I had two girlfriends over on Tuesday for dinner and one of them has this issue, which made me think of writing this blog. This one is for Andy!
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is on the rise in women around the world. Originally called Stein-Leventhal syndrome, physicians first described the collective symptoms that characterize the syndrome in 1935. Since then, PCOS has become very prevalent, with about 5 to 10 percent of women of childbearing age displaying one or more symptoms of PCOS.
PCOS is a syndrome. Syndromes are characterized by a collection of clinically recognized symptoms, signs, and phenomena that occur in groups.
Symptoms
Women with PCOS may experience just a few or many of the multiple symptoms associated with the syndrome, including:
- Irregular menstruation
- Increased hair growth on face, hands, chest, and other areas
- Ovarian cysts
- Skin disorders such as acne or dandruff
- Obesity or unexplained weight gain, often around the middle
- Thinning hair or pattern baldness
- Thickening and darkening patches of skin
- Skin tags
- Pelvic region pain
- Depression or anxiety
- Sleep apnea
- Infertility
Cause
The current thinking about PCOS is that it is very likely a genetic disorder, because it often runs in families. One of the classic markers of PCOS is hormonal imbalance. While women produce a small amount of male hormones (androgens) such as testosterone, in women with PCOS these levels are often significantly elevated. In fact, the high levels of androgens can account for many of the symptoms associated with PCOS.
Another link that researchers are considering is the one between insulin production and PCOS. In women with PCOS, the levels of insulin in their bodies tend to be higher than normal. This may be because their body does not control insulin well, and an excess of circulating insulin may increase the levels of androgen in the body.
Hormones: A Delicate Balance
Hormones serve as chemical messengers in your body. They are an important part of many of your bodily functions including mood, development, reproduction, fat storage, and metabolism. Tiny changes in the amounts of hormones you have can result in huge changes throughout your body. While some fluctuations are natural and normal throughout your monthly cycle, your hormone levels remain fairly consistent in their cyclic nature. When your hormones become unbalanced, however, and remain that way, you may begin to notice many unpleasant symptoms and side effects.
PCOS is a good example of the changes that can occur in the body when your hormones become imbalanced.
PCOS and Your Diet
If you’ve been diagnosed with PCOS or have many of the symptoms of the syndrome, what you eat can play a huge role in its management. You have power to help your own condition! Many foods, particularly chemicals, disrupt or unbalance hormones. For example, many dairy and meat products contain hormones used in the process of meat and dairy farming. Likewise, pesticides and fertilizers may contain chemicals that can further damage the delicate balance of your body’s hormonal system.
Therefore, it’s important you eat a very clean diet if you have PCOS or its symptoms. Here are some suggestions.
- Eliminate sugar and refined grains. Because PCOS has been linked to insulin circulation, sugar will only worsen its effects. Remove refined sugar, including agave, from your diet. Use stevia instead. Cut out refined grains and products, like crackers, pretzels, bagels, etc. that basically metabolize to sugar in the the body.
- Go natural and organic. In her book, The PCOS Diet Book, author Collette Harris suggests avoiding all synthetic organic substances in order to remove the toxic load on your system.
- Eliminate dairy and minimize animal proteins. Dairy and animal proteins may contain synthetic hormones. Since fat stores hormones, this may be especially true in high fat animal products. I don’t eat animal protein at all. But if you do, I suggest eating only lean white meat poultry (organic, free range) or wild caught fish once or twice per week.
- Eat mostly plant foods. Try out the green smoothie diet, a time saver on days when you have a full schedule.
- Cut out processed foods, including artificial sweeteners, sodas, fast food, and foods that come in bags, boxes, and cans.
- Minimize soy. Soy has phytoestrogens that can disrupt endocrine function and may have the potential to cause reduced fertility (6 Jefferson WN, Padilla-Banks E, Newbold RR. Disruption of the developing female reproductive system by phytoestrogens: genistein as an example. Mol Nutr Food Res.2007;51(7):832-44.) and to promote breast cancer in adult women. Fermented soy forms, such as tempeh, miso and tamari can be enjoyed in moderation. But because soy is so controversial and has so many potential major health issues, I advise avoiding tofu and soy milk, as well as packaged bars (Think Thin, etc.) that contain soy protein isolates.
