#Is The Keto Diet Good For PCOS?

[newathens]

hi so i'm currently experiencing the same thing where I feel like i'm presenting symptoms of PCOS, am extremely insulin resistant, and have symptoms of hirsutism but have never been diagnosed and it's extremely frustrating. my boyfriend and I did a lot of our own research and what ended up finally helping me shed weight that i've hung onto and bloat was licorice root supplements, gleditsia spine chinese herbal tea 100g, and a keto/sugar-free diet (also eliminating artificial sweeteners.) plus finding the right birth control which I am still in the process of. good luck and I hope you get help soon <3

THANK YOU SO MUCH 😭🫶 im going try and look into all of these! i actually love licorice root tea so i’ll drink that more often. oh you’re so speaking my language right now thank you for your help and hiiiiiii xoxo

[theoldtunaisgone]

If i dont eat enough carbs I will

1. Stop pooping

2. Crave them to the point of losing my appetite for anything else

I hadn't had carbs in a week. Just some noodles here and there in soup and a little rice. And despite having things for pho or any random veggie/noodle/rice/tofu dish (i only went to the viet grocery this week) i just had a big bowl of butter noodles and like clock work pooped so much i filled the toilet bowl. I feel amazing.

Ive always been at odds with no or low carb diets. My body just doesnt like them, but as a person with pcos ppl hawk keto diets on you like its gospel. Ive really tuned into intuitive eating and, ive certainly cut back on sugary desserts, (i do love ice cream and banana bread) I dont eat candy, and i dont drink soda. But i just eat what i feel like i need when i need it. And life is good.

[fattofitemma]

Health issues

PCOS problems!

I had a blood test for diabetes and they said my LDL (bad) cholesterol was high.

This could be caused by keto (70% fat). So my doctor said a low fat diet might be needed to reverse this.

I have done low fat before (10 years ago) in the form of slimming world. It has got a lot of bad rep recently in the diet and fitness world, but one thing I love is not being hungry. Also, it is much less weighing and counting.

So 2nd December I will join a group locally. Back to good old fashioned shaming, I suppose. But the doctor said to come back in 6 months to see if it has lowered my cholesterol.

I am going to use these next few weeks to clear out the house of food ready to get started. And start making some swaps now so it isn't a massive change.

[infinity0nhigh]

I am once again complaining that PCOS is the bane of my existence… I have to work 5 times fucking harder to lose weight than people who don’t have it. CICO doesn’t even work with this shit, and more people need to talk about that!!! It’s wild that my body can defy the laws of thermodynamics (gain weight despite eating at a calorie deficit) because I ate too many carbs or drank too much sweet tea that day or whatever (and I do try to limit how much of that I drink!) I have to go on the keto diet I guess. I’ve even tried water fasting to fix this shit. NOT stupid ~intermittent fasting~, but FULL-ON water fasting!!! For days!!!

Not only that, but it can cause painful periods and infertility. I’m lucky enough that I don’t deal with painful periods anymore, and mine are pretty regular, but for some women with PCOS, their periods stop altogether leaving them infertile. I personally don’t want kids, but I know a lot of people do, and that has to be devastating. I did almost have a child once. I got pregnant, decided to keep, and had a miscarriage a few weeks later. Even though I don’t want kids and it was honestly for the best that that happened (I was—and am—nowhere near equipped to deal with a child), I still live with that, like, I still carry that with me in the back of my mind every day and probably always will. It was horrific. And I know it happened due to my PCOS.

This syndrome, dude. It’s horrible. People take one look at you when you’re fat and automatically decide that you’re lazy and gluttonous and not worth respecting when CONDITIONS LIKE PCOS EXIST. Fatphobia is so obnoxious. They don’t know how fucking hard I worked to lose 100 lbs before, and how devastating it was for me to me to gain it all back in the span of a year and a half, because I got back on antipsychotics (I had to) and my PCOS got worse and ravaged my body.

I hike, I walk miles upon miles frequently, I do dance and workout videos (now that one I probably don’t do as frequently as I should, BUT STILL). And I try not to binge-eat anymore. Now sometimes I do eat too much, but mostly I have normal-sized meals now!!! But none of it’s ever good enough!!! I can’t seem to lose weight this time around!!!!! I ate ONE meal all day yesterday and gained 5 lbs overnight. It’s so over for me dude…

EDIT: oh and the best part is my extremely shitty doctor that I’m having trouble replacing bc my insurance sucks. lmao. she quit prescribing me Trulicity to combat my fucked up blood sugar levels due to the PCOS. nice.

[atplblog]

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[nycfoodieblog]

Great Day my Family. As I prepare for my morning walk, I can’t help but to think of all the recalls in the food industry as of late. There’s been a recall in Boars Head cold cuts, paprika, vegetables from Walmart, and chicken nuggets. Every day something is added to the list. Those of us who follow the keto diet depend on these items to make it through the weight loss journey.

I’m pretty sure those who have any spiritual awareness knows that we must prepare for the times our Grandmothers warned us about. We should stock up on waters, can goods, and learn to grow our own foods. Take some classes on AI, crypto currency, and so many other topics so we’re not stuck in the past.

But for us who are trying to break generational curses and beat diseases like PCOS, these times can be extremely frustrating!!!

Cause do yall realize, it’s never a recall on Twinkies, Oreos, or Pepsi or Mister Softee?!! I’m just saying. 😂🤷🏾‍♀️

Build your hope on things eternal!

I love you all, and it’s nothing you can do about it! 💪🏽💕🤗

[ptsd-tiger]

How did you lose weight with pcos, fasting ? Bc nothing seems to fucking work for me

well in my first attempt i lost 70+ pounds bein on keto and using a stationary bike 30 minutes a day

gained a good amount of it back after my ex fp betrayed and traumatized me

now in attempt 2 i don't follow any diet. my appetite is just suppressed by my adhd med. also bc it gives me the energy to walk around I do that a lot

the pcos i've got is without the cysts tho. my T is high but not above 100. it literally goes into remission when im at a lower weight so im probably not the best advice when it comes to this lmao

[mamaketoblr]

How can Keto diet help cure PCOS ?

PCOS is a reproductive disorder that affects about 10 percent of all women. The symptoms are upsetting: infrequent or absent menstrual periods, infertility, weight gain, acne, facial hair growth such as mustaches and sideburns, sometimes even losing scalp hair. Blood tests almost always show insulin resistance and higher male hormones. Often the ovaries are found on ultrasound to be dotted with cysts.

Women with PCOS are typically treated with a cocktail of drugs: birth control pills, medications to stop male hair growth, the diabetes drug metformin to lower blood sugar, sometimes medications for depression and anxiety. Then, if they want to get pregnant, fertility drugs are usually given to try to stimulate ovulation. At least 50 per cent of the time the fertility drugs don’t work and other techniques, such as in vitro fertilization are tried.

Here are some of the benefits that one could draw following a keto diet to combat PCOS/PCOD.

Insulin resistance and glucose intolerance are improved: Despite its name, cystic ovaries are not found in all women. But almost all women with the condition — whether thin or obese — show greater insulin resistance and impaired glucose tolerance than women without the condition, It is insulin that really drives the whole process and insulin release is caused by carbohydrates.Numerous studies are now showing adopting the low-carb ketogenic diet improves insulin sensitivity and glucose intolerance among those with PCOS.

Weight loss: Losing weight on a keto diet becomes easier and is one of the many reasons that women start a keto diet. You see, if your body is well adapted to burning fat for energy, it can then more readily use your own fat stores for energy instead of all the glucose it would normally use

Reduced cravings: Cravings are often caused by disordered insulin. As you have carbs, your insulin levels shoot up, only to drop rapidly, causing your body to crave more sweet things and carbs. As soon as you satisfy that craving, your insulin levels shoot up again, starting the cycle all over again.A ketogenic diet helps to stabilise those insulin levels and can really help to manage those cravings.

