Can Chromium Picolinate Help Treat PCOS?

Since PCOS is a disorder that is not well understood, many women have taken it upon themselves to explore other treatment approaches in the hope of improving their symptoms. Over the years there have been researches done with regards to vitamin and even mineral supplementation as a way to at least improve the condition of PCOS women. Although these studies may have some limitations, the results are very promising.

Aside from Vitamin D, chromium picolinate has also been found to benefit insulin resistance in women with PCOS.  In women with insulin resistance, the body needs more than the normal amount of insulin in order to get a desired response. It is believed that the mineral encourages the formation of GTF or the glucose tolerance factor, which is a substance essential in making the body utilize insulin more efficiently.

With this possible treatment approach, it’s important to understand what chromium really is. The main action of chromium is that it can potentiate the action of insulin. As a supplement, it is available as chromium picolinate because the latter helps the body absorb chromium efficiently. And aside from enhancing insulin, there have been claims that it can promote weight loss, reduce body fat, lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels among others.

While these may sound like an easy treatment to the many symptoms of PCOS, there are certain precautions that should strictly be observed. Just like any other treatment approach, you should first consult your doctor before taking the supplement. It is never safe to begin any supplementation without knowing the risks involved. And it is equally important to know of any possible drug to drug interaction and adverse effects especially when you have maintenance medications.

I have to go back to my doctor soon, and I am definitely going to bring this up. Hopefully when the weather is better, I can see her again. If you have taken this mineral for PCOS and you noticed results, please let me know.

My PCOS Medications

Upon learning about Vitamin D as a possible treatment for PCOS, I have started to become more curious about any alternative treatments for the disorder. I found out that there are women with PCOS who opted to have a combined therapeutic approach. Along with prescribed medications, these women also utilized acupuncture and they also took many other supplements believed to increase fertility.

After a very difficult pregnancy, I really don’t have any immediate plans of having another baby. With my present weight and health issues, I know that it will only aggravate my condition. Hence, I want to focus on managing this disorder because it has been out of control for the past couple of years. Here are the meds that I am currently taking:

1.    Metformin 500 mg three times a day – I have tried various brands but Neoform has been the friendliest to my tummy. After a week of skipping it, I honestly don’t think that I can live without it. I immediately felt the effects right after I resumed treatment. I have managed not to overeat, and I even didn’t have the appetite during my main meals.

2.    CholestOff 2 tabs once a day – Since many PCOS women also have abnormally high cholesterol levels, I have taken it upon myself to at least prevent it from becoming too high! Although my cholesterol levels are normal, I want to at least do something preventive.

I learned about this medication from my mom, and I was able to purchase it abroad. Their website says that CholestOff is a food and dietary supplement and it has been found to lower cholesterol naturally. If you choose to take this medication, please consult your doctor first.

I am contemplating on taking these supplements as well:

1.    Vitamin D – There are ongoing trials in the States regarding the benefits of Vitamin D supplementation among PCOS patients. I am taking my chances with this one, but I need to consult my doctor for the right dosage first. I have checked on some local pharmacies and I found out that we don’t have a preparation for Vitamin D only. It’s always a combination with Vitamin A. I guess I don’t have a choice as of the moment.

2.    Ampalaya Plus – I am so not sure with this one. But there have been positive testimonies from people with diabetes. Being insulin resistant, I want to try all my options. Besides, it’s also a dietary supplement so I guess it won’t be a bad idea to include it as part of my treatment. I was told by my sister in law that it may cause hypoglycemia so I guess I have to consult my OB- Endo first.

Over the years, I have learned to do my part in researching and learning more about possible treatment approaches with PCOS. Being a disorder that’s not well understood, I feel that I need to be more proactive with my treatment if I want to see results.

Can Vitamin D Help Treat PCOS?

I have been doing some research on alternative treatments for PCOS and I have come across some articles and forums discussing Vitamin D therapy. It turns out that there are studies being conducted on whether Vitamin D supplementation can improve the condition of women with PCOS. They are studying the link because some experts believe that Vitamin D deficiency contributes to insulin resistance, inflammation and even psychological distress in PCOS women.

So far, I was able to find out that there are ongoing trials conducted by Yale University and Penn State University regarding this matter. And I’m pretty sure that there are other groups that are also doing such studies.  Although there’s not much data regarding Vitamin D as part of the treatment of PCOS, I am intrigued by the idea because it is a welcome development to the treatment of a disorder that’s not well understood.

