Meka,
Great question: what to do in the meantime re: PCOS diagnosis, before your next GYN appointment.
Here are some ideas for you, as well as resources:
- Since PCOS is a hormone-related condition, you can do some things to minimize your risk for long-term complications, which include type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke. Eat healthy, well balanced meals primarily consisting of fruits, veggies, lean meat and whole grains, as well as exercise almost-daily-- these are the two absolute best things you can do. Exercising increases your body's ability to utilize insulin, a contributing factor in many cases of PCOS. Increasing your daily fiber intake and cutting down on refined sugars (baked goods, white bread, cookies, sodas, etc) is an excellent start. It may be difficult to completely eliminate the refined sugars from your diet, so be sure to choose them in moderation.
- There are a list of possible supplements that you may choose, but you would need to talk with your health care provider first to see which one(s), if any, are right for you. In the meantime, you can review this list of PCOS Supplements to be well-educated before your doctor's appointment. Let us know if you have any questions about these; some are controversial and some are mainstream, so please use common sense when taking these (and let your doctor and pharmacist know of any herbal or other supplements you are taking, as there may be drug interactions or negative consequences to their use). Clear the supplement with your doctor first!
- Dr. Ramsey (link below) also says it is important to reduce excess stress, as, "...stress is the most common cause to receptor site changes. Poor sleep, poor nutrition, habitual caffeine and/or alcohol use, synthetic birth control pills and chronic antibiotic use are some main contributors to stress.". Dr. Ramsey states, "...to properly treat PCOS, we have to address cellular health:
- Stress triggers must be identified and addressed
- Nutritional optimization (gluten-free, low-carb, small meals)
- Vitamin or medication use to reverse insulin resistance"
Lastly, I am not quite clear what you mean that you have a tight cervix during intercourse. The penis does not actually enter the cervix (that would be painful!), and would not be able to even if it were that long! Most men's penises, depending on the sexual position, may "bump" into the cervix, which causes pain for any women. The penis enters the vagina during intercourse, so I'm wondering if you are instead experiencing pain with intercourse in your vagina?
Let us know what you think of these resources; each will just take a few minutes to read. There are many, many books on PCOS, and it may be helpful to talk with a Registered Dietitian before trying any new fad diet.
Please keep us updated, and let us know what additional questions you have!
Comment Reply
Meka,
Great question: what to do in the meantime re: PCOS diagnosis, before your next GYN appointment.
Here are some ideas for you, as well as resources:
- Since PCOS is a hormone-related condition, you can do some things to minimize your risk for long-term complications, which include type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke. Eat healthy, well balanced meals primarily consisting of fruits, veggies, lean meat and whole grains, as well as exercise almost-daily-- these are the two absolute best things you can do. Exercising increases your body's ability to utilize insulin, a contributing factor in many cases of PCOS. Increasing your daily fiber intake and cutting down on refined sugars (baked goods, white bread, cookies, sodas, etc) is an excellent start. It may be difficult to completely eliminate the refined sugars from your diet, so be sure to choose them in moderation.
- There are a list of possible supplements that you may choose, but you would need to talk with your health care provider first to see which one(s), if any, are right for you. In the meantime, you can review this list of PCOS Supplements to be well-educated before your doctor's appointment. Let us know if you have any questions about these; some are controversial and some are mainstream, so please use common sense when taking these (and let your doctor and pharmacist know of any herbal or other supplements you are taking, as there may be drug interactions or negative consequences to their use). Clear the supplement with your doctor first!
- Dr. Ramsey (link below) also says it is important to reduce excess stress, as, "...stress is the most common cause to receptor site changes. Poor sleep, poor nutrition, habitual caffeine and/or alcohol use, synthetic birth control pills and chronic antibiotic use are some main contributors to stress.". Dr. Ramsey states, "...to properly treat PCOS, we have to address cellular health:
- Stress triggers must be identified and addressed
- Nutritional optimization (gluten-free, low-carb, small meals)
- Vitamin or medication use to reverse insulin resistance"
EmpowHer Medical Experts on PCOS:
- Dr. Cobin: How to Doctors Treat PCOS Symptoms
- Dr. Cobin: Should Women with PCOS Be Evaluated for Insulin Resistance?
- Dr. Ramsey: PCOS
- Dr. Corbin: What Causes PCOS
An EmpowHer Member shares her favorite resource:
- How to Cure PCOS Naturally
Resources:
- EmpowHer Encyclopedia: PCOS Treatment Options
- PCOS support
Lastly, I am not quite clear what you mean that you have a tight cervix during intercourse. The penis does not actually enter the cervix (that would be painful!), and would not be able to even if it were that long! Most men's penises, depending on the sexual position, may "bump" into the cervix, which causes pain for any women. The penis enters the vagina during intercourse, so I'm wondering if you are instead experiencing pain with intercourse in your vagina?
Let us know what you think of these resources; each will just take a few minutes to read. There are many, many books on PCOS, and it may be helpful to talk with a Registered Dietitian before trying any new fad diet.
Please keep us updated, and let us know what additional questions you have!
December 1, 2009 - 2:24pmThis Comment
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