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ldsmomof5

Posts: 1200

Posted: 29 Oct 2009 09:02 PM
Subject: my sister is a bit overwhelmed...anyone else have PCOS?

SO I got an email from my sister (who never shares stuff with many). But I guess she is going through a rough time. She has NO energy, very foggy brain, depression and her hair is falling out on top. She has hair growth on her face but it is falling out on her head. She has beautiful dark naturally curly hair but it is getting quite think and yukky (according to her).

She also may be insulin resistant. Her husband is a personal trainer so has her doing some pretty intense exercising.

But just wondering if anyone else has this and what you do about it. Plus is there something you can take to regrow hair or will it come down to getting a wig?

pitterpatterchildren

Posts: 107

Posted: 29 Oct 2009 09:29 PM
Subject: my sister is a bit overwhelmed...anyone else have PCOS?

The first thing I would do is go get a complete blood workup. Some of these could be thyroid related. Very common and easy to fix. She needs to go see a good Doc. I would try to find one who specializes in women's issues.

ldsmomof5

Posts: 1200

Posted: 29 Oct 2009 09:46 PM
Subject: my sister is a bit overwhelmed...anyone else have PCOS?

she did have her blood work done and nothing wrong with Thyroid. They gave her some diabetes med. Can't remember off the top of my head. Thanks.

thegreatesthugger

Posts: 1221

Posted: 29 Oct 2009 09:55 PM
Subject: my sister is a bit overwhelmed...anyone else have PCOS?

My DD will get tested for this so I am not too sure about this condition but if I do find out she has this, I will let you know.

I wish the best for your sister. I have a thyroid problem and my hair is thin, I don't like it but just make the best of it. I don't know of any good product that will help hair to regrow.

Hope she gets down to the reason behind her illness. God Bless..hugs...

PN to you

cebemom

Posts: 546

Posted: 29 Oct 2009 10:14 PM
Subject: my sister is a bit overwhelmed...anyone else have PCOS?

She definitely needs to see a doctor. If she actually has PCOS, it can be managed. All the things you described are symptoms of PCOS. Extreme weight gain is also a symptom of PCOS. Her husband can have her exercise till the cows come home, but she won't loose much weight if she has PCOS.

My daughter was having similar problems a few years ago. It took several doctors and an MRI, before she was accurately diagnosed. It turned out she didn't have PCOS, but another related health issue.

Your sister needs good medical attention. PCOS will get progressively worse and can seriously affect fertility.

cebemom

Posts: 546

Posted: 29 Oct 2009 10:16 PM
Subject: my sister is a bit overwhelmed...anyone else have PCOS?

Also, PCOS will not show up in blood work. She'll need an MRI.

emilykim

Posts: 29

Posted: 30 Oct 2009 08:46 AM
Subject: my sister is a bit overwhelmed...anyone else have PCOS?

I have PCOS. I also work at an OBGYN practice. It is a tricky thing to diagnos. Once of the things we check for is glucose/insulin levels. 99% of the time, women with PCOS are insulin resistant and are put on a diabetic medication (glucophage or the generic metformin). This helps balance out the hormones and help regulate the body. There is also a link to cholesterol and PCOS. Women with it tend to have low levels of the good cholesterol and higher levels of bad cholesterol. It his unknown really how these 2 things effect the ovaries, but it really does. It's an interesting syndrome that ties to all parts of the body. To definitively diagnos PCOS, an ultrasound/MRI is used to look at the ovaries. If she has PCOS, there will be multiple cysts on her ovaries (we call them a "string of pearls" because that's what it looks like around the ovary). It is possible to be insulin resistant and have the symptoms of PCOS without actually having poly-cystic ovaries. Our Drs recommend a lower carbohydrate diet with an increased level of low-fat protien (similar to a diabetic diet--NOT TO AN EXTREME LIKE ATKINS). I feel a lot better and lost some of that stubborn "belly fat" by getting treatment. Patience is a big key. Also, sometime the diabetice medication can cause gastric symptoms. I found that if I take my medicine at night, the symptoms are not nearly as severe. They do get worse if I am consuming too much sugar. The facial hair will not go away with this treatment and does need to be managed in other ways (yucky, I know.) As far as the hair loss, proper nutrition and getting her hormones/insulin levels balanced out should help. Every woman does respond a little differently so only time will tell if it will stop or not. Wierd side note--I noticed that my fibromyalgia symptoms have DRASTICALLY decreased with the treatment of my IR/PCOS.

Anyway, if you want any other info let me know, I'd be happy to share. I can get you the info our Drs and NPs give to our patients.

cebemom

Posts: 546

Posted: 30 Oct 2009 10:23 AM
Subject: my sister is a bit overwhelmed...anyone else have PCOS?

Good information, emilykim. My daughter went to three different OB-GYNs before the PCOS diagnosis was made. So our experience was that not all OBGYNs are completely up to speed on PCOS. When treatment for PCOS was not helping her, we ended up with an endocrinologist who diagnosed Cushings Syndrome. Cushings mocks PCOS in many and is even harder to diagnose.

lwa

Posts: 197

Posted: 30 Oct 2009 01:11 PM
Subject: my sister is a bit overwhelmed...anyone else have PCOS?

