Pms And Pcos: Dealing With Premenstrual Cravings
PMS and PCOS: Dealing with Premenstrual Cravings Do you stay on track with nutrition and exercise for about 20 days, but then the PMS Craving Fairy casts her evil spell and you completely undo all your hard work? It seems like everything is smooth sailing until the premenstrual phase of the month. You feel empowered; you make good food decisions, workout and even lose weight. Then, in just a few days, you do a 180-degree turn. Its this terrible 28-day fitness Ferris Wheel you cant escape from! Today I want to talk about what you can do to manage premenstrual cravings when you are trying to lose weight and live a PCOS-friendly lifestyle. The first thing you must know is that you are not crazy! I hate the way we talk about premenstrual symptoms! The fluctuation of your hormones every month is a perfectly natural thing, and it only makes sense that you will experience some changes as your body processes through this cycle every 28-35 days. These fluctuations are a good thing. They are a sign that you are a healthy, vital, living organism that is changing and evolving! That said, premenstrual cravings and increased appetite can make pursuing fitness goals or weight loss particularly challenging. The first thing you need to do is let go of the shame, guilt, and feeling of temporary craziness. Increased hunger and cravings are well-documented features of the premenstrual stage in the female cycle. There is a web of complex physiological factors that contribute to this common phenomenon. Here is a short list: Energy expenditure (the number of calories your body burns) has been shown to increase in the days following ovulation and leading up to menstruation. Estrogen peaks during ovulation and then significantly drops just before menstruation. Estrogen helps regulate your appe Continue reading >>
Effects Of Metformin On Body Mass Index, Menstrual Cyclicity, And Ovulation Induction In Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.
Effects of metformin on body mass index, menstrual cyclicity, and ovulation induction in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, 75235, USA. Metformin has been used as a treatment in many studies of the infertility associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). We will review the literature on this topic as it specifically relates to changes in body mass index (BMI), improvement in menstrual cyclicity, and effects on ovulation and pregnancy rates. Review of studies addressing biochemical and clinical changes in women with PCOS on metformin. Changes in BMI, menstrual cyclicity, ovulation rate, and pregnancy rate. Metformin has been shown to produce small but significant reductions in BMI. Multiple observational studies have confirmed an improvement in menstrual cyclicity with metformin therapy. The studies addressing the concomitant use of metformin with clomiphene citrate initially predicted great success, but these have been followed by more modest results. There is little data in the literature concerning the use of metformin and hMGs. Some (but not all) women with PCOS have improvements in their menstrual cycles while on metformin. The data supporting the use of metformin in ovulation induction with clomiphene citrate and hMG remain to be confirmed by large, randomized, prospective studies. Continue reading >>
Pms-metformin - Uses, Side Effects, Interactions - Canoe.com
have type 1 diabetes (people with type 1 diabetes should always be using insulin) have very poor blood glucose control (these people should not take this medication as the only antidiabetic agent) What side effects are possible with this medication? Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent. The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor. The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking this medication. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time. Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects. unusual stomach ache (after the initial stomach ache that can occur at the start of therapy) Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication. Are there any other precautions or warnings for this medication? Before you begin taking a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should take this medication. \ Alcohol intake: Anyone taking metformin should avoid excessive alcohol intake. Blood sugar control: If you have fever, trauma, infection, or surgery, you may have a temporary loss Continue reading >>
Metformin Cure For Pmdd?
