Comments on: PCOS & Me http://www.slightcaseofinsanity.com/2010/03/pcos-me/ Random blogs compiled from the madness & mayhem of my mind Tue, 31 Jan 2012 00:26:57 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 By: Kate http://www.slightcaseofinsanity.com/2010/03/pcos-me/comment-page-1/#comment-7351 Kate Thu, 12 Jan 2012 10:58:22 +0000 http://www.slightcaseofinsanity.com/?p=579#comment-7351 Hi Suzanne, thanks for your post. I should do a follow up post ( I say that ALL the time!) as I have actually had a huge leap in managing my PCOS. I have passed on your email address to Ashley so she can contact you if she would like. Hi Suzanne, thanks for your post. I should do a follow up post ( I say that ALL the time!) as I have actually had a huge leap in managing my PCOS.

I have passed on your email address to Ashley so she can contact you if she would like.

]]> By: suzanne http://www.slightcaseofinsanity.com/2010/03/pcos-me/comment-page-1/#comment-7350 suzanne Thu, 12 Jan 2012 10:51:13 +0000 http://www.slightcaseofinsanity.com/?p=579#comment-7350 ohhh what a relief it is to hear that im not alone!!! seems like we are all in the same boat together! i too have PCOS - the gift that keeps on giving NOT! kate - i saw a post by ashley morris, i know its an old post but i live in tamworth too and when i saw that she was from around this area my eyes lit up! someone with PCOS too that i could chat with! if you could pass my details on that would be great! the more cysters, the better! i hope by now, your pcos pains have been managed! xx ohhh what a relief it is to hear that im not alone!!! seems like we are all in the same boat together!
i too have PCOS – the gift that keeps on giving NOT!

kate – i saw a post by ashley morris, i know its an old post but i live in tamworth too and when i saw that she was from around this area my eyes lit up! someone with PCOS too that i could chat with! if you could pass my details on that would be great!
the more cysters, the better!

i hope by now, your pcos pains have been managed!

xx

]]> By: Yadeh http://www.slightcaseofinsanity.com/2010/03/pcos-me/comment-page-1/#comment-7072 Yadeh Thu, 13 Oct 2011 12:50:36 +0000 http://www.slightcaseofinsanity.com/?p=579#comment-7072 Hi Ladies, I'm in a similar situation and about to see if Dr. Kidson can help me, but my story won't add anything new, so in response to Nina's post: I think all us PCOS sufferers have long term bleeding at points but there is no reason it should deter us from regular activities like swimming. A menstrual cup will contain the blood much better than disposable hygiene products. There are several brands available; I bought the Diva Cup while living in Europe and even managed to go to communal naked spa/sauna places with no embarrassing accidents. It takes a little practice to put it in right, but then it is sooo much better. No smell from oxidised blood on pads (that used to turn my stomach!), it won't dry out the vaginal walls like tampons on those low flow days, no string hanging out and it holds 15-20ml which is 3-4x the capacity of a tampon. On low-medium flow days you need only empty and wash it twice a day. Plus, if you are concerned about excessive bleeding like I am (it's good to keep track when it goes on for months or you get a half litre dump over two days like I just did) you can give your doc a fairly accurate estimate. Of course the doctor will look at you with raised eyebrow and ask how on earth you would know how much you were discharging... Added bonus is it is environmentally friendly! Hi Ladies, I’m in a similar situation and about to see if Dr. Kidson can help me, but my story won’t add anything new, so in response to Nina’s post:

I think all us PCOS sufferers have long term bleeding at points but there is no reason it should deter us from regular activities like swimming. A menstrual cup will contain the blood much better than disposable hygiene products. There are several brands available; I bought the Diva Cup while living in Europe and even managed to go to communal naked spa/sauna places with no embarrassing accidents. It takes a little practice to put it in right, but then it is sooo much better. No smell from oxidised blood on pads (that used to turn my stomach!), it won’t dry out the vaginal walls like tampons on those low flow days, no string hanging out and it holds 15-20ml which is 3-4x the capacity of a tampon. On low-medium flow days you need only empty and wash it twice a day. Plus, if you are concerned about excessive bleeding like I am (it’s good to keep track when it goes on for months or you get a half litre dump over two days like I just did) you can give your doc a fairly accurate estimate. Of course the doctor will look at you with raised eyebrow and ask how on earth you would know how much you were discharging…

Added bonus is it is environmentally friendly!

