Can Spironolactone Help Women With PCOS?

I still can’t get over the fact that Spironolactone or a potassium sparing diuretic is being prescribed by some doctors as part of the treatment plan for PCOS. For more than six years, I haven’t known any other treatment aside from Metformin and the medications that are prescribed to improve fertility. When my symptoms worsened, my mom asked me whether my doctor prescribed me Spironolactone. Trusting her doctor instincts, I tried to do more research on it.

I was so surprised to find out that there are a number of PCOS women abroad who are prescribed the medication. This drug is mostly prescribed in patients with conditions that necessitate the removal of excess fluid from the body. It is commonly prescribed in patients with congestive heart failure, liver cirrhosis and kidney problems. Basing from these diseases alone, you may already get the idea that it’s a drug that you shouldn’t take without a doctor’s prescription.

The primary reason why this drug is ordered on PCOS women is to counter the effects of testosterone. I am intrigued by this treatment because I know that I am oozing with testosterone! Basically, Spironolactone blocks the effect of androgen. Depending on the dose, it can affect the androgen making capacity of the ovaries and the adrenal gland.

After some time, PCOS women report an improvement of their symptoms particularly hirsutism,, (excessive hair growth) and other skin issues. Being a diuretic, I am also assuming that it somehow helped with the bloating in women with PCOS. While this may sound promising, the treatment plan dictates that you religiously follow your doctor’s order, and that you also commit to proper monitoring. Before and during the course of therapy, your doctor may order tests to monitor any untoward effects.

My symptoms have gotten worse during the last few weeks. I have skipped my period, and I feel so bloated! But there is something to look forward to in the coming days because I am finally going to see an OB-Endo! I am thankful to my sisters at PCOS Philippines for recommending her to me. After a long time, I feel that there is HOPE.

If you are taking this drug for PCOS, I would love to hear about your stories!

PCOS And High Androgen Levels

When you hear the words androgen or testosterone, you may immediately associate it with men. But this association may not be accurate in the sense that low levels of testosterone are also needed by women in order to stay healthy. In PCOS women, androgen levels are high enough to cause irritating symptoms.

From sporting a beard to growing chest hair, it is only understandable how PCOS women loathe this kind of altered body mechanism. While I don’t grow too much hair, my broad shoulders and my physique shows that I am everything masculine! Ugh! And as much as I would like to preserve my femininity, I somehow feel that it’s spiralling out of control each day.

When you have high levels of androgen or male hormones, it can trigger ovulation problems, skin issues and even hair loss. These symptoms may sound manageable, but they are actually very hard to deal with! Here’s why:

Fertility Problems – As you may already know, PCOS is one of the most common fertility problem in women. Aside from elevated androgen levels, many PCOS women are also insulin resistant. This combination is just not helpful for those who want to conceive because it can greatly affect ovulation. Despite my symptoms, I recently found out that I still ovulate. I guess my eggs are pretty good at sneaking out from my ovaries!

Skin Problems – I am not too happy with the darkening of my skin on some areas of my face. Although my concealer does a good job at hiding the flaws, the dark patches are still there each time I wake up. Sigh! I don’t have acne and hirsutism (growing of excess hair), but the onslaught to my appearance has made me realize that I should give due attention to PCOS. With proper management, I am hoping to at least manage these irritating symptoms.

Hair Loss – Thinning of scalp hair is also caused by increased levels of androgen. I actually have super thick hair, but I sometimes worry whether I’d deal with a receding hair line soon. Gasp! Please no!

Having endured PCOS for years, I have already accepted these changes. The big step for me now is to manage my androgen levels. I have read that some women are prescribed a diuretic to at least control androgen levels. Ladies, do not take this without your doctor’s prescription because this drug is not at all safe without proper evaluation and monitoring. I have yet to check with my doctor if the treatment is good for me. I’ll keep you posted!

Can PCOS Cause Sleep Problems?

I came across one interesting piece of information on the internet today. You see, I have been suffering from sleepless nights for some time already. At first, I really thought that it is because I just had plenty of things to think about. But when I tried to look for information regarding PCOS and insomnia, I found out that there may be a link on blood glucose levels and my inability to sleep.

