can tell me that, I can give you some more help. I, too, was married at 16, so I might be able to give you some advice if I knew a little more.

hi i am 16 and i am going to see the doc about pcos and i am scared i am married and already have had two misscarriages any one wanna help me thru this i could sure use a friend right about now

I am 25 and was diagnosed with PCOS two days ago. I "diagnosed" myself about 8 years ago. There was no real treatment for getting rid of the hair, so I thought, and never did anything about it. My doctor has agreed to use metformin. Does anyone else use it and if so how much a day? How about spironolactone as well? My main concern is getting rid of this HAIR. What works for all of you? Please let me know. Thanks
Kay
gam@ccp.com

Hello everyone, I am 20 and I was diagnosed with PCOS 2yrs ago I didn't truly understand what it was all about, I'm not sure I fully understand right now. I am on a waiting list to see an Endocrine specialist in April. Right now I am on Ortho Tri-Cyclen to make my cycles regular. I was also on glucophage about a year ago. I have become so frustrated over the past few months with my situation. I am only 20 and feel as though I am going through menopause. So if any one has some advice for me please email me at Coyote_010@hotmail.com

Hi Christy Day, It will happen one day. It is not impossible for women with PCOS to have children. It just takes us a little while longer.

Hang in there. Please visit this site and I am sure you will find the support you need - www.soulcysters.com

This soulcysters site has many different forums where you can research and get answers to many different types of obstacles women with PCOS face.

Thank you Christine, for starting this Quick Topic thread...I have found it useful in gaining information about PCOS.

Hi, i am 44, diagnosed with PCOS approximately 15 years ago. As I approach menopause, symptoms are increasing(mood swings, weight control problems, pelvic discomfort as I approach periods, fatique, irritability. BC pills didn't help, Zoloft was useless. I finally started using natural progesterone cream with some good results (5 periods at 27-29 day cycles (definitely a first!!!), but I didn't feel like the progesterone cream was strong enough, and started working with a compounding pharmacist. Due to some symptoms of menopause approaching (night sweats, fatique, etc) he prescribed the progesterone and also estradiol. But I have read that estrogen can increase the free testerosterone in your body...any thoughts on this? Has anyone with PCOS (in my age bracket) had success with natural hormone compounding ? I have read a lot about using natural progesterone to treat PCOS symptoms, nothing about estradiol.

Hello everyone, I'm 24 years old and was diagnosed with PCOS when I was 21. For the last 3 years I have been taking Glucophage and Chlomid on and off trying to get pregnant. I haven't done very well on either. Glucophage makes me sick and the Chlomid gives me the worse hot flashes, and mood swings. I didn't realize until recently how much the Chlomid was affecting my moods. I also have been suffering everyday with the worse headaches and I don't know if it's from the PCOS or the Chlomid. I don't want to quit the medication this time because I want a baby so badly. My husband and I would love to start a family together. I guess I'm just looking for reassurance that it'll happen one day.

I was diagnosed with PCOS back in 97. I really didn't think much about it, until now. My husband & I have been trying to conceive for 7 years, and only had 1 pregnancy that ended in miscarriage. I recently changed doctors, and now seeing an endocrinologist, who has done tests that I haven't had done before. He says everything is normal for me & my husband, and that the only thing stopping us from conceiving is the PCOS. He started me on glucaphage yesterday, and man...it really bottomed me out last night. I am supposed to take 1 a day for a week, then 2 for a week, then finally 3 a day. We are going to see if this improves anything. I really thought this treatment was a fairly new thing, and not many woman were doing it, but I am now learning differently. I hope everything works out for all of you, and me too. My husband & I are so ready to have children. Long wait for a little miracle! Good luck and God bless.

I have had PCOS for over 13 years. I am on my second marriage at the age of 32, alittle over a year and a half ago we decided that we wanted to start a family. So I stopped taking my BC took Provera to start my period and then started a cycle of Clomid. To our surprise the first cycle we got pregnant. But at 11 weeks and 5 days we lost our baby in June of 2000. Since then I have taken Clomid and the Hcg shots to ovulate, after a year of unsuccessful tries my obgyn sent me to a fertility specialist. I have taken Repronex shots, and Novarel shots for ovulation for two cycles now and have been unsuccessful. But my cycles were awesome, I had 14 follicles the first set of shots. And my estrogen level was alittle over 2000. The second cycle of shots we worked slowly to get less follicles than before so I ended up with 3 to 4 mature eggs and to the hcg shot and my estrogen level was 900 to 1000. The more hormone medicine I take and expensive as they are I have a good cycle and start within my 35th day and then the off month I have to take provera to get me to start my cycle. If anyone has some advice or is going through the same procedures please let me know.

As owner of this discussion board, I ask that you please disregard the message posted by John Kenney. I do not know if what he says here has any truth or validity to it. I am very suspect of any message that is randomly posted to a discussion board with such details and supposed objectivity. Furthermore, I do not endorse his claims. I have conferred with several members of the PCOS community, and they too feel that his claims are obscure and untrustworthy.

Thank you for your participatin in this space. I hope that all your questions get answered.

Curing Yourself of PCOS and Type 2 Diabetes

Cure yourself. Other people will only do it if there is a profit in it.

  If you’re reading this you probably have, or know someone that has, PCOS or Type II Diabetes. If you really don’t know very much about these diseases then you need to educate yourself so that the information this is linked to makes sense.

 Type 2 Diabetes- In Type 2 Diabetes (old name NIDDM, non insulin dependent diabetes mellitus) your body continues to be capable of manufacturing sufficient amounts of insulin as opposed to insulin dependent diabetes where insulin supplementation is required. The insulin is unable to initiate glucose transport across the cell wall because critical intermediary molecules are not present in sufficient quantity making the insulin your body does manufacture much less effective. The outcome of this situation is that both insulin and glucose levels in the blood are elevated and many adverse things happen to your body.

 Glucose levels in your blood are elevated making your body think that it has an abundance of food and fat production rises. Even on very restrictive diets people will either continue to gain weight or lose weight at a very slow rate. High blood glucose levels are associated with lipid transport problems and plaque deposits in your vessels leading to heart disease and poor circulation typical of advanced stage patients. In extreme cases circulatory problems lead to loss of use of limbs.

In the cells that are starved for energy because glucose can’t be brought in energy levels fall and the cells functions less effectively. Chronic fatique and low alertness are common in many people. The cells continue to send metabolic messages to the rest of the body indicating that glucose levels are low and the body responds with additional production of insulin the messenger molecule that is supposed to initiate glucose transport into the cell. Insulin levels rise and stay high.

While traditional theory holds that overweight conditions are the cause of the condition it is becoming increasingly evident that they may really be a side effect. Research done in many places that you can find on the Internet will reinforce this understanding.
 

 PCOS- The same and related research that is discussed above points to the probability that PCOS will eventually be viewed as additional side effects which women who are in the early stages of Type 2 Diabetes experience. The high levels of insulin and blood glucose lead to additional problems in the hormones of some women. Testosterone levels rise and excess hair growth results. The ovaries don’t properly stimulate egg budding and estrogen, progesterone, FSH and LH levels are unbalanced. All of this happens in many women as a direct consequence of the insulin resistance.


 WHAT IS TRUE?
 The statements made below are true and can be verified if you have a few hours, a computer and access to the Internet.
 
