PCOS & Type 2

@Loobydoo - welcome Yes.... I was 25 years old when I was diagnosed with type 2 and PCOS the same day. I was told I likely had PCOS undiagnosed for a long time considering I always had a hard time with periods, etc. I had a problem with constant cysts in my late 20's and came close to getting surgery for one of them before it burst the night before the surgery. So my docs decided to put me on the pill to stop me from ovulating and also to help with the migraines I get due to changes in hormones. This definitely stopped the cysts for me which has been a relief.

It's been a rough journey so far for me... I won't sugar coat it for you. I started by reviewing my diet and keeping a food diary and recording everything I noticed that affected my sugar levels. With PCOS we definitely have insulin resistance. But all you can do to keep noticing and changing things and do your best with what you know. When I was diagnosed I didn't know anyone with what I had and I also didn't have forums like this to refer to. I had very limited help really and didn't know much at all about either condition other than what docs told me. I was told I was too young to have "mature onset diabetes" (that's what type 2 was called when I was diagnosed), but that I had it because of PCOS. I also have diabetes on both sides of my family... so that probably contributed too.

I'm now in my 40's and dealing with a lot more health conditions than I had in my 20's. It's not fun being sick... but the key to any hardship in life is to keep a positive outlook and no matter what just keep going.

I wish you the best ... also I remember too well what it was like as you're almost the same age I was when I was diagnosed with the same things. I remember feeling very angry about both conditions... being told what they can do to me. I've been living with them for over 17 years now and I've had to keep adjusting as I go and make changes to keep up. I know it's hard to accept at first, but you will get used to things and you will find things that work for you.

Loobydoo said:

Hi I've been recently diagnosed with type 2 diabeties, (I am 24). That in itself is a world wind of emotions and change. But I've now also been diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome. Has anyone experienced this? Any comfort would be greatly appreciated. I just feel like I'm not a real woman. I feel so sad and I don't really know who to turn to. The symptoms alone of everything is just so overwhelming and I need some advice.

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Hi - I was diagnosed Type 2 back last April after a kidney transplant. I'm in control now due to a low carb diet and feeling more settled because I got informed (much down to the help on this site) and took charge of the thing. Now..I'm not a woman and so the best I could do was just reply and send a hug. No doubt you're feeling pretty overwhelmed by it all at once..but that is obviously natural until you know more about it all..therefore any premature stress is (while understandable) utterly pointless. You can only wind yourself up, so try to resign to a positions of not being sure enough about it to conclude anything. I have also no doubt some very helpful women will be along here to support with better more relevant stuff than I can manage. My condition prior to transplant (one I have had since birth 53 years ago) - POLYCYSTIC kidneys. I do know that these cysts by and of themselves don't do direct harm as such but as they grow more in numbers and size (which really varies person to person) they can slow and block up the organ's function. It took 50 years for mine to bring my kidneys to a halt. I know that there are all kinds of symptoms can happen with what you have (including diabetes) - but they may not all happen (and those that do may only happen to a limited extent), and there is more and more treatment available...anyway, not wanting to patronise - take it one thing at a time, learn what you can and refuse to let it dominate you. I have also heard that plenty of fluid (water mainly) helps slow down the growth of these cysts. Do your own research and get in control as much as you can - it will help you in more ways than one. Take care. Paul

Loobydoo said:

Hi I've been recently diagnosed with type 2 diabeties, (I am 24). That in itself is a world wind of emotions and change. But I've now also been diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome. Has anyone experienced this? Any comfort would be greatly appreciated. I just feel like I'm not a real woman. I feel so sad and I don't really know who to turn to. The symptoms alone of everything is just so overwhelming and I need some advice.