Improved hormone profile: One study conducted with women with PCOS who followed a keto diet for 6 months found significantly reduced testosterone, fasting insulin and improved LH/ FSH ratio. The women also lost about 12% of their body weight over the 6 months.

Improved cardiovascular health: Research shows that a keto diet is also good for the heart, that it helps to lower cholesterol and boost levels of high density lipoprotein (the good cholesterol). This promotes heart health. Bear in mind that women with PCOS are at risk of cardiovascular disease.

Reduces Acne : A ketogenic diet also seems to help with acne. High levels of insulin tend to lower the levels of IGF-1 binding protein in the body. Women with PCOS tend to have lower levels of IGF-1 BP already and this leaves higher levels of IGF-1 in the body, causing your acne to get worse.If we can lower insulin levels, we’ll boost IGF-1 binding protein which will lower IGF-1 levels and improve acne.

Improved pregnancies and reduced risks of health problems after menopause with a ketogenic diet: Most of the focus on women with PCOS is in the adolescent and early adult years when infertility, acne and weight gain are the prominent features. But women with PCOS who get pregnant have much higher rates of complications during pregnancy including gestational diabetes (a disorder of carbohydrate intolerance), pre-eclampsia (high blood pressure during pregnancy) and bigger babies over 9 lbs (which are a risk for Caesarean deliveries and an independent risk for future diabetes.)Moreover, women in menopause, who had PCOS, have higher rates of cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes,Researchers say that the entire profile of PCOS suggests limiting carbohydrates and adopting a low-carb ketogenic diet may help with all these related problems, no matter what the age and stage of PCOS in affected women.

At Mama Keto, the diet plan is well customised to 70% fat, 25% protein and 5% carbs, and we noticed that women with PCOS/PCOD following a keto diet for consecutive 3 months have seen noticeable difference in maintaining the regular menstrual cycles, less hair fall and acne issues along with sustainable weight loss. Following a keto diet under right supervision along with the minimum physical activity improves overall health and well being on a long run.

Source Link - https://mamaketo.co.in/blog/how-can-keto-diet-help-cure-pcos

[kingsteves-world]

The ketogenic, or keto, diet is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate eating plan that has gained popularity for various potential health benefits. It's essential to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any diet, but here are some potential benefits associated with the keto diet:

Weight Loss: One of the primary reasons people follow the keto diet is for weight loss. By significantly reducing carbohydrate intake and replacing them with fats, the body enters a state of ketosis, where it burns fat for energy. This can lead to effective weight loss for many individuals.

Improved Blood Sugar Control: The keto diet may help regulate blood sugar levels, making it a potential option for individuals with type 2 diabetes or those at risk of developing diabetes. By reducing carb intake, blood sugar spikes are minimized.

Enhanced Mental Clarity: Some people report improved mental focus and clarity when following the keto diet. The brain can efficiently use ketones, which are produced during ketosis, as an energy source. GET YOUR MEAL PLAN HERE

Increased Energy: Ketosis can lead to more stable energy levels throughout the day. Instead of experiencing the energy highs and crashes associated with high-carb diets, keto followers often report sustained energy.

Better Blood Lipid Profile: The keto diet may lead to improvements in the levels of "good" HDL cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood, potentially reducing the risk of heart disease.

Appetite Control: The keto diet is known for its appetite-suppressing effects. High-fat foods tend to be more filling, which can help individuals control their caloric intake.

Epilepsy Management: The keto diet was originally developed as a therapeutic option for epilepsy, particularly in children who did not respond well to medication. It is still used today for certain epilepsy cases. GET YOUR MEAL PLAN HERE

Potential for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Some research suggests that the keto diet may help manage symptoms of PCOS by regulating insulin levels and promoting weight loss.

Acne Reduction: The keto diet's impact on insulin levels and inflammation might help reduce acne symptoms for some individuals.

[drberg21]

How to Test for Insulin Resistance

Insulin resistance is a chronic health issue in which cells in your muscles, fat, and liver don't respond to insulin as expected. It may lead to prediabetes, diabetes, and heart disease if left untreated.

