Jsut updating that many of those symptoms I was experiencing a few months back have really backed since I have been eating proteins, and greens with other things too but those are my main courses with low glycemic index foods.

When things go awry for you, try this to see if it helps.
This time I am using South beach as a guide

I've been using the South Beach Diet philosophy since July/August and have experienced remarkable results! Not only did I lose some weight, over 50 pounds, but I am sleeping MUCH better and don't have nearly the same level of aches and pains. :)

low-carbing (I hate that term, btw, but I use it anyway so people know what I'm talking about) has worked *miracles* for me in the last several years. It brought back my fertility enough to have Owen. :*)

I have PCOS so it's imperative for me to eat things that don't affect my insulin levels.

I'd gone astray the last couple of months (I was still watching my calories, but was eating more carbs--bread, muffins, etc) and felt like crap. I was constantly bloated. Ick. Within a couple of days of low-carbing, I felt a million times better! :)

Hmm, so there may be hope for me, Rachel? :) I really hope so!

Hmm, so there may be hope for me, Rachel? :) I really hope so!

In regards to fertility or weight or what?

My fertility is all but gone. With my last 2 pregnancies being tubal (one in each tube), I think we're done.

I struggle with that a bit. On one hand, I have a hard time being forced to be done. On the other, I'm enjoying my kids getting older and the freedom it affords. *sigh* life is crazy, eh?

As for the weight thing...it's really amazing. Just the difference I feel in the past several days.

I fully understand the freedom from the burden of excess weight! Not that I've fully arrived yet, but I'm getting there. I was speaking in reference to fertility issues resolving with a low-glycemic foods. There are probably few who understand where I'm at right now, but there I feel that there is another life that is/was(?) supposed to come from me. It's been very depressing for me and I'm getting to the point of being frustrated by it.

I understand it. I feel like I'm not done. But I can't wait in limbo forever, either, kwim?

:hug: I remember what you went through a few years ago with your last pregnancy. :tear:

ETA: I have PCOS and was down to only having my period once a year or so. Once I "low carbed" and lost weight, my period came back very regularly. It has been regular ever since (save for the time I was pg. w/Owen and nursing). There is definitely hope! :)

Thankfully, PCOS isn't anything that I've dealt with. The little bit that I understand about it, is that it's a nightmare to live with. :eyes: I am assuming that you are finding relief from the PCOS in other areas of your health, since adopting a lower glycemic lifestyle?

I am! There are a few annoying things, like hair growth (in places I shouldn't have hair growth ;) ) and stuff, but things that are not that big of a deal to deal with. The main things for me were my cycle and my weight, both of which are being dealt with.

We applied for more life insurance back in August and had to have the full health workup. I was so excited when *everything* came back in the "normal" range. :*)

:heart: It ALWAYS feels good to be affirmed of being on the right track!

It sure does!! :D

I've got PCOS as well, and without low carb (and metformin) none of mine would exist.

That is wonderful for you, that you were able to find a solution that worked! Can you explain to me the difference between Metaformin and Chlomid?

Susannah--Metformin is a "diabetic drug" that helps to control blood sugar. Clomid is a drug that makes people super-ovulate. :)

:o I would have spared myself the embarrassment, had I just been a big girl and googled! :lol: Thank you for clarifying that for me!

no need to be embarrassed! :hug:

Glad I could help. I've been on them both before.

clomid did absolutely nothing for me aside from giving me mood swings that had my husband going to work 8-12 hours on the weekend just to get away from me.

I have heard that about Chlomid. When I was thinking that the Metaformin was in the category of ovulation stimulant, I was hoping that it didn't have the same side effects. One learns something new every day!

Sue, since you are not on these, jsut wondering if you ahve tried Vitex by chance? This has come up a couple times this week with women looking for alternatives and we discovered Vitex may help PCOS.
Of course if you need meds, please...I am only sharing the other view of it, but not in a judgemental way.
The studies show it must be used daily for long term..at least a year daily anyway.

KR, I do have a "Female Tonic" tincture, by Wise Women Herbals, but need to remember to be more consistent in taking it. Sometimes, I get to the point of being "up to here" with taking supplements that I just walk away from it for a while. Thank you for the proverbial shot in the arm!

No problem. I get that way too. If I had to depend even on an herb everyday, it woudl feel like a chore...but I guess some I do depend on everyday so I guess I dunno WTHeck I am talking about :hahaha:

The research showed to take daily.

I know that I need to take magnesium and calcium on a daily basis and generally get in about 20 of the 30+ days in a month. It seems as though my body is ready to purge right around the time of my menses, starting a day or so before and lasting until maybe a day after it's finished. I haven't take much of anything this month, saving vit c, sambucol, and the occasional Benadryl for congestion. This is why I am SO ready for your herb class! To get back on track with my family's healthcare, back to using holistic measures before resorting to otc medicines. Okay, I'm just rambling at this point, so will mosey along long. :lol: