Re: Not sure what course of action to take for PCOS (long posting)
From: Jan (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Thu, 30 Mar 2000 21:37:03 -0600 (CST)
Sorry for the repeat info.I didn't see the other replies when I
answered.
--
Jan
At Thu, 30 Mar 2000, Jan wrote:
>
>I'm newly diagnosed, but I'll take a stab at answering. The others can
>help fill in any gaps.
>
>Most women here would consider you lucky to have found a dr. to give
>you met. It has not been approved by the FDA to treat PCOS, many
>studies have shown it to be successful in controling the root of the
>problem, insulin. Met does have a few risks, they are rare, and seem
>small compared to the risks of heart disease & diabetes from
>uncontrolled PCOS. Research it before you make a decision. Met does
>help control weight, hair and acne in many women, but it takes more than
>2 months. Some women take additinal meds. to control these symptoms.
>
>My diet history sounds similar to your, Jenny Craig, Weight Watchers,
>Physicians Weight Loss Center, hot dog diet... Met. is not a diet
>drug, but it may improve your success on a low carb diet. If you're
>having trouble on low carb, join one of the low carb news groups. The
>"carb police" will even look at your daily menues to see if there are
>problems there.
>
>If I were you, I'd go back to the endo. who prescribed the met. Let
>him/her decide if new tests need to be run. But go! Your health depends
>on it. This is more than a cosmetic issue.
>
>Good luck!
>
>--
>Jan
>>
>>I was diagnosed with PCOS about 5 years ago when I complained to my
>>gynecologist about rapid weight gain (25 lbs in a year), excessive
>>facial hair, adult acne which was getting worse, and the fact that my
>>period didn't return 3 months after I stopped taking BCP (I wanted to
>>give my body a "break" from hormones). After running tests on me, she
>>told me my FSH and LH levels were reversed and I had PCOS. She then put
>>me on Desogen to treat the irregular periods and facial hair.
>>
>>A few years later, my facial hair and acne increased, even though I was
>>still taking the BCP. I then went to two endocrinologists. The first
>>doctor didn't request to see my previous test results, but put me on
>>met(about 2 years ago). Since I didn't have much information on PCOS
>>and treatments, I was concerned about taking medication for a disease I
>>didn't have--I also didn't notice any decrease in facial hair while I
>>was on the met. After about 2 months I stopped the met and went to
>>another doctor (who also didn't request to see my test results) and who
>>then told me that treating PCOS with met is an experimental treatment
>>that hasn't been approved by the FDA and there were some serious risks
>>associated with taking the drug. So he put me on spironolactone and put
>>me on the Mediterranean diet. The spironolactone helped with the hair a
>>bit, but the diet didn't do anything--in fact, I gained more weight.
>>
>>I have been to Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig, I tried the Atkins diet
>>(which made me feel very sick and I gained weight) and Protein Power and
>>I still can't lose weight. I know I should go back to an
>>endocrinologist, but I'm not even sure if I should be tested for this
>>again, or if my results from 5 years ago still stand today. I'd greatly
>>appreciate any feedback or advice. Thanks.
>
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