Pcos

There is a lot of info available about pcos now. There is a great site called soulcysters.com. I have three kids & have PCOS. My cylces, and other symptoms are controlled when my weight is under control. Many with PCOS have insulin resistance so low carb South beach type diets are really good. As others already said Clomid, Metformin, and weight control are the main treatments.

K.,

My sister and I both received this diagnosis. We were both able to get pregnant with our first children through the help of a reproductive endocrinologist in my case, and a very knowledgeable OBGYN in hers. In both cases, we were put on the diabetes drug glucophage to regulate insulin levels in our ovaries. This helps you to ovulate regularly and increases your chance of becoming pregnant. You stop the medicine as soon as you know you are pregnant. With both of us, it took less than a year to get pregnant, and our pregnancies were free from complications.

My sister was anxious for more kids, and started trying again for her second when her son was 1 year old. She was pregnant again within 4 months this time. From everything I've read, the second pregnancy for those with PCOS is much easier to achieve - something about the first one helping to regulate your hormones and insulin. I hope this is true, because my husband and I have recently started trying again!

As far as day to day management of PCOS, I just try to eat healthy foods and exercise to lose some extra weight. PCOS can be a risk factor for type II diabetes, so my doctor periodically does a glucose tolerance test on me to make sure I'm not headed in that direction.

If you live in Chicago and want a reproductive endocrinologist, I can recommend mine - I love her! She's at Rush on Harrison, and her name is Mary Wood-Molo. She was kind, understanding, and great at explaining all this. Her number is ###-###-####.

Good luck!

K.,

I was diagnosed with PCOS over 10 years ago. My diagnosis was made after months of trying to conceive unsuccessfully and I was devastated. The doctor didn't explain anything about it to me and I was scared to death. After a lot of research and through the grace of God, I found a great reproductive endocronologist. She made me realize that although PCOS could make things more difficult to conceive, it was still possible. After going on a strict diet and dropping 50 lbs, my PCOS went into remission and in 2002 I conceived on my own. I gave birth to a beautiful baby boy in Feb 2003 and on his first birthday, we found out that we were expecting again. As long as I keep my weight under control, my PCOS stays in remission. Each case is different and that is why they call it a "syndrome" instead of a disease.

My advice to you is to learn as much as you can about PCOS and find a good doctor. You are not alone and there are many on-line support groups. Because you've already been able to have a child, your odds are better than those who have not. You probably had PCOS all along and just never knew it.

If you need some support, feel free to contact me at ____@____.com luck and congratulations on your beautiful little girl.

I also have PCOS-just diagnosed recently. I am trying to have a second baby and having problems. Since I don't ovulate, the dr. gave me meds to help me-Clomid. I am now on my second cycle. This is a very common medication for women wanting to conceive with PCOS. It works for a lot of women so I'm hoping.
I would do more research to get informed.
Good luck!

M.
http://workathomeunited.com/marygoesgreen

I was diagnosed with PCOS in 9/06, though I think I have had it for a number of years, but was never actually diagnosed with it. I was told by my ob/gyn that I would have lots of problems getting pregnant and that it would be "not fun or easy". Needless to say I freaked out as I didn't have any kids and had always dreamed of having a houseful of kids. Some how, and I don't know how since we weren't officially "trying", my husband and I conceived and I'm expecting our first child 8/1/07. I'm not a doctor, but I believe that since you were able to conceive once it is a good sign you will be able to conceive again.

As for all of the scarry diseases... My family also has a history of diabetes, heart disease, etc. I already suffer from heart disease and thyroid problems and have been dealing with them for over 10 years, I'm 27. I too was freaked out when I started reading the different websites about PCOS and possible negative health consequences. I have found that as long as you maintain a healthy lifestyle, which theoretically we should do anyways, and have regular check ups with doctors, there is no need to have access worry and concern about managing any possible future health problems.

I have PCOS, and recently gave birth to my son, so babies are not out of the question. Since your doctor diagnosed you with PCOS, you should be able to get fertility treatment right away if you want to have another baby. I HIGHLY recommend Dr. Mary Wood-Molo (312-997-2229/312-997-BABY) at Rush. She is fantastic, and answers your questions honestly.

Once I told my doctor I was wanting to get pregnant, since he knew I was PCOS he *immediately* referred me (none of this waiting 6-12 months), since I rarely experience a cycle without medical intervention or good nutrition/exercise. Your doctor should do the same for you.

**For what it is worth - I have never had regular menstrual cycles, not even at the onset of menstruation. In high school, I was a 3-sport athlete and had very little body fat (although I ate like a horse! I did not have an eating disorder that would screw up my cycles). I've maintained a healthy weight and lifestyle and STILL have PCOS, and mine is due to my pituitary gland being stupid and not knowing when to surge various hormones (not enough to grow the eggs big and not enough to kick them out of the ovary).

