PCOS (poly cysstic ovarian syndrome)

I was diagnosed w/ PCOS at 19 (25 now)...  I was wondering if anyone else has PCOS and if it causes them any problems w/ loseing weight?  Also I was curious about treatments that the doctors have put you on.  I am on Metformin 500mg twice a day... I use to be on 1000mg twice a day, but it just made me sick, so I lowered my dosage (w/ doctors permission)...  I find it extremely dificult to lose weight the heavier I am.  Just wondering how other people deal w/ PCOS..

thanks!

I'm 16, I was diagnosed with PCOS at age 14.

They decided against putting me on Metformin (sp?) at the time but that's definitly subject to change.

They did put me on birth control to help with my periods though and other PCOS related symptoms.

A combination of things (metabolic slow down, over eating junk, being lazy, medical problems) I shot from 100 to 160 in the space of about a year. Yikes. 

I have had a number of problems in my weight loss journey, but I truly believe  I caused most of them. I've lost around 30 pounds to date, and plan on losing 15 more. I think as long as you watch your calories, and are active, and choose healthfull foods the majority of the time, weight loss will be the same for you as everyone else. I don't know about metformin making this different though, sorry!

Good luck!

First and Foremost, Congrats on the 30lbs loss!!  I was also put on birth control, and I'm still on it.  They also put me on Wellbutrin for an appetite suppressant (the drug is actually for depression).  I didreally find that to be too helpful though, other than mess w/ my mood if I missed a pill and when I came off of them.  When I was skinner, about 180 - 190 (I'm 5'9") While on metformin I found it easier to maintain my weight, but since I've gained about 100 pounds (partially b/c I stopped taking them for a while and partially b/c I stopped exercising and eating bad) I don't really see it doing too much, even when I try...  Thanks for your input!  Good Luck w/ your 15 pounds!

You may find it useful to get hold of the following book... "The Low GI Guide to Managing PCOS" by Jennie Brand-Miller.  I know many people that have found a Low GI diet extremely effective both in terms of controlling the symptoms of PCOS and also reducing their weight.  Because PCOS and insulin resistance often go hand in hand, changing what you eat as well as how much you eat is increasingly being recommended by doctors.  Obviously, the dietary changes would be in addition to any prescribed medication and exercise will help things along considerably. 

Good luck

I agree with GI-Jane.  I don't have PCOS but my SIL does and she has had many issues b/c of it.  She does REALLY well on the South Beach Diet.  Her body "works" better as a result of the lost weight.  We are the same height and we both started the South Beach Diet at the same time starting at the same weight.  But for some reason she loses more weight and faster than I do.  Depressing for me, but GREAT for her : )  Good Luck!!! : )

hi,

i am also 16 and was diagnosed at 14 with PCOS nd until reading this i had never actually considered it to be related to the sudden weight gain i experienced over these two years. I will definately look into this. and goodluck with your weightloss journey! :)

I was diagnosed with PCOS at the age of 18 (24 now) and it does cause a lot of weight issues for me.  I am on a shot twice a day of Byetta (normally for diabetics) because metformin, glucophage, etc, were not helping.  They also started me on Phetermine 37.5 mg a day.  I am starting a new birth control, YAZ in Jan.  All I know is it has been a long road, and I am hoping something works soon.  Calorie Couting has helped a lot with helping my weight loss, but they are always shocked when I come back to the endocrinologist and haven't lost weight like they thought I would.

teachnswim ~ hey!  thanks for telling your experiences!  What does the Byetta do for PCOS?  I hate Metformin, it makes me so sick!!  I've been on it for about 2003ish.. And, I've always hated it.. I'm currently not taking it b/c I'm fed up w/ it.. i go back and forth w/ taking it b/c it makes me sick...  What is the Phetermine?  I've never heard of that either...  YAZ, you will LOVE!!  It's an amazing BC!  I LOVED it!  Unfortunately, it made my face break out like crazy (although, most people it helped their complextion)..  I think you will really like it.  Yea.. I seem to always shock the endocrinologists as well.. I exercise like crazy then still gain weight...  At this point, all they say now is "Damn those genetics"..  which, doesn't help me any... thanks for your info though