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PCOS & low carb diet???

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Lauren Dalgleish said #1 Feb 2, 2011 at 10:26am

Hey so I'm wondering if anyone else has encountered this. I went to a RE to work on getting pregnant and he suggested that I may have Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. Fine, it's treatable so we talked about options. However, one thing he suggested along with possibly medication is a low carb diet (or even Atkins, UGH!) That's not an option obviously but I wanted to know if anyone has ever been told this or diagnosed with PCOS and how they treated it. This is all related to one of the signs of PCOS which is hypo/hyperglycemia or an insulin imbalance. Thanks so anyone who can shed some light!

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RedHairRising said #2 Feb 2, 2011 at 11:39am

http://www.theveganrd.com/2009/06/the-atkins-diet-goes-vegan.html


I do not have PCOS, but do understand the mechanics of it. I also have issues with blood sugar and need to be very mindful. Above is a link to an article regarding being vegan and "low carb". Not to mention, it's just a great site in general :)


Take care! :)


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J. Maxted said #3 Feb 7, 2011 at 9:51pm

Hi Lauren, I was also diagnosed with PCOS during my GYN visit last year December. My doc put me on glucogen and on NYE I found out I was pregnant. However my progestrone levels were really low so he put me on more hormone meds... he also told me my insulin level was imbalanced but I dont really want to keep taking meds which is the reason why I have turned to the vegan lifestyle. I'm in my second month now and I'm hoping that this does something to cure my PCOS.... you should try reading 'The Fertility Diet' and also 'The insulin resistance diet'. I found both books were quite helpful.


How long have you been vegan?

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Lauren Dalgleish said #4 Feb 8, 2011 at 4:48am

Thank you. I found your response so helpful! I have a blood test & ultrasound tomorrow so I will learn more, but when I heard "Atkins" I was kind of freaked. I'll definitely look into the books you recommend. I agree with you about the meds too, it's frustrating to come upon this issue that can be taken care of with meds, hormones & a low carb diet....all things I have been avoiding. I have been a strict vegetarian for 2.5 years and a vegan for 1 year. I have no itension of changing! Thanks again for the response. I appreciate it!

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Niki Bowen said #5 Oct 6, 2011 at 8:53am

Lauren, I just saw this although you wrote awhile, so I wonder how you are doing. I was diagnosed with PCOS this summer. I have been vegan for awhile but one of the sugar-loving kinds. I kicked the white carbs, but definitely not the whole grains. I also started juicing everyday, really took care of myself and stepped up my workout routine. I didn't do anything else - no meds - and starting ovulating again a month after this change.

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lexie d said #6 Oct 7, 2011 at 2:15am

Hi friends! My obgyn thinks I have PCOS too. I know that there is no official test for it, but it does not make sense to me...I only have one "symptom"....I do not get my period unless I am on birth control. I hate taking medications and have been working on regulating this naturally to no avail....I have done accupuncture, I exercise (not too much), I do not eat much sugar and an a healthy vegan eater. I take a few supplements that are supposed to address this such as dong quia, viatex, black cohash. I was also worried it might be a thyroid issue, so I have been taking a kelp pill daily too. Any help would be greatly appreciated. I just do not want to go back on birth control and hope for a natural approach.

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februarygirl said #7 Oct 11, 2011 at 10:36am

I know pcos can lead to diabetes...I'm thinking this is why low carb is suggested? Call me crazy, but I cant see where animal products with all of their fat and hormones can be good for a hormonal imbalance? I feel fruits and veggies are the way to go....

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Gigi said #8 Oct 11, 2011 at 1:09pm

I have PCOS and doctors recommend a low-carb diet. But when they say low-carb they are talking about good carbs and bad carbs and wanting you to limit the bad carbs. The high-fiber, whole-grain carbs of the kind diet falls into the good carb category. Stay away from processed foods too if you can. The superhero plan is the best for PCOS conditions in my opinion. Lauren, I hope you're doing fine and good luck.

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Erin Turner said #9 Oct 23, 2011 at 5:59am

Another one with PCOS here! My doctor said that it is common in those who are overweight, but I don't fall into that category. Unfortunately, all of the advice that I've read to cure it relates to weight loss. I don't want to lose weight! I've been trying to get pregnant for about 8 months now and have been on and off fertility drugs the whole time. It has been very frustrating, but it helps to know that there are other PCOSers out there. Hugs to you all.

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lexie d said #10 Oct 23, 2011 at 7:57am

Hi Erin! I am in your boat. My doctors said I must have pcos, but I do not fall into the typical categories either. The only thing is that I do not get my period unless I am on birth control. My doctors insist that I take it, however this is counterintuitive to me since I want my body to regulate itself naturally. I am just at a loss as how to do this on my own. I am currently using a tincture of viatex, 1 tsp in the am & pm. If anyone as any advice, it would be so greatly appreciated :) much love to you all! xo

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