PCOS and achieving pregnancy
Sarah
"I was diagnosed with PCOS at the age of 30, when I came off the pill and my periods stopped completely (I had previously taken the pill for almost 15 years as ‘treatment’ for a highly erratic cycle). In addition to polycystic appearing ovaries on ultrasound, blood tests revealed elevated levels of androgens and LH. Although not overweight, maintaining my weight has always required a lot of discipline.
"For years I have also had low blood pressure, with frequent bouts of weakness, dizzy spells and fainting. A couple of months ago I mentioned this to my gynaecologist, and asked if he knew of any consultant or treatment that might be able to help. He referred me to an endocrinologist with a specialist interest in PCOS.
"To my surprise, the endocrinologist said the dizziness and weakness was actually related to PCOS, and that if I was rigorous about sticking to a low GI diet, they would improve. He also recommended that I see a dietician, also with a specialist interest in PCOS.
"I was already familiar with the GI concept, and had been trying to stick to it as best I could. However I found it difficult at times – particularly during frequent working lunches consisting of sandwiches, fruit and crisps!
"So despite some initial scepticism, I made an appointment with the dietician. She agreed that my diet was already reasonably good, but showed me where I needed to make some tweaks to further reduce my glycemic load. She also suggested I buy a set of measuring cups, so I could avoid inadvertently eating too much carbohydrate, even if they were ‘good’ ones! In addition, she advised that I needed to specify dietary requirements at work and when eating out – something I had previously felt too self-conscious to do.
"It is now just over four weeks since making the recommended changes, and I am delighted to find that my energy levels have improved dramatically. I no longer experience the energy dips I previously suffered from, and have almost no bouts of dizziness and weakness. Cravings for sugar and chocolate have also virtually disappeared. Although I now need to be much more organised about my diet, particularly when travelling and at work, this is a very small price to pay for the improvements I have experienced. I really wish I had known about this years ago.
"Prior to being referred to an endocrinologist and dietician, I had undergone six months of unsuccessful fertility treatment. Clomid, metformin and ovarian drilling had all failed to even produce regular ovulation. I am now about to start IVF, and I feel confident that the significant improvement in my physical and mental stamina will support me in coping with the demands of the treatment.
"I would strongly advise anyone with PCOS to tackle their diet in addition to any other treatments they may use. I would also advise getting help from consultants with a specialist interest in PCOS, as well as a good dietician. I had previously read a number of books on both PCOS and the GI, but these books cannot provide tailored advice reflecting your particular symptoms and lifestyle. An improved diet and good advice have certainly made a significant difference for me."
Update on 19 April 2005
I just thought I would let you know that we went for our first appointment at IVF clinic today. They did some blood tests and it appears that I have ovulated this month!! This is quite remarkable. I have been off the pill since last August, and in that time I have only ovulated twice. The first time was after three consecutive courses of Clomid plus metformin, and the second time was in January following Ovarian Drilling in December. The ONLY thing that has changed is my diet (started keeping my GL to 40 from first week in March). Perhaps it is just co-incidence but combined with the definite improvement in energy levels etc. over the same period it might not be! I was not on Metformin for most of March but started again this Sunday.
Update on 6 June 2005
"Just to let you know that I got the results of pregnancy test today following first ivf treatment - and it was positive!! Thank you for all your help - I am sure that changing my diet was the turning point for me!"
Update on 4 February 2006
"As promised here is a photograph of our beautiful boy/girl twins, born 25 January and 37.5 weeks gestation, and weighing in at 6.2 and 6.5 lb respectively.
"We are absolutely indebted to you for all your help - thank you once more."