- Cut out gluten grains. Gluten intolerance has also been linked to PCOS symptoms.iii Gluten is found in many foods, including wheat, rye, barley, and contaminated oats (those processed with other gluten grains). It is also in many other processed foods, giving you another good reason to eliminate them.
Non-Dietary PCOS Treatments
Currently, there is no known cure for PCOS. Instead, doctors treat the symptoms, typically using medication or surgical intervention. While some medical interventions may be necessary in severe cases, I strongly recommend pursuing a dietary approach first. The Beauty Detox System is a gluten-free, chemical free diet that promotes cleansing, minimizes toxic building, and seeks to balance hormones safely and naturally with the foods you eat.
Think of how to get energy from within: we heal ourselves through mind, body, and soul. The food that we eat may be the first gateway to finding a cure – inspiring new research and unlocking the mystery of our impurities.
Last year i was diagnosed with a low thyroid. The medication made me increase in weight , every day. Seriously. Never having a problem like that I took myself off of the medication. I started looking for my own ways to address this. A natural health doctor did tests and discovered that my thyroid is still working and a lot carried over to my kidneys and liver. . Hence I have been diagnosed with PCO’s for about 20 years. I have been implementing the Beauty detox program for close to 3 months now. I feel better,and have lost weight around my abdomen. This was not my intention, which is to heal my body. I plan to continue with this program and when my next tests are done I hope to prove them wrong with traditional treatments(medicine). I definitely urge good communication with your physicians. I did this on my own monitoring it. It will be 1 year July 17th.. It is amazing how the body really is inter connected,.
Thanks Kimberly for all the information- it all started with watching you and hearing the “Face Charting” segment.
Kimberly–
Could you do a post on teeth? Sort of like your two hair posts? I read about how teeth can remineralize, and how some raw foodists have had fillings fall out as their teeth “fix themselves”. I also read how fluoride keeps your teeth from remineralizing because it takes 20 washes to get it off, among other things.. I would love to hear you write about it!
Kimberly,
I have heard about this condition years ago and the more I read about it, the more I am convinced that of the strong link between PCOS and what we eat, especially given the abundance of processed and refined foods in the American diet.
What is your opinion about this?
Feel as if this is my “sign”. This is the theme of my week, and I am happily shocked that you JUST wrote a blog about this. Such synchronicity…I know its a sign strongly telling me to watch my diet rather than take birth control, etc. which was just given to me at my specialists office on Tues…which has been driving me crazy debating whats right for MY body because I really rather not take BC. I feel you answered my prayer & perplexing question haunting my mind all week. Thank you so much Kim for blogging about PCOS.
You are right! Do not take them. They are not the answer.
Is this the same as a diastasis recti? Because that is what I have and I love doing yoga but I was told that makes it worse
very interesting article. often, researchers will come up with the “most likely genetic” cause, since the syndrome runs in families…but what researchers fail to realize is that diet also runs in families. it’s like diabetes…it runs in families because they all eat the same kind of food.
so would make complete sense that this syndrome would respond positivity to a plant based, non processed organic diet. in fact it seems all physical afflictions do…with the trinity of yoga/diet/lifestyle. so good that it is so easy. :)
That’s all fair advice, but it’s also generic. No offence Kimberly, but I’d like to point out that as someone who has suffered from PCOS for years and years now, a dietary approach will not solve the symptoms. It looks great on paper, and no doubt some people might find it more helpful than others, but I’ve done all the above and more over the years, so I”m speaking from years of being a human guinea pig. If you’re one of the people having weight issues, a dietary approach really isn’t enough, as you’ll find there’s a hormone imbalance that needs properly addressing. The prescription pills may help in some ways for various symptoms but the side effects are nasty, trust me, we all respond differently, so some have more success than others, but there are long-term risks as well. Eat sensibly, but don’t worry about it to the point where it makes you miserable, you’ll only raise your cortisol stressing over it and add to your existing imbalance. Saw Palmetto and Rhodiola Rosea supplements are my recommendations to any PCOS women out there. The former can help with the hirutism and ovulation regulation, and I’ve found the later very helpful in combatting the depression/stress and sleep disorder. My best wishes to any fellow suffers out there. x
Great point. I was thinking the same thing.