Hi,

I have PCOS, I was diagnosed with it very early, when I was 16. I just wanted to tell you that there is definitely hope in having more children. I have two children. I did have to take clomid (a fertility drug) to concieve them both becuase I do not ovulate on my own. Clomid worked like a charm for me, I got pregnant with my son on the second cycle of clomid, and with my daughter on the 1st cycle. I also had 2 m/c's and each of those pregnancies I got pregnant with clomid (both on the second cycle). So there is definitely hope in having another child. I know that alot of women with PCOS take Metformin, which is actually a drug that diabetics take, but it is proven to help with alot of the symptoms of PCOS. I have not taken it, but at my next dr's apt will be talking to my dr about it. If you have any questions or would just like to talk about it, feel free to pm me or e-mail me any time. I know the initial diagnosis is a bit of a shock, I read, and still continue to read about the diseases and such that are linked to PCOS, and it is a little scary. But, it doesn't mean that just because you have PCOS that you will develop the diseases, your chances are just a bit greater.

Anyway..like I said, if you want to talk about it, definitely pm me and I would be happy to answer any questions if I can.

S.

HI K.,
I also have PCOS and had a hard time getting pregnant the second time around. It seems that there is a lot of mixed information on the PCOS and that doctors really are not sure how to treat it. My plan for the summer is to do a walking program and I watch what I eat to be careful not to develop type 2 diabetes. You might want to also have your Thyroid checked an under active thyroid can have a lot of the same symptoms.
HTH
R. Wolpinsky
www.mybarefootbooks.com/happywillow

K.,

I was diagnosed with PCOS in 2003. Although I've had the symptoms for my entire adult life, I didn't look into it until I was ready to have my 2nd child. I did extensive testing, treatments, etc. to finally get pregnant again. As for diagnosis, etc. I know that a Reproductive Endocrinologist is your best source for treatment. I've been on Metformin which is a diabetic drug, but has done wonders for me. Met has given me a reasonably normal period (I was only having it once or twice a year before). It helps you with weight loss goals as well.
I would also recommend the website soulcysters.net where u can do research and meet some wonderful women who will be a great source of support, strength and comfort during your quest for health. Best of luck to you!

Hi K.
I was diagnosed with PCOS - AFTER I delivered 3 kids in 3 years....so it doesn't have to mean that you can't have kids.

Just EXERCISE (at least 30 minutes / 5 days a week) and eat healthy - watching your carbs (don't eat too many!)

Good luck!
T.

my 15 yr old daughter was diagnosed with this in Jan of this yr. She is taking Metformin and it seems to be helping. She has had her period regularly now, lost weight, her acne has cleared up and we don't see any more rogue hairs! LOL You are lucky you were able to have a baby, we have no clue if our daughter will be able too or if she will have major problems. I just hope by us catching this early she has more of a chance having kids. My daughter looks on the bright side of things (she has scoliosis also) she figures since her grandma had pcos and had 3 boys she should be able to have children too. She takes her meds every night, is careful what she eats and how much, and we always make sure she is checked by her endocrinologist when needed.

M. J

K.,

One of my best friends has PCOS and tried to conceive for years before getting pregnnat with their daughter Abby. When Abby turned one in December they decided due to the length of time that it took to get pregnant with number one, they would hold start the meds right away to get the ball rolling with number 2, when she went to her appt. in March to get her meds, she found out that she was already pregnant, expecting in November. I think once you have discovered what combination of meds work for your body you will be fine to try and conceive again. I also know that her diet plays an important part in her life due to PCOS. She regularly refers to a site called fertilityfriend.com that has a PCOS forum for Q&As.....hope this helps!!

J.

Just curious how you were diagnosed. Many people receive a "diagnosis" without the proper testing. There are tests that should be done to make sure you have receieved a correct diagnosis and like other posters said there are ways ot treat it. Also, excessive caffeine consumption has been linked with ovarian cysts so if you use a lot of caffeine you may find that helps with your cysts. Best wishes to you.

K., I was diagnosed with PCOS... I had been trying to conceive for 18 months with nothing working, the doctors gave me clomid and dose after dose, nothing. Anyhow, I finally saw Dr. Clinton at Northwestern Memorial and she put me on Metformin, a drug usually used for diabetes. Within three months I was pregnant and now I have Alison!!!! I would make sure that your doctors monitor you really well. I went to three different doctors who I felt really did not care, then I saw I doctor Clinton and she finally understood what I was going through and knew what to do. Good luck!!