Lost and frustrated!!

[lindsayanne0]

I am at my whits end here. I'm wondering if maybe I may have PCOS but don't know what can be done to help me.

I went to the doc last summer because I was really tired all the time, pain in my joints, irritable, couldn't lose weight but would gain quite easily, irregular periods, etc. I had my bloodwork done and my cholesterol was high and the doc also suggested that I may be a tad insulin resistant and suggested I look into a lower carb diet.

SO, that's when I started eating a low-glycemic diet and then switched to Atkins. Ya, I've had a few cheats here or there but very rarely and my friends/family are even suprised at how strict I am on myself. To date, I've lost 2 lbs since starting it way back when. I even did an anti-yeast diet for 3 weeks. I can lose a few lbs, mind you, but it just bounces around no matter how hard I try. I've gotten down to 6 lbs lost - but that changed in a day.

My TOMS are all over the place - this month it was right on time, last month I didn't have one at all, the one prior to that I started halfway thru the month, the one before that lasted 2 weeks straight. And I'm already on the PILL! So shouldn't that regulate it?

I just had bloodwork done and my cholesterol is still high but my fasting glucose was only at 89. So maybe IR isn't any issue anymore? Or maybe it was a good reading because of the way I'm eating.

I'm just frustrated and don't know where to turn. I feel like a hypochondriac but am wondering if I should go see a specialist.

[pagliaccia]

Would you mind posting a sample menu or two?

[thegreat08]

I understand completely. I know how frustrating it can be. I was diagnosed with PCOS about 2 years ago. I just gain gain gain, and don't loose.
About the periods.. I too was irregular even on the pill. There are different hormones out there and I suppose some just work better on some people than others. I'm only on week two of induction, but I feel like it's better for me.

I would suggest seeing a specialist. Find a good ob/gyn and bring your questions!

Try posting your menu in the forum and get some responses. There are tons of help here, and many people with great advice. Look through the induction forums for recipes and support.

I wish you the best! I know how frustrating it is... but try to get some facts from a specialist, and stick to the Atkins!

[Organic-NoSoy-LC4Life]

Have you had your thyroid checked as well?

TSH, FT3 & FT4 are the tests that should be run.
If you can get them, TPO AB & TgAB too.

[candyattitude]

hello! it is very frustrating, i've had PCOS for about 10 years now!! what really helps is if you go and see an endocrinologist. i went to an ob/gyn and they don't do much with PCOS....its very very difficult for me to lose weight. i lost about 20lbs in 3 & 1/2 months.
i just found a really nice endo in my area and i'm on metformin for insulin resistance. it is helping. so i hope you don't feel lost or frustrated, there are many people and things out there to help you.

[pokiedot]

Hi

If you are open to alternative medicine, I highly recommend seeing a Doctor of Traditional Chinese medicine. (they are usually acupuncturists, but you want one trained in TCM) Their approach to healing PCOS is extremely different from what is traditionally used - BCPS, diabetes drugs, etc - and I have found it actually works long term.

good luck and hang in there with the Atkins. Sometimes our bodies are just different from other womens' and we have to figure out exactly what works for US.