As much as i’m a huge advocate for food as medicine, a condition such as PCOS has a lot more going on than just dietary modifications.
As Nicky mentioned, diet alone will unlikely have a profound enough impact on the hormonal imbalances linked to PCOS.
As a naturopath, the main herbs I use in clinic are Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice) and Peonia lactiflora (peony) as hormonal modulators, they work synergistically together to decrease elevated testosterone and excess androgens as well as addressing anovulation.
Vitex agnus cactus (Chaste tree) may assist with hyperprolactinema (elevated prolactin levels) that commonly occurs in patients with PCOS; it may also be anti-androgenic.
Angelica polymorpha (Dong quai) is a wonderful uterine tonic that I include when treating all female repro conditions.
Cinnamomum cassia (Cinnamon) helps to stabilize blood sugar levels (as does gymnema and chromium)
B6 is also important for production of neurotransmitters as well as hormones, it has a positive impact on mood.
As naturopathy is regulated in North America, you would need to see a qualified naturopath in order to have access to therapeutic dosages of these herbs.
Be positive, lifestyle changes in conjunction with herbal medicine has the potential for eradicating, this syndrome.
It’s unfortunate that conventional medicine is not aware of our potential, but if we get the word out, women around the world can rejoice!
Can anyone tell me if they have had any experience with rasberry ketones? Also if I am taking glucophage (I think the active ingredient is metformin) then is it safe to take rasberry ketones as well. ? I was diagnosed with PCOS about 20 years ago and it has been a long battle. I frequently suffer from depression and have just about all the symptoms on the list. I suffer mostly with the insulin resistance stuff and although I try really hard to avoid the cravings, I still get them extremely. My doctor prescribed the metformin to help with the insulin/sugar problem and it does help but I am not winning with the weight loss. I am pretty conscientious about diet for the most part, but am battling to get results. I want to try the rasberry ketones and would like any thoughts on this please.
By the way, although I battled for a few years to fall pregnant, I have beautiful 5 year old twins! There is hope!
Hello.. I was wondering what is the later very helpful in combatting the depression/stress and sleep disorder??
I have PCOS did you find the cure?
Thanks for this post Kim. I discovered your book in an airport a fe months ago, and spend my whole transatlantic flight reading it cover to cover!
I found myself gaining over 30 pounds a few years back, with no clear explanation, despite exercising and eating a very calorie restricted diet. Eventually, over 3 years after I first had issues, I was diagnosed with PCOS. My doctor was kind, but not very knowledgeable, so I got to reading up. You book has been a great addition to the other ones I have (including the excellent diet book you reference) and has helped me start to put into practice some of the more ideas- led advice I’ve found elsewhere.
It helps that the GGS is delicious!
It wasn’t until I read your book that I totally eliminated dairy and soy, and I have noticed a difference. My skin is better and the weight is slowly getting under control (very slowly…).
Do you recommend any specific foods good for hormone regulation or metabolism?
Thank you for writing about PCOS and your ‘whole lifestyle’ approach- such a refreshing change, wishing your friend with PCOS all the luck in the world managing it.
Thank you for writing an article on this topic!
I am 22 and was recently diagnosed with this disorder. Anyone who suffers from it will tell you it is devastating to your self-esteem and identity as a women. More blog posts about using a raw vegan diet to reverse insulin resistance and balance hormones would be greatly appreciated! Thank you again, Kimberly, for shedding some light on this topic!
Hi Kimberly!