The good news is that it's not a life-threatening illness and can be managed through diet, exercise, and weight loss. You may also require medication in certain instances, such as insulin.

The most commonly used method to detect insulin resistance is the fasting glucose tolerance test (FPG). This assessment takes place after an overnight fast and is often part of your annual physical exam.

Other tests include the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). This involves drinking a high-glucose beverage and taking blood samples at regular intervals for two to three hours.

After an overnight fast, you can obtain fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and insulin levels test to help diagnose prediabetes or diabetes. This test is typically included in your annual physical and could possibly be part of the process.

If you have prediabetes or diabetes, FPG, and insulin levels tests can help detect issues before they worsen. They also serve to encourage healthy lifestyle choices and avoid diabetes-related complications.

Your age and genetics can play a significant role in whether or not you develop insulin resistance. People who have a family history of diabetes, are overweight or obese, smoke, have obstructive sleep apnea, or take certain medications like steroids or antipsychotics may be especially susceptible to this condition.

Testing for insulin resistance is recommended for all women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, as this can increase your risk of gestational diabetes.

Insulin resistance can make it difficult to manage one's blood sugar level unless they take medication to increase insulin sensitivity. If you experience symptoms like increased thirst and hunger, fatigue, blurry vision, and tingling in your feet or hands that suggest insulin resistance, make an appointment with your doctor for a blood sugar test to confirm the diagnosis.

Other signs of insulin resistance include high triglycerides in the blood and low HDL cholesterol. If you experience these symptoms, your doctor may suggest a cholesterol and triglyceride test for further evaluation.

The waist-hip ratio is another reliable test for diagnosing insulin resistance. This measurement, usually done during a physical examination, may indicate the presence of metabolic syndrome or other health concerns such as fatty liver, polycystic ovarian syndrome, and Cushing's syndrome.

Women with PCOS and obesity may be at increased risk for insulin resistance, particularly those who have a family history of diabetes or are overweight. Screening should take place to protect these vulnerable individuals.

Insulin resistance can be difficult to recognize and may manifest over time without any warning signs. The most obvious symptom is an elevated blood sugar level; however, other signs may include increased thirst/hunger, blurred vision, tingling in your hands and feet, as well as dark patches on your neck, groin, or armpits known as acanthosis nigricans. To know more check https://www.drberg.com/.

Contact us on

[thatsmistertoyou]

looking for support for PCOS online is just

-keto, diets, and more weight loss garbage

-discussion of infertility and nothing else (a 1000% valid inclusion in the discussion but this is not the first and only concern for many people)

-earth-shattering information about the disorder that exactly one (1) competent doctor ever bothered to tell their patient

-horror stories about birth control

-mild terfery/gender essentialism for good measure

[bluerants]

Flip side, if some one is avoiding carbs either for their health or to loose weight, don’t give them a hard time. Low-carb/Keto is effective and very useful tool to manage your blood sugar and cravings (and even epilepsy). Your body is not damaged by avoiding carbs, your body has a process for this. If someone is doing a diet, its healthy for them, and works, leave them alone.

Hot take but you literally need carbs and fat to survive

[healthyfiofficial]

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[witchofverdure]

I don't like talking about weight on twitter, so I'll talk here.

Two years ago, I got diagnosed with PCOS after years of complications, unexplained weight gain being one of them. I ate fine, exercised 45min/day 3x/wk, yet in 3 months I put on 15lbs??

That was 2018. By 2020, I put on another 15lbs and th 3 doctors I saw during that time frame couldn't tell me why. "Eat better, "exercise more". I cut my calories to near 1000/day and worked out 45min a day. Sounds like an eating disorder forming, doesn't it? My blood work was "within normal" so they dismissed me.

Within normal =/= it's normal for you. In May 2020, my friend recommended her mother who was a holistic NP. She ordered another blood test, and lo and behold, by then my testosterone was twice that of optimal female levels, AND the results had shown a steady rise over the years. Other doctors just didn't view that as an issue. Now it was a big issue.