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Hi there! You are not alone and even if your recent news feel like .....(insert what ever swear word you feel appropriate ) ..it is not end of the world.
Just like Mep, my PCOS and diabetes was diagnosed yeeeeears ago. First with PCOS...something that I had from very early on in the life since my female development was delayed and I never started periods naturally in my late teens. And diabetes came aboard just few years after that....with the same dialogue 'we don't know why you got type 2 so young'
I went through many of the common symptoms...period issues, hairiness, oily skin, hair loss, infertility etc...BUT...they all been treatable and I have managed eventually get over them...though it wasn't fun at the time. Apparently having children would have been possibility for me..but we decided not to have any...since my hubby had his share of issues too
Over the years I've managed to have fairly decent diet and life style to keep PCOS symptoms in check..though it didn't help with my diabetes side of the life...with the results that now in my 40's my 'female side' of the issues have found balance naturally and I don't medicate for PCOS and my periods are working naturally first time in my life! ...roll on menopause..it won't be that long now
As for diabetes...I've only managed to get hang of it that just last couple of months....and has been totally down to carbohydrate intake in my diet..my lesson have been that even the 'good carbs' are no good for you if you are insulin resistant..good or bad, they are still carbs and will effect blood sugar levels.
I'm now LCHF diet...with the effect that I'm currently trialling life without insulin injections!! (first 24 hrs behind now..it is that new concept)...and that's after being on insulin treatment nearly 20 years!
In one way you are lucky....you will have all the latest research that will help you to get better available and this forums good ideas and support from early on....who knows what your body is able to do if you put your mind to it.
But don't rush to tackle it all in one go...both conditions go hand in hand...and good way to start is adjust your diet.
'Less woman' you definitely are not...you are just woman with 'slightly bigger package' You can do all womanly things..AND MORE...that's what makes us women...we deal with things because all women, with or without 'issues' have to. Our issues just happen to have PCOS and diabetes 'labels' on them.
But by turning up here and writing your post for support..that is sign that WOMAN inside you is already started to deal with it...good on you! Now you just have start process of educating yourself and putting it all in practise....and experience LOTS of trials and errors. You might need some help from medicines for sure...but it doesn't necessary have to mean it is for rest of your life....no matter what doctors may claim...those claims are there to be proven wrong... And they often are...and it can be interesting experience too... NO FEAR girl...

@Finsky - well done on getting off insulin My biggest problem with PCOS itself was the pain I had from cysts, a tonne of skin tags all over me (and apparently also inside me when I've had scopes done ) I always wondered why I was having such a bad problem with them and they're one of the symptoms of PCOS. I also had some unwanted hair show up on my neck at times so I'd be plucking them out. My situation is probably different to yours with my other stuff... and also I can't come off insulin because they found I hardly produce any. That would probably be from years of insulin resistance stressing my pancreas.

I totally agree... NO FEAR!

@pleinster - ouch to the polyscystic kidneys that must've been quite an ordeal for you. I'm glad you were able to get a transplant and hope you're doing well (I know someone who had that done too).

Mep said:

@Finsky - well done on getting off insulin My biggest problem with PCOS itself was the pain I had from cysts, a tonne of skin tags all over me (and apparently also inside me when I've had scopes done ) I always wondered why I was having such a bad problem with them and they're one of the symptoms of PCOS. I also had some unwanted hair show up on my neck at times so I'd be plucking them out. My situation is probably different to yours with my other stuff... and also I can't come off insulin because they found I hardly produce any. That would probably be from years of insulin resistance stressing my pancreas.

I totally agree... NO FEAR!

@pleinster - ouch to the polyscystic kidneys that must've been quite an ordeal for you. I'm glad you were able to get a transplant and hope you're doing well (I know someone who had that done too).

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Thank you...but I'm not off from insulin hook...it was just first little trial to see what happens. I had good 48 hours without it and all stayed within normal range. But this morning my body decided to start emptying its own stores....
so I'm having to rely little helping hand. Clearly I still have loooong way to go and clear system before trialling again. But it is encouraging sign. I have fasting experiment to do next..

Skin tags...yes, I was always wondering about those....I have some too though not that many anymore.

Loobydoo said:

Hi I've been recently diagnosed with type 2 diabeties, (I am 24). That in itself is a world wind of emotions and change. But I've now also been diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome. Has anyone experienced this? Any comfort would be greatly appreciated. I just feel like I'm not a real woman. I feel so sad and I don't really know who to turn to. The symptoms alone of everything is just so overwhelming and I need some advice.

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Oh another world of advise...
Remember when you were little and you continually asked 'why?' ...never ever loose that. When you deal with 'health professionals'...always asked them lots of questions...even if it is to confirm something you already found out yourself, it will help you to find out if they are straight with you. It doesn't matter if you are pain in the bum for them with computer print outs...so what, questions are there to be asked.
If you are recommended to take some medication..do not refuse straight away or take it without questioning it. Tell you doctor that you always like to research yourself what you have been recommended so if there is something he would like to tell you about meds etc. he might as well tell you there...and still check it yourself.
I know this sounds quite depressing '...but experience have taught me not to and take their word for it....they (dr's) don't know everything, particularly little about diets/nutrition/supplements..many don't keep up with latest information or are even interested or allowed to venture outside healthcare system's guidelines..
In my last appointment Dr. was pushing me to new medication....and I told him I will need to read about it first..so he said 'oh you are one of those...' 'Yep...I sure am' So I asked about side effects....even when he knew I was going to look upon that...and even he hand on his heart assured me there is really nothing to be concern as there very few issues and those usually pass...when I got home and read....and read...and searched...I found more questionable issues that convinced me not to start that medication. And now I have proved him wrong for the 'need for it'.
So ALWAYS use them for information...question them...ask for advise...get home and read about it and make your own decisions based on the all the facts. It is your body...your decision what you do for it...most of the time you can try something else first before going to medicines option. Ask copy of your test results..they are about your body and your results...YOURS!..so you can keep your own records....comes handy when start learning about these things and have the info in hand to refer to.
You are in early stages in diabetic life and all the options are quite likely to be open for you... even the 'old crow' like me will still be able to try alternatives to medicines so you don't have to rush to me all the decisions straight away..not panic to take it all in!
Just learn and change few things at the time and see how your body will respond to them...it might sound like hard work but over time it will become like second nature to you...learning to read what your body tells you.