Posted by Liv on December 29, 2003, at 16:00:56 In reply to PMDD - Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder , posted by Jan on March 1, 1999, at 10:54:47 Maybe Insulin Resistance is the cause of PMDD. Have any of you tried METFORMIN (glucophage)? It has saved my life. I was suffering from extreme PMDD, and a weight gain that was unbelievable. After taking many test that did not show any significant abnormality, trying different pills of different types, I told my MD that I wanted to try metformin. I have PCOS and metformin is being used to treat PCOS. Boy, am I glad I got to try metformin! My life is transformed! In 2 years I have lost 25 lb, but best off all, my mood is totally better. I am a normal person! It is amazing! For me it truly has been a cure. This summer I went on a long vacation, and did not take my metformin regularly. What a mistake. I went right back to where I had been 2 years ago. It was hell, I had forgotten how BAD PMDD could be. I didnt think I was going to be able to get through it. But I did and I will never forget to take my metformin ever again. Try it, it may work for some of you. I dont have any side effects (I like to say that this pill is made for me :-), but I know some people get an upset stomach from metformin. Give it a few months and see if it will cure your PMDD too. It will make me happy if only one of you will benefit from this. Good Luck. Continue reading >>
Metformin (glucophage) And Pcos
Metformin (Glucophage) is a pharmaceutical drug originally developed to treat elevated blood glucose levels in people with Type 2 Diabetes. It is now commonly prescribed for women with PCOS. Potential side effects of Metformin include: Gastrointestinal side effects such as diarrhea, gas and bloating, abdominal discomfort, nausea, and vomiting. Decreased Vitamin B12 absorption that can potentially lead to anemia. Increased levels of amino acids in the blood, which is a risk factor for atherosclerosis. Contraindications in using Metformin include liver disease, alcoholism, compromised renal function, hypoxic conditions, and moderate to severe infections. There is an alternative to using Metformin. Metformin (Glucophage) is a pharmaceutical drug often prescribed for women with PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome). It is an insulin-sensitizing biguanide commonly used to treat elevated blood glucose levels in people with Type 2 Diabetes. It is often used as an off-label prescription for PCOS, which means it was originally used only for individuals with Type 2 Diabetes, but is now prescribed for PCOS patients because it has similar actions in both groups. If you have PCOS, you may have Insulin Resistance. If you have Insulin Resistance the ability of your cells to respond to the action of insulin in transporting glucose (sugar) from the bloodstream into muscle and tissue is diminished. Metformin improves the cell’s response to insulin and helps move glucose into the cell. As a result, your body is not required to make as much insulin.1 PCOS and its symptoms of hyperandrogenism (acne, hirsutism, alopecia), reproductive disorders (irregular menses, anovulation, infertility, polycystic ovaries), and metabolic disturbances (weight gain) have been linked to hyperinsulinemia and In Continue reading >>
Pmdd Pcos Metformin 'miracle'
I have had PMDD for 20 years. I tried birth control pills, and that helped, but has it's own side effects. I had to go off them PERMANENTLY because my moronic surgeon didn't think to take me off of them temporarily while I was recovering from severe traumatic injuries to my lower leg. Well, you guessed it, blood clot (and I;m not a smoker) so I was devastated when I had to go off them and the horrible pmdd issues arose. I finally found a doctor who suggested Metformin (even though I've never had diabetes). At first I thought it was silly, but was willing to try anything to get rid of the pmdd. After about 2 months my pmdd vanished, I still don't know exactly how, but after doing some research it seems like I might be insulin resistant (again, not diabetes level though) and the metformin helps with that. Several people indicated that they had PMDD or PCOS and symptoms of insulin resistance and metformin fixed that. So how do you know if you are insulin resistant and that's what's behind the pmdd? look up the symptoms.... the only one I personally had was Acanthosis nigricans on my inner thighs/groin (it looked like I was "tan" there and no where else, I'm white). It is a cosmetic condition strongly associated with insulin resistance in which the skin darkens and thickens in creased areas (for example, the neck, arm pits, and groin). Anyhow, just wanted to share what worked for me in the hopes it can work for others (it's a cheap med too). Continue reading >>
Pcos: All Guides