I’m currently reading the Beauty Detox Solution, and as in this post, you talk about the potential dangers of consuming too much soy. For the past year I’ve been ordering a product called Revival Soy protein shakes. I really felt like I was doing something healthy for myself (I order the unsweetened version) as they contain 20 grams of protein and 60% of my daily calcium. After exercising, I usually blend Revival Soy with Silk Coconut Milk Original and a banana with ice. It’s delicious. Am I doing my body harm in consuming this soy shake 4 or so times per week?
And I’m loving your book so far!!! What an education–thank you!
Soy is bad for PCOS, it’s terrible. It has estrogens, and will disrupt your hormones.
Oh my goodness! Just 10 days ago, I was finally diagnosed with this syndrome after many doctor visits and above symptoms such as severe acne and weight gain. I just purchased your book just days ago and planned on starting the Blossoming Beauty Phase. I am certain with just a diet change alone, I will help myself through this. I not only wish to lose weight, but wish my hormones will balance and become healthier so I may live a comfortable stable life!
I am inspired to start my own blog so I can record my progress hoping other women know they are not alone and there is a healthy future ahead!
Thank you Kimberly!
Jessica, I absolutely encourage you to start your own blog! I did the same thing and even though I was hesitant at first, many women have thanked me for doing so.
Can you do a blog post on Crohn’s disease?
Wow kim, what an eye opener! I’m reading the symptoms and I possibly think I may have this, my moods are always all over the place and often hit an intense low 6 70% of the time. ANd I have unsual growth of hair on my face, arms and chest, its been freaking me out for years. I figured with all the processed stuff in foods it could mess with your hormones but I’m relieved to know that other peoples bodies are as sensitive to toxic food as mine is. I’ve been slowly getting more into the detox lifestyle, introducing new good habits in moderation. SO far I am vegan, I don’t eat gluten or soy and I stay away from caffiene and desserts. I really am excited to see results. Thank you for the blessing you’ve been in my life everyone who asks about the way I eat is always amazed with the knowledge and facts I have to support it and I just tell them that it all started and continues to be from you. You’re making a wonderful impact on the world. You’d never believe what a beautiful warrior you are, so strong and wholesome, true role model and wise teacher . Thank you Kim!
Thank you for the great advice Kim. I love your book!!! Personally, I went an entire year without having my period before being diagnosed with PCOS. I don’t have the typical symptoms of being overweight, excess hair growth, acne, but infertility, ultrasounds and an escalated AMH levels proved to be the case. Acupunture and traditional chinese herbal remedies have helped incredibly. A healthy diet and lifestyle in general go a long way though!!
Hi Kim, I don’t know which phase to begin. I am have been diagnose with depression and thyroid issues. Can you email me with any suggestions?
Kimberly!
Can you please put an RSS Feed Button in your blog so I can get the updated content daily through my RSS reader, rather than having to navigate through the Internet.
It’s pretty simple to do…
Thanks!
Melissa
Thank you for sharing this information. I have a friend who suffers from the condition, so always interesting to read up on how diet can empower you to treat the condition and play such a vital role in easing symptoms
Thank you for this post Kimberly! I was diagnosed with PCOS this year, and have done a lot of research on it. I have already implemented many of your suggestions in the article, but I also started taking a D-chiro-inositol supplement, and it has helped immensely. Also taking cinnamon supplements to regulate my blood sugar has been helpful. Hope that can be useful to any fellow sufferers!
Also, could you do an article about eating out? Do you ever eat out? I find it pretty easy to be vegan/gluten free in the home, but it’s pretty difficult to find a dish at a restaurant that doesn’t have meat, dairy, or gluten. (And I live in NY!)
Also, I have heard of people who by implementing a raw, whole foods diet have completely gotten rid of all of their symptoms, including the cysts. Crazy!
Hi Kimberly,
I’m 23 years old, and was diagnosed with PCOS when I was 19. The problems went unoticed for quite a few years due to taking a contraceptive pill everyday since I had turned 15. I misread the signs of my irregular periods, as did my Doctor, and it was inconvenient for me because I was an athlete at the time. When I came off the pill I noticed all the symptoms, and was finally diagnosed properly. Though there have been claims that PCOS can cause infertility, it’s not entirely true. Due to the irregular menstration, it can be more difficult to fall pregnant as ovulation does not occur as often. I am currently 20 weeks pregnant with my first baby, a little girl. It took a little while, but it happened :) I found your book, and absolutely love it. I’ll definately be starting the Beauty Detox Diet once bubs is born. I know it will help me get my hormones back on track after the birth. And will make it alot easier when my Hubby and I decide to try for another baby.