Hi and welcome.

Yes, T2 and PCOS often (usually?) go hand in hand.

Worth doing as much research as possible NOW about what to expect from both - not to worry you, or upset you - but rather to prepare you and let you take sensible common sense precautions NOW.

When I was diagnosed in my 30s, it was perfectly clear to me that I had had these symptoms since puberty. And if I had half the knowledge then that I have now, my life would have been a different thing.

You have an early diagnosis, and there is MUCH more info around now, so in a sense you have a head start.

PCOSers respond fabulously to low carb diets. The lower the better. And anything you can do to prevent weight gain will stand you in good stead, because once the weight has gone on, it is harder for us to shift. I really count it a good year when I do not gain, so discovering very low carb ketogenic eating and losing over 2 stone without appreciable effort... that was f'ing AWESOME!!!

I agree that diagnosis comes as a demoralising shock. But, in time, that just wears away. Promise.

Finsky said:

Thank you...but I'm not off from insulin hook...it was just first little trial to see what happens. I had good 48 hours without it and all stayed within normal range. But this morning my body decided to start emptying its own stores....
so I'm having to rely little helping hand. Clearly I still have loooong way to go and clear system before trialling again. But it is encouraging sign. I have fasting experiment to do next..

Skin tags...yes, I was always wondering about those....I have some too though not that many anymore.

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Have you had the c-peptide test done recently at all? That's how I found out why nothing was working for me as that came back showing I hardly produce insulin. You may not have that issue, but if you haven't already it may be worthwhile checking.

Yeh these skin tags are just annoying but my neck seems to cop most of them... I had no idea you could get them on the inside of you as well. I also got told I probably had PCOS since puberty because I always had a lot of pain and heavy periods. I remember my mother taking me to the doctor one time to tell him I can't be normal and asked him what should be done. The doctor at the time just made out I was fine and he didn't do any tests or anything (probably didn't know anything about PCOS). I also had problems where I wouldn't stop bleeding either... like for a month. I only learnt later at age 25 from the endocrinologist that all that was PCOS symptoms.

I was diagnosed as PCOS at 13 and at 24 was diagnosed three months ago with type 2. They're both a pain in the back side.

I haven't had a period for around 6 years and also have skin tags/oily skin/ hair loss and excess hair where I don't want it.

I'm controlling type 2 through LCHF and have found I feel much better generally and don't feel as bloated etc

Re the oily skin, have always had it.
Then last summer I started supplementing with Vit D3 (paid for a private blood test and turned out to be deficient)

One of the most AMAZING benefits of the Vit D is that my oily skin has improved!
Am certain that this is the cause of the improvement, because when I forget the supplements, my skin gets oilier again.
- just for clarity, I am talking large doses of over the counter Vit D3, with accompanying Vit K2 (helps the body to use the D). I took 10,000 iu every day for a couple of months, but have now dropped it to 5,000 iu a day.
- also turns out that the Vit D deficiency was a major cause of my low mood (deficiency is known to cause depression) - have felt a great deal more positive since supplementing.

Mep said:

Have you had the c-peptide test done recently at all? That's how I found out why nothing was working for me as that came back showing I hardly produce insulin. You may not have that issue, but if you haven't already it may be worthwhile checking.

Yeh these skin tags are just annoying but my neck seems to cop most of them... I had no idea you could get them on the inside of you as well. I also got told I probably had PCOS since puberty because I always had a lot of pain and heavy periods. I remember my mother taking me to the doctor one time to tell him I can't be normal and asked him what should be done. The doctor at the time just made out I was fine and he didn't do any tests or anything (probably didn't know anything about PCOS). I also had problems where I wouldn't stop bleeding either... like for a month. I only learnt later at age 25 from the endocrinologist that all that was PCOS symptoms.

