PCOS - i'm clueless and need advice

I was recently diagnosed with PCOS by my gynecologist. I just started seeing her and I like her (my last one was not great and I should have left him long ago) but I don't feel like she is giving me enough info. I am not yet TTC and I think that may be why she did not go into details with me, other than to mention medication I might take when I'm ready to try. She didn't show me my lab results or explain the various levels in detail or anything like that. So my question is should I be doing something in the meantime before I'm ready to TTC? I probably will be to try in a year or two. I recently went to a dermatologist who recommended seeing an endocrinologist. She said I should be concerned about the risk of diabetes (which I knew). Is this what everyone does? I would like to lose weight, I am overweight and I know that losing weight might help me. Anyway, I'd appreciate any advice. I tried to search and read some old post but it was just confusing me more I guess becaue everyone's situation is so different and because I am clueless! TIA

Re: PCOS - i'm clueless and need advice

I was just diagnosed as well...about a month ago. The one thing I do know is to eat a diet that's very light in complex carbs, and focus most of your diet on protein and veggies.

I'm in the same boat as you, though--feeling very helpless and uninformed. As soon as my insurance kicks in again, on Sept. 1st, I'll start going to see a RE to see if I can't get this thing under control.

Best of luck to you!

Re: PCOS - i'm clueless and need advice

I do not have PCOS but recurrent mniscarriage and there is a lot of info that I've researched where PCOS was brought up. First everyonbe on here should be getting copies of all labs and medical tests. It is no big deal-they are your property and by law, they must send you a copy if you request it in writing(most places you won't even have to do this-they will just give you a copy there) Once you get your results: start searching all your numbers. You can do a google search. One word of advice: do not treat your Dr's like God-they are not. Find a Dr you like, trust them but also be your own advocate. You're the only one who cares about you specifically having a healthy baby. Good luck.

FYI: treatment for PCOS is usually metformin and/or clomid.

GL!

Re: PCOS - i'm clueless and need advice

I also have PCOS and am overweight. I currently am on a met/clomid combo and I see a nutritionist that specializes in PCOS. There is no known cure for PCOS, but it can be managed with weight loss. Studies show that even losing 5% of your total body weight can help your body to ovulate naturally. I've lost 20lbs so far and I have to believe that even though I'm on a met/clomid combo, that my diet/weight loss has alot to do with how my body is starting to act. I would love to lose another 35lbs, but my immediate goal is get pregnant.

Re: PCOS - i'm clueless and need advice

I was diagnosed with PCOS a few months ago. My gyn sat down with me and explained all my tests results, even explained what she was looking at/for when she did an internal sono.
She told me if you are not TTC, then usually they will keep you on BC because that will keep your hormone levels where they should be. However, since I do want to TTC, she put me on Metformin. I started out on 1000mg and when that didn't get me to ovulate I went to 1500mg. That was about 5 weeks ago and I still haven't seen any results. I have another appointment in 2 weeks and we will discuss what the next steps will be to help me get pregnant.
From what I have read, for a lot of overweight women, getting to a healthy weight will make you start to ovulate again. However, since I am not overweight, I have to use meds.

You should have your Dr. sit down with you and explain everything. If you are not satisfied, then I would switch doctors.

Good luck!

Message edited 8/24/2007 10:05:30 AM.

Re: PCOS - i'm clueless and need advice

Thank you so much for all your replies. I am going to request a copy of my bloodwork and do some research.

Re: PCOS - i'm clueless and need advice

You have FM

Re: PCOS - i'm clueless and need advice

I have PCOS. I recommend picking up the book "it's my ovaries, stupid" - dont' have the name of the author here but it was totally informative regarding triggers and what you can do to minimize symptoms. When you are TTC come back here and I can give you tons of advice lol!!!!