frustration to depression

[chellelee]

I had a complete hysterectomy almost 2 years ago. I never had period issues, but I did have problems with getting pregnant. I didn't realize it was a "problem" though. I just thought it was fate. Which I'm still sure had a lot to do with it. But, it seemed as if it took forever to get pregnant. Well, I finally did and after I had my 2nd child, I lost 85 lbs. Now, this did include baby weight. But, anyway, I first had a partial hysterectomy and things were good. I noticed that I had gained like 5 lbs, but I always could go up and down that much, so I didn't worry about it. Well in August, I had a tummy tuck and breast augmentation due to my accomplishments. I was so happy a month after that surgery to see that I had lost that 5 lbs that I had gained. So, at this point I was 5 lbs less than before surgery. Let me tell you, I was ecstatic. Well, exactly 4 days later, in fact, it was September 24. I got back on the scale because I just didn't feel right. I felt unusually heavy and miserable. Well, low and behold, it revealed I had gained 10 lbs. That's right, 10 lbs... Wow. I could not believe it. I went to the bathroom, got back on and yep, it was right! Well in March I had an oopherectomy which confirmed my pcos. Not to mention, though I didn't have menstrual problems really except for heavy bleeding, I did and still do have, facial hair, a couple brown spots, weight gain, and high tryglicerides. My blood sugar was on the high side, but not a crazy number. Well, after the oopherectomy I slowly approached a total weight gain of about 20lbs. Since that, it has tapered off. Problem is, I still have facial hair, etc. but I'm not able to lose weight even if I eat like a rabbit and work out 7 days a week. I did start a multi vitamin, along with a great list of other supplementation and I recently went back on a prescribed anti androgen. I am at a loss and now I know my hormones are even more out of control. I've been taking a progesterone creme, by self evaluation and it helps some, and I have managed to lose about 5 lbs over the last 6 months, but that's it. I have been thru bouts of depression. I'm giving it to GOD. But, I'm still looking for answers thru his guidance. I have lost all hope in medical doctors. I am frustrated beyond anything you could imagine. And though I know it's only 20 lbs, it's weight I worked so hard to lose and was successful as well as it's weight I did not eat back on. Please help me. Sorry to be so long, I've just needed help and no one else can seem to do that.

Sincerely,
Michelle.

[drheather]

I had a complete hysterectomy almost 2 years ago. I never had period issues, but I did have problems with getting pregnant. I didn't realize it was a "problem" though. I just thought it was fate. Which I'm still sure had a lot to do with it. But, it seemed as if it took forever to get pregnant. Well, I finally did and after I had my 2nd child, I lost 85 lbs. Now, this did include baby weight. But, anyway, I first had a partial hysterectomy and things were good. I noticed that I had gained like 5 lbs, but I always could go up and down that much, so I didn't worry about it. Well in August, I had a tummy tuck and breast augmentation due to my accomplishments. I was so happy a month after that surgery to see that I had lost that 5 lbs that I had gained. So, at this point I was 5 lbs less than before surgery. Let me tell you, I was ecstatic. Well, exactly 4 days later, in fact, it was September 24. I got back on the scale because I just didn't feel right. I felt unusually heavy and miserable. Well, low and behold, it revealed I had gained 10 lbs. That's right, 10 lbs... Wow. I could not believe it. I went to the bathroom, got back on and yep, it was right! Well in March I had an oopherectomy which confirmed my pcos. Not to mention, though I didn't have menstrual problems really except for heavy bleeding, I did and still do have, facial hair, a couple brown spots, weight gain, and high tryglicerides. My blood sugar was on the high side, but not a crazy number. Well, after the oopherectomy I slowly approached a total weight gain of about 20lbs. Since that, it has tapered off. Problem is, I still have facial hair, etc. but I'm not able to lose weight even if I eat like a rabbit and work out 7 days a week. I did start a multi vitamin, along with a great list of other supplementation and I recently went back on a prescribed anti androgen. I am at a loss and now I know my hormones are even more out of control. I've been taking a progesterone creme, by self evaluation and it helps some, and I have managed to lose about 5 lbs over the last 6 months, but that's it. I have been thru bouts of depression. I'm giving it to GOD. But, I'm still looking for answers thru his guidance. I have lost all hope in medical doctors. I am frustrated beyond anything you could imagine. And though I know it's only 20 lbs, it's weight I worked so hard to lose and was successful as well as it's weight I did not eat back on. Please help me. Sorry to be so long, I've just needed help and no one else can seem to do that.

