Latest medical updates

I’ve had a whole range of tests over the past few months. My GP sent me to a weight loss specialist (although I’m not overweight - my BMI is 24), who she felt might be able give better advice in terms of PCOS. I’m also seeing a slightly alternative doctor (she describes herself as a ‘Nutrition and Integrative Medicine Specialist’). I’ve had conventional tests such as a regular blood test and an ultrasound to check on my ovaries, and less conventional ones such as live blood analysis and a saliva test.

Apparently, I no longer have PCOS! I still have some of the cosmetic symptoms of PCOS, but I don’t have the PCOS hormone profile, my ovaries look ‘normal’ and I have regular periods. I was diagnosed with PCOS 13 years ago based on a whole range of symptoms, and the diagnosis was confirmed by an endocrinologist. Since then, other members of my extended family have also had it diagnosed. The doctor I’m seeing at the moment believes I have got rid of it through a healthy lifestyle.

Apparently for the most part, I’m very healthy. However the tests do suggest I have some adrenal dysfunction (probably from stress), a mild leaky gut problem, a slight hormonal imbalance (a little low on progesterone), and very low melatonin levels. I’m now taking melatonin in the evening, supplements to repair the digestive system, support the adrenal system and regulate the menstrual cycle, and am following a diet (which includes no sugar / refined carbs) to help with these things. I am also continuing with the “women’s balance” supplement, as without it my sleep again reduced to almost nothing.

In addition to the supplements/diet, I’ve also started meditation classes.

I’m sleeping relatively well, although still have some bad nights (on average in the last month I have slept for just under 6 hours). However I’m mostly feeling quite a lot better.

More detail about the supplements

Here’re the brand names of the not so well known supplements:

· Women’s Balance – Fusion Health
· Glucolin – Dr Vera’s
· Stress & Stamina Support – Microgenics
· Women’s Ultivite – Swisse
· Inositol – Musashi
· Acetyl-L-Carnitine – Musashi

The solution

In this post I’m going to describe the dietary changes I've made and supplements that I’ve been taking for the last 6 weeks. I’ll also mention a few extra things I do to maintain my health and sleep well.

The main reason for the dietary changes and supplements is to balance blood sugar levels (I will describe in another entry why this is important). Therefore, I have reduced my intake of refined carbohydrates (white bread, white rice, pasta etc) and sugar (including less fruit). I have also increased my intake of unrefined carbohydrates (wholemeal/grainy breads, brown rice, grains, nuts and pulses) and increased my intake of protein. If you know about the glycaemic index (GI), then it’s low GI foods I’m trying to include in my diet. (A low GI diet is actually recommended for all women with PCOS). Whereas before I would often have cereal for breakfast or honey on toast, these days I’m more likely to have eggs or scrambled tofu on wholemeal toast or a protein shake. I try to make sure that I’m getting some protein in every meal.

As for the supplements, some are for balancing blood sugar levels (like the glucolin tablets) but others are ones recommended for women with PCOS (like fish oil). At the moment, I’m not exactly sure which are the “key” ones – this is something I’ll work out in a few months, once I feel that my sleeping patterns have stabilised and its time to reduce the supplements.

Here is a list of supplements I take, and when:

On rising
2x women's balance

At breakfast
1x glucolin (take 1/2 hour before meal)
2x fish oil
1x evening primrose oil
1x stress & stamina formula
1x women's ultivite
1x calcium (best to take between meals)
1/2 teaspoon inositol
1/2 teaspoon acetyl-L-carnitine (expensive - so can take just 20mins before aerobic exercise)

At lunch
1x glucolin (take 1/2 hour before meal)
2x fish oil
1x calcium (best to take between meals)
1x evening primrose oil

At dinner
1x glucolin (take 1/2 hour before meal)
2x fish oil
1x evening primrose oil
1x calcium (best to take between meals)

~ Just a warning ~
I recommend speaking to a naturopath, or at least the person selling the supplements, before taking them. You want to be sure that what you're taking is appropriate for you.

I also do/have these things to stay healthy and relaxed:
· yoga (15 mins every morning, and weekly yoga classes)
· meditation and relaxation exercises
· deep breathing (or pranayama, to use the yoga term)
· regular aerobic exercise (but not too much! - and I try to finish with some yoga)
· acupuncture
· massages (unfortunately might have to cut back on these!)