1) PCOS and Type 2 Diabetes are occurring with increasing frequency, in fact in epidemic proportions in the Western world.
2) There is a cure for many people that have PCOS and Type2 Diabetes.
3) You don’t have to wait for FDA approval of an expensive prescription drug to get well or take very possibly toxic drugs. (glucophage, etc.)
4) You can get well without a total change in your diet by supplementing a critical chemical that your body either doesn’t make enough of, or excretes too much of.
5) The basis for this supplement therapy has been suspected for more than 20 years and well documented for 10 years.
6) This therapy is well documented, totally safe and reasonably available now.
7) The people who have done the research have worked to build a barrier of secrecy and patent protection to guarantee large profits.
8) Three independent groups of people have solved the problem in different ways and based on their success many possibilities exist.
9) You don’t need to be at the mercy of drug companies and the FDA


STARTING POINTS
Isn’t it interesting that as we try harder to eat right and avoid all the things that we’ve been told are bad for us, we get fatter and less healthy. The people I know who always drink diet soda seem to have more trouble than those that don’t. You probably already know that it isn’t what you have been eating that ruined your health but something that is not in the food you eat. As an engineer in the food industry I only now realize the burden that abundant production using very similar if not identical ingredients has placed on us.

We all eat the same thing!!! Americans and Western Europeans eat a very select, but limited diet. Much of the food we eat is processed to provide stable shelf life and manufacturers use the same feedstock from a single supplier. Even in the fruit and vegetable section the selection of truly different produce is limited. How many varieties of broccoli have you ever seen? Growers buy seed and plant the same variety because that is what the grocers buy because that is what you buy. Don’t get me wrong I’m about as far as you can get from being a health food nut, but we’ve eliminated many of the foods that our ancestors ate. When was the last time you ate chickpeas in any great quantity?

The effects of dietary change have been most remarkably demonstrated in the Pima Indians of Arizona. To read more about this visit the Great Smokies Diagnostic Laboratory web site at www.gsdl.com/news/digests/sugardiges/index2html. Indians that live on the US side of the border have developed Type 2 Diabetes while genetically similar relatives in Mexico have not. Something in the diet or something lacking has caused this.

If you run an Internet search on using Google at www.google.com . Use the search parameters of Type 2 diabetes and PCOS you will find that there are literally thousands of hits. Visit a few of the web sites and look for one that details the extent of the problem. A couple of statistics that stick out- 5-7% of American women have PCOS and that there are projected to be 300 million Type 2 diabetics in US and Europe by 2025. Just think of the profit potential for companies that provide cures, especially if the cure is a patented prescription drug$!$!$! Profits could run to the billions.

The great news is that there is a cure for most people that suffer from PCOS and Type II Diabetes. The bad news is that the people who have done the most work on this cure and know how simple it really is are working overtime to obscure its simplicity and guarantee that they make lots (staggering amounts!) of money.

The cure isn’t based on making you feel guilty about your life style. It isn’t based on telling you to endlessly diet and immediately gain weight back or never lose it at all. It isn’t based on assuming that you are at fault for this burden life has given you. The cure is based on a realization that some people have a metabolism that requires more of something than our modern western diet provides. In reading the literature you will see that many doctors call this a disease condition. It isn’t, it is either a naturally occurring biological variance in human metabolism or a change created by some synthetic ingested substance (artificial sweeteners, antibiotics???)

  While there may be many differing causes of this epidemic, research which you’ll read (and access on the Internet) points to a simple metabolic pathway as a major factor and the lack of a simple naturally occurring class of molecules as the remedy. One of the best descriptions of the problem is at Insmed www.insmed.com/products2.html with a great animation of the receptor function at www.insmed.com/flash.html.
 

 BACKGROUND CHEMISTRY
 While I was in college I took more chemistry than required to graduate as a Mechanical Engineer but less than I wish I had. Organic chemistry (carbon based) is a very large and complex field but we fortunately only have to deal with one very small group of molecules called inositols, which researchers have identified as being central to proper action of insulin. This has been discussed in numerous articles. Two of the best: The New England Journal of Medicine, Nestler et al. 340 (17): 1314 and Current Science, 2/5/87 Vol 56 #3 Pgs 139-141.

If you pick up a copy of the Handbook of Chemistry and Physics and look in the carbohydrates section there will be a table labeled Natural Alditols and Inositols. There are nine distinct different configurations (isomers) of inositol. All of these are naturally occurring and no known toxicity has been shown to exist for those that have been researched and tested (including D-chiro-inositol and D-Pinitol it’s close relative).

 These isomers may have other molecules attached to them, which make them into a different compound. An excellent discussion on the inositol family and its occurance in plants can be reviewed in CAB International 2001 edited by C.L. Hedley , Chapter 2: Carbohydrates in Grain and Legume Seeds, pages 18-22. This is available online at www.cabi-publishing.org/Bookshop/ReadingRoom/0851994679/ . Both D-Chiro-Inositol and D-Pinitol are naturally occurring in many plants that humans normally consume.

The two molecules of interest are d-pinitol and d-chiro-inositol. If you do a Google search with both of these as parameters you will find a couple of sites that have them both, for sale at high prices for laboratory use. If you have spent any time at the Insmed site you know that d-chiro-inositol is their silver bullet that works to alleviate both PCOS and type 2 Diabetes in many individuals.

If you dig you will find a poster for a lecture given in New Zealand by two of the researchers for Industrial Research Ltd., Dr. Gavin F. Painter and Dr. Andrew Falshaw. They show both the structure of D-Pinitol and D-chiro-Inositol. D-chiro-inositol (Insmeds solution) is very similar to the D-Pinitol molecule and in fact in the poster the researchers claim without explanation that D-Chiro-Inositol can easily be made from D-Pinitol. If you have taken chemistry you will realize that the key to doing this is the application of a REDOX analysis and that the bond energy of the CH3 must be overcome.

One researcher doing work on the antidiabetic effects of D-Pinitol is Dr. Richard Ostland at Washington University in St Louis, MO. In his United States Patent #5,550,166 he reveals that when D-Pinitol is subjected to the action of HCl (hydrochloric acid) the methyl group (CH3) is cleaved from its attachment to the Oxygen (O) bonded to the carbon ring and replaced with a hydrogen (H) making the D-Pinitol into D-Chiro-Inositol. ODDLY ENOUGH THE ACID IN YOUR STOMACH IS HCL!!!!!! While it takes a 6N HCl(very strong acid) solution several hours to completely change all D-Pinitol in a solution into D-Chiro-Inositol, your stomach will change some but not all of any D-Pinitol you ingest into D-Chiro-Inositol that is absorbed into your blood and distributed throughout your body. This suggests that while it may be more efficient to directly ingest D-Chiro-Inositol, a sufficient quantity of D-Pinitol will also have the same effect.

Supporting this theory, researchers in India, New Zealand, England and the US have all independently observed that D-Pinitol has a profound ability to enhance glucose uptake in both animal and human subjects. A good listing of this research can be found at www.humaneticscorp.com/inzitol/Inzitolreferences.html . Humanetics markets a pine derived D-Pinitol under the trade name Inzitol manufactured in New Zealand from pine species by the Carbohydrates section of Industrial Research Ltd.

