New to System...Please advise

[Bren In Az]

I have never been formally diagnosed with PCOS, (my sister has though) but I have a lot of the symptoms: Acne, apple shaped with a tendency to gain weight in stomach area, and I have had irregular periods ever since I started at age 12, when I was 16 I was put on the pill due to a period that lasted 5 weeks and been on it ever since (I am now 28).

I recently stopped the pill in Dec 2009 and have only had 1 period with the help of progesterone pills given by my Dr. My face has broken out horribly, and even though I don't get periods, I get cramps and the symptoms right before I should start. What is going on with me?

My husband and I are trying to conceive and I am starting to get frustrated.
I have spent some much money trying to regulate my cycle, I have gone for acupuncture, purchased a fertility monitor (Ovacue) and have been trying to lose weight. I am currently 205lbs 5'4 but it seems like I will lose and gain the same 5 lbs over and over again. The fertility monitor will show that I am ovulating but I won't have a period. I have taken several pregnancy tests but each one is negative. :( I have been on your program for a month now and I am not seeing any changes. What else can I do? Starting to feel desperate. Please help.

[drheather]

I have never been formally diagnosed with PCOS, (my sister has though) but I have a lot of the symptoms: Acne, apple shaped with a tendency to gain weight in stomach area, and I have had irregular periods ever since I started at age 12, when I was 16 I was put on the pill due to a period that lasted 5 weeks and been on it ever since (I am now 28).

I recently stopped the pill in Dec 2009 and have only had 1 period with the help of progesterone pills given by my Dr. My face has broken out horribly, and even though I don't get periods, I get cramps and the symptoms right before I should start. What is going on with me?

My husband and I are trying to conceive and I am starting to get frustrated.
I have spent some much money trying to regulate my cycle, I have gone for acupuncture, purchased a fertility monitor (Ovacue) and have been trying to lose weight. I am currently 205lbs 5'4 but it seems like I will lose and gain the same 5 lbs over and over again. The fertility monitor will show that I am ovulating but I won't have a period. I have taken several pregnancy tests but each one is negative. :( I have been on your program for a month now and I am not seeing any changes. What else can I do? Starting to feel desperate. Please help.

Hello and thanks for writing in. I am sorry you are struggling and have not had success with the other things that you have tried.

I understand your concerns but it is still early on in the process and I do feel that you will see changes. Remember if you are dealing with PCOS, your body has been unbalanced for some time. It will take longer than one month to get this under control.

With that being said, let's see how we can get you moving in the right direction.

How are you doing with taking the supplements? Are you taking them as directed? Here is a schedule to help: http://pcos.insulitelabs.com/PCOS-Frequently-Asked-Questions.php#PCOS_How_Pills.

How are you doing with reducing refined/processed food and overall carbohydrates? We want you to slowly reduce the total of carbs from all sources to 60-80 grams a day. If you are not sure where you are, you can use www.fitday.com to enter in your intake of food and it will break it down. This way you know your starting point.

How about exercise? What is your exercise regimen looking like?

The supplements are very useful but I want to be sure that you are on track in the other crucial areas for success.

Your symptoms are suspicous of PCOS, but we also want to be sure that there are not any other reasons for these symptoms. I would recommend that you ask for an evaluation from your doctor. Thyroid, adrenal, nutrient deficiencies can also contribute to these symptoms.

In addition, because fertility monitors measure LH levels, they may not be accurate in women with PCOS, since LH can be elevated already. I am not sure this is happening in your case. But if you are ovulating more likely than not you would have a period.

I will be looking forward to hearing from you so that we can get you moving in a positive direction to support your goals.

I also encourage you to be patient with the process.

[lehua768]

I am starting to get frustrated. I have spent some much money trying to regulate my cycle, I have gone for acupuncture, purchased a fertility monitor (Ovacue) and have been trying to lose weight. I am currently 205lbs 5'4 but it seems like I will lose and gain the same 5 lbs over and over again. The fertility monitor will show that I am ovulating but I won't have a period. I have taken several pregnancy tests but each one is negative. I have been on your program for a month now and I am not seeing any changes. What else can I do? Starting to feel desperate. Please help.

[drheather]

[QUOTE=lehua768;3731]I am starting to get frustrated. I have spent some much money trying to regulate my cycle, I have gone for acupuncture, purchased a fertility monitor (Ovacue) and have been trying to lose weight. I am currently 205lbs 5'4 but it seems like I will lose and gain the same 5 lbs over and over again. The fertility monitor will show that I am ovulating but I won't have a period. I have taken several pregnancy tests but each one is negative. I have been on your program for a month now and I am not seeing any changes. What else can I do? Starting to feel desperate. Please help.



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Hello and thanks for writing in! I am glad that you have chosen to use the PCOS System.

First, ovulation indicators can produce false positives in women with PCOS. the reason is that many women have an elevated LH level and this is what is being measured with the ovulation kits. However, if at diagnosis, the LH level is closer to normal, the ovulation test may be more accurate. Also, if your periods are not regular, it is less likely that you are ovulating each month, as we would expect a period after about 14 days. Although, ovulating every now and then, also happens but not as often.

I know you want to see changes and I do feel that you will. Keep in mind that it has only been a month and it takes time to address and treat insulin resistance. In addition, as your weight decreasing and the hormones change, periods should start to change.

At this point, I would encourage you to hang in there. This is a process and you will need to be not only patient but also, consistent.

How are you doing with reducing carbs? Have you reduced to 60-80 grams a day, of carbs, from all sources. This can also take time to change.

How are you doing with exercise?

Even with these lifestyle changes, it can take time. These changes are going to me long term to reduce symptoms, help lose weight but to also help maintain the positive changes you experience.

A couple things that may help.. increase exercise by 10-15 minutes at each session, or add in a 10-15 minute walk after lunch or dinner to help with glucose disposal.

You can also reduce the carb intake closer to 60 grams a day from all sources. Focus on lean protein, lots of veggies and some healthy fats (nuts, seeds, avocados, olive oil).

Please let me know how I can support you.