P.S. I love the GGS… totally helped with the morning sickness the first trimester!!!!
Kimberly, Thank you for posting this. I was diagnosed with PCOS 12 years ago and have been vigilant to fight the syndrome. I’ve seen many doctors in hopes to aleviate the awful symptoms of weight gain, irregular periods, mood swings, insomnia, etc. Most want to medicate you and forget about it. This has NOT been helpful for me (other than regulating my cycle). I gained weight on BC pills and just physically felt worse. An above comment says your post is generic. It may be generic to those of us who have made treating PCOS like another full time job. But to most who suffer (and doctors) this is great info. It’s great info to forward to friends/family close to you so they can understand a bit better. Most people don’t understand, therefor dont’ know how to support you.
With diet, exercise and herbal supplementation — and discipline – I’ve been able to normalize my horomones and regulate my period!! I still struggle like crazy with sugar and carb cravings. However, I try to be disciplined 90% of the time and make healthy, low carb, natural choices. More chemicals push my body in turmoil. Sometimes when I get upset at how sucky it all is, and how I can’t enjoy the foods everyone else does, I remind myself that my PCOS gave me the gift of knowledge. Knowledge of what is good for me, and what the earth provides. We are not supposed to eat tons of sugar and breads!! Anyway, with discipline and a positive attitude, I’ve maintained my health and a size 2-4. STAY POSITIVE AND DEDICATED — you will mess up from time to time. Don’t beat yourself up, just keep going!!
I’m going to pass this along to a family member who suffers with PCOS. I’ve lived with hormone symptoms for.many, many years although not exactly this same. And if I strictly, and happily, eat my vegan foods, I feel so much better. That said, I do eat some soy product, and feel good with it. I honestly believe, from personal & anecdotal experience, that not all soy should be cutout in all cases. Each must judge their own, but I offer 2 reasons:
1. Soy is high in natural, easily absorbed, readily available proteins, which many vegetarians do lack in their diets. It’s high in healthy amino acids and other important nutrients.
2. Soy is consumed in what Americans would consider EXCEPTIONALLY John quantities by many Asians, male and female, with absolutely no hormonal deficiency or excess. I believe this stems from 2 basics – 1st, as oft and correctly, said, in America most soy is highly contaminated with pesticides and such and is about 80%+ GMO soy, which will change soy’s effect in the body. Also, well said is that, most soy is not soy beans or good soy product. Americans consume about 75%+ of their soy as soy protein isolate or textured soy protein, which can effect hormone balance, especially in the susceptible.
Asians/Orientals, on the other hand, consume FRESH soyBEANS, DRIED beans, ROASTED beans (soy beans often called edamame) and PROPERLY fermented soy (tofu) and it is nearly 100% local and organic. Soy beans are a wonderful product, properly grown, prepared and eaten. There is very little evidence outside of the Western world that it is harmful to a woman’s hormone levels. We tend to test what we have and use in this country, which is processed, protein.isolate, polluted, inferior soy products. And THAT combined with the typical American diet, will.yield poor test results.
If these tests were right and soy such a terrrible product, Asian women (and men) would have PCOS and other hormone imbalances in huge percentages per capita. That’s just simply not the case. Something is off… And that may well be they WAY we consume soy, not the soy itself, for most people anyway.
Just my 2 cents worth. :)
I was diagnosed with PCOS about five years ago. Before that, I went months, even a year once, without a period. I quickly gained a lot of weight in college, and at my heaviest was pushing 280. I also had cystic acne, adominal pain, and some darker hair on my chin/neck (not thick, but I am very fair so anything shows up). I went to a dermatologist about my breakouts, and it was she who suggested I be tested for PCOS. My gynocologist also tested me for being glucose intolerant, which came back negative.
