November 8, 2008
PCOS: I’m Dealing With It
Last month, I tried to do a low-carb diet. Not necessarily Atkins or South Beach, but I eliminated all starches (potato, pasta, bread), I nixed the sugary goodness of chocolate (and it nearly killed me) and I tried sticking to a diet of lean meats, cheeses and leafy green vegetables (and cucumbers) for two weeks.
Can I just tell you how awful my cravings were? I cannot even describe the ridiculous dependency my body had has on carbohydrates. Seriously, it got to the point where I had dreams of baked potatoes loaded with all the fixings.
You’re probably wondering what possessed me to begin such a diet and I’m more than happy to tell you why.
Almost ten years ago I was diagnosed with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), a metabolic (and endocrine) disorder that affects ovulation, weight loss/gain, hormonal fluctuations and causes my body to be desensitized to insulin. When I first received this diagnosis, I thought it was some bullshit syndrome that doctors made up because they weren’t sure what was wrong with the women who experienced the symptoms now classified as part of this disease.
The fact that PCOS is a disease scared me, partly because if left untreated the condition can become life threatening. Women with untreated PCOS can develop diabetes, heart disease, stroke, cervical and uterine cancers and other scary things. Sadly, this disease is genetic and typically runs in families. My mother and sister most likely suffer from PCOS, as they’ve experienced most, if not all, of the same symptoms I do. They haven’t been diagnosed just yet, but I’m urging them to get to their doctors to have testing done.
I went to the library and got some books on this condition, along with books on nutrition and fertility because I wanted to be completely in-the-know about what was happening with my body.
I won’t lie. My reasons were selfish at first. I’ve made it known that I want to have another baby (Soon, damn it! Soon!) but that I’m not having any luck in the getting pregnant department. Part of the blame is because of PCOS.
My very amazing new doctor (whom I began seeing this past June) prescribed a medication typically given to patients diagnosed with Type II diabetes. The medicine is called Metformin (known as the brand Glucophage). Metformin is given to sensitize the body to insulin (which is what helps the diabetic patient), and this can help regulate hormones and cure some of the endocrine disorder.
I’ve been taking this stuff for a little over five months and while it’s regulating insulin production, it isn’t really doing all of it’s job. Such as trigger ovulation. I know this because I’ve been charting my basal body temperature for months.
Two weeks ago, I went in for a re-check and Dr. F upped the dose of my Rx to four pills a day instead of two. It’s sort of wrecking havoc with my stomach (a symptom of taking the meds), but I’ve noticed some changes since the increase.
For one, my acne is slowly disappearing. I am one of the unlucky women post-puberty that still gets the occasional zit (or twelve) around the chin area. Acne is a symptom of PCOS. So is hirsutism (excess hair growth on the face and other unwanted areas of the body — I know, that’s so general). I noticed that I had some facial hair problems (mostly on the chin and neck), but now that I’ve been taking the Metformin, it seems to be fading away.
But the biggest change is that my menstrual cycles are shortening. Pre-metformin, my cycles were 47 days plus. Probably why it’s been so difficult to coneive. Each month I’d lose a day or two. I’m down to about 35-39 days depending on other stress factors.
Okay, I take that back. The biggest change isn’t just that my periods are getting more “regular.” I’ve lost 17 pounds, too. Seventeen. Dr. F was so elated when I weighed in. My goal was to lose 10% of my weight in order to trigger ovulation again. I have 10 more pounds to go.
People, this is progress. And while, it’s still frustrating to know that I’m not getting pregnant yet, it’s comforting to know that by sticking to the plan and making small, subtle changes to my lifestyle, perhaps I’ll be pregnant by Christmas. Or maybe Valentine’s Day.
I’m trying not to get my hopes up, but I’m also trying not to give up. It’s like I’m in a holding pattern. Being sick with a cold the last twelve days hasn’t helped either. When I’m sick, I have no ambition to eat healthy or exercise. Sad, but true.
The low-carb diet was much more difficult this time around. (I did it four years ago which is how I conceived Dawson.) Instead, I’m counting calories, making healthier food choices and exercising 4-6 times a week. I feel good about myself and I noticed I’m not as depressed as I used to be.
So, anyway…I’m just really happy with how things are going and I wanted to blog about it so that I can look back and see how far I’ve come. There were devastating days, I know. I lost my shit a time or two. But like Scarlet O’Hara once said, “After all, tomorrow is another day.”
I’m looking forward to my tomorrows.
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P.S.
I don’t know many people who also struggle with PCOS, but I’m hoping that if you are dealing with this condition or know someone who is dealing with it, you’ll leave a comment on this post (please?). I’d love to hear about your experiences.