Sincerely,
Michelle.

Hi Michelle,

Thanks for writing in and for telling your story. There is no need to be apologetic for length, I think it is important to have the information and I it is important for you to tell your story and how this affects you. I am sorry to hear that you are struggling with the additional weight. I can't imagine how frustrated you are at this point and you were extremely successful so let's see if we can't get you to your goals.

Weight gain regardless of exercise and dieting is unfortunately not uncommon and in your case something seems to have changed after the surgery. Whether it was the stress of the surgery or worsening of your condition or other, I am not sure.

Having a hysterectomy helps with problems related to the period/cycle. Also, hormones are produced in several places in the body: the adrenal glands, and even in fat cells! Simply removing the uterus, cervix, or ovaries may have some effect on the hormone imbalance, but not necessarily as you suspected. Removal of these organs would not affect the insulin resistance.

I guess my questions for you Michelle include the following. What is your current or most recent fasting glucose and fasting insulin results? These numbers can give us an idea of where we can go from here. With the increased hair, have testosterone levels come back on the high side? With the anti-androgen you are taking, I imagine so.

What type of diet are you currently following? You mentioned that some days you eat "like a rabbit" and that can mean lots of veggies or very low calories, both or other. What we recommend is a diet low in total carbohydrates as well as a whole foods based diet (non-processed and non-refined foods) that focuses on high quality fats, protein and vegetables. We do not want a very low calorie diet where you are not eating regularly and/or starving yourself. This can make weight loss even more difficult in the long run. The nutrition plan that we recommend for insulin resistance and its' related conditions is more therapeutic in that it does not significantly elevate glucose and insulin levels and can directly affect other hormone levels.

You mentioned also taking supplements, are you taking ones that not only address insulin resistance and help to balance glucose levels but also ones that can reduce testosterone and positively impact other hormones?

Have you had other conditions that can cause weight gain ruled out? These can include Cushing's disease and an under-active thyroid.

Lastly, I would check out the ingredients with the regimen you are using and see if it resembles the PCOS System by Insulite Labs (http://pcos.insulitelabs.com/PCOS-Elements.php). I do not know all that you are taking so it would be difficult to comment on the possible effects. The PCOS System was designed to address the cause and the symptoms and other risks associated with PCOS. You may be taking something to the same effect and if so great. I will then recommend in addition to the exercise program that you follow you evaluate your current diet and incorporate changes if needed.

I know I may have more questions for you than answers at this point but I want to be sure that I have as much information as possible so that I can best answer your questions.

Michelle, please let me know what I can do to help. I look forward to hearing back regarding the post.

[chellelee]

Dr. Heather, please don't apologize for asking questions. That only helps me realize there are people who really want to help me fix the cause, not the symptoms. Thank you. I am going to try to answer all of your questions. You may be surprised to find out that I have not had a doctor even ask me if they could check my hormone levels individually. I have asked for it to be done, but it looks like they have only been checking my sugar/cholesterol levels. I just had a work up done a week or two ago, and I'm waiting for the results. But, that would not include individual hormone levels. Now, on November 20th, I am going to a new GYN. I am excited about this because (and this is a great story, but I'm going to try to keep it short). When I delivered my first child, this doctor was a student. She was a resident. I remember walking in and saying to myself, "great, some student is going to be taking care of me... this will be interesting." And it was. In a great way. 11 years ago, I had something called cystitus of the bladder. I mentioned the pain, problems associated with it, and on her own time, she did research, called me at home, and would talk to me for hours on her spare time. She would go to the library and look up things, copy them, bring them to me, etc. You get the picture, she went above and beyond expectations. She was out of town when I went in labor, and she was with family about 2 hrs from the hospital. Well, she came from Florence to be with me, as she promised thru out my entire pregnancy. So, this is the doctor someone suggested to me to go to. I was amazed. I thought she went back to her home town to practice and it looks like she didn't. I could not believe it. I am so excited to know that I'm seeing her. I would think that if she was like she was as a resident she will only be better now as a doctor. And the nice thing is, she no longer delivers babies, she focuses only on GYN. So maybe after I see her, I will be able to give you answers to the blood work. In the meantime, I have pulled a copy of the supplemental ingredients I am taking. I will paste that here for you. Now, my diet consists of lots of whole grains. And lots of veggies, little to no RED meat. If i eat meat it's mostly chicken and turkey. And all I drink is water and Tea. Thanks for caring about me and others as you do. I know there will be help for me. It's just going to take (more) time. Here is the list of ingredients: (well, never mind, it won't let me paste them). So I'll tell you where you can see them: Womentowomen.com, in the search field type in indredients, then on next page select Essential Nutrients supplement facts. Thanks for your help. Hope you have a great day. ;)

