Taking the Necessary Steps for PCOS

by jules
(glasgow)

I was diagnosed last year with PCOS and very stupidly tried to put it to the back of my mind as I didn't want to deal with what was happening to my body.

I have now taken the necessary steps to see my gyno as I get private health care through my job.

When first diagnosed I saw 4 doctors who told me they did not know anything about the condition, and that as the disease can't be cured, it also can't kill you so there was no medication to help which caused me a lot of distress.

In the past 4 months my skin has got progressively worse and I have piled on lots of weight, coincidentally my best friend has also just been diagnosed with the condition.

She has went to see her gyno who has really put her mind at ease and she understands her body a lot more now, I go on Thursday for my first consultation and I'm really hoping they will put me on metformin to help with the weight loss.

fingers crossed they can help because right now I feel as though my world has fallen apart I went from being a very bubbly slim girl to being overweight spotty and very depressed.

This is the first site I have come across that has actually given me some hope.

so thank you

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Editor's comments: If you were slim all your life but gained a lot of weight in just the last four months, there may be something going on beside PCOS. Make sure your doctor does a thorough diagnostic workup to determine exactly what is the cause of your health problems.

For example, you might ask your doctor to give you a blood test for thyroid function. Hypothyroidism can lead to weight gain and contribute to depression.

Metformin is not a miracle drug for polycystic ovary syndrome. It is intended for reducing a condition called "insulin resistance" and is primarily used by people with diabetes. If you do not have insulin resistance, it's questionable that you need this medication.

In the final analysis, you may discover that you need to change what you eat and how physically active you are.

We have found that a poor quality diet combined with a sedentary lifestyle makes PCOS considerably worse. If you intend to lose weight, relieve depression and otherwise reduce the symptoms of PCOS, we recommend that you investigate what the best diet is for this condition, and that you very substantially increase your exercise. Medical research has shown these two measures to be an effective long-term solution for PCOS for many women.