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Re: How can I help my Daughter?From: Janet (anonymous@obgyn.net)Sat, 19 Jul 2003 23:33:33 -0500 (CDT)
HI Faye, As much as sounds so terrible to be diagnosed with PCOS at 17, in many ways it's a wonderful thing. I was dx in 1995 at 31, was told that the only treatment for it at that time was birth control pills. BCPs gave me a pulmonary embolism (something I might like to add is an increased risk if you have PCOS).What BCPs do is mask the symptoms of PCOS. THough this is not tratment, at 17 it is understandable to want to aleviate as many symptoms of PCOS as possible. So, fast foward to 2002 and finaly help from my physician's assistant saying that PCOS is now being treated with insulin sensitizing drugs such as metformin. O HAPPY DAY!!!! That was a year, 40 pounds, and 12 regular periods in arrow ago. I have had symptoms since I was 12. I would give anything to have had proper treatment at 17. Now as for help, read everything you can find. IF she hasn't been seen by an endocrinologist, I suggest getting her an appointment. PCOS is hormonal not a reproductive problem and endos specialize in this field. Though my physician's assistant did know about PCOS, she did refer me to an endocrinologist. Lower carb diets are important. They do not neccessarily have to be extremely low carb. THe big thing is to make the carbohydrates that she does eat count. Processed carbs like white bread and white pasta should be avoided. Same goes for sugar and starches. The amount of fruit allowed is often heavily debated here so thats something she is going to have to work out for herself. Juice is a no no though. It is important to remember that this is not a diet. This is a lifestyle change. Its going to be tuff going to school, away from home and bypassing the donut for the oatmeal(non-instant only) and the burger for the salad. But it isnt impossible. I take my own bread with me if I go to Mcdonalds. She might feel funny about this, but I see it as an opportunity to educate whoever is sitting near me (poor them). I did want to add that I am sure both of you are worried about fertility, and the increases risks of diabetes and all the other things I am sure you have now read. Where many of these things might happen, the emphasis is "might". Many of us here have children. I, myself have a 5 year old son that I got with out the use of any drugs. At 17 there is alot of time to get that problem resolved, if there is one. Metformin and spironolactone have given me back my hair and are reversing the hair that I used to hate to deal with on my face. Keeping insulin levels under control either by diet and/or insulin sensitizing drugs greatly reduces the risks of diabetes. The best thing you can do for her is give her support and educate yourself as well as encourage her to do likewise. Knowledge is power. Feel free to EMail me personally at the address below if you have any more questions. Please out something in the heading about PCOS though so I dont delete you as spam.
At Sat, 19 Jul 2003, Faye wrote:
>
-- Email always welcome Janet at JanetHeller@msn.com
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