If you have PCOS, Endometriosis, Fibroids etc

[YadaYadaYada]

I happen to have PCOS and despite a pretty clean diet and reasonable effort at exercise, I have been putting on weight and for whatever reason it has gone mostly to the boobs. I mean the left one could probably occupy its own zip code at this point, it's been this way since my first pregnancy. If you have PCOS, you know what a PIA it is, I'm fortunate that the only symptoms I have are irregular periods and a tendency to gain weight with even a slight amount of carbs in my diet. The latter is so annoying though, sometimes you just want some toast you know?

Anyways, I LOVE coffee, black especially and I tend to drink four cups a day, two in the morning and two in the afternoon. In doing some reading in an effort to conquer my weight, I came across this article. So, I'm thinking I might have to let the java go in favor of tea, even decaf has caffeine in it. Then the 85% dark chocolate I treat myself to occasionally might also need to go

I thought maybe some of you would find it interesting especially if you are prone to cysts and haven't been able to pinpoint a possible cause. Anyone else with PCOS? What do you find works to keep it under control?

https://www.floliving.com/3-reasons-why-women-cant-drink-coffee/

 

[cmd2014]

When I was younger, testosterone blocking birth control pills (Diane 35) were a life changing discovery. Metformin also helped. But now that I'm over 40 this is no longer an option. I struggle weight wise too. I have always eaten clean and in moderation. But unless I do Atkins induction unendingly (<20 grams net carbs/day), the weight will not come/stay off. Even with 3 hours of weights/cardio a week. It's hugely frustrating. And eating at that level of low carb just isn't sustainable (and I worry about the long term health effects of being so restricted over the long term). The other frustrating thing is how much people assume that you're not eating well or exercising, and that if you just tried harder the weight would come off.

 

[liaerfbv]

I have severe PCOS with anovulatory infertility. I've tried every cocktail of hormones, surgery, holistic plans, acupuncture, organic/paleo diet, herbs - you name it, I've tried it. I'm currently trying a mix of diabetic medications (though I do not have diabetes) to help control my insulin levels. So far, medium progress. I don't drink coffee or any caffeine really but that's very interesting it can contribute to cyst production.

I made peace with the PCOS a long time ago. I would rather live a happy life overweight and infertile than spend all my time and energy fighting a losing battle. I try to be as healthy as I can all things considered, but at this point my only goal is pain management.

 

[farrahlyn]

Endometriosis/Adenomyosis / Interstatial Cystitis here. I don't have PCOS thank goodness but do have issues with one ovary and cysts. I've gone the no coffee route and really, i wouldnt say that just eliminating coffee is a game changer. When my doc diagnosed me with IC (a bladder disorder) a few years back, i had to go on a very strict, low acid diet. Which basically means nothing good. LOL!

Anyway, my diet at that time was very much an anti-inflammatory diet. It absolutely minimized my Endo/Adeno pain when i was on it as well as the bladder issues. Dropped about 15lbs on it too but my hormonal problems weren't THAT bad at the time. I ended up having some serious complications from an ablation i had in 2013(if anyone reading this is considering an ablation, please please research side effects in DEPTH. i was unfortunately a part of a low percentage of women that have this particular complication and there is very little info on it) and opted for a hysterectomy just because of the risks associated with the procedure they wanted to do, my endo history and suspected adenomyosis and the constant, crippling pain i had been in. I had a hysterectomy in 2015 and everything is gone except my ovaries. Although they should have taken a problem ovary IMO. Anyway, since then i've gone a more natural route to help my hormonal issues.

That article had some really good info to about adrenal fatigue. If you have an auto-immune disorder, chances are you have adrenal fatigue. I go through cycles of taking an adrenal support supplement with really good results. There have also been links made to adrenal fatigue and thyroid issues which is SO very common in people that have an auto immune disorder. Sorry, i know this is detouring off topic but just throwing it out there.