Re: Alternative/herbal supplements to treat symptoms
From: Christy (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Tue, 15 Apr 2003 11:23:42 -0500 (CDT)
Kate,
I am on metformin, but my plan is to get my insulin and weight under
control(I need to lose 60lbs)and then try to use only diet, exercise,
and suplements. I think for some people it can work. It may be more
difficult and require more disipline, but I believe it is possible. In
my opinion, the Pill is not the most effective way to treat PCOS. Plus,
I just don't care for the Pill in general. :)
I hope that helps
Christy
At Tue, 15 Apr 2003, anonymous wrote:
>
>Hi everyone,
>
>I am 22 and was diagnosed w/ PCOS several years ago, but my doctor
>didn't really explain the condition to me and simply put me on the pill.
>I was gaining a little weight, despite the fact that I am very active
>and eat healthy, and feeling moody - both of which I have heard can be
>caused by the pill. So I decided to go off the pill - at first, I got
>my period regularly, but after a few months it stopped. I decided to go
>to a new doctor and told her that I had PCOS but hoped to treat it
>without having to go back on the pill...i'm not sure why I'm so adverse
>to the idea of being on BC - I simply want to try a
>nutritional/metabolic approach to treat my symptoms. My insulin levels
>are apparently normal, but my LH/FSH levels are off and I have a lot of
>testosterone...
>
>She recommended a low carb/high protein diet, which I began, and within
>one week I got my period without having to take anything! I'm crossing
>my fingers that I'll get it again naturally. She also recommended a
>number of herbal supplements, such as Saw Palmetto, Black Cohosh, IC3,
>Caclium B Glucarate, Nettles, Flax oil, seaweed/spirulina...and after
>reading up (the PCOS Diet Book), I've also decided to take selenium,
>vitamin b complex, and a couple other supplements.
>
>Which brings me to my question: is anyone else here attempting to treat
>the symptoms of PCOS solely through nutrition and herbal supplements? If
>so, any advice would be much appreciated, or any other recommendations
>on good supplements to take. If not, is it because it is absolutely
>necessary to be on certain drugs (metformin, BCP, etc) to really change
>these symptoms and be healthy? I know that everyone is different and
>should approach treatment according to their specific conditions and
>needs, but I would appreciate any insight you can provide.
>
>Thank you!!!
>kate
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