]]> By: Nina http://www.slightcaseofinsanity.com/2010/03/pcos-me/comment-page-1/#comment-6933 Nina Wed, 14 Sep 2011 17:31:33 +0000 http://www.slightcaseofinsanity.com/?p=579#comment-6933 Not quite sure how I ended up here, but this post strikes home. I've long suspected I've had PCOS, yet the gynae seems reluctant to give a diagnosis - strange, usually doctors spew diagnoses all over the place. I had to hunt through all the medical papers and shizz until I found "PCO" scrawled somewhere on my ultrasound results. I'm 18, I've been trying to lose weight for as long as I can remember, was always picked on at school because of facial hair. I keep trying to diminish calorie intake as much as possible, yet results are so minute it's almost not worth it. Now I have to keep reassuring my mother that, no, I'm not anorexic, it's just really tough for me to lose weight. It's funny how the general population thinks you'll be fine if you just exercise, but it isn't is it? And, hah, Metformin. Ever since I've been on that, my period didn't stop for months and months on end. I could barely swim at all this summer, and for a person living 30 minutes away from the sea no matter what direction you take... well, yes, it was depressing. I decided to stop it, and my period hasn't stopped. Has Metformin completely screwed me up? I don't know. And God, how I fear bcps. The side effects can be ugly, I've seen them in my friends. Weight gain is certainly not an option; I'm a size 14, which for a girl barely 150cm high is not aesthetically pleasing at all. I could go on and on, but what I really want to say is, thanks. Well-written post, it always helps to hear others' stories, and now I know what to ask my gynae. It's great to read the comments too, makes me feel like I can handle this :) Much love xx Not quite sure how I ended up here, but this post strikes home. I’ve long suspected I’ve had PCOS, yet the gynae seems reluctant to give a diagnosis – strange, usually doctors spew diagnoses all over the place. I had to hunt through all the medical papers and shizz until I found “PCO” scrawled somewhere on my ultrasound results.

I’m 18, I’ve been trying to lose weight for as long as I can remember, was always picked on at school because of facial hair. I keep trying to diminish calorie intake as much as possible, yet results are so minute it’s almost not worth it. Now I have to keep reassuring my mother that, no, I’m not anorexic, it’s just really tough for me to lose weight. It’s funny how the general population thinks you’ll be fine if you just exercise, but it isn’t is it?

And, hah, Metformin. Ever since I’ve been on that, my period didn’t stop for months and months on end. I could barely swim at all this summer, and for a person living 30 minutes away from the sea no matter what direction you take… well, yes, it was depressing. I decided to stop it, and my period hasn’t stopped. Has Metformin completely screwed me up? I don’t know. And God, how I fear bcps. The side effects can be ugly, I’ve seen them in my friends. Weight gain is certainly not an option; I’m a size 14, which for a girl barely 150cm high is not aesthetically pleasing at all.

I could go on and on, but what I really want to say is, thanks. Well-written post, it always helps to hear others’ stories, and now I know what to ask my gynae. It’s great to read the comments too, makes me feel like I can handle this :)