MAKING MONEY OFF OTHER PEOPLES PAIN
By now you have to be asking the same question I asked a few months ago. “Why haven’t we heard about this?” “If people know that something that is in food makes PCOS and Type 2 Diabetes go away why isn’t it being made public?” The answer I came to is money. Money? Yes, giving people knowledge and freeing them from the painful debilitating condition of PCOS and Type 2 Diabetes is not as important as securing patents and turning something that already exists in the food supply into a prescription medication. A medication that will literally make billions of dollars for the researcher, university and drug company that is successful.
All of my research has been done on the Internet. Because of this it is possible that I have missed something but what I have found is interesting. Three groups associated with universities in the US have sought patent protection for “inventions” involving D-Chiro-Inositol and D-Pinitol. The earliest and longest string of patent applications and patents belong to a group working at the University of Virginia. Latecomers to the gold rush include groups at Cornell in Ithaca, NY and Washington University in St Louis, MO.
If you wish to read the patents directly go to the United States Patent Office web site www.uspto.gov and do a search with the key words of either D-Pinitol or D-Chiro-Inositol. You will find that numbers of applications have been filed and some have been granted. For those that have been granted you can read them and download the text sections.

ONCE YOU DISCOVER IT PROTECT IT!!!
As far back as the mid 1980’s Joseph Larner and his researchers at the University of Virginia have known that some food based chemicals help people with PCOS and Type 2 Diabetes. Beginning in 1984 with US Patent # 4,446,064 and leading up to the present the researchers have sought to create a web of patent protection that will allow them to market “drugs” for treatment of diabetes and PCOS. Because all the parties stand to benefit financially (researcher, university and manufacturer) they have sought to obscure the simplicity and natural occurrence of the beneficial compound. This is plainly evident in patent # 5,091,596 wherein the patent claims manufacture using Kasugamycin an antibiotic as the precursor, when in fact D-Pinitol a readily available naturally occurring compound present in many foods is more easily turned into the active molecule D-Chiro-Inositol.
The key to understanding what is going on is the essential business relationship between researchers, universities and manufacturers. Researchers routinely assign all discoveries to the university they work at or some affiliated group (in this case Univ. of Va. Alumni Patents Foundation). In return they receive continued support for their research and in some cases a percentage of royalties derived from their invention. The University holds patents. Many of these are worthless but occasionally some become valuable. In this case a long and involved largely unseen effort has been pursued to insure that D-Chiro-Inositol becomes the “cure” for PCOS and Type 2 Diabetes.
Once an attractive patent position has been secured investors are sought either in the form of existing companies or venture capitalists to begin the long and costly process of turning patent protection into a multi-billion dollar prescription drug business protected by the FDA and financed by the Health Insurance companies and the government. Insmed is the resulting entity. Read all the patents, look at the timing, look at the locations of businesses and individuals and then reach your own conclusions.

PROTECTING PUBLIC HEALTH THE OLD WAY
This method of dealing with an epidemic health crisis (Type 2 Diabetes and PCOS) is a far cry from the efforts of the past to deal with goiter or rickets. Do a search for iodized salt and see that the Michigan Health Department in the 1920’s worked with salt manufacturers to include iodine in trace quantities in salt. By their efforts the debilitating disease of goiter was eliminated in the US without costly prescriptions or billions of dollars of profits for a select few.
Another example of reasonable public health policy is the inclusion of Vitamin D in milk, which has virtually eliminated rickets in the US. If these had occurred in today’s environment both Iodine and Vitamin D would be prescription drugs costing large amounts of money and making billions for the discoverers.
Ask yourself this question, “If I knew how to help people with PCOS and Type 2 Diabetes would I keep this information largely silent for 17 years?” I know my answer, what is yours? What was the answer at the University of Virginia?

LATECOMERS
Two latecomers to the gold rush to “cure” our illnesses with a patented (read profitable) compound are the previously mentioned Richard Ostland at Washington University, St Louis, MO and Ralph Obendorf at Cornell in Ithaca, NY.
In US Patent # 5,550,166 Ostland et al. “reveal” that D-Pinitol in various doses helps with Type 2 Diabetes. In conjunction with Industrial Research Ltd of New Zealand and Humanetics Corp. the D-Pinitol manufactured by Industrial Research is being marketed as Inzitol in the US. This product is available in pure form from Advantrx of Minneapolis, MN web site at www.advantrx.com and as a component of many musclebuilding supplements. The cost from Advantrx is $30.00/ bottle of 30-150mg capsules. This group hopes to profit from your illness by selling a supplement at a cost which is about $10/day in dosages shown in the patent.
 

D-CHIRO-INOSITOL STRAIGHT FROM THE PLANT
Finally a plant researcher at Cornell, Ralph Obendorf has revealed in his patent US Patent # 6,162,795 that D-Chiro-Inositol is present in extracts of Buckwheat (scientific name Fagopyrum esculentum). In this patent he reveals that buckwheat contains the silver bullet and how much is in the various prepared buckwheat products. Interestingly, his research seems to have been funded by a company in Canada, ManCan Ingredients Inc., their web site is www.mancan.mb.can/buckwheat.html . Unfortunately to get the 1200mg/day dose of D-Chiro-Inositol that Insmed is using in their clinical trials you would have to eat over 2#/day of buckwheat farinetta the highest content product.
While the patent reveals a method of extracting this from the buckwheat it is involved enough that few of us would attempt it.


SO WHAT SHOULD WE DO?????
This was the question that my wife asked me as we begin to realize the situation that we all are in. The answer has become clearer in the last several months and really stood out when I read the story of how goiter was eliminated by providing iodized salt. We all need to get serious about first procuring material that cures us and then lobby for this material to be used in the same way as iodized salt for those unfortunate souls that lack the education to find their own solutions to problems.

PART ONE OF THE CURE
Find your own sources for either D-Pinitol or D-Chiro-Inositol. I have identified several sources of both on the Internet and others probably exist.
 Advantrx sells D-Pinitol under the trade name Inzitol. While it would be expensive it isn’t out of the realm of possible to treat yourself with doses of between 1500 and 15000mg/day of D-Pinitol. Fortunately unlike both Vitamin D and Iodine no toxicity has ever been shown in either laboratory animals or humans even at very high doages. This is best documented in the Humanetics filing with the FDA to market this as a supplement. This document can be found at the FDA website www.fda.gov using a search with d-pinitol as the parameter.
Of course the trouble with this course of action as I found out was the cost. Not all of the D-Pinitol you ingest will be converted by your stomach acid into D-Chiro-Inositol. Depending on your acidity and residence time 5-15% might be converted. Thus while the thearapeutic dose of d-chiro-inositol in Insmed’s clinical trials has been taken at 1200mg/day you may have to ingest 10-15 grams/dayof D-Pinitol to end up with this as 1200 mg of D-Chiro-Inositol in your blood stream and overcome the glucose transport problems.
So what are good sources of D-Pinitol and D-Chiro-Inositol? These molecules occur naturally in many plants and have been associated in some of the referenced literature with drought tolerance. As plants are stressed by drought conditions the levels of both elevate. With this in mind I started to look into plant sources. Guess what, there are many. Traditional antidiabetic plants such as bay laural, bougainvillea, etc. contain them. I guess that one reason the mediterraean diet is healthy may be that the number of sources is extensive enough that people get both in the diet avoiding Type 2 Diabetes and PCOS.
A source that I found is Carob. It turns out that the carob pod is one of the highest naturally occurring sources of D-Pinitol and is very sweet. Buy a can of carob powder and you will see that it has about 37 grams of carbohydrate (sucrose, glucose, fructose and D-Pinitol) in every 100 grams of material. Of the carbohydrates approximately 10% is D-Pinitol so for a serving of 100 grams of carob powder each day you will be getting the thearapeutic dose of 3.7 grams of D-Pinitol. Remember the actual amount you may need to see the effect will depend on the efficiency with which your stomach acid demethylates the D-Pinitol and turns it into D-Chiro-Inositol.
I am in the early stages of procuring extracted carob juice that has had its flavor removed and still retains the high percentage of D-Pinitol. The trouble is that it is not a consumer item. This clear carob juice is sweet and my wife has been using it with good effect as a stable sweetener in her coffee and other snacks. Her glucose levels have dropped and many of the overt symptoms of PCOS have been alleviated or greatly reduced. My goal is to make this syrup available to use in cooking, drinks and sweeteners in a form that doesn’t make this a chore but rather part of the normal diet. By using about 100 g/day (1/2 cup) a person will be ingesting 10 g/day of D-Pinitol more than enough to alleviate their problems. Funny, eating a special carbohydrate cures a problem with carbs.

