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I have had PCOS since puberty. I started my cycles early...

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I have had PCOS since puberty. I started my cycles early at around 9 years old but they were never regular - of course at that age the doctor said they would settle down eventually but they never did.

11 years past and I did not think about the lack of periods - in fact I thought it was great!

It was when I had constant migraines that I went to see the doctor. Several tests were conducted over 2 years and eventually I was diagnosed with PCOS.

It took me another 2 years to get the right treatment. I was referred to a gynacologist and an endrochronologist - who both told me different things and even issued different treatments. I was not happy with their advice - mainly as I did not want to take the contraceptive pill or hormone therapy so I carried out my own research on the internet and found a discussion forum. This is where I first learnt about metformin. I was lucky enough to live close to a PCOS specialist who was trialling the use of metformin for this condition. I asked my doctor to be referred.

Following yet more tests, I was found to be insulin resistance and Metformin was prescribed to me on the basis I would eat a healthy diet and take regular exercise. Metformin works by increasing the sensitivity to insulin, meaning that the sugars/ fats in the blood stream are being properly processed. It does not affect the fat already stored therefore to loose weight and reduce the PCOS symptoms, I would need to reduce the calories in my diet and exercise to burn the excess fats.

Metformin takes around 3 months to start working and has horrible side-effects at the beginning - most commonly known as 'met-belly'. The best way to get round this is to build up the dose gradually and take it with a meal.

After 6 months on metformin I had gone down from a size 16/18 to a size 12 and my menses had returned.

Unfortunately, during the time I moved house and subsequently met my husband I neglected to take my metformin and the weight slowly piled on until I reached size 18/20, my menses ceased once again and the symptoms got worse.

It was only when we decided to try for a baby that I realised that I had let my PCOS get out of control. I immediately started the metformin again. I joined another discussion board and discovered the GI diet.

The GI diet is based on the Glycemic Index of food and it's especially recommended for people with PCOS/insulin resistance/ diabetes. When you eat something high GI your blood sugar goes sky high and then quickly drops meaning you'll be hungry quicker and your body wont react as well to the high blood sugar.

Low GI however causes a steady blood sugar and you dont get as hungry. Plus your insulin will react better. It's recommended that you increase the amount of Low GI foods and decrease the amount of high GI food. The only things I have really cut out of my diet is white bread and (big)potatos (inc. crisps) but you can still have them and things like chocolate now and again.

Since being on the GI diet and back on the metformin I have lost weight and my menses are starting to return and hopefully I will shortly be pregnant!

And that's my story and advice on PCOS. Please dont just live with it, seek help.

[i:5386f59659]This message was automatically imported from the original Patient Experience[/i:5386f59659]

0 likes, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • Guest
    Guest

    Posted

    How do I go about getting my GP to prescribe metformin? So far they have offered no medical intervention only telling me to lose weight and everything will be rosy.

    [i:89363ef3ac]This message was automatically imported from the original Patient Experience[/i:89363ef3ac]

  • Guest
    Guest

    Posted

    I have about 7 periods a year, have been slightly overweight since my periods started, have facial hair on my upper lip, and some just starting to appear on my chin. I also have a bit of hair on my abdomen and breasts. I have had blood tests and an ultrasound scan to test for PCOS, and am awaiting the results. I'm fairly sure that I do have the condition because I have lots of the typical symptoms.

    I am trying to get pregnant without success, so if they recommend I take the contraceptive pill this would not be suitable for me. Does anyone have any other suggestions about how I could bring my excess level of testosterone down?

    I guess a lot of the information on pcos talks about it being impossible or difficult to treat, and your story helped me to see that with willpower and a few tried and tested methods you can make a difference to these difficult, and often distressing symptoms. Thank you.

    [i:984f89b1c1]This message was automatically imported from the original Patient Experience[/i:984f89b1c1]

  • Guest
    Guest

    Posted

    I found your comments really helpful, i was diagnosed 3 yrs ago. i knew something was up a year after having my daughter and it took a year and a new doctor to finally give me answers. i was prescribed with metformin and at the time didn't want more children.

    my problem is i tend to forget my tablets! i am on 3 a day and noticed last september i was loosing weight...i realised it was because i had been taking tablets properly!!! i have had a lot of problems lately and it has caused depression and anxiety, although i know ths is another symptom of pcos.

    i am trying to remember my tablets now so fingers crossed on weight! also iam trying to get pregnant, tried for 1 1/2 yrs so far and no luck! so fingers crossed there too!:ok::D:lol:

    [i:dc3d7b474c]This message was automatically imported from the original Patient Experience[/i:dc3d7b474c]

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