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Re: low carb, PCOS, and athletes
From: click (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Tue, 26 Aug 2003 20:45:03 -0500 (CDT)
I am not on the same meds as you, but here's my recommendation...
It's going to take a good amount of change of lifestyle on your part,
but why don't you try eating something like a zone bar which has the
nutrition your body needs to work out but hardly any sugars--and try
eating it a little before you would regularly need it. It will provide
a more consistant source of energy as well and you may find its even
better than your sugary bars. If you're going to eat a high carb meal
after running, or you want something like your peanut butter honey
sandwich before, try making it count for fiber- whole grains, oatmeal,
things like that. The peanut butter is not so bad, the honey can be a
problem but maybe use 1/2 as much as you were using on the sandwich..
As for dehydration, I'm not sure if this is an option but why don't you
try taking half the dosage twice as often, or something like this? where
your body is not managing so much at a time so perhaps you will at leats
be less dehydrated? Both of my suggestions (food and pills) will take
some adjustment and scheduling but if you really want it to work...maybe
itll help.
At Tue, 26 Aug 2003, Liz wrote:
>
>Hey all,
>I just wanted to see if there were some competitive athletes out there
>who can relate and maybe help me with my questions. I am a very
>competitive runner and cyclist. For years, I did not get my period and
>had been told by countless doctors and nutritionists that I was probably
>anorexic. I was so frustrated because I knew I wasn't. Instead, my
>body fat was fairly high, especially considering my training. My coach
>was always on my case to try and "get more lean". At 5'4, 127 lbs, I
>wasn't exactly tiny in the running world. I tried to cut calories many
>times, but the weight always stayed. At one point, I was running 70-80
>miles a week and started birth control pills. I promptly gained 15
>pounds, especially around my stomach area and could not keep weight off.
>I happened to see a great doctor on another visit for acne and she
>suspected PCOS. I did all the tests and started taking metformin and
>spironolactone. I started getting my periods again within a few months.
>First, the low carb bit...I have really been dragging my heels about
>switching to low carb because without the carbs, I'm not sure what foods
>to eat! Before I go out to run or ride, I have pasta or a peanut butter
>and honey sandwhich. While on the bike, I have a "Gu" pack or some sort
>of quick sugar bar. I need foods that are easy and quick to digest and
>don't sit in my stomache. But, is this ruining my chances of really
>ever controlling my PCOS symptoms? When I get back from training, I
>crave really crave a high carb meal.
>Also, though I am very pleased with acne improvement while on
>spironolactone, but I have trouble taking it while I'm training because
>it dehydrates me so badly. I tried going off it and switching to a
>topical cream instead but because I am outside in the sun and wind
>everyday, that is not an option. Sometimes, I try to take the
>spironolactone between my training, but then it is sporadic at best and
>less effective.
>Again, I would love to talk with any athletes out there. My doctor that
>I'm seeing is very good but she doesn't know a lot about my needs. She
>is used to trying to start people on an exercise plan or help them lose
>a significant amount of weight and I don't really fit into either
>category.
>Liz
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