Much love xx

]]> By: Debbie D http://www.slightcaseofinsanity.com/2010/03/pcos-me/comment-page-1/#comment-5911 Debbie D Sat, 02 Apr 2011 02:24:36 +0000 http://www.slightcaseofinsanity.com/?p=579#comment-5911 Hi Ladies, I found out I had POS at 18 yrs old (10 years ago) after having facial hair from the age of 16. I found out at a laser clinic, was told to have some test run as there was a high chance that the excess hair was related to POS.My mother had it also and now has quite a bad tyriod problem. i figure that it is important to manage to avoid other problems from steaming from it. My periods were always random and pubety delayed - Till 14 I did not get my first period then did not get another for 10 months after. I have tried the pill, which made me very depressed, gain weight and later i found out caused more cysts to appear on my overies.Once I got off it my period was delayed for over a year. I was reaserching a visit to Dr Kidson but not so sure now. I have made a promise to myself, no more medication. I am not overweight, but was slightly in my teens. My solution was strict dirt and excercise for 1 year then eating small portions in moderation after that. I have a 3 month cleanse every year where I avoid most fats and stick to healthy, wholegrain foods, no meats or dairy products at all. Then I stick to quite a good, balanced diet including proteins etc and small portions of cheese, choc,maccas whlegrain bread, etc... throughout the year. I usually break it up the with cleanse a month every three months. Stay away from all drugs I say, they can only create side affects and stop your body from balancing itself out naturally. I found that electronysis and ONLY IPL laser can help with the hair. Elelctronysis is the best as it treats individual hairs and will get rid of that embaressing problem esp, for the face, navel and breast. The Candela Laser guns are the worse and will stimulate our hair growth (weird but true). I recommend see a natropath and try to balance the hormones out, ask them about fertility treatments if you are trying to get pregenant. Do not operate! This is bound to cause a domino effect and will create other problems. Maybe even visit chinese herbalists and accuptunture and see what can be done. I have heard that doctors or specialists in specific countries such as Russia, Germany ETC... are much better to visit for fertility problems, POS problems, so if you can reaserch this and make a trip, you might be better off. Try with natutal treatment first, at least for a year and see if you can control the POS. I believe this does not have to take over our lives, we just need to find the right natural treatment and then go from there. I refuse to take that Metformin for now as I believe that would only benefit when i did want to have babies (as that is what they drug is designed for and you do not want the body to get used to it prior to that time). Deal with the symptoms one step at a time, over the right time. If weight is the current issue deal with that first and start visiting different natropaths to see what can be done about the internal POS concerns.Victoria Beckham has POS and a number of other celebrities, it is about not letting it control your life and taking it one step at a time. I have a natural remedy I will be starting to use to regulate my periods (They are actually ok now as I stayed away from drugs and 5 years down the track they are staring to sort themselves out) But I would like to test if it helps with the other symptoms. Let's see.. I will keep you all uypdated on that. I know others who have fallen pregeant after being told that they can not due to POS - they too stayed away from prescription drugs. What I am saying is be careful with what you use to manage this condition. Once the cosmetic side is under control and you know that you follow a rather ok/balanced lifestyle then look on the inside. Mind over matter. It is only a small part of you and rememeber you have the power to control it and find the safest, most healthiest and best treatment options avaliable to share with all. Plus, once you love yourself for it, then you will find someone who loves you with or without it. Never lose faith, God bless. Hi Ladies, I found out I had POS at 18 yrs old (10 years ago) after having facial hair from the age of 16. I found out at a laser clinic, was told to have some test run as there was a high chance that the excess hair was related to POS.My mother had it also and now has quite a bad tyriod problem. i figure that it is important to manage to avoid other problems from steaming from it. My periods were always random and pubety delayed – Till 14 I did not get my first period then did not get another for 10 months after. I have tried the pill, which made me very depressed, gain weight and later i found out caused more cysts to appear on my overies.Once I got off it my period was delayed for over a year. I was reaserching a visit to Dr Kidson but not so sure now. I have made a promise to myself, no more medication. I am not overweight, but was slightly in my teens. My solution was strict dirt and excercise for 1 year then eating small portions in moderation after that. I have a 3 month cleanse every year where I avoid most fats and stick to healthy, wholegrain foods, no meats or dairy products at all. Then I stick to quite a good, balanced diet including proteins etc and small portions of cheese, choc,maccas whlegrain bread, etc… throughout the year. I usually break it up the with cleanse a month every three months. Stay away from all drugs I say, they can only create side affects and stop your body from balancing itself out naturally. I found that electronysis and ONLY IPL laser can help with the hair. Elelctronysis is the best as it treats individual hairs and will get rid of that embaressing problem esp, for the face, navel and breast. The Candela Laser guns are the worse and will stimulate our hair growth (weird but true). I recommend see a natropath and try to balance the hormones out, ask them about fertility treatments if you are trying to get pregenant. Do not operate! This is bound to cause a domino effect and will create other problems. Maybe even visit chinese herbalists and accuptunture and see what can be done. I have heard that doctors or specialists in specific countries such as Russia, Germany ETC… are much better to visit for fertility problems, POS problems, so if you can reaserch this and make a trip, you might be better off. Try with natutal treatment first, at least for a year and see if you can control the POS. I believe this does not have to take over our lives, we just need to find the right natural treatment and then go from there. I refuse to take that Metformin for now as I believe that would only benefit when i did want to have babies (as that is what they drug is designed for and you do not want the body to get used to it prior to that time). Deal with the symptoms one step at a time, over the right time. If weight is the current issue deal with that first and start visiting different natropaths to see what can be done about the internal POS concerns.Victoria Beckham has POS and a number of other celebrities, it is about not letting it control your life and taking it one step at a time. I have a natural remedy I will be starting to use to regulate my periods
(They are actually ok now as I stayed away from drugs and 5 years down the track they are staring to sort themselves out) But I would like to test if it helps with the other symptoms. Let’s see.. I will keep you all uypdated on that. I know others who have fallen pregeant after being told that they can not due to POS – they too stayed away from prescription drugs. What I am saying is be careful with what you use to manage this condition. Once the cosmetic side is under control and you know that you follow a rather ok/balanced lifestyle then look on the inside. Mind over matter. It is only a small part of you and rememeber you have the power to control it and find the safest, most healthiest and best treatment options avaliable to share with all. Plus, once you love yourself for it, then you will find someone who loves you with or without it. Never lose faith, God bless.