I began the guessing game that is treating PCOS. Which combination of hormones and supplements will work? Two years of this, plus another 15lbs of weight. This destroyed my self esteem for two reasons. The obvious being I'm now 45lbs heavier than my lightest weight at 22years old. The second - I was a fat kid growing up, and during the age of emo thigh gaps, my self esteem was shit. My first two years of college, I lost 45lbs. Looking back, I still wasn't happy for various reasons, but I was less uncomfortable.

Now that this weight is all back, I feel I have failed my younger self. All that hard earned progress...gone. I also simply do not feel comfortable in my skin. I deserve to feel comfortable

Three weeks ago, I began a "keto light" diet. I had avoided this for years because that's what all the male cosplayers do to cut fast, but they simply just gain it back right when they stop. I've recently learned the diabetic diet is essentially keto, and with a few tweaks (especially on cheap days), I eat like I have diabetes along with eating extremely limited amount of gluten save for one day a week

In three weeks, my energy has improved. My mood has improved. I've lost 8lbs (most probably bloat). Progress is progress.

I turn 30 in November. I want to start my 30s on a good, healthy foot, so my goal is to lose (at least) 30lbs by then. 30 by 30! 8lbs gone, 22lbs to go

[depressedhatakekakashi]

So, i had an idea that Kakashi notices that one of his friends is sad all the time, always talking about wanting to hang out, and when she is asked to hang out, she always refuses, and very sadly. (he doesn't know she is refusing because it's always food based hangouts) she seems shut away and isolated, and that won't do. Initially he teases her and makes fun of her for always wanting to hang out, but then refusing, and it makes her cry, he doesn't understand why.

So of course he is back tracking, going oh shit, what did I do? What did I say? She tries to reassure him that it's okay, just that topic is touchy, because there is a problem she is trying to find a way to deal with, and she's just stuck in how to do it.

He asks what it is. The look she gives him is one of vulnerability, (personally I m not sure if he'd have to fight down the urge to run, cause it's something personal that would definitely bond them closer, or if he would become concerned for her, and wonder if he can help.) but he listens.

"Kakashi, I have PCOS. It's a very painful condition, and it causes so many other issues. I have to shave my chin every morning, because it causes hair to grow in places it shouldn't, it causes weight gain that cannot be lost easily at all, it's a fight to keep fat off of me, makes fertility almost non-existent, extremely erratic and painful periods that are accompanied by very heavy bleeding... and people wonder why i'm semi-anemic.

Of course, these symptoms combined lead to a lot of other emotional issues, and mental issues, like depression and lack of self esteem. It's caused by a hormonal imbalance, and the worst symptom is the cysts that grow on my ovaries. Did you know what helps? Eating Keto. But it's impossible to eat Keto in restaurants. Everything in there is so heavily full of carbs and sugar, and you can't exactly bring your own food in.

I'm not trying to isolate myself. This is a personal issue that I haven't figured out how to solve yet. It's incredibly embarrassing, and shameful. My diet is so different from everyone else, and it's very expensive, but it's my medicine.

It's either this, or only be able to be a shinobi half of the time, while the other, I need to be monitored carefully over the amount of blood in my body, while i try not to scream in agony on the floor because I am woozy and dizzy from how painful my periods are when they do happen. Not to mention when one of the cysts burst. It hurts more than having your appendix burst. Personal experience on that one.

I have no choice. I can't live like that anymore. So I stay home."

What I don't know, is what he'd do afterwards.

(yes, this is something I deal with, I've been looking for some comfort on it, because it really is lonely when you have to say 'no' to spending time with people because they're going to a restaurant, and that means there is very little you can have, on top of which if you have allergies to some of the ingredients in those foods, then what do you do? Sit there?

I'm not looking for an RP, just kind of what would he do here. I hope this isn't too much, my weight has been weighing (snort) on my mind again, and not in a good way. You don't have to reply to this if you don't want to. You can do HC's if you want instead about what he'd do. Anything your comfortable with. Hell, what would any shinobi do in this situation would be great. Anything on this issue would be greatly appreciated.)