It has long been known that the right amounts of Vitamin D can be beneficial for an individual. Together with calcium, it can help prevent osteoporosis. There are also studies suggesting that Vitamin D may also play a role in preventing breast, prostate, and colon cancer. To add to that, research is also being done on the role of Vitamin D in the prevention and treatment of Type 2 Diabetes, hypertension, glucose intolerance and other types of disorders.

With these findings, it is definitely clear that Vitamin D is good for our health. And although new studies suggest that it may also be good for PCOS women, it is important to understand that excessive amounts of Vitamin D may also do more harm than good.  You need to be prescribed the right dosage because Vitamin D toxicity can cause serious symptoms like heart rhythm abnormalities and mental status changes. Prolonged use of Calcium and Vitamin D in postmenopausal women has also been found to increase the risk of kidney stones.

If you want to know whether Vitamin D supplementation is good for you, consult your trusted health care provider. For any treatment plan, you also need to make sure that you are making an informed decision. Ask your doctor questions and determine whether there are steps that you need to take during the course of therapy.

My Bloodwork For PCOS

After two weeks of waiting, I finally got my laboratory results. I was ordered tests for LH, FSH, Prolactin, and Testosterone. My doctor instructed me to have these tests done on the 2^nd or 3^rd day of my menstrual period. Here are my results.

I am not a doctor, but these values seem to fall under the normal range! Although I have to see my doctor again in the coming weeks, I am partially relieved because I can now focus on my insulin resistance. I was worried that she might put me on another kind of medication because my body didn’t respond well to my previous hormonal treatment.

If you are ordered similar tests, it may be good to check around for the best price. For these tests alone, I had to shell out around P 3,800. I guess it would be cheaper to go to a laboratory like Hi-Precision because they are generally more affordable as compared to the package price in the hospitals. Anyhow, I am just glad that I am slowly taking steps on how to better manage this disorder.

I am excited to see my doctor again but I have to finish my two-week glucose monitoring before I go in for another consultation. For the meantime, I am slowly working my way towards a healthier ME! If you are on the same path with me, send me a message! I would be more than happy to be your diet buddy!

How To Use A Glucometer

Since my doctor asked me to monitor my blood glucose levels, I thought of posting here the procedure for the test. The procedure may slightly vary depending on the type of glucometer being used, but the principle behind the entire process is basically the same.

1.     Prepare all the things needed – glucometer, test strip, lancing device, lancet, cotton balls with alcohol, dry cotton balls.

2.    Do proper handwashing. This step is usually forgotten, but it should be done prior to the procedure because it can prevent infection.

3.    Insert a new lancet firmly into the holder of the lancing device and remove the rounded top of the lancet. Make sure that the needle does not come in contact with anything in order to maintain sterility. Adjust the setting of the lancing according to your preference. Cock the device and set it aside.

4.    Check whether the code number on the device matches the code found on the vial of the test strip. Turn on the meter and insert the test strip. There are some devices that would automatically turn on after the insertion of the strip.  The machine is ready once it will indicate that it is time to place blood.

5.     Choose and prepare the site. The usual site of pricking is usually the fingertips, but there are already glucometers that allows a sample taken from the forearm, upper arm, thigh, calf and other sites. Wipe the area with an alcohol pad or a cotton ball soaked with alcohol.

6.    Prick the skin using the lancing device. Avoid areas where there are obvious veins or moles to prevent excess bleeding.

7.    Take the device and allow edge of the strip to come in contact with the blood. Do not lift the test strip until the machine is indicating that it is already processing the sample. You can then put pressure on the punctured site using a dry cotton ball.

8.    Record your result on a notebook, or if the device has a feature that will automatically record your results, you only need to add certain details like the type of meal, etc.

Again, the steps may vary slightly depending on the type of device that you have. The test may seem like it is a lengthy procedure, but it is very doable at home. If you feel that you need assistance, ask your doctor during a check-up so you can be properly guided. You may even do a sample test during a routine consultation.

My First Consultation With An OB-Endocrinologist

Last Saturday, I braved the rains and the wait to finally have a check-up with an OB-Endocrinologist. I have waited for this day for so long that there’s absolutely no point of putting it off. So despite the strong temptation to just stay at home and watch the news about Cory’s passing, I went ahead with my initial plan.