]]> By: Kate http://www.slightcaseofinsanity.com/2010/03/pcos-me/comment-page-1/#comment-5690 Kate Mon, 28 Feb 2011 04:46:14 +0000 http://www.slightcaseofinsanity.com/?p=579#comment-5690 Hi Amber. Even though I didn't personally like Dr Kidson, different people have different experiences. I have read numerous blogs from ladies who LOVED him. It's the same with every doctor. It's worth going to him and seeing what he says at least, he may do blood tests/glucose tolerance test etc so you'll at least know more what you're dealing with. But just see for yourself how you find him. And if he doesn't work for you, just remember it's not your fault, and there are plenty of other specialists out there. Hi Amber. Even though I didn’t personally like Dr Kidson, different people have different experiences. I have read numerous blogs from ladies who LOVED him. It’s the same with every doctor. It’s worth going to him and seeing what he says at least, he may do blood tests/glucose tolerance test etc so you’ll at least know more what you’re dealing with. But just see for yourself how you find him. And if he doesn’t work for you, just remember it’s not your fault, and there are plenty of other specialists out there.

]]> By: Amber http://www.slightcaseofinsanity.com/2010/03/pcos-me/comment-page-1/#comment-5689 Amber Mon, 28 Feb 2011 04:39:04 +0000 http://www.slightcaseofinsanity.com/?p=579#comment-5689 Hi Kate, I just found you blog, thank you so much. Im 22 and i was diagnosed with PCOS last year, due to heavy & painful periods.At first the doctors thought i had endemosis. After having a internal ultrasound (which no ones warns you about!) they found over 20 cysts on my ovaries, so the results were sent back to my doctor. Which every doctor i see tells me to "just go on the pill". Even after explaining to them that i suffer from depression and everytime i go on the pill it makes it a million times worse. But the problem is, the doctor seems to ignore my PCOS as im not presenting any major signs on PCOS, i am a size AU8 i used to be a AU6 but in the last year have put on approx 5kgs., Yet as Im not overweight YET! its not a problem to them. So fast forward to now, i experienced major back and abdominal pain only a couple of days ago during sex which lasted for the whole day and after sex i went to the bathroom only to noticed i had started to lose quite alot of blood, being only 10days after my period i was quite alarmed. After mentioning to this to one of my friends whom also has PCOS and who is a medical scientist.. She thought it was perhaps, one of the cyts had burst and this happens during ovulation because the cyst swell. Has anyone else experienced this???? So i am off to doctors tomorrow, to get a referral to see Dr Warren Kidson.Which i was told was amazing and is the leading doctor when it comes to PCOS. But after reading your post im beginning to wonder if this is a good idea??? Any advice or insight would be much appreciated ladies... Hi Kate,
I just found you blog, thank you so much.
Im 22 and i was diagnosed with PCOS last year, due to heavy & painful periods.At first the doctors thought i had endemosis. After having a internal ultrasound (which no ones warns you about!) they found over 20 cysts on my ovaries, so the results were sent back to my doctor. Which every doctor i see tells me to “just go on the pill”. Even after explaining to them that i suffer from depression and everytime i go on the pill it makes it a million times worse.
But the problem is, the doctor seems to ignore my PCOS as im not presenting any major signs on PCOS, i am a size AU8 i used to be a AU6 but in the last year have put on approx 5kgs., Yet as Im not overweight YET! its not a problem to them.
So fast forward to now, i experienced major back and abdominal pain only a couple of days ago during sex which lasted for the whole day and after sex i went to the bathroom only to noticed i had started to lose quite alot of blood, being only 10days after my period i was quite alarmed.
After mentioning to this to one of my friends whom also has PCOS and who is a medical scientist..
She thought it was perhaps, one of the cyts had burst and this happens during ovulation because the cyst swell.
Has anyone else experienced this????