If you think you may have PCOS and have not yet been diagnosed, please make an appointment with your doctor. It’s very important for you to get treatment. There is help for your condition. And no, you’re not crazy. No, these symptoms are not “in your head.”
I’m happy to talk more about PCOS, and to blog about it, too. The more informed we are, the better we can manage our conditions.
Posted by Dana @ 7:11 AM • Acting Up, Body Image, Health, Wellness, Fitness, Exercise, Infertility, NaBloPoMo, Pregnancy, The Mommy Files, Weight Loss
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November 8th, 2008 at 8:07 AM, Sassy Says:
I’m glad you’re seeing some improvement with the Metformin. I hated it until my doctor upped my dosage to a level that just seemed to work for me. Then I had the same improvements you’ve had. It didn’t help me conceive, but I did feel a lot healthier and more normal.
Now I don’t take it because I’ve been able to lose weight by myself for the first time in a decade. Also, my left ovary is no longer polycystic which was a shock. I figure, as long as my body is improving by itself I’d rather not mess with it.
I do highly recommend Metformin though. And I also recommend people get testing if they suspect they could have PCOS. It’s important to take it seriously and educate yourself as much as you can.
Sassys last blog post..Final Call
November 8th, 2008 at 8:11 AM, Candace Says:
Congratulations on the weight loss!! That is really awesome and so motivating to hear. I am pregnant with our first child, I am a big girl, abut the same weight as you, maybe 10 pounds heavier. I didn’t think I would be able to get pregnant due to my weight and was surprised that I was. I was tested for PCOS about 6 years ago because I do have a lot of facial hair and am overweight but it came back negative. But STILL, I worry about stuff like that.
I am trying to eat healthier now that I am pregnant and have another to think about other than just myself. I’ve lost about 5 pounds since I’ve became pregnant (I am about 14 weeks now). I tested positive for Gestational Diabetes but my blood sugars are normal, I test them 4 times a day. I count my carbs and protein and my calories generally fall into place when I do that. It is SO much easier than counting calories like I’ve done for the last 3 years.
Thank you again for your post. It was really inspiring!!
November 8th, 2008 at 9:23 AM, Dana Says:
Hi Candace! Congratulations on your pregnancy! It’s a miracle isn’t it? I still look at my little boy and think, “he came from my body?”
I think that a lot of women are misdiagnosed and that doctors are under-diagnosing because they don’t know that much about the condition. I learned that a little over 5% of women are diagnosed with PCOS, but closer to 10% have the condition but are not aware or have never been tested.
Danas last blog post..PCOS: I’m Dealing With It
November 8th, 2008 at 9:26 AM, Dana Says:
Sassy, thank you for sharing your experience. I agree, Metformin can really screw with you until the dosage is properly prescribed and taken. I still have the occasional side effect of an upset stomach, but it’s usually when I take the medicine, but forget to eat.
You’re right, Metformin is the best thing to jump start the life/health changes a person with PCOS must make.
November 8th, 2008 at 11:40 AM, Dorsey Says:
I suffered with it for a LONG time. But I was only positively diagnosed with it back in late 2004. Although I also had endometriosis and adenomiosis. Ugh!! Talk about PAIN!!! Feel free to shoot me an email any time and we can talk. I was also on Metformin and found it was great for what I needed. However, I had been done having kids for some time and in April 2005 I had a complete hysterectomy. I still struggle with the facial hair issue, but am getting the rest under control well enough.
Dorseys last blog post..Step away from the drive-thru menu!!!
November 8th, 2008 at 1:28 PM, Headless Mom Says:
What a difficult struggle. I’m glad that you are starting to see results. Progress helps you see further, right?
Love you!
Headless Moms last blog post..Who’s Got Your Back?
November 8th, 2008 at 6:37 PM, Liz@thisfullhouse Says:
I’m typing this through tears – I am SO proud of you – keep swimming, keep swimming…
Liz@thisfullhouses last blog post..The Responsibility Project: Because, parents (like me) need a real good kick in the head, sometimes!
November 8th, 2008 at 8:06 PM, Dana Says:
Thanks, Liz! I heart you. More than you know.
November 9th, 2008 at 11:43 AM, bloggymommer Says:
Dana,
Thank you so much for putting this out there –
Noone told ME this was a metabolic/endcrin thing!? ARG!
My six week postpartum checkup is coming up soon. I’ve got to start charting and ask for another blood test to check my hormones and see where the chips fell post pregnancy. I’m a little worried it will take years to have number #2.
bloggymommers last blog post..Love Thursday: First Edition