Living with PCOS

After doing extensive research (including reading 7 books on women's hormones and 3 books specifically on PCOS), I have decided to start using natural supplements as well as stick to a PCOS-friendly diet and exercise program.

I have been put on Metformin ER, but the side effects are just brutal.  Nausea, Upset stomach, Bloating, Gas, Diarrhea,...I mean...it's terrible.  Why live like this when there is a natural alternative called Inositol?  I found a compounding pharmacy online that makes a supplement powder called "Ovasitol" which is a dosage of both D-chiro-inositol and Myo-inositol.  You need a 40:1 ratio of D-chiro-inositol to Myo-inositol;  and Theralogix has measured it all out for you!  You just dissolve one packet in water or other beverage once in the morning, and once at night.

I also am taking these different vitamins and supplements:

Women's daily vitamin gummies

Taking a daily vitamin makes sure you are getting all of the basic vitamins and minerals needed for a healthy body.  I use Alive! Women's.  It has a small amount of inositol. 

Fish Oil gummies

Studies have shown a great decrease in cholesterol numbers when taking a fish oil...mainly Omega 3.  I take NatureMade fish oil gummies.  (no matter how much flavor & sugar you use, it still tastes like fish oil.)    It can also help insulin resistance to disappear, lowers high triglycerides, manages testosterone, and aid in weight loss.  (looking back now, I think I'll just stick to the capsules.  I don't need added sugar in my diet.)

CoQ10 gummies

This is an antioxidant that supports healthy energy and metabolism;  both of which are greatly hindered when you have PCOS.  I use VitaFusions CoQ10 gummies. (In the future, I will stick to capsules to eliminate sugar and sugar substitutes.)

Evening Primrose Oil

Studies have shown that taking Evening Primrose Oil can greatly reduce the bad period symptoms often experienced with PCOS.   I use Up & Up (Target brand).

Biotin

This little supplement helps in decreasing insulin resistance, reversing hair loss, lowers cholesterol and triglycerides, as well as a number of other benefits.  I use Up & Up brand.

B-Complex

B-vitamins are helpful in so many ways!  Some help with metabolism, other help with energy, and still others aid in glucose tolerance factor.   I use Up & Up brand.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon is a natural anti-inflammatory.  It is helpful in weight loss.   I use a local natural food store's brand.

Chromium Picolinate

This supplement helps keep blood sugar levels stable.   I use my local natural food store's brand.

Calcium & Vitamin D

I found a vitamin that is a combination of Calcium and Vitamin D3 at Target, so I'm taking that as well.  I got the Target brand of bottle.  It contains 500 tablets.

I have found some amazing websites for women suffering from PCOS.  Here are a few, PCOS Diva, Hello PCOS, and PCOS Diet Support. These ladies all suffer with PCOS, and have done extensive research themselves.  You can get PCOS specific suppliments and such from PCOS Diva.  You can sign up to get a monthly subscription box filled with goodies, samples, and tips for those with PCOS from the Hello PCOS website.

The books I have on PCOS are A Patient's Guide to PCOS, The PCOS Diet Plan, and 8 Steps to Reverse Your PCOS. They are so detailed and explain the condition in great detail, as well as provide meal plans, recipes, and ideas to help treat your PCOS.   

Getting Real about My PCOS

In 2015, I was diagnosed with Poly-cystic Ovarian Syndrome, or PCOS.  That is a condition where your ovaries are covered in cysts created by the follicles left over from ovulation.  Your ovaries look like a sponge, basically.  It causes hormone imbalance, weight gain, insulin resistance, unsightly hair growth (like chin hair, mustache...), and infertility.  (although, in my case...it seems to cause hyper-fertility.  Hormones affect everyone differently.)  Let me tell you...PCOS is NOT fun.

For the past few weeks, I fell off the Trim Healthy Mama wagon, and am struggling to get back on.  It just seemed to take way to long to prepare on-plan meals, and having to constantly think about fuel pairings and what I can and cannot eat is frankly, exhausting.  Cue Taco Bell and their amazing Rolled Chicken Tacos dipped in Spicy Ranch dip (seriously...deep fried heaven!!)  Foods heavy in dairy, unhealthy fats, and calories are not good for women with PCOS.  It makes the symptoms worse.  So, I am supposed to be following a PCOS-friendly diet.  (Taco Bell is not included in that, unfortunately.)

Trim Healthy Mama works very well with the diet supposed to be followed while having PCOS.  Many infertile PCOS women have been able to get pregnant because of following the THM diet.  It covers the required low-glycemic index requirements.  Some doctors also recommend a dairy free or low dairy diet as well.  Low-fat foods are also suggested, although I believe healthy fats in moderation are fine.

The reason I'm wanting to get real about my PCOS, is that I believe it has flared up in these past few weeks. I have a dull ache in the reproductive area of my abdomen pretty much all of the time.  I can feel that my blood pressure is elevated, and my acne and chin hair is coming back.  UGH!  So, I've decided to get ahold of myself and take care of this issue.  What am I doing about it?

Well,

1.  I'm going to follow THM pretty much 100% when I can.

Meaning, no Taco Bell stops, only on-plan Starbucks, making sure my meals at home are on plan.

2.  Following an exercise program.

I discovered Lindsay Brin (Moms Into Fitness) when I was pregnant with Tiernan.  She has amazing workout DVDs for all 3 trimesters of pregnancy and postpartum recovery.  She explains all of the moves before you start.  I bought her Pretty Fierce:  Weight Loss program that I am starting today.  I also go to my local Y for a fitness class every Thursday (if possible) and occasionally Tuesday, if I'm able.

3.  Take my medication faithfully.

I am on Metformin, and even though my prescription is full dose (2000mg), my body can only handle half of that.  I try to remember to take it at suppertime, but sometimes I don't eat supper, so I forget.  When I was faithfully taking it, I was losing weight at a good pace, and my PCOS symptoms weren't so bad.

I am hoping that by combining all 3 of these methods, I'll be able to keep the circle of disaster that is PCOS in check.  (PCOS is aggravated by being overweight.  PCOS causes insulin resisitence, which makes it really hard to lose weight.  PCOS is helped by losing weight.)

So, you fellow women with PCOS, what have you found, or done to help alleviate your PCOS?  Please share in the comments below!