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Yes, I had that test done only recently and it was showing that I still produce insulin...but how well, I forgot to ask that.....I had enough battling going on with other things with the 'dear' doctor. I'm going to see diabetic nurse in few weeks time so I shall get all the test results printed out and have more civilized conversation...can't be doing that with doctors, they have such a egos preventing that

Brunneria said:

Re the oily skin, have always had it.
Then last summer I started supplementing with Vit D3 (paid for a private blood test and turned out to be deficient)

One of the most AMAZING benefits of the Vit D is that my oily skin has improved!
Am certain that this is the cause of the improvement, because when I forget the supplements, my skin gets oilier again.
- just for clarity, I am talking large doses of over the counter Vit D3, with accompanying Vit K2 (helps the body to use the D). I took 10,000 iu every day for a couple of months, but have now dropped it to 5,000 iu a day.
- also turns out that the Vit D deficiency was a major cause of my low mood (deficiency is known to cause depression) - have felt a great deal more positive since supplementing.

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I found that info very interesting indeed. I haven't been tested for any vitamin level...only for iron (though that's not a vitamin)...and trying to even suggest such a thing...!!!
But I have always supplemented myself...more of guess work, trial and error to see how they make me feel of there is any improvements. Vit D is something take regularly. I can't say I've targeted with it or any of my supplements to anything specific as such..but I keep eye on what I might be lacking from the diet and what my meds may deplete and work from that. I must do something right as many things with me have improved so much

Jessica120714 said:

I was diagnosed as PCOS at 13 and at 24 was diagnosed three months ago with type 2. They're both a pain in the back side.

I haven't had a period for around 6 years and also have skin tags/oily skin/ hair loss and excess hair where I don't want it.

I'm controlling type 2 through LCHF and have found I feel much better generally and don't feel as bloated etc

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'pain in the back side'...LOL...I can relate to that. Though I've never been really feeling ill or bothered with diabetes as such....even if it wasn't controlled, it haven't given trouble in same way that PCOS. All the mood changes depending time of the month....feeling really run down during periods, and that's in a good day. Other times they've been sooo painfull and feels like somebody has turned tap on down bellow and one has to sit on loo and drip! It was worst when I was on medication for PCOS..now that they are coming naturally and not taking anything, I don't feel too bad anymore!?

Finsky said:

'pain in the back side'...LOL...I can relate to that. Though I've never been really feeling ill or bothered with diabetes as such....even if it wasn't controlled, it haven't given trouble in same way that PCOS. All the mood changes depending time of the month....feeling really run down during periods, and that's in a good day. Other times they've been sooo painfull and feels like somebody has turned tap on down bellow and one has to sit on loo and drip! It was worst when I was on medication for PCOS..now that they are coming naturally and not taking anything, I don't feel too bad anymore!?

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omg yeh brings back memories for me too re: toilet. I'm having to stay medicated. To be honest I'm way too nervous at changing to anything else because not being on the right med equals a lot of pain with migraines and cysts. Recently a different doc told me I should try the UID and come off the pill. The only issue with that is that it works on your uterus lining and doesn't stop you from ovulating she said. I asked what's the point then? I'd wind up with cysts with some ridiculous piece of stuff inside me that just stops the egg from attaching to the uterus wall. I think some docs don't pay attention. Then I asked how does that stop my migraines? She said oh the pill causes migraines. I said excuse me I had migraines before the pill so that isn't it for me. She didn't know what to say... just carrying on as she happened to see me with high blood pressure that day. I already told her I'm on treatment for hypertension and she was trying to make out the pill causes that too. I said again I had hypertension before the pill (only been on the pill about 10 years, had the rest 17-20 years). I don't know there is pros and cons to everything. So far I find nothing is friendly to anything else you may have.

I have an IUD (the Mirena) best thing EVER!

Went 20 years without a period (yay!!!!), then they sorted out the cause of THAT (medication for a benign tumour of the pituitry gland that produces too much prolactin) and my periods started again 3 weeks long and very heavy (boo hiss!!!) so I tried a copper coil and they got EVEN heavier so they switched me to a Mirena and they are now blissfully light

Went on The Pill centuries ago, around the time my whole hormone situation reached critical mass and the meltdown began. Don't know whether it triggered the 20year hiatus (Happy Days!!!) or just a coincidence, but I ain't never going near synthetic hormones like the Pill again. No way. Like throwing petrol on a hormone fire. The Mirena has minute amounts of hormone, which works like a charm.

Brunneria said:

I have an IUD (the Mirena) best thing EVER!

