PCOS-DIET Messages for November, 2001: LIZ -- Re: please help, its new & confusing

LIZ -- Re: please help, its new & confusing

From: Joanna (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Thu, 8 Nov 2001 14:33:38 -0600 (CST)

Messages sorted by: [ date ][ thread ][ subject ][ author ]
Next message: Linna: "Newly Diagonosed where to start"
Previous message: liz: "please help, its new & confusing"
In reply to: liz: "please help, its new & confusing"

Hi Liz!

I'm from Canada too. I take Spironolactone for hair issues. It takes a long time (sometimes about a year) to take affect, but for me it did help with hair regrowth and less hair where it "shouldn't" be. I started with 100 mg per day and my dermatologist up'd it to 200 mgs per day. There are some side effects; however, I don't think I have really experienced them. They include dizziness, confusion, loss of memory, but I think I am ok. The other thing is....YOU DON'T want to get pregnant on them. It shouldn't be a problem for you seems how you are not interested in conceiving again. Apparently, it can cause problems if you are pregnant with a boy. (I believe it is an anti-androgen...anti-male hormones.)

I also take birth control pills. This helps regulate my non-existent menstrual cycles. "They" (the doctors) say that the ideal pill for ladies with PCOS is Diana -35 (in Canada, it's the best available for our condition). Your doctor may decide to not prescribe spironolactone if you choose this pill. This pill is a monophasic pill, as opposed to a triphasic pill such as Tricyclen, which they say is better for women with PCOS. You may want to look into it further since I don't remember all the details of the explanation. I was on Tricyclen previously, and experienced no problems with it; however, I switched because I heard that Diana was better for us.

My dermatologist also prescribed Differin, an acne treatment. I actually don't have acne (I don't think so anyway); however, if you have small bumps on your face, it will even this out and if you have a break out differin is good.

Oh, the other thing about Diana is...in Canada, it has actually been approved as an acne treatment...not a birth control pill. However, it is an effective birth control treatment. Actually, maybe the reason I don't have acne is that I have been using Tricycle and Diana for the last few years! :) Both help with acne.

There are also treatments like ....ummmm...I think of the ....uh! Metformin! But to be honest, I really don't know too much about them. I haven't met a doctor yet that was interested in prescribing these types of drugs. Perhaps my case of PCOS is more "mild"....*rolling my eyes*

As well, as for diet...I know it's hard. I have been dieting since early July. I am proud to say though that I have lost 17.5 pounds. I have been off and on even. The weight I did lose was from following a higher protein, lower carb diet. I recommend the book Protein Power, which I took advice from, but did not follow it to a "T". The other thing I did, was see an extremely supportive doctor in Ottawa. He was super. He is actually part of a network of weight-loss specialist doctors. He is not a quack. He is actually very healthy and active himself, and strongly encourages exercising and behavioural changes. Here is a url to hopefully help you find a doctor in your area to help you with your weightloss journey: https://www.mla.ca/accueil/accueil.asp I really recommend this. It's encouraging to be able to talk one on one with a weightloss professional. In my case, my health care plan covered it -- rightfully so I think. It only makes sense to prevent additional health complications.

Oh...now one more thing...I am just starting up Tae Bo. It really makes you sweat! I actually bought the tapes a while back, but was only recently motivated to use them when I met a girl who lost 30 lbs doing Tae Bo. She's not the first person I have known that has had great weightloss success with Tae Bo, but it was a good reminder. And the good news is...you might be able to pick up a set of Tae Bo tapes at a pawn shop, or other used items store. I happened to be walking by a Cash Converters (a pawn shop) one day, and thought I would go in to see if they have Tae Bo videos. Sure enough, they did! I got the 4 video set for under $10. You can also find them through e-Bay, but they are little more expensive (probably less than brand new, however).

Now it might be a little tough at first, but your form and endurance doesn't have to be perfect. Just do as much as you can each time. Or get another video. I actually used a Kathy Ireland video a long time ago. I found it quite easy for a beginner who is very out of shape, but really effective. I always avoided the floor exercises though -- they were such a killer.

Anyway, hope this helps! If you have any questions, please feel free to write! If you want a diet buddy, I would love to be there for ya!

I'm going to shut up now!! ;)

-- Joanna ...jmm@hotmail.com

At Thu, 8 Nov 2001, liz wrote: > >hi, i have searched for hours to find information on this horrible >condition that i might find some help. i have suspected pcos for about >a year but have recently been diagnosed. i am blessed with one child, >and now that she is older have decided not to have any more. all this >started during and after pregnancy. what i am most concerned about is >the 100 lb weight gain and losing it, regrowing my male patterned >baldness hair, and regaining a normal period,( not 18 days of blood >clots) prometruim has helped with the blood flow, but not the duration. >i cant seem to stick to a diet because i tried so hard and nothing >worded i have lost faith. i do exercise but not consistently enough so >i know i need to be regular. i am curious about what medications are >available in canada. my blood sugar is quite normal but the insulin is >high and the colesterol(sp) i have heard of some meds that can really >help. any suggestions, please, i feel so desperate. i just want to be >myselt again. thanks, liz

Next message: Linna: "Newly Diagonosed where to start"
Previous message: liz: "please help, its new & confusing"
In reply to: liz: "please help, its new & confusing"

use when must restrict search to only the pcos diet forum...
Enter search keywords:
	Returns per screen: Require all keywords: