Blog

8

2

I've seen several PCOS threads on here ( though most are kind of old) and was wondering who here has PCOS or related issues and if there is any interest in starting an online discussion group related to the Paleo lifestyle and PCOS? I am still new here but paleo seems a million times better than metformin or birth control.

flag
5 
Not a bad idea...If you build it, they will come (or at least I will). – Happy Now Jan 23 2012 at 23:09
What is PCOS? Or is that a dumb question? – DanielleO812 May 2 2012 at 14:03
@Danielle: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome :) – Banded Girl May 2 2012 at 17:02

20 Answers

6

So I was diagnosed with PCOS many, many years ago. I didn't really care at the time, because I was 20 and single and not interested in having babies.

Fast forward a few years, and I found Paleo. I loved it and went for it!

Fast forward a few more years, and my husband and I decided to start trying for a baby. I figured we'd try for a year and then end up in fertility treatment because of my PCOS.

We got pregnant 13 days later. After I had the baby and weaned her over a year later, my periods came back with no problems, very regular. No more PCOS. Somewhere between going Paleo and getting pregnant, my PCOS just... went away. I have no other symptoms (though I never had the visual symptoms of PCOS anyways - never extra weight, extra hair, etc. But still.)

And after a few months of regular cycles... we're now pregnant with #2. :-)

So go Paleo and good luck! And I think some sort of group is a great idea. This REALLY worked for me.

link|flag
Maybe it wasn't PCOS? It seems weird because I thought PCOS rendered one infertile, not to mention the external symptoms like hair and such. I suppose if there was an ultrasound that found the cysts that is somewhat conclusive, though.... :-) – misstenacity Jan 9 at 20:44
Yes, that is what was so weird. I had two ultrasounds that found dozens of cysts. Two separate doctors looked at it because they were so amazed I had PCOS because I had none of the usual markers. It's definitely gone now. No more cysts. Amazing. – Sarah Jan 9 at 22:52
5

I've had fantastic success with Paleo & my PCOS Emotionally stable, sugar levels stable and healthy For the first time in 11 years, I'm able to menstruate regularly without the use of outside medications/hormones... all other symptoms have subsided or been minimized as well.

I'd be really excited to have some other Paleo/PCOS chicks to chat up with (:

link|flag
4

Yes, please! I'm new to paleo too, and it would be great to hear tips from others who have had success getting their bodies back!

link|flag
3

I have PCOS and I haven't improved at all since going Paleo, which is pretty disappointing...but I don't think my particular type is of the insulin resistant variety...which is a drag because that means diet change won't help it...

link|flag
I'd be interested in hearing more of your back story on this if you are interested in sharing it, the only variety I'm familiar with seems to stem from insulin resistance. Some of my symptoms have improved greatly, like becoming fertile again and getting my thyroid back on track, but others like hirsutism haven't improved at all. – Happy Now Jan 24 2012 at 2:02
There are 2 kinds of PCOS, I think the more common kind is the insulin resistance...but I've had my levels checked a million times and there's never an insulin problem. I would think if I WERE insulin resistant then this diet would improve symptoms but no such luck. I've been trying to conceive for 6 years..I've always had very very long cycles (40+ days) but I do get them regularly. Resistant to weight loss for sure, hirsuitism, thyroid issues...for as long as I can remember. (I'm 38). I've stripped pretty much all sugar from my diet, in any form. Jealous of anyone who has PCOS success! – Lauren Jan 24 2012 at 15:56
I had no idea, thanks for sharing that. Sounds extra frustrating, I hope there are some other non-IR PCOSers around here who have some insights for you. I do have IR issues, but they do seem to be controlled pretty well by diet. There is obviously more to the puzzle if other symptoms haven't gone away when I've had that under control. Have your doctors shared any theories with you, like BPA, heavy metals, or other environmental exposures, having a higher need for Vitamin A (that one was from my ND), needing extra sunlight, leptin resistance, etc? – Happy Now Jan 24 2012 at 20:58
3 
D, Magnesium, Zinc and Vitamin E supplementation may be helpful. Many Paleo/Primal women are still deficient in these nutrients. In my nutrition coaching with pregnant/ttc moms, we really need to fine-tune--diet can't always provide everyhthing we need for optimal hormonal balance. – Dragonfly Jan 24 2012 at 21:45
2

I am just starting paleo in hopes of curing my PCOS! So I think a group sounds like a great idea!

link|flag
2

Please do! I have just recently discovered Paleo and would love to know how it is working for others with PCOS. I never even thought of changing my diet to help with my symptoms, but after doing research and reading testimonials I am even more dedicated to this lifestyle.

link|flag
2

I started a private facebook group for women with PCOS interested in the Paleo lifestyle here: http://www.facebook.com/groups/396848623705000/

link|flag
1

i do not have pcos (i don't think) but i would find it useful as i am thin with blood sugar issues and probably some hormonal stuff going on that i havent figured out yet >_<

link|flag
1 
I'm in a similar boat...prolly not PCOS, but definitely hormones out of whack. – Ali Jan 24 2012 at 15:49
1

I think there are a few paleo girls over at soulcyster forums, but there's definitely not anything organized. I would definitely be interested in something like this!

link|flag
1

I'm game. I have PCOS too. Always had very heavy periods though. And the typical testosterone+ issues that come along with PCOS. Hirsuitism, built like a linebacker, etc. I've been on Yaz for years and now I don't have a period at all. Doc swears it's fine, but I don't know. On metformin for years too. What a ridiculous ride it's been.

link|flag
You poor thing <3 – Celley Jan 28 2012 at 22:17
1

Let's do it! I have the same problem and it is only 6 months I know that the main reason for my struggling for years was/is IR and PCOS. I'am on Paleo diet for 3 weeks now and tomorrow I'am planning to visit my doctor. I'am curious about what he will tell me and what the ultrasound will show. What I already see is that my hair stopped falling out and I lost 3kg-s. I'am also taking metformin (1 pill a day), but I would really want to quit.

link|flag
1

I'm in! I'm new to Paleo and newly diagnosed PCOS. We're hoping for more children but my cycles have pretty much stopped. I'm struggling with the paleo switch. I miss sweets and dairy terribly. Any help in how to curb the cravings would be greatly appreciated! I need help!

link|flag
I have had a lot of success making the transition by stuffing myself with a good sized steak every morning. Adding a bunch of coconut oil to my meals has helped since then when I start to get a sweet tooth. I had to and still have to crowd out the crap food if I want to stay on target. If I let myself get too hungry I start making bad decisions, and feel like my body is seeking "fast energy". – Happy Now Mar 5 2012 at 10:24
1

I would totally be interested in joining a pcos paleo community. My hormones are flipping out I am fatigued and moody. The more I look into the science of the paleo way of eating it is making more and more sense it could help with pcos, diabetes, food allergies and more.

link|flag
0

Count me in too, I have only just been told that I have pcos. I've been 'almost' paleo for a while now. Time to get serious. Wish me luck :-) p.s. We are ttc as well

link|flag
0

I can't explain how thrilled and relieved I am to see that paleo may be a solution for PCOS! Here is my abridged progression of events: 1. was on hormonal birth control for almost ten years (basically since 1st menses), initially for acne and then for BC. just went off it last September after learning about the risks/side effects/possible correlation with gallstones (which I have). had normal periods for 3 months 2. unrelated, started doing paleo in November. I was losing weight and it was going great 3. starting in December, didn't have periods for three months, accompanied by ovarian pain. suspected PCOS. got an ultrasound yesterday, got the results back today: ovarian cysts + amenorrhea = PCOS 4. am noticing now that I've stopped losing weight (could be due to recent lapses in adherence to paleothough), am possibly even gaining weight, and I could be imagining things but my upper lip hair seems darker.

Anyway, I'm excited to read through all of the older threads about this, but I'd like to be added to any group that forms around this stuff.

link|flag
0

COunt me in too -- if you can figure out how to form a group I'll join. I posted something a while back - metformin was AWFUL for me, I never went on the pill, and after getting my period from every 47-64 days, after eating paleo I get it every 32-37 days, don't miss periods anymore. initially i was excited because I lost 20 pounds, but now I'm back up to 192 at 5'8" and not happy about it - definite insulin resistance (I have acanthosis nigricans) I think i've been eating too many nuts. I'm not giving up though and am hoping others can help with weight loss :) Paleo has been great for stabilizing moods, blood sugar and period, but I was hoping it could do more for weight loss. THere's got to be a solution!! I will check out soulcysters too but am interested in joining this group

link|flag
0

Yes! I'd be very interested in joining this group or hearing more paleo PCOS women share their stories. I basically went paleo b/c of my PCOS and b/c I had heard so many women had success with it.

I noticed that this thread is kind of old but I did see the facebook group so I'll start there. If there is still more interest in getting this going I'd love to participate.

link|flag
0

Did you make a group yet? :)

link|flag
0

I'd like to know if this group got off the ground - how do I sign up??!?!! PCOS is but one of the reasons I started this WOE, and I'd like to hear about others' experiences.

link|flag
0

I would be interested as well.

I'm starting to have my doubts about my PCOS diagnosis. The more resources the better though!

link|flag

Your Answer

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.