Went 20 years without a period (yay!!!!), then they sorted out the cause of THAT (medication for a benign tumour of the pituitry gland that produces too much prolactin) and my periods started again 3 weeks long and very heavy (boo hiss!!!) so I tried a copper coil and they got EVEN heavier so they switched me to a Mirena and they are now blissfully light

Went on The Pill centuries ago, around the time my whole hormone situation reached critical mass and the meltdown began. Don't know whether it triggered the 20year hiatus (Happy Days!!!) or just a coincidence, but I ain't never going near synthetic hormones like the Pill again. No way. Like throwing petrol on a hormone fire. The Mirena has minute amounts of hormone, which works like a charm.

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That's great it worked so well for you... so you didn't get any cysts? This doc told me it doesn't stop ovulation, just makes it so you can't fall pregnant by changing the uterus lining. Are you a migraine sufferer at all?

Mep said:

That's great it worked so well for you... so you didn't get any cysts? This doc told me it doesn't stop ovulation, just makes it so you can't fall pregnant by changing the uterus lining. Are you a migraine sufferer at all?

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Have had some tiny pinching discomfort (from the Mirena), always just before my lovely light menstruation, but if I have had cysts they have passed unnoticed.

But then, i have never had major cyst issues - just major hormone nonsense.

Mep said:

omg yeh brings back memories for me too re: toilet. I'm having to stay medicated. To be honest I'm way too nervous at changing to anything else because not being on the right med equals a lot of pain with migraines and cysts. Recently a different doc told me I should try the UID and come off the pill. The only issue with that is that it works on your uterus lining and doesn't stop you from ovulating she said. I asked what's the point then? I'd wind up with cysts with some ridiculous piece of stuff inside me that just stops the egg from attaching to the uterus wall. I think some docs don't pay attention. Then I asked how does that stop my migraines? She said oh the pill causes migraines. I said excuse me I had migraines before the pill so that isn't it for me. She didn't know what to say... just carrying on as she happened to see me with high blood pressure that day. I already told her I'm on treatment for hypertension and she was trying to make out the pill causes that too. I said again I had hypertension before the pill (only been on the pill about 10 years, had the rest 17-20 years). I don't know there is pros and cons to everything. So far I find nothing is friendly to anything else you may have.

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To me 'pill' did cause elevation with blood pressure...had to medicate against that too I was for yeeeeears on Dianette, never really had any other issues with that, and then one doctor took me off from it. She was horrified that I had been taking it as long term treatment which 'it was not supposed to be because its risk factors'. And I was put on some other pill...WELL, they don't go down well at all! After first couple of weeks I was emotional wreck and with 'UBER' painful boobs that were very sensitive for temperature changes (and it happened to be winter time too..) I was practically walking holding my breast and had my nipples taped up to avoid the worst. Next doctor I saw told me I had to come off from them and had good few weeks break from any hormonal meds to allow my body to calm down. During that time my blood pressure started to come down and I took myself off from meds ...never needed them since. After that I was on 'medroxyprogesterone' tablets ...just one weekly treatment on each month to bring on periods. That worked treat...no major issues with it and carried on for few years like that...until I decided to have that little trial break and see what happens. My 'flow' has worked normally ever since!

Finsky said:

To me 'pill' did cause elevation with blood pressure...had to medicate against that too I was for yeeeeears on Dianette, never really had any other issues with that, and then one doctor took me off from it. She was horrified that I had been taking it as long term treatment which 'it was not supposed to be because its risk factors'. And I was put on some other pill...WELL, they don't go down well at all! After first couple of weeks I was emotional wreck and with 'UBER' painful boobs that were very sensitive for temperature changes (and it happened to be winter time too..) I was practically walking holding my breast and had my nipples taped up to avoid the worst. Next doctor I saw told me I had to come off from them and had good few weeks break from any hormonal meds to allow my body to calm down. During that time my blood pressure started to come down and I took myself off from meds ...never needed them since. After that I was on 'medroxyprogesterone' tablets ...just one weekly treatment on each month to bring on periods. That worked treat...no major issues with it and carried on for few years like that...until I decided to have that little trial break and see what happens. My 'flow' has worked normally ever since!

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Glad to hear things are improving for you

For me I never had the problem of irregular periods, they were just painful and heavy.

At the moment I couldn't tolerate having a period and a migraine every 3 weeks. I've had to go to ER in ambulances before with my migraines as they can be hard to control. Plus with everything else I have going on it is just too much. My doc lets me skip 3 months and have a period. I don't like periods even on the pill as the pill hasn't stopped me from getting migraines from them either. Although I've a bit more control with the pill to get less of them for that reason.