STAGE TWO OF THE CURE
People should be outraged (as I am) that something so simple has been kept from them for so long. Publicly funded research has shown the efficacy of this treatment. The human costs of Type 2 Diabetes, PCOS and the related problems is staggering. My wife endured infertility, weight gain, skin problems and hirsutism for years when the answer to her problems was already known. How many peoples lives or quality of life should be enough to overcome the profit oriented research operation?
We should demand that this be treated as the public health issue. That it be solved in the same way that goiter, rickets and other diseases have been by routinely supplementing food (sweeteners would be a good place to start) with either D-Pinitol or D-Chiro-Inositol. The epidemic can be stopped and lives made better with minimal cost, no danger to health and immediately if action is taken.

EPILOGUE
I’m happy that my wife is helped by the D-Pinitol. I’m happy that she can now enjoy life without the problems associated with PCOS. I hope this helps you. Should you have any questions or comments feel free to email me at sjkenney@inreach.com. Have a wonderful day!

John Kenney
Valley Springs, CA

Hi, I'm 27 & have PCOS. I got pregnant with my daughter by using 2 amps of Pergonal on my 2nd IUI attempt. I am currently trying for #2, & am not having much luck. I have an extreme amount of follicles (about 30 on each ovary), but none of them really want to grow to maturity. My Dr. said that if this cycle doesn't work then "we're going to have to talk". I am currently taking 3 amps of Pergonal. My question is what causes the high number of follicles? I didn't have even remotely this many when trying to conceive my daughter. Does anyone have any advice as to other options that would make me have less follicles, but get some mature ones? If I have to have this "talk" with my Dr., I want to go in informed & ask him about such things as ovarian drilling or putting me on Glucophage XR. Any & all information would be extrememly appreciated. Thanks so much!

Edited by author 01-17-2002 09:50 AM
Tanya honey, he says that because they have discovered that while PCOS causes you to gain weight because your pituitary is "off" and makes you insulin-resistant, taking the weight off can dramatically affect your PCOS. You can see all symptoms disappear. The rub is -- when you are insulin resistant, how the hell do you lose weight. The only 3 ways I have heard people say is effective is exercise, carb diet or low-fat diet. I have tried everything and all I can say is - it's all in your head. I'm not being flip, I just mean that mind-set is the key no matter what diet or exercise you choose. Just remember that insulin-resistant means what you eat mostly turns to fat and sugar and work with that. Good luck honey.

Hi im 26 and i was diagnosed with PCOS 5 yrs ago I have been taking Metaformine and seeing no improvement i have been suffering with head aches,no period, depression , excess hair growth and i cant seem to loss weight no matter what i try. I have recently stopped seeing the Endo due to his remarks that my weight is the cause of all my symptoms(im also insulin resistant).
If anyone has any suggestions on what kind of Dr/treatments have helped these symptoms i would be greatful for some feed back tanyaharvey@bigpond.com

I'm sorry, I should have said in my last post that Eulexin is used in PCOS for hirutism (hair loss or unwanted hair growth). I have lost quite a bit of hair right behind my hair line and as a result, my hair is very thin and have been considering a hair transplant. I also found a drug called Spironolactone. I am going to try it and I will let you know how it goes.

Hi, am new to this board, however I am not new to PCOS.
Have been ttc for nearly 5 years now, have been on a 6 month break as DH & I have been building a home. I am starting new alternative treatment in Feb & would love to be involved in a support group whilst in treatment as I think I am going to need it & I hope that I can also be of use to others.
I am 25, (I know only young, however I was married by 19 & found out I had PCOS at age 16, so DH I love children & since our first year of marriage have been ttc).
I have a wonderful 6 year old Step son, with whom I love very much.
It has been a terrible struggle with a few miscarriages & lots of ups & downs, however I am ready to start again especially with new treatment.
I hope I am able to share my alternative treatments experiences on this board, I do not intend on offending anyone, just looking for other women who know what it is like to go through this.
Anyway, just wanted to say hi.
I will try to post on regular occassions.
Thanks
MRDM.

Has anyone heard of Eulexin? My friend read an article in the Women's World mag this week (12/31/01) and it said that PCOS could be helped with this drug and that one woman had lost 90lbs while taking it. The only thing I could find about it on the net was that it is apparently taken for cancer treatment.

Hello Everyone, If you're interested in an informative site on PCOS; please go to www.soulcysters.com

Happy New Year to all and to all good luck.

Here it is almost a new year...what a way to start! I got a message from my doctor saying he got a copy of my labs the original doctor used to diagnose the high insulin....but there was a problem!! LOW insulin not high. So now we are back to square one because my doctor says that without high insulin it is not PCOS, or maybe I misunderstood :( AGHHHHHHHHHH how frustrating. Tanya..my advise...get a new doctor. When was the last time they checked your hormone levels? Good luck with the doctor in February...maybe they will have more insight for you. I got tired of them giving me half assed answers so I finally starting researching things online and then taking that info with me to the doctor. It makes them be more accountable for what they say and it also makes you look like you know what you are talking about. Sometimes it could help you get better results. Good luck with your battle. I fully sympathize! :) Hang in there.

Hello there everyone! I am so happy to read all of your stories and know that I am not alone. I have been terribly depressed for several months now. I was in my senior year of college and had to do a medical withdrawal from school b/c of all of my problems, and I have been too sick and embarrassed to go back since then. I went for about 2 years w/o periods, and had all those now familiar symptoms. I went to doctor after doctor and no one knew what was wrong with me. I went from modeling swimsuits and participating in miss america pagents to being obese in a matter of months. I was finally diagnosed w/ hypothyroidism in April 2001 and started on Armour Thyroid. I waited 5 months to get in to see an endo and she checked my levels and said everything was normal and that it was all in my head. And my weight gain was from being a newlywed. Despite feeling worse, no one would help me. I was in and out of the er for severe pain on right side. Finally my gyn did a laproscopy and found out that I had severe endometriosis. He then also diagnosed me with PCOS. He started me on glucophage, but only 500mg 1x a day. My husband and I have been trying to get pregnant, but I am not ovulating and have no periods. My gyn won't increase the glucophage! My TSH tests are normal however. I am in EXTREME pain again and really can't function. The endo doc won't see me b/c my tests are "normal" whatever that means. I can't live like this. I am gaining weight daily, and very depressed. Not to mention all this pain and a yeast infection that won't go away. I have an infertility appt w/ my gyn in Feb, but can't wait that long to not hurt! Looking for any advice! Please help! Email me at screechgoddess@yahoo.com Thanks!

