My name is Dr Rebecca Harwin.
I was diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome at the age of 16. At that time (in 1991), not much was known about this condition. Many medical doctors had not heard of the condition, so information was scarce. Even now, it is hard to get correct advice. Health care professionals may have heard of the condition, but many do not know more than that.
I had never been told why this was happening. I have now learnt that’s because no-one knew.
I was never told about the increased risk of diabetes, heart conditions, fatty liver, cancer.
I had certainly never been told how to overcome PCOS, and how I could avoid these complications.
I suffered with excessive hair growth; weight gain even though I did not over eat and exercised frequently; self esteem issues; I even experienced hot flushes so horrid I found myself laying on cold tile floors covered in wet towels with a fan faced on me. I also had no period.
I knew I had to learn myself what I needed to do, and how to do it. I also knew that I needed to lend a hand to others who are now in the same place I had been.
I have spent 20 years studying health. I have spent 8 years in University study, and 12 years studying both informally and formally. I have lost 16kgs, and no longer have skin woes. I know what you are going through, and how to help you conquer your PCOS.
On a positive note: The advantage, if you’d call it that, of PCOS is you are aware your body is not working optimally. Many people go through life without the knowledge their lifestyle is slowing killing them. A healthy lifestyle, great foodplan, correct movement, some simple-to-implement changes (and some not so simple, but important), small tips and some great advice WILL make a difference to your health. these are also the only way forward for a PCOS women.
My aim is to help you, and ask you to let others know about this blog so I can help as many people as possible.
Comments on: "How Can You Get Help To Conquer Your PCOS?" (11)
I want to know about metformin
Hi Maxene,
Metformin (dimethylbiguanide) is a medication that has been used for more than 50years in the treatment of Type 2 Diabetes.
It is an orally administered drug. At the full dose (around 1500 – 1700 milligrams per day) Metformin is usually taken after every meal (ie 3times per day). Metformin is gradually introduced, to monitor any side effects.
It is used to lower blood glucose concentrations, and improve insulin sensitivity. This is why it can prove so valuable in the treatment of PCOS.
The side effects of Metformin, according to the APP Guide Online (at http://www.appgonline.com.au/drug.asp?drug_id=00072275&t=cmi) include:
– stomach upset such as feeling sick (nausea)
– vomiting
– loss of appetite
– diarrhoea
You may also experience excess gas, or a metallic taste in your mouth.
Most side effects are not severe, and disappear with a little time.
Of course, it is best to chat to your Doctor about dosage, side effects, and expected results. They’ll want to keep an eye on your B12 levels. And there are certain conditions that prohibit your taking Metformin.
even after going through medicated treatment do i need to go through lacer treatment to get rid of facial hair or mere treatment will help?
What medications are you taking? Are they working? Normally a doctor will recommend you stay on a medication (such as androcur) at least 6months. These medications do not work immediately, as you are trying to stop hair growth… Not make the hair that you have fall out. You will need to wait until the recommended trial of treatment, and see how you have responded. You may need to try laser hair removal. Just remember, this may also take a few treatments as each hair will be at different part of the growth cycle.
Hello, I just came upon your site, I was looking for a blog that would ‘motivate’ me to get on-board to losing weight — I was diagnosed quite a few years ago with PCOS, put on the pill a few times, on and off, and currently am only on glumetza. (may be going off it for other reasons, soon). I have lost some weight, got some periods naturally, but now I’m back to periods every few months or so.
Just wanted to tell you so far, your posts have really motivated me! I need the tough love you give… Nothing seems to motivate me to be truly scared of what i have. I always think i can ‘reverse’ the pre-diabetes or pcos issues with insulin resistance, etc. because ‘at least it’s not cancer or some other awful disease.’ But i’m re-thinking it a bit.
Thanks so much–
ps- are you based in England? I am trying to make sense of your ‘grams’ of weight loss, etc.
Best, T
Well done! I know many women complain about having a period, but when you don’t get them you do miss them!
I am always glad to hear about someone taking charge of their life. I’m proud of you for doing so. Alot of people search for excuses. I have heard many women totally blame PCOS for example, for their excess weight. Meanwhile they don’t exercise, and eat junk food.
It’s not until we take responsibility for our thoughts and actions that we can really make the changes you are talking about… Granted it is often harder with PCOS.
I hope I haven’t totally scared you. But the knowledge about PCOS can be scary at times. It’s important to know so we can make changes, and now.
I’d hate to have not shared this valuable information and then find out 10years down the track if I had… someone would not have developed diabetes, or had a heart attack, or developed ovarian cancer (and PCOS increases your risks of these things).
I had a patient recently with PCOS (only in her 40s) who has not long had stents put in her heart!
I’m based in Australia. Check out http://www.hawaii.edu/ehso/hazmat/ConversiontableHMMPOct2002.pdf It will give you a conversion.
Thankyou for your comments, and goodluck!
You really saved my skin with this inofratmoin. Thanks!
Hi Rebecca,i’m so glad i came across your website! I am totally at a loss & so confused. Im 28, was diagnosed with pcos when i was 18 after not having normal periods since they first began. I have not really been given any info by my gp or gynaecologist about pcos or its links with insulin resistance & other problems,only thing i was told was to come back when i wanted to get pregnant! I now havent had a period in 10 months,have gained a lot of weight,depression,craving sugary foods a lot & have extremely itchy feet & ankles,i read this can be a sign of diabetes,is this true?? I am making an appointment with my this week to get periods back,get weight sorted etc but im afraid im going to be fobbed off,do you think i should be on metformin & orlistat & provera or along those lines? I had been given metformin in the past but was never told why so i stopped taking them as they upset my stomach. Im also wondering if my daily headaches are related to all of this. Im sorry for the essay but i really am so confused with how all of my symptoms are possibly interlinked and i want to know my stuff before seeing gp so that he cant miss something out! I would appreciate any help,thanks so much, Dionne
Hi Dionne,
Unfortunately, many women with PCOS feel ‘fobbed off’. Many practitioner’s do not understand PCOS.
PCOS women are more likely to develop Diabetes, and have often got Insulin Resistance. Insulin Resistance is a driver in PCOS. Itchy feet can be a sign of Diabetes, as can increased thirst, fatigue, weakness, numbness in arms and legs.
I would not recommend medications as your first point of call. PCOS is VERY well managed with lifestyle, and lifestyle is the only way you will ever be really healthy. Taking a medication covers a symptom, and a symptom is your body way of asking you to listen. PCOS is very complicated, getting rid of one symptom by taking a drug will not help you long term. And, medications do come with side effects.
If you haven’t had all your blood work done (testosterone, estrogen, progesterone, insulin, LH etc) get this done.
My book is almost completed (another few months) and I discuss how to manage, and conquer PCOS.
I hope this helps Dionne,
Regards,
Dr Rebecca Harwin
http://www.ConquerPCOS.com
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