Polycystic Ovaries

Marz · Feb 7, 2003

Reading through all this is like dejavu...I have PCOS too...I was diagnosed when I was 17 and I just turned 23 last Sunday...so it's something I've been living with for a while...I currently take Glucophage, Spironolactone, Synthroid, Ortho Evra, and besides that calcium and folic acid supplements. I have to go to the Endocrinologist every 6 months and have extensive lab work and ultrasounds done just to monitor and stay on top of my condition.

And while I also come to find out later I had a lot of the "classic symptoms" it took months for my doctors to figure out what I had until my mom insisted that I go to an Endocrinologist to figure it out and a few blood tests and ultrasound later my diagnoses came back at pco.

My advice to you would be to do as much research and be as informed on it as you can be. Get to know the meds you are on and what's normal for your body. Visit some of the PCO websites out there...there's even conventions and support groups out there.

Good Luck

Marci

RNforLongTime · Feb 7, 2003

Well, I stil haven't taken any clomid or glucophage. When I went to see the RE (reproductive endocrinologist) last summer, he said that I should try the clomid first. Gave me a script and everything. Never got it filled as I was leaving a job and starting another one in the next month so wanted to wait till I had enough vacay time. But, I got a period in October spontaneously and then another in December and another 34 days later in January of this year! That hasn't happened in a long time! I got two periods back to back like that!

Now, I have new insurance so I have to find a new OB/GYN. I have gotten a few recommendations from co-workers just haven't gotten around to making an appointment yet. But this year I made a New Years Resolutin that I'm gonna get preggers. The RE in Cleveland that I saw last summer didn't seem to think that I'd have a problem conceiving once I took Clomid unless there's a problem on my husbands part as well, which I do not yet know as he hasn't had a sperm count done yet. We'l see.

There's another webdite http://www.soulcysters.com that has a BB similar to this one that has a lot of information. Check it out!

KaraLea, LVN · Feb 10, 2003

Thanks for all the great information. I just today saw this tread again. I am still on the Paxil, didn't know about the possibility of wt gain with it though...I am also still taking Avandia and Diovan/HCTZ. I will write more later when I have more time. Thanks again...Kara

Catsrule16, RN · Feb 11, 2003

I was diagnosed with PCOS at age 19. I'm now 43. No kids, but no big deal, I have borrowed ones.

A few years ago I took part in a drug study that used a natural substance found in most citrus fruits with the exception of lemons and limes. The substance was called INISTOL. Sponsord by Insmed. This substance can be found in some multivitamins. Anyway, I took it for almost a year. While on it, I lost weight, and my periods became regular. The study went well but because the results were not as extensive as they wanted, the study was discontinued. Because I had success, I continue to look for this ingredient in the multivitamins I buy.

The endocrinologists in the study diagnosed me with Hyperinsulinemia. My plasma insulin levels were tested when I had glucose tolerance tests. It was discovered that for the first 2 reading at 15 and 1 hour, the insulin levels responded appropriately. Every test after that, my insulin levels stayed high as my glucose levels dropped. Once I had to have an amp of dextrose 50% pushed by the 3rd hour. While taking the drug, my levels raised and lowered appropriately. That rebounding from a sugar high was awful.

Since the study, while continuing the multivitamins with the Inistol in them, I also have adjustd my diet to include more protien to make my body use the insulin more efficiently. My periods have remained regular. Weight has been easier to lose. My diet is a modified protien diet. 40% protien, 30% carbs and 30% fats. I also eat 5 - 6 small meals a day and I always have a protien at breakfast. I also use the yellow sweetener, splenda.

KaraLea, LVN · Feb 12, 2003

What multivitamins have this as an ingredient?

Catsrule16, RN · Feb 12, 2003

I get mine at GNC. Mega vitamins for women. Have to read the ingredients though. Have see it in some vitamins from Walgreen's, Eckerds, and CVS.

KaraLea, LVN · Feb 12, 2003

Thanks, I will look the next time I am in any of these stores. I am running low on my multivitamin anyway and need to get some more soon.

ACNORN · Feb 12, 2003

I also have PCOS. Its a long discouraging story - many docs and repeated misdiagnoses. I have lived with all the classic PCOS symptoms all my life. I have since had to have a total hysterectomy due to severe anemia and atypical/precancerous uterine cells (with no children). Now, I live with a major regret that I listened to the many doctors and didn't assert myself more and demand that more be done about it.

I am real motivated to try to prevent developing DM, HTN, and CAD. I have asked my doc about metformin several times and he thinks I'm magically cured because of the hysterectomy - like the whole thing is caused just by some bad ovaries !!! I try to get him to see that it is an endocrine disorder and the cysts are a down stream effect of the hyperandrogenism and hyperinsulinemia. I was wondering if any of you have heard of women who have had a total hyst taking metformin to treat the weight gain and hyperinsulinemia? The research I have done about metformin focuses on women who have not had hysterectomies.

KaraLea, LVN · Feb 14, 2003

I found some multivitamins at Walgreens with the Inistol in them. Have been taking them for three days now, I do feel more energetic than before...Will have to wait and see what else these "horse pills" do for me. (They sure are big)

colleen10 · Feb 14, 2003

I just wanted to say that the right doctor makes all the difference in the world.

A member of my family was diagnosed with PCOS many years ago after severe weight gain, lack of menstrul cycle, etc. and an inability to conceive. It took her a long time to get through to her OB/GYN that this problem needed serious attention. (I don't know what it's like where you live but here it is not uncommon to have to wait 3-4 months to get an appt. with an OB/GYN).

Anyway, she was recommended to a RE and saw him for 4 years but was still having problems, gaining more problems and was still not able to conceive. Then last year she switched doctors, was put on a different type of treatment and viola! 4 months later she was pregnant with her first child.

txsugarlvn · Jun 4, 2003

Hi all, me again. Well, my trials with PCOS continue. I have had to stop taking clomid because my ovaries became hyperstimulated and a cyst was created. This caused my progesterone to drop low and of course no ovulation to occur. Next step would be injections which I cannot afford. Also talked about IVF which is way out of my league as well. So I talked with my husband a long time, prayed about it and got some books on the whole PCOS subject. My decision? I'm going natural. Yep. Natural. We are going to lose weight together (me and my hubby). I'll continue taking the glucophage until the weight starts coming off. I am also continuing to learn about PCOS and educating my sisters about it. I believe they suffer from the same thing. 3 girls and none of us can get pregnant. Too sad. Anyway, I will also continue the prenatals but I am looking into incorporating some natural herbs to see how that goes. The main change is going to be diet and exercise. The herbs will come with more research. No more clomid. Time to make a change. If we are meant to have babies, we'll have them this way. If not, we are actively looking into adoption. I am at peace with my decision even if my mom is not. She wants to be a grandma. I told her I can't make it happen mom...my body won't cooperate right now.

Keep me posted on how you guys are doing and what your course of action is or will be. I look forward to hearing from y'all. :)

jemoyerRN · Jun 17, 2003

I was diagnosed with polycystic ovaries about 10 years ago. Aside from the side effects you mentioned, the other problems to be concerned about are infertility and insulin resistance. However, there is hope! The newest drug that seems to be treating polycystic ovaries well is Metformin. Ask your doctor about this; it is a relatively new treatment and has had some promising results. As a mom/baby nurse I've had a lot of new moms after using this treatment; also, it does help to alleviate some of the side effects.

Please feel free to email me at [email protected] if you would like any additional information. Good luck!