Edited by author 12-04-2001 09:58 AM
The Glucophage is also called Metformin, it's an insulin lowering medicine. Typically they use it to treat Diabetics as just about everyone in my family with Diabetes takes it! Supposedly they say that if they can get your insulin levels down your body should be able to do the things it is supposed to...have regular cycles, ovulate and other things related to your heart...because PCOS can cause you to have cardiovascular problems! The only bad thing I've notice with the drug is sometimes it upsets your stomach....with NO NOTICE! You just have to go. But this time around my doctor gave me the time release formula...I take it once a day and it disperses it through out the day. So far, no upset stomach. There is also a lot of info on it on the web...I usually just go to search.com and type in metformin and it will come up. Hope that helps Lenise. :) Good Luck.

i just began a relation ship and we had sex im on birth control but we didnt wearpertection and i might be pregnant what would you do in my case

thank you much Angie
now, what is the Glucophage drug exactly? i have heard or read others type about it, but i do not understand what it is. So headaches ARE part of or possibly part of the PCOS? I see a reproductive endocrin. this friday and a neurologist next friday. should i bee seeing a reproductive endoc. or just an endoc.? thank you again

Lenise,
I am the same age as you and have been through some of the same things. I had my first period at 17 and then it starting to come about once a year (if that)and would last for about a day. I was diagnosed with PCOS a few years ago and have been on a medicine called glucophage for about a year now. It has totally regualted my cycles and I am free from everyday headaches. I have lost some weight by maintaining a low carb diet but gain weight back easily if I cheat. I am still slightly overweight and probably will always be. I have been unsucessful at getting pregnant for 7 years even with the assistance of fertility drugs. I think a lot of it has to do with the severity of PCOS. I do not have excess hair but I do have everything else that comes with PCOS.
I don't think that the high testosterone level is causing you to be bisexual, but who knows. Just ask alot of questions when you go to the doctor and if you are not satisfied with him, go to another. It took me a long time to find a doctor who took the time with me to explain the disease and answer my questions. It really helps when you have a doctor that cares. Good Luck!!

Hi i am 26 years old and was diagnosed in '98. the only thing my ob/gyn did was keep me on ortho tri cyclen bc pills after the laparoscopy showed my cysts and enlarged ovaries. i was recently advised by a soul cyster on a chat line to get a new doctor and start seeing a reproductive endocrinologist. my appt. is on dec 7. i suffer from extremely painful yet constant and faithful (joke) headaches which i have suffered from since the 9th grade w/ no reason why. i had my 1st period at 17/18 and for a few years then and after, i only came on once a year for 1 -3 days w/ an extremely light flow. i have never been pregnant and know not if it is possible. i an frustrated, scared, nervous yet excited about finding so many cysters out there. i have felt so alone for so long. i feel like a freak b/c i have to and had to shave daily like a man! my body hair is hairy, and i only come periods b/c of the ortho tri cyclen pills. i had weight loss surgery in dec of '99 and stopped taking the pills to see if i would come on w/o it. i did but do not know if the pills had completely left my system or not. my testosterone level was checked in high school and it was extremely high. i often wonder and wondered if it was the reason i am bisexual! i am in desparate need of support from those who know and understand and who can give advice. i'm sure i have left out much more but will stop here. thanks for listening

Hang in there! I know it's frustrating but after taking Glucophage 3 times a day and Clomid 2 times a day for 4 months I am finally pregnant. I am still in shock about it. After going through all the meds and doctors you can't help but get jaded about the whole thing. So maybe things will start looking up for you too. Good Luck!!
>>> QT - Keyshia <qtopic+3-xbwH454PbBi6MfbwkqFv@quicktopic.com> 11/26/01 10:00PM >>>
< replied-to message removed by QT >

Edited by author 11-27-2001 12:05 AM
Hey there...I've read most of the entries! I was told I had PCOS in 1998...but at that point my doctor said she "thought" I had it. I've just officially gone for the ultrasound to confirm everything though I have the symptoms, the weight gain, the hair, the missing or almost missing periods. I went to about 3 or 4 doctors that told me I just didn't ovulate, but didn't explore it further...then I went to a fertility specialist. She decided to put me on Glucophage. I was on it for 4 months...and didn't get pregnant. (The doctor was only giving it that long, but we moved so I have to start from the bottom up all over again with a new doctor) I stopped taking it because I got frustrated...but reading here I think I will begin taking it again. I was supposed to have an HSG test done to find out if my tubes were working alright, but when I went in for that appointment they said they saw everything they needed to see with the ultrasound. (scary!) So I have an appointment with the GYN doctor on Wednesday to see what they found. I am nervous! My husband and i have only been trying since April 2001 but I've been in previous relationships that should have produced children with no sucess. I guess I am just worried. :( Sorry I didn't really have a question...I just needed to vent to other people that had the same problem I have...sometimes I find that the ones that don't have it don't understand. Thanks for listening. :) Oh sorry I just thought of another thing...for those trying to lose weight. Look into the Body for Life program. I just started it but I've already lost 10 lbs (which I haven't been able to do for some time) and I feel great. They have a website, bodyforlife.com and you can buy the book. Thanks.

Kelli - My story is almost exactly the same except I have an eight year old step daughter! I was put on glucophage and chlomid last spring. Sounds like we are in the same boat! Be patient! Good things happen when you are not expecting it!

I was diagnosed with pcos jan. 2001 I have been trying since then to conceive but i don't know if I am even ovulating or not. I've tried the temp thing but its hard. I am now on 1000mg of glucophage 2x daily and 100mg of chlomid
I know that I can get pregnant because they told me I had been pregnant before. why is this taking so lon? I have a seven year old step son that my husband has custody of He is mentally retarded and the cutest thing I have ever laid eyes on but I want my own baby.

Edited by author 11-15-2001 09:48 AM
I have been taking glucophage for a month and feel much better. I have the opposite problem with hair, my crown thinned out and I hate it. Combing my hair one way for years now:) Does anyone know if glucophage can help get your hair back? Does it just bring you back to normal, whatever problems you are experiencing?

I was told 5 years ago that I had pcos. That was after going to at least ten dr. I finally found a dr. that has some idea about pcos. He has put me on glucophage 500mg.x 3 a day. My question is how long until I get a period? I have had no side effects with gluco and am feeling better than I have in years.

I have had PCOS symptoms for many years. Most troubling for me is the growth of facial and body hair.I have been on Glucophage 500mg 2x per day for a year now as well as Aldactone 25mg 2x per day.I have seen no improvement in the amount of hair growth. How long has it taken for an improvement? Do these medications just slow or reduce the amount of growth or do they eliminate this very embarassing problem? I would appreciate any input you have. Thank you.

im 16 and im really worried i might be pregnant i need to know how can u tell if u r? please help i know im alittle young but i need to know.

Edited by author 10-24-2001 04:45 PM
God, I am sorry to post so many messages, but 12 years and finally hearing the same things from so many women is overwhelming for me. And, I thought you might be interested in several things I have found and have just started trying. (have developed high blood pressure and high blood sugar levels since getting PCOS - yeah:) Blood pressure and insulin control: Magnesium and GTF Chromium www.cc.nih.gov/ccc/supplements/magn.html
www.healthywave.com/ingredients/chromium.html

I have just read some messages from several who have yeast infections. I found a liquid product called GSE from NutriBiotic (Grapefruit Seed Extract). It is great for yeast. It does a multitude of things, but two things I know. 1) drink 15 drops in orange juice every morning and your sinus problems will clear, and 2) douche with about 20 drops mixed with water once (at the most twice) and it will clear a yeast infection right up. Well, hope this helps you. p.s., I found out about it on the net, so not hard for your check on it if interested.