Hi, wanna hear something cool. I saw PCOS and the smile on my face is unexplainable. I also have this, and while my symptoms are very different (irrational periods, severe camps, increased muscle tone, more ‘mascular’ features) i am FULLY here for it

I do have headcannons of trans Gai who has the same thing, because someone honestly had to suffer with me (and I already make Kakashi suffer so much) but I am HERE for this wholy shit.

What I think he would do first is research. He wants to know everything he can about her condition and how he can help her. The things he can do to make things easier, or help her over those problems.

Once he has a decent idea of what’s happening, he starts planning. Making hang outs that have nothing to do with food so that she doesn’t feel the need to tap out, but also just… training or working in her confidence. Having weight doesn’t mean someone’s less lovable or amazing and he needs her to know this. That no matter what, he’s there for her and thinks she’s stunning

[bi-rising]

hey I just saw your post about PCOS being a hormonal issue not a gyno one while I was surfing the tag. I was diagnosed a couple months back and all my gyno did was a 2 min ultrasound and then prescribed me birth control. I would like to have actual help and more info on it but I'm not sure who I'm supposed to go to for that. Seeing as you were in a similar situation I'd appreciate your help.

seems like gynos really suck with pcos, don't they? 🥴 warning you now, this is going to be a very long post, because i'm essentially writing out absolutely everything i did and everything i've learned, so strap in for a ride aldksfjasldf

the first thing to do is research, research, research. i spent a whole week constantly on pcos websites (such as pcosaa and this article, tho fair warning, the article does use academic speech so it might not be the easiest thing to read) and watching videos and doing what i could to inform myself. the way you can know if you're looking at a credible resource is how the source defines pcos: does it pose it as a reproductive system disorder? or an endocrine (hormonal) disorder? if it talks about it as a reproductive system disorder, then it's probably wrong.

please note that i am not, obviously, a medical professional, but this is how i understand pcos works. i'll use me as an example just so i can use first person perspective, but it applies to pcos patients in general.

so, my cells are insulin resistant. that means that when i eat, my body releases, lets say, 100 (x measurement) of insulin. because my cells are insulin resistant, they say "hey, i'm only gonna use 50x of that insulin". but they still NEED that 100x to function. so my body releases ANOTHER 100x of insulin, so my cells go "ok i'll take 50x" and so while my cells now have the 100x they're supposed, to i now have 100x insulin floating around.

that extra insulin not only wreaks havoc on many systems of the body, it is the reason why most people with pcos that goes untreated end up with type 2 diabetes. the extra insulin is also converted (or spurs the creation of? i'm not entirely certain on the how here) into testosterone and other androgen (male) hormones. so your body has too much insulin, and now it has too much testosterone, too. that extra testosterone is what fucks with your reproductive system and prevents the follicles on your ovaries from maturing (which is what the 'cysts' are). it also often creates increased facial hair, acne (especially on the 'beard line'), and worse body odor. between the testosterone and the insulin, it's nigh impossible to lose weight.

also note that because your body has to release more insulin for your cells to get an adequate amount, you likely crave carbs and sugars (salty/crunchy things and sweets), and you're likely frequently fatigued, bc your body isn't, well, working correctly and it's taking more energy to perform basic functions.

secondly, take all this information that you know to your doctor. i legitimately wrote down some notes about this process in a little notebook and took it with me so that i wouldn't forget/get too anxious to bring any of it up. i also wrote down the things i had been doing to help up to that point (working out, what my diet was, etc etc) and what i was concerned about. lastly, i also wrote down what medications and supplements i had heard of in my research to see what my doctor thought of them.