PCOS is a common problem among teen girls and young women. In fact, almost 1 out of 10 women has PCOS. What is PCOS? Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormone imbalance that can cause irregular periods, unwanted hair growth, and acne. PCOS begins during a girl’s teen years and can be mild or severe. What are the signs of PCOS? Some of the most common signs of PCOS include: Irregular periods that come every few months, not at all, or too frequently Extra hair on your face or other parts of your body, called hirsutism (her-suit-is-em) Acne Weight gain and/or trouble losing weight Patches of dark skin on the back of your neck and other areas, called acanthosis nigricans (a-can-tho-sis ni-gri-cans) Could I have PCOS? If you have some or all of the above signs, you might have PCOS. There can be other reasons why you might have signs; however, only your health care provider can tell for sure. What causes PCOS? PCOS is caused by an imbalance in the hormones (chemical messengers) in your brain and your ovaries. PCOS usually happens when a hormone called LH (from the pituitary gland) or levels of insulin (from the pancreas) are too high, which then causes the ovaries to make extra amounts of testosterone. For a more detailed explanation, take a look at the female reproductive anatomy image: The pituitary (pi-tu-i-tary) gland in your brain makes the hormones luteinizing (lu-tin-iz-ing) hormone (LH) and follicle (fall-i-call) stimulating hormone (FSH). After getting the signal from the hormones LH and FSH, the ovaries make estrogen (es-tro-gen) and progesterone (pro-ges-ter-own), the female sex hormones. All normal ovaries also make a little bit of the androgen testosterone (an-dro-gen tes-tos-ter-own), a male sex hormone. The pancreas (pang-cree-us) is an organ that makes i Continue reading >>
Metformin And Pcos Treatment
The key clinical features of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are hyperandrogenism (hirsutism, acne, alopecia) and menstrual irregularity with associated anovulatory infertility.0402 The agreed definition of PCOS recognises obesity as an association and not a diagnostic criterion as only 40–50% of women with PCOS are overweight. Ovarian hyperandrogenism is driven primarily by luteinising hormone (LH) in slim women, while in the overweight insulin may augment the effects of LH.0402 Women with polycystic ovaries are more insulin resistant than weight-matched women with normal ovaries. Insulin resistance is seen in 10–15% of slim and 20–40% of obese women with PCOS and women with PCOS are at increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes.0401 Insulin Resistance Insulin resistance is defined as a reduced glucose response to a given amount of insulin and usually results from faults within the insulin receptor. As a result circulating insulin levels rise. Insulin resistance does not affect all actions of insulin and, in the ovary, high levels of circulating insulin are thought to contribute both to excess androgen production and to anovulation. Insulin resistance can be measured by a number of expensive and complex tests but in clinical practice it is not necessary to measure it routinely; it is more important to check for impaired glucose tolerance.0401 Simple screening tests include an evaluation of body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference. If the fasting blood glucose is less than 5.2 mmol/l the risk of impaired glucose tolerance is low. Metformin Obesity has a significant adverse impact on reproductive outcome. It influences not only the chance of conception but also the response to fertility treatment, and increases the risk of miscarriage, congenital anomalies Continue reading >>
10 Facts About Metformin And Pcos
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a relatively common hormonal disorder that is one of the leading causes of infertility. Some women who have PCOS develop insulin resistance. This occurs when the cells of the body don’t respond well to a hormone known as insulin. Insulin allows the cells to take sugar (glucose) from the blood. If the cells don’t take in this sugar it leads to higher levels of glucose and insulin circulating through the body in the bloodstream. This, in turn, leads to increased levels of androgens (male hormones) which cause the classic symptoms of PCOS such as excess hair growth and more importantly in terms of fertility – lack of ovulation. Getting pregnant with PCOS can be possible with the right diagnosis and treatment plan. Here are the Top 10 facts about metformin use in PCOS patients: 1) Metformin is a medication that is primarily used to treat type 2 diabetes. It is marketed in the US under the names Fortamet, Glucophage, Glucophage XR, Glumetza and Riomet. It is available as a tablet, extended-release tablet and a liquid. 2) With infertility patients, it is used not because the women with PCOS have diabetes (although they do have an increased risk of developing this disease), but because it acts on improving use of insulin by the cells of the body and therefore reducing the level of insulin in the blood. This can lead to improved ovulation, more regular menstrual cycles as well as a reduction in excessive hair growth, acne and weight gain. It may also slow down or prevent the development of type 2 diabetes later in life. 3) To determine if it would be helpful for a patient with PCOS to use Metformin, they are given a 2 Hour Glucose Tolerance Test. First, a fasting blood sample is drawn to determine a baseline glucose level. The patient t Continue reading >>