As of this time, the connection between high insulin levels and sleep problems is not yet well understood. But I am relieved to know that I am not the only one with PCOS who has sleep issues. I practically spent the entire day reading more on the link that is believed to cause sleep issues on people having blood glucose problems. Here’s a possible scenario:

In PCOS women, the pancreas works doubly hard to keep blood glucose levels within normal limits. But over time, this altered mechanism may lead to hyperinsulinemia, or the condition in which elevated insulin levels are circulating in the body. I was able to read that blood glucose problems and stress may be closely related. Hence, these glucose fluctuations may then trigger your body to pump out epinephrine or norepinephrine, which basically prepares your body for the fight or flight response.

This is the same body response that we get during emergencies or during instances when we feel threatened. Basically, this explains why falling asleep is difficult because your body is preparing you for some kind of battle. So even if you want to get some shut eye, you may end up feeling like you just had cups of strong black coffee!

While the association may not be clear yet, this somewhat makes sense. Some doctors may not associate it with PCOS, but the number of women complaining about it is a clear indication that there must be some hormonal mechanisms that’s causing it. As for now, I can only work on managing my sugar levels so that I won’t have to entertain other symptoms. Sigh!

Do you have sleep issues too? If you have, did your doctor recognize it as part of PCOS? I would love to hear stories about your symptoms!

PCOS And The Glycemic Index Diet

When I started to have these sweet cravings, I knew all along that something was wrong. Before my symptoms have gotten worse, I can actually last a month without having a chocolate bar and a cup of sinful ice cream. But ever since I became insulin resistant, I noticed that these have become staples in my fridge! When I felt that it has gotten out of control, I sought help from my doctor.

The reason why I had these cravings was because I allowed my blood glucose levels to rise and fall rapidly. And although I was aiming for weight loss, I was doing it all wrong. It only triggered episodes of overeating because I intentionally did not eat at the right intervals, and I surrounded myself with the wrong types of food. If you are insulin resistant, you need to understand how your body would react to certain foods or even circumstances. After all, eating right is a big aspect in managing PCOS.

Since food can directly affect blood glucose levels, women with insulin resistance are encouraged to eat a diet that has a low glycemic index. The GI or the glycemic index is basically a guide for people who are trying to prevent the rapid rise and fall of blood glucose levels. A particular food is assigned a number (from 1 to 100), with 100 as the highest GI score or the number for pure glucose.

A low glycemic index diet is ideal because it is absorbed slower in the body. A clear example is eating oatmeal. When I have it every morning for breakfast, I really don’t need a midmorning snack because I feel full longer. It’s also easier to stick to my diet because I am still partially full during lunch. From years of unsuccessful dieting, I have learned that it’s a mistake to come to the table when you are too hungry.

High glycemic index foods on the other hand, can cause an immediate rise in your sugar levels. This response triggers your body to secrete more insulin thereby leading to the storage of fat. And to make matters worse, high GI foods are metabolized quicker, and you will end up eating again shortly after a full meal. And when hunger is not controlled, it can easily lead to overeating – the very same trap that we are trying to avoid!

Eating a low GI diet may sound so easy, but it’s actually challenging in the sense that you really have to be choosy of what you eat. It’s really a lifestyle change that I am still trying to adopt. And I do have bad days when I would gladly trade whole wheat bread with bagel and cream cheese! It’s honestly a struggle every time, but I am determined to work this out with my brain and my body. I will soon make a post on the GI scores of the local food that we have here. Probably I’ll get a hold of it once I see a new nutritionist.

An Insightful Wednesday

How has PCOS changed your life?—If somebody bothered to ask you this question, what would you say? Would you start by enumerating your symptoms? Or would you rather explain how it has affected your life through the years? If I were to answer that question, I would also not know where to begin. PCOS seems to be too complex for me to explain in one full sentence. To add to that, I think I can write an entire novel regarding my frustrations about the disease.

After years of losing hope, I have come to accept the changes after I fully understood the condition. When I see flaws in my complexion, I now understand that it is due to my insulin resistance. And it is also the very reason why it is extremely difficult to lose weight. Although I could no longer change how I dealt with the syndrome during its initial changes, there is still much that I can do with my future.