I'd like to confirm much of what has been said above & add a little.

The best way to get a diagnosis of PCOS is with an endocrinologist. They are the experts in this area. Most OB/GYNs look for the cysts only but if you'll go to your websites and look up PCOS you'll find that it cannot be diagnosed simply by looking for the cysts on an MRI or ultrasound - you must do the chemistry. It is an insulin resistance issue. As stated above it does then cause all sorts of other issues. Infertility being the one most women notice first because periods cease or become infrequent or they cannot conceive.
Our DIL went to four infertility specialists (OB/GYNs) who all misdiagnosed her. It took just talking to an endocrinologist who knew just from her symptoms what was wrong. PCOS. After seven years of infertility she was pregnant after six weeks of metformin. She did not have any other infertility problems.
He also told her no more than 1/2 an hour of exercise per day - it won't do her any good. She sticks with a diabetic diet also. She feels fabulous and was losing weight until she got pregnant of course.
PCOS is genetic. There is always someone in your ancestry who has had diabetes or an insulin resistance problem somewhere. Either side of your family. She also had low levels of anxiety, the hair issues, weight gain in her tummy etc. But getting it under control is vital since the long term effects of PCOS are very serious.

forman

Posts: 13023

Posted: 30 Oct 2009 01:46 PM
Subject: my sister is a bit overwhelmed...anyone else have PCOS?

sounds like there are alot of people with some experience here...

I might just add...if u don't find the result or answers u are looking for...keep on trying...find someone to listen...someone that is willing to fight...

We know there are new things discovered all the time...so not every dr is up on everything...

Hope there will be some answers and comfort coming soon.

janieemma

Posts: 200

Posted: 30 Oct 2009 08:51 PM
Subject: my sister is a bit overwhelmed...anyone else have PCOS?

I know very little about PCOS, but it sounds like you can certainly count on what everyone here is saying. I have been diabetic for about 10 years, but have had many other problems that didn't seem to be caused from that and no one could tell me what caused them. After 10 years of asking could it be my thyroid and being tested by 4 Drs during that time, 2 of those Drs testing me on a regular basis I asked to go to a 2nd Endnocrinologist.

And after all this time of being told that nothing was wrong with my thyroid, because it was within range when it was tested the endnocrinologist confirmed my thyroid is way off the charts and very over-active.

I do have some of the symptoms your sister has, but as another sister with thyroid problems my hair is thinning and coming out all over, not one spot. I also don't have the facial hair problem.

Basically, no matter how much she feels like giving up or how frustrated she gets, don't let her....there is an answer out there for her. Be a strength and support for her in any way you can, especially emotionally.....too many times when it is things like this the person feels like everyone thinks they are well...cause if you look ok, you can't possibly be sick! My thoughts and prayers are with her.

bhoyt

Posts: 2

Posted: 30 Oct 2009 09:30 PM
Subject: my sister is a bit overwhelmed...anyone else have PCOS?

I went through a time were I experienced some extreme changes. They also included hair loss, lack of energy, weight gain, and felt like I was losing my mind. I recommand seeing and Endocrinologist.

dnkwilliams

Posts: 4

Posted: 1 Nov 2009 07:52 PM
Subject: my sister is a bit overwhelmed...anyone else have PCOS?

I agree with what everyone else has said. With medication and exercise and diet I have been able to reduce the effects of the PCOS. I still have weight problems but the rest of the side effects have been minimized. I even was able to have a child. SO very blessed.

kapinni

Posts: 1150

Posted: 1 Nov 2009 08:05 PM
Subject: my sister is a bit overwhelmed...anyone else have PCOS?

I also have PCOS and struglle with the symptoms. A lot of good info has been given. This is the diet from my endo. It is very strict...with this diet and metformin you can see very good results.

BREAKFAST
1fruit
1milk

SNACK
Veggies

LUNCH
1 protein
1 fruit
1veggie
1 milk

SNACK
Veggies

DINNER
1 protein
1 fruit
1 veggie

Lots of water...take your weight divide the number by 2, this # is the amount of oz's of water your body needs.

This is a very complicated disease and extremely frustrating. Following a diet like this helps manage the symptoms, unlike other diets like WW.

ldsmomof5

Posts: 1200

Posted: 2 Nov 2009 11:15 AM
Subject: my sister is a bit overwhelmed...anyone else have PCOS?

thanks so much everyone. I am surprised at the amount of advice here. I appreciate it and have sent it along to my sister. She has lost a bit of weight and is lucky and blessed to have two children....although she did lose one at birth and they are 9 years apart. But very blessed we must say. Thanks again for all your loving support and ideas and conerns and what has worked for you.

cehymas

Posts: 2359

Posted: 2 Nov 2009 01:07 PM
Subject: my sister is a bit overwhelmed...anyone else have PCOS?

I don't have PCOS, but I currently being worked up for Metabolic Syndrome. As I learn more about the criteria for diagnosis I am surprised no one considered it earlier. I also recommend an Endocrinologist. I am so looking forward to my appointment with one on the 1st of December.