[drheather]

Dr. Heather, please don't apologize for asking questions. That only helps me realize there are people who really want to help me fix the cause, not the symptoms. Thank you. I am going to try to answer all of your questions. You may be surprised to find out that I have not had a doctor even ask me if they could check my hormone levels individually. I have asked for it to be done, but it looks like they have only been checking my sugar/cholesterol levels. I just had a work up done a week or two ago, and I'm waiting for the results. But, that would not include individual hormone levels. Now, on November 20th, I am going to a new GYN. I am excited about this because (and this is a great story, but I'm going to try to keep it short). When I delivered my first child, this doctor was a student. She was a resident. I remember walking in and saying to myself, "great, some student is going to be taking care of me... this will be interesting." And it was. In a great way. 11 years ago, I had something called cystitus of the bladder. I mentioned the pain, problems associated with it, and on her own time, she did research, called me at home, and would talk to me for hours on her spare time. She would go to the library and look up things, copy them, bring them to me, etc. You get the picture, she went above and beyond expectations. She was out of town when I went in labor, and she was with family about 2 hrs from the hospital. Well, she came from Florence to be with me, as she promised thru out my entire pregnancy. So, this is the doctor someone suggested to me to go to. I was amazed. I thought she went back to her home town to practice and it looks like she didn't. I could not believe it. I am so excited to know that I'm seeing her. I would think that if she was like she was as a resident she will only be better now as a doctor. And the nice thing is, she no longer delivers babies, she focuses only on GYN. So maybe after I see her, I will be able to give you answers to the blood work. In the meantime, I have pulled a copy of the supplemental ingredients I am taking. I will paste that here for you. Now, my diet consists of lots of whole grains. And lots of veggies, little to no RED meat. If i eat meat it's mostly chicken and turkey. And all I drink is water and Tea. Thanks for caring about me and others as you do. I know there will be help for me. It's just going to take (more) time. Here is the list of ingredients: (well, never mind, it won't let me paste them). So I'll tell you where you can see them: Womentowomen.com, in the search field type in indredients, then on next page select Essential Nutrients supplement facts. Thanks for your help. Hope you have a great day. ;)

Hi Michelle,

I loved the story about the fantastic resident you had. I imagine she will be a great resource for you.

The vitamins you are currently taking are a multivitamin mineral formula. I just wanted to be sure that you were not already taking something that would overlap with the Insulite PCOS System. We do recommend women take a multivitamin/mineral formula with it. The reason is that our protocol is designed to address a specific concern.

The labs that you are waiting for will be helpful. However, keep in mind that if you have a diagnosis of PCOS, labs for certain hormones my not be done. It will depend on the doctor and if they feel they need to further evaluate what may be happening. I think that it can be helpful to determine if there is anything else contributing and where your body is at currently.

Regarding your diet. It looks good, whole grains/veggies and good sources of protein. However,I would like to make a suggestion. Because I am not sure how many carbs you are eating a day, I would suggest visiting the website www.fitday.com. This site will allow you to put in the food you eat in a day to determine content of carbs, protein, fat , etc. Overall, a diet that is low in carbs is better for most women with PCOS. 60-80 grams of carbs is the range we recommend.

As far as protein, be sure that you are eating it with each meal. It doesn't have to be meat. Other healthy sources of protein include, almonds, walnuts, plain yogurt, fish and eggs.

I will look forward to hearing what the tests show and I do think that looking at thyroid function and ruling out any other conditions will help.