I may only be 26 years old, but I really feel that PCOS has robbed me off 3 good years of my life — and counting! After having too many health issues, I haven’t been feeling my best. I used to exude self-confidence because I had faith in what I can do as a person. I really felt that I was made for a purpose. Although I still feel that burning inside me, I am now struggling with what’s left of my self-esteem.

But on my new journey, l am very determined to get back on track. Regardless of age, I believe that everybody deserves a fresh start. How about you? How has PCOS changed your life? Are you a better person because of it?

Calories From Your Favorite Fast Food Joints

These days, we have been quite accustomed to everything upsized!  From pasta to burgers, we expect our orders to be humongous just so we can get our money’s worth. But when you also consume more than what your body really needs, you may end up dealing with too much excess — carbohydrates, fats, sugar, and cholesterol included!

Although I try to eat healthy, I love junk food. I even craved the greasy fast food stuff when I was pregnant. But ever since I learned about the long term effects of PCOS, I have already vowed to be more conscious of what I eat. I may not avoid circumstances when I need to grab a quick lunch, but at least I can control the “damage” by choosing the healthiest meal. This list may be helpful to you:

I compiled these nutritional facts from the websites of these restaurants and from the Club Red Booklet. There may be a discrepancy with some values because these are all based with the standard size in the States. Nevertheless, the values may be very near the ones found on the tables. I also tried to find nutritional facts of the food from Jollibee, Chowking, and Greenwich, but I just could not find any data pertaining to it. This does not surprise me at all considering that we still have a long way to go in terms of being health conscious. If you have their food exchanges, I would be more than happy to post them here.

Getting Pregnant With PCOS

I was young when I got diagnosed with PCOS. Although starting a family was not part of my plans then, the thought of not being able to conceive was totally heartbreaking. My doctor told me that getting pregnant with PCOS may be difficult, but it was still very possible. For my young mind, it was already hopeless and I was totally devastated!

Each time I read about the struggles of women who are trying to conceive, I can somehow feel their pain. Although I did not need any fertility treatment to get pregnant, I know how it feels to be told again and again that a particular treatment did not work. Each time I would have an ultrasound, I would always wish that those small cysts would all go away so I can go on with my life. But through the years, they stayed and they even grew in number! And just when I started to lose hope, I got pregnant! Looking back, there must have been some things that I did right.

My doctor told me that PCOS is more manageable to treat as compared to other fertility problems. But despite this fact, there are also things that you can do so that you can increase your chances of conceiving. Here are some tips:

1.    Seek consultation. If you are trying to get pregnant, it is important that your doctor is aware of your plans. This is also to ensure that you are not taking any medications that may be harmful in the event of a pregnancy. Know what your options are in increasing your chances of getting pregnant, and work closely with your doctor in attaining that goal. (This goes on top of my list because PCOS has to be managed to ensure that a pregnancy stays guarded.)

2.     Lose weight. Just like everyone else, weight loss can increase your chances of conceiving. Bear in mind that a very low or high BMI can affect ovulation. Although this is rather difficult for PCOS women, it may be worth all the effort especially if it can increase your chances of getting pregnant. I can attest to this because I was in great shape when I conceived naturally.

3.    Eat healthy. Eat more veggies, and go easy on the carbs! I wasn’t really aware that I was doing it right before I got pregnant. I just tried to stay away from eating foods that are high in carbs because when I indulge, I’d easily gain weight. Choose healthy foods because you can never go wrong with healthy food selections.

4.    Exercise regularly. This is a very important aspect of a healthy lifestyle. Aim for exercise that can cause a sustained increase in your heart rate because it can also increase your metabolism.  Since I have the tendency to gain weight so easily, exercise was always part of my lifestyle. I guess it was the kind of preparation that my body needed to conceive.

5.    Make lifestyle changes when necessary. An unhealthy lifestyle may lower your chance of getting pregnant. Manage stress effectively and sleep right. A little sacrifice will go a long way in terms of preparing your body for pregnancy.

If you have already experienced several unsuccessful treatment approaches, don’t lose hope. For as long as there are options available, it’s reason enough to stay positive! Good luck!

What To Do With This Skin Tag?

I took a good look at my reflection today. And although I consider myself lucky for not having acne break outs, I am already contemplating on seeing a dermatologist for a mild discoloration on my face, and a growing skin tag on my left eyelid. While I have been expecting more symptoms to appear, I am not completely prepared to deal with more issues on my appearance.