So many women with this horrible problem. I have lived with it for 13 years and back then they told me to either carry a child to term or be on birth control pills and that I would always be overweight "to live with it". Since my 3rd miscarriage I have been on the pill - 12 years. I have been on a low fat diet and have finally begun to lose weight. Anyway, today I found out something very interesting - I went to the Chiropractor to check my neck which is always sore and hurting. I discovered that my C1 vertebrae is outrageously inflamed and "out" of line. What is interesting is that the C1 vertebrae controls the blood supply to the head, including the PITUITARY GLAND. Gosh I hope that means regular chiropractic care will help me. I will let you know how I come along with it.

I have PCOS, i was diagnosed in may 2001. I am currently seeing a reproductive endocrinologist. I am scheduled for cryotherapy next friday because i have a small inflammation on my cervix from a recent small infection that was treated w/ antibiotics. Once i have the area cryo'd. I have to wait 3-6 weeks w/ out intercourse.. ouch huh? lol.. but it's what we have to do. After completion we will resume w/ glucophage and clomid. If it does not work after 2 months my doctor is going to keep me on glucophage and continue w/ the fertility shots. which we are hoping it doesn't come to that. My husband and I really want a baby.. We have been trying w/ unprotected sex for 2 years now. Wish us luck and any new information I will try to keep you informed. But if you have any info for us please post to me.. i need all the help and prayers!!!

I was diagnosed with pcos a year ago it took me many doctors to get find out what was wrong with me. I am currently taking glucophage 500 mg 3X a day also with ortho tri cyclen. I have no problem with the birth control except getting hot flashes. I been on the same pill for almost 4 years before I knew I had this. I was wondering though is there another medication then glucophage? I get so sick off it. I have told my docotor but he took me of for a week then put me back up I was doing good for awhile with one pill a day. But now I am taking 3 a day I have gotten so sick off it. My docotor does know I been have problems with this from the get go but has not done anything. I currently stop taking medication. Now I am not sick like I was before I use to get headaches, upset stomachs, nausea and my sugar dropped a lot more then before I went on it. What is another medication then glucophage?leah.a@angelfire.com

Edited by author 09-24-2001 11:59 PM
Hey I was wondering if you can conceive after you have or had PCOS i am still young and i was wondering if you can
Please help eamil me as soon as possible at wipf_melissa@hotmail.com
need to know

I have been recently diagnosed with pcos as well as having lupus antibodies. I have had 2 miscarriages in the last 15 months at 12 weeks and 6 weeks. I have a 3 year old from a completely normal pregnancy. Has any one else been diagnosed with both of these problems? I want to have another baby, and am concerned about the risks.

Hi
My doctor has recently told me that Meridia may help me. I have never heard of anyone with PCO taking it before. It also said you need to be on birth control to take it, and I really don't want to do that. I am low carb dieting, and exercising but really not seeing much change, I have been doing it for 3 weeks and haven't lost anything. Any advice or opions would be welcome...please email me instead of posting your responses. kbarr@keewatincc.mb.ca
thanks everyone
kel

I NEED SOME ADVICE. I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO CONCEIVE FOR SOME YEARS NOW. I WENT FROM HAVING A PERIOD EVERY THREE MONTHS TO HAVING A PERIOD EVERY 14 DAYS. I WENT TO AN FERTILITY DOCTOR A COUPLE OF YEARS AGO,AND HAD THE TEST DONE WERE THEY SHOOT THE DYE IN THE CERVIX TO SEE IF THERE IS AN BLOCKAGE. EVERY THING WAS FINE. HE SAYS THAT MY LEFT TUBE IS SLIGHTLY SCARED AND THAT IT WASN'T ENOUGH TO KEEP ME FROM GETTING PREGNANT. I HAVE AN APPT ON THE 6TH OF SEPT TO GO BACK TO THE FERTILITY DOCTOR TO TRY AGAIN. THE LAST TIME I GOT FRUSTRATED AND STOPPED GOING.PLEASE E-MAIL ME AT TYSHATTANELSON@YAHOO.COM

Christina Parsons Fisanick, I went to the doctor and told him that I needed to stop all treatments because it was too painful to have intercourse. He took another look at the situation and said that I might be suffering from vulvavaginitis. This causes crystals to come out in your urine and give you small cuts around your vulva.(or something like that?) He gave me estrogen cream to help the situation. I have now been put on glucophage, chlomid, estrogen cream, and then a shot to release my egg. This is getting pretty complicated!!! Wish us luck!!!

Can anyone give me the statistics on the success rate of Clomid?? My husband and I have decided to try and start a family. Is there a lot of side effects? Please email me at rajesh_amanda@sympatico.ca
Thank you in advance for your assistance.

Sally, Drop your doc and get yourself to a new one. I had the same experience with my second or third doc. All of my tests came back normal. What the doc didn't tell me though, is that they were high normal. I don't have polycystic ovaries, but I have PCOS. So, you can't go by tests at all. According obgyn.net, women with PCOS have to see an average of seven docs before a diagnosis is made. You have to get your PCOS treated NOW. Try a reproductive endocrinologist. Christina

Leslie, I have read that yeast infections can be harmful to sperm and therefore can prevent conception. I had chronic, recurrent yeast infections for years. Only after low carbing did I get rid of them completely. But, in the last two months, they have come back and always around the time of ovulation. I think that they might be caused by two things: swimming five days a week and increasing my dietary intake of sugars (the bad kind). If you find out what is going on, please let me know. Christina Parsons Fisanick

Thank you for this site!!! I have been on chlomid and glucophage for the last four months because I have been diagnosed with PCOS. My husband and I are trying to conceiveand have had no luck - I know it takes time but my concern is this never-ending yeast infection that I have had since starting to take the medication. It is very painful to attempt conception with this condition!!!! My doctor does not think it is related but I was wondering what other people thought. Anyone have this problem? If so can you e-mail me @ lesdawg14@hotmail.com

Thank You for your input!!!!

Hello everyone - I live in Philippines. I am 30 and unmarried. I believe that I have PCOS and think that I have nearly all the symptoms described on the net (increasingly hairy, pimples, extreme difficulty losing weight, infrequent and very light periods (becoming lighter and more infrequent)). Had ultrasound that showed polycystic like changes on both ovaries and have an LH:FSH ration of 5.1:1. Would this be diagnostic? The OB that I saw said everything is normal (ie. within normal range) and told me not to worry. Should I get a second opinion - or am I being a hypochondriac as she thinks. Please advise I don't know what to do next. My e-mail is super_sally888@hotmail.com

Hi There! I am 25 years old and recently discovered that I have PCOS. I am have also been married for 2 years and thinking about starting a family within the next few years. Has it been difficult for any of you to conceive?? I am going to be entering a University study in Toronto Canada for PCOS, if there is anyone from the Toronto Canada area please email me and I will provide you with information. I have to admit that I am scared that I may not be able to conceive but I try to stay positive and research the condition as much as I can. If anyone has any advice or information please email me at rajesh_amanda@sympatico.ca. Thanks for reading!