Pms-metformin
How does this medication work? What will it do for me? Metformin belongs to the class of medications called oral hypoglycemics, which are medications that lower blood sugar. It is used to control blood glucose (blood sugar) for people with type 2 diabetes. It is used when diet, exercise, and weight reduction have not been found to lower blood glucose well enough on their own. Metformin works by reducing the amount of glucose made by the liver and by making it easier for glucose to enter into the tissues of the body. Metformin has been found to be especially useful in delaying problems associated with diabetes for overweight people with diabetes. This medication may be available under multiple brand names and/or in several different forms. Any specific brand name of this medication may not be available in all of the forms or approved for all of the conditions discussed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it. What form(s) does this medication come in? 500 mg Each white, round, biconvex coated tablet, imprinted "met" over "500" on the scored side and "P" logo on the other side, contains metformin HCl 500 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, croscarmellose sodium, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, magnesium ste Continue reading >>
Early Effects Of Metformin In Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Prospective Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Trial
Early Effects of Metformin in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Prospective Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial Departments of Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine (S.E., N.S., A.G., M.v.W., T.S.), 69115 Heidelberg, Germany Obstetrics and Gynecology (S.E.), 69115 Heidelberg, Germany Address all correspondence and requests for reprints to: S. Eisenhardt, M.D., Womens University Hospital, Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vossstr. 9, 69115 Heidelberg, Germany. Search for other works by this author on: Departments of Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine (S.E., N.S., A.G., M.v.W., T.S.), 69115 Heidelberg, Germany Search for other works by this author on: Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, and Biostatistics (V.H.), University of Heidelberg, 69115 Heidelberg, Germany Search for other works by this author on: Departments of Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine (S.E., N.S., A.G., M.v.W., T.S.), 69115 Heidelberg, Germany Search for other works by this author on: Departments of Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine (S.E., N.S., A.G., M.v.W., T.S.), 69115 Heidelberg, Germany Search for other works by this author on: Internal Medicine (A.H.), 69115 Heidelberg, Germany Search for other works by this author on: Departments of Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine (S.E., N.S., A.G., M.v.W., T.S.), 69115 Heidelberg, Germany Search for other works by this author on: The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, Volume 91, Issue 3, 1 March 2006, Pages 946952, S. Eisenhardt, N. Schwarzmann, V. Henschel, A. Germeyer, M. von Wolff, A. Hamann, T. Strowitzki; Early Effects of Metformin in Women with Continue reading >>
Pcos, Anxiety & Depression
Questions (this Ask contains three questions): First, your website says it is not recommended to take your herbal formula [PMS Comfort] for PMDD while on birth control pills. But what can be done in a case where my teenage daughter, Dorothy, MUST take birth control pills because without it, she gets severe acne on her face due to PCOS diagnosed by our endocrinologist who put her on Orthotricylen Lo, Spironolactone, & Metformin (other symptoms she had for this PCOS diagnosis is hirsutism (excessive hairiness), high testosterone level, irregular periods, along with acne). About two and one-half years ago, because her prescriptions don’t help with her emotional and cognitive symptoms, I took her to a naturopath who took her off the Orthotricyclen Lo and put her on natural progesterone cream. By 4-5 months, her face became densely covered with cystic painful deep acne. Needless to say she had to go right back on the Ortho which cleared up the acne within months but she had red scars for a long time and still has the pock marks on her face from it. I am afraid to ever have her come off that prescription ever again because her face can't take anymore. I fear it has already permanently damaged her pretty face for life. So if she is stuck on Ortho for acne, can she take your herbal formula? She is not sexually active and is not taking the Ortho for birth control. My second question is about the timing of the symptoms. She used to have at least 2 better weeks out of the month but this past year, it has stretched out almost to the majority of the month and the symptoms are still always much stronger the week or two before her period. I don't know if the PCOS is contributing to her symptoms during the rest of the month or if it is all from the PMDD. I took her to a gynecologist Continue reading >>
What Is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome?