PCOS can cause high androgen levels, and it is no wonder why some women have no choice but to deal with acne, skin darkening, and skin tags. I have noticed a mild discoloration on my face for some time already, but I have managed to hide it through the use of a concealer. I have also tried other products to even out the skin tone, but to my disappointment —it still looks the same!

And each time I look at myself at the mirror now, my gaze tends to linger on the skin tag on my eyelid! If you are wondering what skin tags are, it actually looks like a small piece of hanging skin which can be found on the neck, armpits, eyelids, and even under the breasts. They can appear smooth, or wrinkled, and they may be the same color as your skin, or even darker. It may be harmless, but I am not too happy learning that I should be expecting more in the long run!

When I first noticed this irritating skin tag, it was relatively small and it really wasn’t such an issue for me. But in a short span of time, it has grown in size and now I can already grasp it with my fingers Ugh! So far, this is the only one that I have, but it’s really pushing me to see a dermatologist! It’s like a ripe grape that’s waiting to be plucked! I actually tried to do just that, but it was too painful! Any suggestions on how I can get rid of it without seeing a doctor yet? Can I just snip it off?

My Laboratory Results

On the way to the laboratory, the possibility of being diabetic dawned on me. I must admit that this past year and a half, I haven’t been the healthiest eater. And with an increased risk for metabolic and cardiovascular problems, I was already expecting very bad results. But I am so relieved to find out that everything is within normal limits –still! Thank God!

Here are my lab results:

-          My cholesterol count seems to be on the borderline high level. Contrary to what we think, the cholesterol test is not a definitive test for a particular health problem. It is actually a test that is ordered to estimate an individual’s risk for heart disease.

-          I am seeing that my triglyceride level is also in the borderline high category.  Tsk  tsk. An elevated triglyceride level may indicate that an individual is already at risk of developing atherosclerosis or the narrowing of the arteries. The elevation may also be due to obesity, physical inactivity, unhealthy diet, and excessive alcohol consumption.

-          An elevated LDL cholesterol value or otherwise known as “bad” cholesterol is not good because it can cause a build up in the inner walls of the arteries. When narrowing of the arteries occurs, it can eventually lead to heart attack or stroke.

-           The HDL cholesterol is what is commonly known as good cholesterol because high levels can protect a person against heart attack. Conversely, low levels can put a person at risk of heart disease.

-          I was expecting my glucose level to be high because I seem to have frequent cravings of food. Thankfully, the result came out okay! I was very concerned whether I would have another medication to maintain!

I haven’t been to my doctor yet, but she told me during my last visit that she may increase my Metformin dose once she gets my results. I wonder how my body will take the additional dose. Oh well, I guess I’ll find out on Friday. I’ll keep you posted then!

Raiding The Fridge No More

Weight loss has always been a struggle for me. Aside from having PCOS, being an emotional eater has repeatedly sabotaged my plans. When I get lonely, frustrated, stressed, or angry, I resort to eating. And what’s worse is that my preference has always been unhealthy foods. Ice cream, French fries, potato chips – you name it, I gotta have it! Sigh!

But ever since I have declared that I want changes to happen this year, I have already acknowledged this problem because I could not keep on postponing my weight loss plan for yet another day. And so, I am slowly parting ways with unhealthy eating habits driven by my emotional state. I now know that I have to condition my mind to focus on other things every time I deal with negative emotions. To add to that, I now understand that regaining control is vital in addressing this unhealthy eating behaviour.

Each time I feel the strong need to drink a large creamy mocha frappe after a stressful day, I try to examine first the cause of my craving. If it’s triggered by my emotions, I try to distract these thoughts by doing other stimulating things. When I am engrossed in something that I enjoy doing, I noticed that these cravings actually pass. I have also shunned away junk food from my cupboards. This actually helps because during instances when I can’t help it, I only have healthy choices on hand.

I am still in the process of getting used to this, but I am taking it by the hour. But each time I manage to overcome a craving, I feel a sense of accomplishment. Today, I ended up eating oatmeal instead of snacking on high calorie potato chips. Tomorrow is going to be another day, and even if I still have a long way to go, I am happy that I am slowly working my way to a healthier me! Do you have similar cravings too? How do you deal with it?