I was diagnosed with PCO May 2001. I am on like 5 different kinds of medicine. One of them has me alittle concerned after reserching more about it. I would like to know if anyone is on Propecia. I am not treating my PCO with any type of fertility medication. My husband and I fought for 4 years with invitro, before deciding to adopt from Russia April 2000. We adopted 2 wonderful children and my family is complete. I appreciate any information that you may be able to offer. I am also on Meridia 15 mg, Micronor (birthcontrol), Glucophage 2-500mg, & Spironolactone 50mg 2x day. Everyone morning I could just cry having to take all this crap and knowing it's probably not the answer. Thanks in advance for all your help, Jennifer LeBlanc2000@msn.com

Edited by author 07-16-2001 11:26 PM
I have pcos and two wonderful kids, thanks to clomid. We are thinking about trying for number three, but I can't take the clomid anymore. I had such side affects that I just can't bear it again. I NEED SOME INFO ON GLUCOPHAGE, I hear it is great and could possibly regulate my cycles. If anyone who has used it could email me with their experiences; good or bad I would really appreciate it. DEEMEOLA@HOTMAIL.COM

Christina Parson,

What type of symtoms did you have... I dont start taking mines until next week but I wanted to get as much info on it before I started... my doctor highly reccomended GLuc to us .... he said that he felt safe for me being on this instead of Fertinex and Profasi ..

I have been taking Glucophage (850 mg 3X a day) for over a year. I was able to concieve on it after three months. Although the pregnancy (as you may have read from this web site) ended in my son's death at 25 weeks gestation, it had nothing to do with Glucophage. It turns out that I have a clotting disorder and that is why the placenta pulled away from the uterus. In any case, I am still taking Glucophage and waiting until I am physically able to try again. We have to wait at least six months after an abruption to try again. I have a regular period and regular ovulation on Glucophage. Sixteen days I have a period, sixteen days later I ovulate. This has been true for the last five months. The symptoms I have had with Gluc were kind of bad for the first few weeks, but I haven't expereinced them since then. Some people can tolerate it and some can't. I recommend at least trying it.

We got pregnant with our son on Fertanix and Profasi but when I was 4 months pregnant with him my right ovary twisted and was not pumping the blood back out of it. So they had to remove my ovary and tube, and know I just have my left tube and ovary. They say that we should go ahead and have our next child so we went to see another Fertility doctor and he adv that we try something diffrent since I had such a difficult time with the shots... So he suggest that I take Glucaphage...if there is anyone out there taking could you please let me know how it took for you to get pregant, becuase when I was on the shot it took me maybe 2 months... I am trying to make sure we take extra procautions with this pregnancie.. and also I heard that the pill really stinks ........Let me know what your input is thanks

I have found that Chromium works the same as glucaphage without the stomach upset that I was experiencing. I have done an extensive search for alternatives to Glucaphage because it was making me sick. So Stephanie if you are worried try taking plain Chromium. I used to have incredible suger cravings, I believe that is why I gained so much weight. I would crave the suger, but my body was not metabolizing the suger so it was stored as fat, one of the side effects of PCOS. Now that I started taking the Chromium, I do not have the suger cravings I used to have. Actually, some of the foods I loved now taste too sweet to me. Chomium works in the body to regulate insulin and suger levels and it woks great for me. I know you have heard of Chromium Picolinate to loose weight, but try taking Chromium instead of Glucaphage. Maria I also joined Curves for Women it is wonderful. With going there and taking the Chromium and my Estrostep birth control (which really cleared up my acne) I have so far lost 15 pounds. I know I still have a long way to go, but I have have hope now that I did not have before.

hi,i am during my 4th cycle with chlomid.been trying 2 conceive for 2 years.i also have a blocked tube.is it normal 2 feel so poorly on chlomid?

I joined "Curves for Women" and I just love it. When your're working out it makes you think twice before eating that pizza or whatever, and I've lost 6 lbs. and I've been going for about 2 wks. It's very easy and convenient.

Hi everyone. I was just recently diagnosed with PCOS too. I started taking the glucophage and synthroid. I am also trying to get pregnant. I had to take Clomid to have my son. We are trying to have another child. Have any of you taken the Clomid with the glucophage at the same time. I'm just concerned with birth defects etc. My doctor said it was fine to take until I get pregnant but I'm just wondering about anyones experience with this. Thanks for your input.

If anyone is looking for info about low-carb diets, I have a website which is growing daily and has lots of info. Message board, chat, articles, recipes, links, shopping, etc. Please stop by.
It's called CarbHealth.
http://www.e-clipse.com

Thanks!

Hello all, I am 20 years old and I am in the process of trying to find out if I have PCOS or not. MY symtoms are: Migranes, Irregular and painful periods, endometriosis, alopecia, very dry and itchy skin, and i have a great deal of problems with my bowels. so as you can see i have been having problems for a longtime. I have had such painful cycles that I use to have to come home from school.I have been on about 6 different birth controll pills to help and none seem to do the trick. i am on one now that seems to be working alright but it has only been a few months. I finally found a doctor who is willing to listen to me and my concerns which is a big change for me. I also have the family thing going against me. I have two aunts and three cousins who have been diagnosed with PCOS and 4 other relatives who are in the same stage as I am. I have been trying to educate myself on it as much as possible but I would really appreciate some feedback on what kind of things I need to present my doctor with my email is briaf@hotmail.com. thanks and i hope to be hearing fromyou soon.

Edited by author 04-26-2001 09:36 PM
I have recently been diagnosed with PCOS. I have been on Glucaphage as well as a Loestrin birth control pill. I wanted to first ask what the dosage is for you ladies with the glucaphage because I am only taking it once a day and nothing seems to be happening. It also gives me stomach aches. Does that go away eventually as long as I take it regularly? I also wanted to ask about the low carb/high protein diet. What does low carb and high protein mean? How should I modify my diet? I just joined a gym called Curves for women. I love it, it is only for women and I work out on hydrolic equipment for strength training and toning. So far I have lost about 4 pounds in my first week of going to the gym everyday.

Michelle,
Thanks for the note. About a month ago my doctor placed me on glucophage also. I have lost 14 lbs in a month. The doctor recently completed a ultra sound and blood tests and told me my levels are normal for a change and it appears I may actual start having regular cycles. It's amazing.. you give up on the idea of having kids and then things change again and you gain hope. Good luck to you also. Thanks again for the reply.

Angie,
I also was just recently diagnosed with PCOS. I started my first cycle of Chlomid last month, nothing...so now I am on Provera to start my period, and just started Glucophage. The doctor said that this should help with weight loss, but will probably take atleast 3 weeks to really notice a difference. I will be starting second cycle of Chlomid 100mg next week. We are hoping that this will the the time. I have great confidence in God and my doctor. Keep your fingers crossed as I will for you. Michelle

Hello everyone,
I was diagnosed with PCOS about 1 yr ago. I have been married for 5 years and never once used any method of birth control. My periods come about once a year, if that and are short lived. I went to see the doc to discuss fertility treatments, and was diagnosed with PCOS after many tests. Recently I found that I am also insulin intolerant as well as have hypothyrodism. I start my thyroid medication as well as glucophage medication tomorrow. You can say I am hoping for the best. My husband and I desperately want to have children. I am also hoping that maybe with the help of this new treatment, I will be able to lose weight. It is nice to know there are others out there with the same problems as myself.

I've been on Actos for aprrox. 9 months - doing a great job to control sugar but I am gaining weight - doc wants to start glucaphage and then slowly eliminate the Actos - I'm a little concerned about taking glucaphage at night and actos in the morning since the sugar levels seem close to normal already. Has anyone had good results with the glucaphage and weight reduction/maintenance?

