Re: Went to a new Doctor today
From: anne (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Fri, 5 Oct 2001 07:59:43 -0500 (CDT)
Hi Donna,
As a cynical American I'd want to know how much the doctor is getting
for the sauna sales, or if he gets a brake on his own.... (Doctors here
get all kinds of free things and rewards from drug companies - that's
the why for the cynism)
As to "adrenal burnout" that seems to be something we're hearing more
about, but unless it's confirmed by serum blood tests (saliva are pretty
unreliable), taking adrenal supplements could make you worse if you have
insulin resistance.
My mother was given such supplements, we've since learned that they can
be quite bad if not needed. Some are made from bovine sources which
might pose mad cow problems.
I would urge you to pick up a copy of "Women, Weight and Hormones" by
Dr. Vliet. It has so much information that is relevant to someone
struggling with PCOS, weight issues, insulin resistance. You can order
it at Amazon.com, don't know if it would be available at their UK
outlet, the book was just published this month.
Best wishes,
--
Anne
(who has now recommend this book numerous times here, but is not getting
any kickbacks, I assure you)
At Fri, 5 Oct 2001, Donna wrote:
>
>At Thu, 4 Oct 2001, Sally wrote:
>>Hi Sally,
>
>Thanks for the info on Diane 35...not sure now why he had that in mind
>though as I don't have a problem with acne. I had asked if he would
>prescribe me xenical for the weight issue and he won't. Told me Diane
>would "help" with the weight...hmmmm does he know what he is talking
>about?? Said xenical as with all the other fat blocking cells could
>actually do more harm than good and has not been on the market long
>enough to determine the long term effects of it. My weight along with
>the hair on my chin is my biggest concern. I have given in to the fact
>that we will not have another child and for the first time in 4 years I
>can accept that. I'm 33 now and my oldest son is almost 12. He did
>talk to me about low carb diet and mentioned that when you have "adrenal
>burnout" as he calls it, it is extremely hard to lose weight even with
>the excercising and dieting that I am doing now. The heat in the
>sauna's (cedar and other wood) are usually about 130 degrees, these new
>glass saunas are only about 100 degrees and work using UV rays as
>opposed to high temps. Told him I need to know more about it and to let
>me know his findings on the one he is purchasing. At this point I'm
>about to try anything. I was in tears in his office today. Told him I
>was becoming so depressed about my weight ( need to lose about 50 pounds
>) and that I felt I wasn't able to offer my husband the kind of wife he
>truly deserved. We work out together with weights, walking and using
>the excersise bike, all to no avail for me, but great results for him. I
>need to cut carbs and fat from my diet and drink lots of water. He also
>said to eat lots of fish oils as they are good for me. I HATE anything
>that swims!!! Will look to see if that can be bought in pill form at the
>health food store. The tests he has ordered for me are...Urinalysis,
>ALT, Bilirubin, Creatinine, Electrolites, Glucose, Cholesterol, HDL,
>LDL, Triglycerides, TSH, Urate, Urea, Vitamin B12, LH, FSH, Estrogen,
>and Progesterone. Get the blood word done tomorrow I hope and results
>in a week. Keeping my fingers crossed that all is well.
>>Hi Donna,
>>
>>Good that you feel comfortable with the new doc!
>>
>>I am on Diane-35. It is an anti-androgen and also a low-dose birth
>>control pill. I have been taking it for only two months, but have
>>noticed an improvement in my skin. No change in the hair yet..... and
>>it does regulate periods. Some people have mood swings on it, but I
>>actually am finding my moods are more stable at the moment - but don't
>>know if that is cause of Diane or the other drugs (met, and
>>levothryoxine) that I am taking.
>>
>>My endo is actually not very keen about the use of Diane-35 as she said
>>it can cause bloating and wieght gain - but was happy to let me try it
>>to see if it helped. She instead insisted on Metformin and a long-term
>>management drug. Make sure you look up about Metformin / Glucophage as
>>it seems to be a staple for modern treatment of PCOS. SHe also
>>encourages low carb (but not high fat) diet as that can have big
>>assistance for the weight issues. I will go off Diane in a couple of
>>months and see if I get normal periods back.
>>
>>I question the use of a Sauna. Excerise is what burns calories, not
>>getting hot! Actually overheating could be dangerous. Perhaps the doc
>>has a share in the Sauna company. But if you think you would enjoy a
>>sauna and can afford it, why not - but don't count on it for treatment!
>>Whtat do other people think? $2000 is still a lot of money - perhpas a
>>gym membership or a personal trainer or a good quality electronic
>>treadmill would be an alternative investment.
>>
>>Best wishes asnd good luck
>>
>>--
>>Sally
>>
![[ PCOS Discussion Forums ]](../../images/pcos_at_obgyn.gif)