my doctor's first 'attack' choice is ozempic--it's a weekly shot that helps to regulate insulin levels and also is pretty good at helping weight loss. be aware though that most commercial insurances don't pay for this, but if your doctor is good, they'll try to work around that so that you're not paying a frankly outrageous amount for it. also look out for sometime this fall, my doc said that the ozempic manufacturers are trying to get ozempic approved for weight loss (it's approved for other things) and that should help bring the price down?? anyway, that's my doc's preferred method, but because of my finances, we currently can't do that.

his second attack, which i'm now on, is metformin. it's a medication mostly used for diabetics that helps with blood sugar levels which, again, is that insulin issue. my mom has been on it for 14 years bc diabetes runs in our family anyway, so it's perfectly safe for long time use and definitely helps with keeping either away from or within the pre-diabetes phase. again, i've only been on it now two days so i can't say anything for me but we'll see how it goes lmao

he also approved of me using omega 3 (fish pills) supplements because they help balance things out in general, not just pcos, and he was good with me using spearmint, too. i'm starting out on one cup of spearmint tea a day and see how that effects me, but i've heard of people having up to two spearmint supplement pills and a cup of spearmint tea a day, too. spearmint is a 'defense', as far as i can explain it: it has (tho limited) research that it lowers the testosterone levels in women with pcos. so while it doesn't help with the insulin so it doesn't attack the source, it can help with the testosterone aspect, aka facial hair, acne, etc. i've also heard of cinnamon supplements and inositol supplements helping, but i didn't get a chance to ask about either of those from my doctor, so make sure if you want to give those a try, you talk about them and make sure they won't interfere with any of your other medications and get your doctor's approval on them, first.

thirdly, ask about what else you can do to help yourself. my doctor stressed the importance of a proper night's sleep, as well as advised to try to cut back on carbs and sugars (IMPORTANT NOTE: some people claim that you HAVE to be on a keto diet to get results with pcos. WRONG. please don't do this. keto diets are entirely unsustainable. and cutting back on carbs and sugars does not mean cutting them OUT, it just means if you want a snack, try reaching for a protein or a vegetable instead of a carb. but don't limit yourself!! please, be conscious about what you eat, and remember that sometimes yeah, a slice of cake or a serving of chips isn't going to kill you or set your pcos back. don't risk getting an e.d. just for the sake of your pcos). he also told me that the best exercise that i personally should do is either HIIT exercises or cardio, and to do at least an hour a day, even if it's 30 mins in the morning, 30 in the evening--and to work up to that so even doing ten minutes a day, then increasing it from there, is healthier and better than jumping straight into a whole ass hour. he also told me to aim for a certain heartrate. i don't remember the formula he used, but for me at 22 (based on age) he wanted me to try to aim for 150-160 bpm. again, especially with exercise, that was what he recommended for me. you're likely different from me, so ask your doctor and see what he says.

fourthly, and perhaps most importantly, DON'T BOTHER WITH A GYNO. all of this that i've gotten done for me was from my family doctor, so just the guy i go to for yearly check ups. see if you can do some routine blood work to give him (or her) as wide of a picture as possible, and then go in and talk with a regular doctor about this. a friend of mine also has a friend who actually goes to an endocrinologist to get her pcos sorted out, so that's also an option. gynos seem to just treat the symptoms; birth control gives you a regular period by helping with your estrogen, but that doesn't decrease your testosterone OR do anything with the insulin. my doc is keeping me on birth control pills just so that i have a regular cycle so we can watch and see if anything else happens to it, so it's okay to stay on the birth control, but ultimately, birth control pills don't do anything for pcos.

i know it's difficult and probably kinda scary/anxiety inducing if you're younger or just have anxiety, but you've gotta advocate for yourself in this case. you have to show the doctor that you know what you're talking about and that you're able to call him out on his bullshit if he doesn't take you seriously. also, if your doctor is helpful, don't be afraid to be frank with him about what your gyno did. like i've said with my experience, i got the validation of knowing that my gyno was wrong by explaining to my doctor how he treated me. you deserve better than what your gyno did, and you deserve to actually be treated as a person and your disorder be taken seriously.

i'm wishing you the best of luck, and i hope that you'll be able to get the help that you need 💕💕💕