HELLO LADY'S,
I AM NEW HERE, AND I HAVE RECENTLY FOUND OUT ABOUT PCOS. ONE DAY I WAS SEARCHING FOR INFORMATION ON INFERTILITY, AND I CAME ACROSS A WEB PAGE, WERE TALKING ABOUT PCOS. SINCE TALKING WITH THEM, I HAVE DISCOVERED THAT I HAVE ALL THE SIGNS OF PCOS. I GOT PREGNANT AT 16, HAD A HEALTHY BABY, THEN AFTER THAT I NOTICED THAT I WASN'T HAVING PERIODS LIKE I WOULD BEFORE I GOT PREG. WHICH WAS EVERY 28 DAYS. I STARTED HAVING THEM EVERY 6 MONTHS, THEN ONLY ONCE A YEAR, NOW TO NOTHING. IT'S BEEN ABOUT 14 YEARS THAT MY PERIODS HAVE BEEN LIKE THIS. ABOUT 5 YEARS AGO, THE DR. PUT ME ON PROVERA TO MAKE ME HAVE PERIODS, WHICH I DID. BUT NOW THAT I KNOW I MAY HAVE PCOS , I NEED TO GO BACK AND HAVE THINGS CHECKED OUT. I AM GETTING MARRIED IN MARCH, AND I WANT ANOTHER CHILD, AND SO DOES MY SOON TO BE HUBBY, SO I AM TRYING TO FIND OUT MORE INFO. ON PCOS, AND WHAT MY CHANCES ARE TO CONCEIVE AGAIN......SO IF THERE IS ANYONE OUT THERE WITH THE SAME SIGNS I HAVE, PLEASE WRITE ME, I NEED ALL THE SUPPORT IN THE WORLD.........kfentroy@aol.com

Hello,
I have not yet been diagnosed with PCOS, however have been seeing an endocrinolgist and this what she believes it may be. My symptoms include: headaches, moodswings, acne (jawline and chin), extreme fatigue, achy, almost flu-like.

I have and elevated DHEAS, but my LH/FSH levels appear to be normal. My prolaction was slightly elevated but has since returned to normal. What tests are suppose to come back abnormal in order to be diagnosed? Someone please email me at smiles_1107@yahoo.com

THanks!!!

Hello everyone, I've been diagnose with pcos since I was 14 years of age, now I'm 35 and of course still dealing with it the Dr. has me on metformin (I have seen many Dr.). I really hopes this work I can't take to many up and downs in my life. I've been trying to conceive for the longest but it has gotten costly. Depression sets in when I started gaining weight and seeing facial hair and on top of that acne and thinning hair. I keep praying to God it will get better but it is hard especially when I go through the moods swing. But I see I'm not alone ladies I know in my heart there is hope and we must believe in our faith and hold on to each other for strenght and support.

Hello,
    I have PCOS. I found out after 2 years of going to many doctors.
    Because my right ovary is pretty clean I have been able to conceive with Chlomid use.
    Unfortunately my story does not end there. My son, Issac, was born at 23 weeks, 9/23/00. The doctors diagnosed the reason for my loss as incompetent cervix.
    As I have been researching this I have noticed most of the woman I talk who have had losses due to Incompetent Cervixs also have PCOS.
    Please contact me if you have any helpful information about the possible correlation. jeniferbateman@hotmail.com
    I am now 8 weeks and want some answers.

My doctor mentioned months ago something about POCS. This was during a visit that I had scheduled to seek a solution to losing weight. (I weighed 153 at 21, and 240 by 24, and 306 by 32). He put me on Xenical (Fat Blocker), at my request, and told me to get the book Sugarbusters. He also put me on water pills and mentioned swelling around my ankles and a discoloration around my neck. This has been the extent of his information.

In the meantime, I have experienced three episodes of extreme pain in my left side, which has begun with no warning, and usually only lasted up to 30 minutes. I have had this before, but never knew what it was. My sister has experienced the same thing, but upon several trips to the emergency room, was always told that they did not know what caused it. Fortunately, a sonogram the following day after the worst of the three episodes revealed fluid in my ovary, indicating a possible ruptured cyst. It became clear to me that this was what I had been experiencing for sometime.

My hair began thinning at 18; I just had several skin tags removed; I suffer from apparent Roscea(a form of acne, I think); began growing chin and neck hair around 20; have experienced many rapid, unexplained weight gains since the age of 21; Have been on Prozac for almost two years because of the EXTREME mood swings roughly two weeks out of each month.

My doctor has not made me aware of the fact that I probably have PCOS; he has simply indicated that he suspects this with no further information. He has not even told me the possible seriousness of this disease.

Additionally, although I have a very regular monthly cycle, I lost my first child at 20 weeks for no apparent reason, but after I had suffered severe pain in my side that woke me from a sound sleep. I went to the doctor the next day and had a pelvic exam. There was no bleeding, and he basically blew it off. When I went in for my 20 week check up, they could not find the heartbeat and discovered that my son had died.

15 months later, after a normal pregnancy, labor was induced because I was two weeks over and very huge. When the doctor broke my water, the cord prolapsed, and emergency surgery was done to save my son. A doctor actually rode from the labor and delivery room to the operating room, had a sheet thrown over him, and stayed on the table with his hand inside of my vagina holding my sons head off of the umbilical cord. The delivering doctor actually touched his hand with his own and he told me later that was when he knew that everything was going to be alright.

I now feel that all of this is probably related to the probability that I have PCOS. I would greatly appreciate hearing from anyone who can give me any information. My e-mail address is cindyh@ipa.net. Thank you.

I, personally, don't think that a modified carb diet is unhealthy. ALOT of people are qualifying it as unhealthy, as being hard on your kidneys, liver, and bladder, but I disagree because most of them, if not all of them, are not really looking at this way of eating. Moderate carbohydrate conception, say 50-60 grams per day, should give you all of the carbs you need. It also allows for the integration of protein and fat. I am not a doctor, but I have read from cover to cover all of the low carb, protein power type of books and if followed according to what is recommended the only thing you are doing is saving your life.

When I was moderate carbing (I admit that I am a week person), I not only lost weight, but I also got rid of ALL of my allergies, ALL of the swelling in my ankles and feet, my facial hair began to diminish, I had more energy than I ever had in my life, and I just felt wonderful overall.

I would not advocate anyone to go on and stay on a LOW carb diet, but a reduction of carbohydrates is key, I think, to reaching toward a decrease in PCOS symptoms.

Hi all, I just have a weight loss question. First off I have had all the blood work done and it all came back normal. I am going in next week for the pelvic ultrasound to see how bad the cysts are. My gyn says I have PCOS just because of the body hair, irregular cycles etc. Now the weight issue, I was doing Atkins for 9 months and lost 25 pounds- GREAT well I have now found out that it is a VERY unhealthy diet. So I am now on a weight program that consists of lifting weights and cardio excersise. I also eat 6 times a day and have a carb with protein only. I am not loosing like I thought I should but not gaining either. Is there anything else besides low carb that has helped any of you? I am so lost now and DO NOT want to be overweight forever or skinny and unhealthy.

Thanks so much

I have been taking glucophage since June 10 and I just know noticed a difference in the reduction of body hair growth. I have not seen any kind of improvement in scalp hair. My doc says to give it six months, because that is the normal growth cycle for hair.

After starting on glucaphage, other than periods starting in a few months, how long does it take before you see less
body hair growing and less scalp hair falling out?

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