So i am off to doctors tomorrow, to get a referral to see Dr Warren Kidson.Which i was told was amazing and is the leading doctor when it comes to PCOS. But after reading your post im beginning to wonder if this is a good idea???

Any advice or insight would be much appreciated ladies…

]]> By: Kelly Small http://www.slightcaseofinsanity.com/2010/03/pcos-me/comment-page-1/#comment-4834 Kelly Small Tue, 19 Oct 2010 02:26:50 +0000 http://www.slightcaseofinsanity.com/?p=579#comment-4834 I'm literally in tears...reading about PCOS, YOUR STORY and not feeling so alone just hit me like a ton of bricks. I'm 33, diagnosed with PCOS when I was 17 and through the years my symptoms have changed. I have the tiny cysts, irregular periods, anxiety/mood swings, acne then clear skin then acne, but NEVER had a weight problem. Birth control pills just didn't react well to my body so I've pretty much always been BC pill-free. I was always very petite with curves, but a size zero which was healthy for me. Now I'm a size 6/8! Two years ago, I put on 35lbs almost overnight!! It seriously was within 6 months and there was no reason for it! Also, I am growing hair in places I never dreamed and now that I'm trying to conceive am really concerned about all the changes in my body that have taken place. I definitely have insulin resistance, though my blood numbers aren't drastic, and just can't get rid of the weight! South Beach diet was ok, but I just wasn't seeing results. I have chest pains from carrying this unhealthy weight and at 5'0 tall, it's exhausting. When you are tiny you're entire life and then gain so much weight so fast it is depressing. My newlywed husband is so supportive and I thank God he is so understanding. I'm a slave to electrolysis which is expensive and not permanent due to the PCOS. This is my last month trying to conceive without assistance from the doctor. After reading what I have read, I plan in the next couple of weeks to ask my doctor to put me on Metformin...THANK YOU FOR YOUR POSTS!!!!!!!!! I’m literally in tears…reading about PCOS, YOUR STORY and not feeling so alone just hit me like a ton of bricks. I’m 33, diagnosed with PCOS when I was 17 and through the years my symptoms have changed. I have the tiny cysts, irregular periods, anxiety/mood swings, acne then clear skin then acne, but NEVER had a weight problem. Birth control pills just didn’t react well to my body so I’ve pretty much always been BC pill-free. I was always very petite with curves, but a size zero which was healthy for me. Now I’m a size 6/8! Two years ago, I put on 35lbs almost overnight!! It seriously was within 6 months and there was no reason for it! Also, I am growing hair in places I never dreamed and now that I’m trying to conceive am really concerned about all the changes in my body that have taken place. I definitely have insulin resistance, though my blood numbers aren’t drastic, and just can’t get rid of the weight! South Beach diet was ok, but I just wasn’t seeing results. I have chest pains from carrying this unhealthy weight and at 5’0 tall, it’s exhausting. When you are tiny you’re entire life and then gain so much weight so fast it is depressing. My newlywed husband is so supportive and I thank God he is so understanding. I’m a slave to electrolysis which is expensive and not permanent due to the PCOS. This is my last month trying to conceive without assistance from the doctor. After reading what I have read, I plan in the next couple of weeks to ask my doctor to put me on Metformin…THANK YOU FOR YOUR POSTS!!!!!!!!!

