help for PCOS

[warriorqueen]

A friend of mine has had cysts for ages but they seem to be worsening - I think they're multiplying rather than increasing in size. I know some of you ladies suffer from PCOS - is there any natural remedy to help deal with this? She's talking about going back to the doctor for a scan, then lazer surgery. But this will only treat the symptom, not preven future recurrence, right?
If anyone has any tips, I'd be really grateful!

WQ

[fawnmarie]

Progesterone and either glucaphage or a low carb diet.

Quite honestly, most of what I suffered with PCOS was cleared up with surgery - and it was only after that that I felt like a normal person. The entire left side of my plumbing was removed.

Sounds drastic, but SINCE then, I have had normal regular periods, been able to get pregnant, etc.

The high levels of progesterone during pregnancy and then a low carb diet (to take off the pregnancy) weight seemed to help keep it under control afterwards. JUST circumstance, I didn't plan it that way, but in retrospect, the sequence seems to have been what has helped.

So, surgery MAY infact help in the long run (it helped me), and there is also progesterone cream and reducing sugar and starch. PCOS is tied in with insulin resistance, and they are pretty closely associated. Most women who reduce carbohydrate for PCOS find some relief.

There is also the medication glucaphage, which improves insulin sensitivity.

And the medication spirolactone which reduces androgens.

As for "natural" assistance - personally I think whether or not to depend on "natural" or at least OTC treatment, depends on the intensity of the symptoms. Some women's symptoms are very mild and not particularly life-changing. Some are miserable.

Progesterone cream can help, and reducing carbohydrate.

The herb gymnema sylvestre can reduce the effect of sugars on insulin release, too.

It's a complicated syndrome with a wide swath of destruction. So, once the insulin resistance is addressed, the rest of the symptoms can be mopped up. In some cases, PCOS ISN'T such a bad thing (it wasn't for me, because it kept me from getting pregnant before I was ready, and gave me some nice muscle and a very good sex drive that made my late teens and twenties very interesting.) But it can be painful and it can be a lot worse for other women.

Hope that helps some.

Fawn

[mominator]

HI WQ,

I have PCOS pretty badly, I get popping cysts quite often, sometimes VERY painful for days, other times, just midly uncomfortable. Either way...it's not fun.

When I started my break in October I also started low carbing, I am not INSANE about it, just think twice before grabbing that handful of chips, I will grab peanuts instead. It REALLY seemed to help with the cysts! I don't have them nearly as often if at all. I can tell when I slip & start on too many carbs.

So for a "test" solution your friend could try a cycle of "low" carb, see if it helps. I know it did help me quite a bit.

cha-ching 2 cents here!

[warriorqueen]

thanks both of you! you confirm what I discovered with a brief google search. I know she's trying Atkins at the moment, but doesn't seem well informed as to the insulin thing or high androgen levels. If I may, I'll copy your posts in an email to her.

Thanks again guys!