Everyday Health Women's Health Premenstrual Syndrome The excessive hormonal production associated with PCOS can interfere with a woman's ability to ovulate and it may also lead to skin and weight problems, and excess hair growth. Discover treatment options that may help. Sign Up for Our Women's Health Newsletter Thanks for signing up! You might also like these other newsletters: Sign up for more FREE Everyday Health newsletters . Many people arent aware of polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, but its not uncommon the condition affects 5 percent to 10 percent of women of childbearing age. PCOS interferes with a woman's menstrual cycle and her ability to release eggs through monthly ovulation, and it is the most common cause of female infertility . PCOS develops because a woman's body produces excessive levels of androgens, which are sometimes called "male hormones," but are also naturally produced by females. When androgen levels are too high, it can interfere with the release of eggs through ovulation. Heres something else to consider: While researchers havent proved that being overweight or obese will cause PCOS, many women who have PCOS do carry excess weight. It's not clear what causes a woman to develop PCOS, either, but researchers believe these factors may play a part: Genetics. PCOS tends to run in families, so if your mother or sister has PCOS, you are at higher risk of developing it. High insulin levels. Women with PCOS tend to have high levels of insulin, which is thought to increase the production of androgens. Since excessive production of androgens can affect many areas of your body, PCOS symptoms vary considerably. PCOS symptoms may include: Missed periods, or an irregular menstrual cycle . The excessive level of androgens that is associated with PCOS can Continue reading >>
Irregular Periods - Management & Treatment
Although some women with PCOS have regular periods, high levels of androgens ('male' hormones) and excess insulin can disrupt the monthly cycle of ovulation and menstruation. If you have PCOS, your periods may be 'irregular' or stop altogether. The average menstrual cycle is 28 days with one ovulation when eggs are released, but anywhere between 21 and 35 days is considered 'normal'. An 'irregular' period cycle is defined as either: Eight or less menstrual cycles per year Menstrual cycles longer than 35 days Some women with PCOS also experience heavier or lighter bleeding during their menstrual cycle. Regular periods help to prevent excess thickening of the lining of the uterus (womb). Long gaps between periods can lead to abnormal cells building up inside the womb. It is important you have at least four cycles per year to avoid a build up that may include abnormal cells. Treatment options Hormonal contraception Your doctor can prescribe hormonal contraception to help regulate your menstrual periods. The medication can also reduce menstrual cramps, acne and excess hair growth. These medications include: A low–dose oral contraceptive pill ('the pill') Progesterone which stimulates the uterus and induces bleeding Hormonal implants Vaginal contraceptive rings Intra-uterine devices containing progesterone How they work The oestrogen and progesterone in hormonal contraception act to override the body's normal hormonal control of the menstrual cycle and ovulation. The oral contraceptive pill works by "switching the ovaries off", which means that when a woman is taking the pill the production of hormones such as testosterone is greatly reduced. The pill also increases the body's production of sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), which binds to the main androgen testosterone Continue reading >>
Pms/pmdd/pcos/endometriosis (t2)
Which of the following is a core symptom of PMDD. Select all that apply all apply. Additionally things to factor in is whether or not symptoms interfere with work/relationships, Also rule out other condtitions (hypothyroidism, anemia, endometriosis) P Patient should chart symptoms for ___menstral cycles before PMDD diagnosis. Which of the following is not a theory of the pathophysiology of PMS/PMDD A) decreased levels of allopregnanolone or GABA C) increase sensitivity to hormonal cycling May actually be caused by decreased serotonin levels - improve quality of life while minimizing adverse effects of therapy Which of the following are nonpharmacologic therapies for the treatment of PMDD/PMS. Select all that apply C) reduce caffeine, refined sugar, and sodium Recommended calcium carbonate dose for the treatment of PMDD/PMS (Reduced emotional and physical PMS symptoms (water retention, food cravings, pain) Recommended Vitamin B6 dose for the treatment of PMDD/PMS (reduced severity of premenstrual depressive and physical symptoms compared to placebo) Additional agents/recommendations for PMDD/PMS First line therapy for the treatment of PMDD/PMS OTC medication that can be used for treatment of PMS/PMDD symptoms Midol (be careful when choosing a formulation) Additional agents (spironolactone, buspirone, alprazolam) T/F. SSRIs for the treatment of PMS/PMDD can be dosed continuously or during luteal phase alone true. Symptom onset may be effective as well. Additional studies are needed to determine most effective dosing strategy and duration of therapy. Which of the following are FDA approved for the treatment of PMS/PMDD. Select all that apply inhibits hepatic glucose production resulting in decreased insulin and androgen levels reduction of androgen production in ovaries L Continue reading >>