]]> By: Elizabeth Hanover http://www.slightcaseofinsanity.com/2010/03/pcos-me/comment-page-1/#comment-4653 Elizabeth Hanover Thu, 16 Sep 2010 12:01:33 +0000 http://www.slightcaseofinsanity.com/?p=579#comment-4653 I really feel for you, I have PCOS and insulin resistance and I know how you feel. However, I saw Dr Warren Kidson this year - he was reccomended to me as one of (if not the) best specialists for PCOS in the world - and it completley changed my life. Metformin XR 3x daily just before food, exercise and strict low GI diet and I finally feel normal. No irregular periods or pain, hirsutism has reduced, acne has dissapeared and I dont put on weight anywhere near as easily as I did previously. Did you try the metformin 1x daily for 1 week, 2x daily for 1 week then up to the 3x daily? He told me this would help my body adjust, and he also mentioned that for the first 3 months taking the metformin just after food reduced the nausea. I had slight nausea when I moved from 1 tablet to 2 a day, but it settled after a week or so and now I am fine. After 3 months I started taking it after food. Again, nauseous for a few days but it settled when by body adjusted. Of course we are all different, and metformin is not for everyone, but I encourage you to keep exercising 4-5x a week and eat LOW GI (this is exceptionally important! The metformin absolutely will not work in regulating insulin if you don't eat low GI food. About the pill though: if you are insulin resistant, the pill can significantly hasten the onset of diabeties type II in some women. Particularly the more modern combined oral contraceptives like Estelle/Juliet/Jasmine/Yasmine/Yaz. All the best and take care. I really feel for you, I have PCOS and insulin resistance and I know how you feel. However, I saw Dr Warren Kidson this year – he was reccomended to me as one of (if not the) best specialists for PCOS in the world – and it completley changed my life. Metformin XR 3x daily just before food, exercise and strict low GI diet and I finally feel normal. No irregular periods or pain, hirsutism has reduced, acne has dissapeared and I dont put on weight anywhere near as easily as I did previously.

Did you try the metformin 1x daily for 1 week, 2x daily for 1 week then up to the 3x daily? He told me this would help my body adjust, and he also mentioned that for the first 3 months taking the metformin just after food reduced the nausea. I had slight nausea when I moved from 1 tablet to 2 a day, but it settled after a week or so and now I am fine. After 3 months I started taking it after food. Again, nauseous for a few days but it settled when by body adjusted.

Of course we are all different, and metformin is not for everyone, but I encourage you to keep exercising 4-5x a week and eat LOW GI (this is exceptionally important! The metformin absolutely will not work in regulating insulin if you don’t eat low GI food.

About the pill though: if you are insulin resistant, the pill can significantly hasten the onset of diabeties type II in some women. Particularly the more modern combined oral contraceptives like Estelle/Juliet/Jasmine/Yasmine/Yaz.

All the best and take care.

]]> By: Susan T. http://www.slightcaseofinsanity.com/2010/03/pcos-me/comment-page-1/#comment-4191 Susan T. Wed, 31 Mar 2010 01:55:24 +0000 http://www.slightcaseofinsanity.com/?p=579#comment-4191 That is crazy! I live in the United States and I am experiencing almost the same thing! It is very hard to lose weight and all doctors act like it is my fault. All doctors care about is my fertility. I feel like if I have kids and decide I don't want anymore then maybe they will help me. The doctors act like I need to have children. I am considering weight loss surgery however, I am not fat enough for it. I don't know what to do. I don't want to accept being fat. It is crazy how all across the world the doctors are the same! That is crazy! I live in the United States and I am experiencing almost the same thing! It is very hard to lose weight and all doctors act like it is my fault. All doctors care about is my fertility. I feel like if I have kids and decide I don’t want anymore then maybe they will help me. The doctors act like I need to have children. I am considering weight loss surgery however, I am not fat enough for it. I don’t know what to do. I don’t want to accept being fat. It is crazy how all across the world the doctors are the same!

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