I know this is kind of an odd place to be posting this, but I know a lot of you are very knowledgeable with nutrition and metabolism etc, so I thought I’d get some feedback from you ladies. I was just recently diagnosed with PCOS, polycystic ovarian syndrome. This has coincided with my diagnosis of Crohn’s, or seems to be related since I used to be regular with my periods before Crohn’s and now with Crohn’s I don’t get a period.
I was diagnosed with PCOS via ultrasound, there were several cysts on my ovaries. However, all the blood work I got back to test for PCOS was normal. I’m really confused on what to do, since my doctor prescribed a medication called Metformin, which is an anti-diabetic med that is supposed to lower your insulin resistance which should then lower the testosterone your body creates which is what is causing you not to ovulate and develop the cysts on your ovaries. My fasting blood sugar came back normal, and my testosterone levels came back normal.
If anyone can help me with these questions or has experience with PCOS, I would greatly appreciate your help.
Is it possible that I’m still insulin resistant though my fasting blood sugar came back normal? I do notice if I eat too many carbs I crash, so I don’t think I’m all that insulin sensitive.
Do I need to stay low carb all the time if I am possibly insulin resistant? I’ve read some places that say that if you stay low carb too long, you can mess up your thyroid. Does it matter more if I stay low carb or just stick with low glycemic?
Are there any natural routes I can take to help with the PCOS?
How much exercise should I do to better my insulin sensitivity? I have a history of overexercising, so I don’t feel like I have a good grasp on what is a normal/healthy amount without going overboard. Right now I think I’m OK lifting 3 days a week full body and 2 days cardio. Do you think that’s sufficient?
If anyone has any suggestions, I’d love to hear. I’ve visited some PCOS forums, but not many people seem very knowledgeable about nutrition. Oh, also, I’m not overweight, a majority if women with PCOS are obese, but I’m in the healthy range, though I do tend to gain more weight in my abdomen area more than other areas which I know can signify insulin resistance. However my waist to hip ratio is in the normal range too.