I became an ovo lacto vegetarian three years ago, started eatting cleaner, doing cleanses, and exercising. I am lactose intolerent, so my dairy intake is very limited. I am still on birth control, to which I see no negative side effects happening. I am at a maintenance point for my skin. I’ve been told that I might need help getting pregnant, but I’m not on that road yet. I’ve lost 90 pounds but gained 20 back, because I’ve found that I have to be really careful and control what I eat. I will probably always have to do this.
I also have depression from the PCOS. Two years ago, I could no longer manage it on my own. I would cry myself to sleep every night. I didn’t have the energy to do anything but sit in my dark apartment and feel horrible. I tried St Johns Wart for months. I researched other natural methods. I stopped drinking caffine and anything else that could negatively effect me. Nothing helped. I finally went to a good doctor. She started me on Wellbutrin XL, and it helped so much that I’ve stayed on it. I know it works, because a month ago I stopped taking it, and within two weeks all the old feelings started creeping back. I’m on it again, and after a week I felt an immediate difference.
My point in sharing all of this is that it’s a combination of things that help control this syndrome. Not everyone has the same symptoms, and people react differently to treatments whether they be natural or chemical. I’m against over-medicatinf, but sinetimes you really do need to be on one. Try the natural route first; by all means I’m for it. But it’s okay if you need that extra help. All the St Johns Wart in the world could not make me feel “normal” again, and I don’t feel guilty admitting it. I also know that eatting McDonalds and copious amounts of processed foods will pack on the pounds for me quicker than one of my friends. It’s a matter of finding the balance between healthy, natural living and properly prescribed medication that works. Just do your research on both routes, because knowledge is always power.
Thank you so much for sharing this. I too was diagnosed with PCOS however, my doctor didn’t tell me much besides my symptoms were a result of this and I needed to eat healthier.
I too have an issue with keeping myself locked up in my apartment all day long and not wanting to do anything. I have also cried myself to sleep so many times. Just feeling so stuck and closed off. I recently started taking birth control pills to regulate my hormones and after a month i’m seeing improvements in my overall attitude.
It’s really nice to know i’m not the only one.
I have been taking vitex to balance my hormones. What do you think about vitex?
I’m a longtime PCOS sufferer and have used my body like a guinea pig too (as someone said in their comment). What I have learned that helps me, besides avoiding refined carbs and soy, is to use Saw Palmetto (I’m on a pretty high dose that I use throughout the day), a product called DIM, natural bioidentical progesterone cream from a compounding pharmacy, along with natural bioidentical estradiol cream (I don’t like lozenges OR pellets for my progesterone or estradiol), and I’ve found great relief in starting my calcium-magnesium-Vitamin D3 protocal again. I was partly tired because I think I was getting pre-pre-osteoporosis and my skeleton couldn’t support my body, plus calcium strengthens muscles too. It’s important not to go cheap on cal-mag-D. I use Kirkman Labs calcium powder in a citrate formula, along with Calm brand magnesium powder (tastes bad -hold your nose), with Carlson brand vitamin D3. Carlson is NOT made from fish oil like most vitamin D3 products are, so it cannot be contaminated with mercury. Another thing I discovered recently is that part of my fatigue was due to adrenal insufficiency. When the adrenals are taxed, initially they make too much cortisol. BUT, when the stress continues beyond that, then the adrenals lose (temporarily) their ability to produce ENOUGH cortisol, resulting in adrenal insufficiency. So I read up that cortisol SUPPLEMENTATION is warranted in those cases, so I used some hydrocortisone cream from my medicine cabinet on thin areas of skin (just a TINY bit throughout the day) and presto my fatigue and depression and brain fog were gone. I plan to get on a compounded natural bioidentical version of cortisol, rather than take Prednisone or Cortef, since those are synthetic. I am always keenly aware of not using too much hydrocortisone, and plan to SLOWLY wean off of it after I’ve been on it a few months (giving my adrenals a rest so they can start producing cortisol on their own again). I actually lost 5 pounds overnight when I started the hydrocortisone cream from my medicine cabinet, probably because my adrenals said “Ahh, we can rest, the cortisol is coming from somewhere else for awhile.” I learned that EITHER high OR low cortisol can cause weight gain and belly fat, and evidently I THOUGHT I had high cortisol, but I was waaay beyond that into LOW cortisol, which is why I was sooooooo fatigued. I learned that LOW cortisol can also cause depression. Starting the hydrocortisone cream was probably one of the most notable improvements I’ve had in a long time. I still take Metformin and Wellbutrin, but I can probably cut down on the Wellbutrin eventually.
