One that maybe the experts have an opinion on. My girlfriend has PCOS. What would you recommend?
She is on metformin and we think maybe she should be on aldactone or yasmin (both birth control plus aldactone-like antiandrogen properties) because her male pattern facial hair growth has returned after metformin seemed to decrease the androgens effectively.
She is 23. Weighs 135. 5’2". ~22% body fat. She exercises 30-60 min 5 times a week and eats healthy, i.e fruits veges, whey/casein, oatmeal, fish, no refined sugar, low-saturated fat etc. She is also on a-lipoic acid, 600mg/day. Thanks in advance.
My 1st wife had (has?) PCOS. Wasn’t diagnosed until she tried to get pregnant (around age 30). By then there was too much damage to her plumbing. Her uterus was severly scarred. Her tubes were all knotted and twisted and her ovaries looked like the surface of the moon (on ultrasound). She also had more facial hair than me but she kept it well hidden. PMS lasted for about 2 weeks each month and the other 2 weeks she tried to fuck me to death. Stay on top of the treatment and watch her weight. Get her in the gym. And good luck.
nar: PCOS (PolyCystic Ovarian Syndrome)is a tough one. If we understand that the UNDERLYING problem is insulin resistance, then we can understand all the symptoms and alieviation of those symptoms. One of the most bothersome, of course, is the excess insulin in the blood stimulating the production of Testoesterone. SO…anything that aides in decreasing insulin resistance and in decreasing the effects of Testoesterone certainly will help. My recommendations? 1) Get her to an Endocrinologist and their nutritionist. In an earlier post, I mentioned that the medical field is EXCELLENT at tne “diet of disease”. They will establish a good low carb diet. 2)A-lip is great, but I wonder about the use of a diuetic for its anti-androgen properties? (aldactone). 3) Interstingly enough, this may be a GOOD area where Soy may be beneficial. Just a little road map. Hope this helps!
i know a chick who has been diagnosed with it real early. She swears by a natural, plant derived progesterone cream she buys off the internet from a US company. from memory i think it is derived from mexican yam(?) (could be wrong on this one - sorry to be vague). I do know that it balances hormones, and is much superior to synthetic injections, and is quite afordable. just do a net search.
don’t suppose you could tell me if the alpha- lipoic has made a significant difference - especially considering that its quite pricey?
got the stats on the progesterone cream. Its called ‘womens balance cream’ by company Kokoro. little bit pricey up front, but a tube lasts ages apparently. hope this helps
Wizeguy, first off you area dick! I dont see why making fun at a woman who is having hormonal problems and has side effects from it so funny. Almost all of us guys cant wait for the Biotest crew to put out new supplements to help us with our lacking of male hormones and excess of female hormones and the side effects there of.
Nar my fiance has PCOS and the side effects form it (weight gain, hirsuitism) and finally her insurance company has gave the OK for her to see an endocronolgist. So I can understand your concerns for her and wish the best of luck to you both. Keep us updated.
To reply to Wizeguy’s question–my beard is coming in great, thank you. Actually, most people that know me are not aware that I have problems in that arena. I know there are worse things in the world to deal with, but PCOS is not very fun. The constant battle with weight, insulin resistance and dealing with hirsutism can take its toll on someone who feels they have tried everything. My boyfriend (Nar 23) has been extremely understanding, helpful and supportive getting me in the gym and getting my diet straight. I have lost 30lbs. in the last year, and have gone from a size 12 to a size 4. (Although I am 5’2" and 135, nar 23 failed to mention that I have a muscular build) I am taking 2000mg of metformin, 600 A-lipoic acid and doing an hour of cardio 5-7 times a week. However, we are now at a plateau and are wondering if there is anything else anyone can suggest. Thanks.
Thanks Joe, and tell your fiance good luck with her Endo! Mine put me on metformin, which helped with the weight loss and hair growth–for a while. All of my symptoms that were being helped seem to be returning after about 6 months of using Metformin. I am seeing my endo in about a week to inquire about Aldactone(diuretic with anti-angrogen effects) and/or Yasmin(as an Oral Contraceptive with Aldactone qualities).
to mufasa: she has an endo, I just tend to disagree with what he has her on. Actually many with PCOS have had success with aldactone although the use of a diuretic may seem unrelated. My research is not in this area, but I’ve done quite a bit of reading that shows that Yasmin is an oral with impressive anti-androgen properties, including facial hair, weight gain, etc. In fact the diuretic blocks the androgen receptor and has been shown to improve plasma lipids and blood pressure. These are not problems for bakey, but are nice side effects that might decrease the CV risks that increase with PCOS.
Also I am not a fan of low-carb diets. I am a fan of low-refined carb diets. I like to differentiate the 2, since my research does. In fact she probably eats close to 50% CHO, but its all fruits, vege’s, oatmeal, kaski go lean and whole grain bread. Her diet is great (IMO), aside from the occasional craving we are working on.
Joe and lipo, thanks for your support. We are trying to get her in the gym on a regular basis. We are looking to take her health to a new level.
I like to differentiate the 2, since my research does. In fact she probably eats close to 50% CHO, but its all fruits, vege’s, oatmeal, kaski go lean and whole grain bread. Her diet is great (IMO), aside from the occasional craving we are working on.