Hi,
I have just joined this site and am yet to read stories of other peoples situations, but i need to talk to someone who understands how i feel and can giveme some support.
A brief rundown of my condition:
I was diognosed with PCOS when i was 17 years old. Although alarming, i went on a estrogen only pill and once my periods regulated, i disregarded it, assuming it would correct itself. Since that time, over the past 5 years, i have packed on an amazing amount of weight, i eat well (am a vegetarian) and exercise semi-regularly. I went to the doctors recently who said my cholesterol levels were great (as in low), but there was a problem with my insulin levels.
So basically thats me up until yesterday. I got in the shower to wash my hair, i was just about to get out and i looked down, to see clumps of my hair in the drain. I have been steadily loosing hair for about 6 months, but nothing like this. I know male pattern baldness is a symptom of PCOS and i also know it can be irreversable.
I am finding it increasingly hard to deal with this situation. While my friends and family are supportive, they dont really understand how i feel, how degrading this syndrome really is. Excess weight, facial hair, acne, infertility, balding. Has anyone else been through this?
I never took my polycystic ovaries all that seriously, now i am scared and feeling very alone about my future. Any support or advice would be greatly appreciated to help me through this difficult time.
Kylie
Want to connect with me? My name is kylie_maree on the SoulCysters Message Board.
You’re not alone! We all experience different symptoms at varying degrees. My PCOS isn’t insulin driven, I almost think it would be easier to manage if it were. I tried Metformin and it made me terribly sick but I’ve heard lots of success stories of using Met for insulin driven PCOS.
Unfortunately, management is our only option. And until you find exactly what is causing YOUR symptoms, it’s really just a guessing game.
If it gives you any hope, I’ve had two healthy children even with PCOS. It does not have to be the end of you! ❤️
Hey girl! I know it’s a devastating feeling losing your hair. I was not diagnosed yet and had several episodes of alopecia — the first being months before my wedding. I had about 4 half dollar size patches missing on the top/side of to head. I was 23 at the time, was not diagnosed until I was 26 when my ex husband and I were trying to have kids. My weight always fluctuates no matter how clean I eat or how much I workout. Keep your head up pretty lady; remember you’re not alone!
Hi Kylie,
I know how difficult this is. I had a quarter sized patch of hair fall out, and thinning hair on top of my scalp, in addition to 30lb weight gain and terrible skin. The good news: 6 months after beginning treatment both grew back, I’ve lost 15 lbs, and I look and feel brighter. Don’t despair, you can manage and even reverse insulin resistance.
4 things that helped me:
1. Meet with a naturopathic doctor to address PCOS. They helped me so much more than the traditional doctors I saw who explained nothing and simply told me to lose weight and take Metformin. My naturopath put me on berberine. It is an herbal supplement that research shows works as well or better than Metformin! I use it and it works, without the side effects of Metformin I was experiencing! Please note, you should not take it on a continual basis; use for 8 weeks then give your body a 2-4 week rest.
She also has me taking saw palmetto, chromium, licorice, cinnamon with meals, and an adrenal support supplement plus vit D. You can research these supplements but best to work directly with a doctor for safe, correct information and a personalized plan.
2. Topical hair solutions: insulin resistance causes excess androgen hormones, including dht which causes baldness. Find a shampoo with ketoconazole which blocks dht right on the scalp. Leave the shampoo on your scalp for several minutes before rinsing. Many anti dandruff shampoos at the grocery store have ketoconazole. I also like Avalon Organics Biotin B Thickening shampoo which has saw palmetto, another dht blocker.
3. Control blood sugar by walking directly after eating. I take a brisk walk on my lunch break (I only have time for a 15 minute walk but it still helps) and after dinner. Research backs it up!
4. Prepare lots of food for the day ahead. I am hungry all the time because of my blood sugar blues–but if I try to cut myself off food I crash in the afternoon and end up eating tons of sugar or simple carbs. So instead of restricting food I prep four healthy and yummy meals for myself: breakfast, lunch, big late afternoon snack, and dinner. I let myself eat as much as I want, and having something already prepared for the late afternoon means I won’t eat cookies instead. I’ve lost weight and feel a lot better.
I hope this helps!! Best wishes.
Suzanne