Thank you Kimberly for posting this. I have been struggling with this for about 6 month now that I know forsure. I have a hard time controlling my weight even though I have cut out all refined sugar and eat mostly vegan and stay away from gluten. I am in the middle of reading your book and just read about food paring so am hoping and praying that will finally help. Any other suggestions you can give me I would highly appreciate. I also have hypothyroidism so am on herbal supplements for that. I don’t take any meds and would really like to stay away from them but have gotten hair growth on parts of my body that don’t belong and that freaks me out . Any suggestions?
My friend and I have PCOS. We are starting a weigh loss challenge on the 2nd so that she can get pregnant and I just want to get healthy. I got the book “The Beauty Detox Diet.” Thanks to that, I am more informed and will be able to make good food choices. Thanks for posting about PCOS.
I’d just like to say there is hope. I was told I possibly had PCOS when I went to see the Doctor about finding it difficult to become pregnant. Whilst waiting for referrals and various tests, I found a book that recommended various things to help improve fertility and your overall well being whilst having PCOS. The main things I changed was not drinking or eating out of plastic (basically chemically toxic) bottles and bowls. I also changed my diet to a more clean, chemical free diet. I didn’t use supplements or anything else
I received the diagnosis letter confirming I had PCOS, and then two days later found out I was pregnant (1 year and 8 month after seeing the doctor). Since then I have had another child and have been told my PCOS no longer exists even though I have not been entirely clean and chemical-free with my eating etc
Hi Mel,
I’m desperate to have a child and lose the weight I’ve gained. What book did you read? I really appreciate the info.
lorna: i myself had difficulty having a child…..my dr told me i would only have a child if i started clomid, glucophage (diabetic medication), and have invitro-fertilization. my dr was an idiot….God allowed me to have a child. When I got pregnant I was 25 years old and had PCOS for more than 13 years and had lost 50 lbs more than 15% of my body weight which truly helped all of my symptoms out….I was still overweight but not stressed. I hope this helps!!! Please keep your head up!!!!
Hi I have had pcos since I hit puberty, Its not always true that you can not concieve i have had three children and i could get pregnant if a man looked at me funny. I was wondering if anyone knows why some women have no problem while others need fertility docs.
Please check out LCHF diet after 2 weeks i got My period back after it been gone for years.
Hello my PCO cysters !!!
Whom of you can tell me what to do against this hairloss????????????
I am looking for any WORKING alternative for BC, Androcur, spiro or whatever there is !!!!
Its the worsr symptom for me.. ! the hairloss its not just in the front its everwhere !!!
THANKS so much… I hope someone out there is kind enough to help!
Use Castor oil, works great and is cheap
Hi,
I am new to this site 3 years ago i came to know i have pcod and want to conceive and the treatment is going on from the last 2 .5 years .I have done with many cycles of iui and went through laproscopy . Everything is normal , so my doctor suggested me to go for IVF as we have gone through all the procedures that are to be done to conceive . Please suggest me as i got marries 3 years back. Do i need to wait for some time or go for IVF as this is very expencive.
My dr gave me a drug called metaformin which is actually a drug that they give to diabetics and I guess it sorts out the insulin in your body and it helped me to start ovulation and I am now currently pregnant they have continued me on the drug while I am pregnant as it will help prevent miscarriage as pcos sufferers are more prone to these.
Hi ,would anyone recommd yoga or pilates for pain of the pelvis area?i take pain relif but was wondering would it help?
thanx V