The wait was quite long, but I fought the urge to leave because I felt that it was high time for me to begin a carefully planned out treatment plan for PCOS. Due to the number of patients waiting, part of me was expecting that I would definitely have a quick check-up. But I was very wrong. As it turned out, the wait was very worth it because the doctor didn’t go through the check up like any routine consultation. She actually got down to the core of my issue and took my medical history since Day 1.

Although I am looking forward to begin a new treatment plan, I still have to wait for the results of the tests that she ordered. She requested that I have my FSH, LH, prolactin, and testosterone levels checked on the second or third day of my period. She further explained that I should particularly have the test done mid morning in between meals in order to get accurate results.

Another thing that she wanted to have done is a two week monitoring of my postprandial blood glucose results. She said that she wants to check my blood sugar level after meals. This is to identify the type of food that would cause my blood sugar levels to spike. While we already have the GI or glycemic index diet, my doctor wants to be very specific because the response of a person to a particular type of food may be varied. I will be posting a food diary together with my results after I get a hold of the medical supplies that I need. This time, I hope that my treatment plan can help manage my symptoms.

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!

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!

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!

How My Metformin Treatment Began

Many women with PCOS are prescribed with Metformin, which is actually an anti-diabetic drug. Before starting the therapy, my then OB-Gyne told me that we were going to start it at a small dose so I can get used to the side-effects. She said that many individuals complain of diarrhea and tiredness, which may get in the way with my daily routine

She initially prescribed me to take Metformin 500 mg twice a day. She said that I need to see her after two weeks so we can again work on increasing the dose to 1500 mg or equivalent to taking 500 mg tablets thrice a day after meals. Although I had soft and more frequent bowel movements with the initial dose, it was still very manageable. But when my doctor increased my dose, I suddenly found myself scrambling to the toilet each time I felt the urge. It happened in the most inconvenient places, and sometimes I would just cheat and skip a dose so I can go on with my usual activities.

When I talked to my doctor, she recommended that I try other Metformin brands because she said that some people have different reactions to the drug. I have already tried different brand names, but I still could not tolerate their side effects. Knowing about my discomfort, my mom asked her colleagues for any suggestions. They recommended Neoform 500, which is basically another brand of Metformin. My doctor says it is a generic brand, but it is the only brand that doesn’t trigger very troublesome side effects. I still get diarrhea, but they are manageable as compared to the experience that I had with the other brands. And best of all, I can tolerate 1500 mg a day of the drug.

If you are wondering whether taking the medication is worth all the trouble, I can definitely say that it is. Without the medication, I find myself dealing with cravings every now and then. To further understand how Metformin can help women with PCOS, here are some details about the drug that may be helpful to you:

Why is it ordered: PCOS women have insulin resistance, which is a condition wherein the cells become resistant to the effects of insulin. In this case, the body finds it hard to move glucose into the cells where it is going to be burned as fuel. PCOS women benefit from taking Metformin because it can increase the body’s response to insulin thereby facilitating the transport of glucose. To add to that, metformin can also control the amount of sugar in the blood, and it can also decrease glucose absorption.

What are the side effects: Malaise or the general feeling of being unwell, nausea, vomiting, loose and more frequent bowel movements or diarrhea, loss of appetite, stomach pain, gas, bloating, Vitamin B12 malabsporption, heartburn, headache, and an unpleasant metallic taste in the mouth. In very rare cases, it can cause lactic acidosis, which is characterized by weakness, difficulty breathing, abnormal heartbeats, stomach upset, dizziness, muscle pain and a feeling of coldness. If you symptoms of lactic acidosis, contact your health care provider right away.

Before you take the medication, it is very important that you discuss your health history with your doctor. Make a list of all the medications that you are taking, and ask your doctor whether these can in any way affect your treatment. And just like any treatment regimen, you need to make sure that you keep any follow-ups with your doctor. Many women may fail to go back to their doctor because they think that they would have to take the medicine in the long run. While it can be true, your doctor still needs to monitor your condition to evaluate your response, as well as to keep watch for any untoward effects.

I have been on Metformin for more than a year already. In the beginning, it was hard to take it religiously especially when I am so used to skipping meals. But I have learned that treatment is not at all beneficial if I don’t do my part. Now, I have the medicine in my vanity kit just to make sure that I can take it wherever I go.