Day 18

Wow, has it been that long? Ive been so busy with work. 165-167lbs.Thats pretty good for myself. Now comes the eating healthy again. So hard to cut coffee from my daily routine at work. I saw my PCP (primary care physican) the other day and she has referred me to a Dermatologist as well as a Food Nutritionst. Woo-hoo! They think the bald spots I have is Alopecia Areata or some type of fungus rather than hirsutism like my OB-GYN/Fertiliy specialist said. Hopefully I can get my Adrenal Glands tested in that swab test soon. Alopecia is usually a common cause that something is wrong with the glands. I did have my Thyroid tested. I should get those results Tuesday.

What is Alopecia Areata?

A common condition, alopecia areata usually starts as a single quarter-sized circle of perfectly smooth baldness. Alopecia patches usually regrow in three to six months without treatment. Sometimes, hair grows back in white. In another variant, alopecia can produce two or three bald patches. When these grow back, they may be replaced by others. The most extensive form is called alopecia totalis, in which the entire scalp goes bald. It's important to emphasize that patients who have localized hair loss generally don't go on to lose hair all over the scalp. Alopecia can affect hair on other parts of the body, too -- for example, the beard or eyebrow.

Not looking foward to testing such as a biopsy of the scalp. I would imagine that hurts. OUCH! For now, I'm still continuing my meds: Pregnitude, Metformine, & the supplement Turmeric. I'm going to start taking DIM once I do my hormone swab next month.

Day 6

Today I was in a little pain. The pregnitude worked a little bit as far as relaxing me as well as the oatmeal I ate. I haven't taken my metformin or the Turmeric yet. My wonderful hun is cooking a special chicken meal, so I'll take it then. Can't wait until payday Friday. I'm so trying out the DIM. I've read too many great reviews on it. Though every woman responds differently to different treatments, I don't want to be that woman that said "I should've tried..." So DIM here I come.

 

 

 

A Few Natural Supplements I've Found For PCOS:

Saw Palmetto (berries) - a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor impedes testosterone conversion and reduces circulating testosterone (androgens).

Vitex Agnus Castus (Chaste tree berry) - Promotes menstrual regularity, supports luteal phase of menstrual cycle and addresses hyperprolactinemia.

Stinging Nettle (root) - Increases sex hormone-binding globulin.

Flax Seed - Supports estrogen metabolism, which increases the production of protective estrogen metabolites and increases sex hormone-binding globulin.

Milk Thistle extract (seed) - Supports liver function.

Vanadyl Sulfate - Maintains healthy blood glucose and cholesterol levels, increases insulin sensitivity, improves glucose tolerance and metabolism, decreases body fat and reduces appetite naturally.

Chromium (Citrate) - Supports insulin binding to cells and maintains healthy cholesterol and insulin levels. Boosts insulin response to glucose.

Alpha Lipoic Acid - Increases insulin sensitivity and maintains healthy glucose levels. Provides antioxidant activity, scavenges free radicals, supports glucose transport and extends the functional capacity of Vitamin C, Vitamin E and CoQ10.

Magnesium (Citrate) - Positively affects insulin secretion/action and improves cholesterol profile. (Lower than normal levels of magnesium are associated with insulin resistance, glucose intolerance and hyperinsulinemia.)

Zinc Citrate - Lowers insulin concentration and improves insulin sensitivity.

L-Carnitine (Tartrate) - Improves insulin sensitivity.

Copper (Citrate) - Balances zinc and supports its ability to lower insulin concentration.

Calcium (Citrate) - Reduces fasting insulin levels, increases insulin sensitivity and regulates fat tissue.

Biotin - Involved in the manufacture and release of insulin; a cofactor required for the synthesis and oxidation of fatty acids.

Manganese (Citrate) - Reverses glucose intolerance.

Pancreatic Tissue (procine) - Provides nutritional support for the pancreas.

Adrenal Tissue (bovine) - provides nutritional support for the the adrenals.

Vegetarian Enzyme Blend - Supports nutrient absorption and digestion.

Vitamin C from calcium ascorbate - promotes glucose regulation, improves glucose tolerance and scavenges free radicals.

CoQ10 (Ubiquinone) - Maintains healthy glucose and insuline levels and promotes carbohydrate metabolism. Aids peripheral glucose utilization.

Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin) - Supports healthy nerve function, and reduces sorbitol accumulation, muscle weakness and tingling.

Folic Acid - Ensures sufficient folate status to aid in the support of a healthy cardiovascular system.

Quercetin - Antioxidant to inhibit free radical production. Reduces intracellular accumulation of sorbitol that is implicated in adverse impacts on eye health.

Bilberry Extract - Improves microcirculation and protects the vessels of the eyes, in particular.

Grape Seed Extract - Reduces free radicals and supports healthy blood vessels.

Thiamin - Thiamin (Vitamin B1) (as thiamin HCL) May help convert carbohydrates into energy. Thiamin is important for several body functions of the heart, muscles, and the nervous system.

Vitamin D - Vitamin D (as cholecalciferol) plays an important role in bone health, immunity and wound healing.* Vitamin D may also affect insulin secretion and glucose tolerance.

Cinnamon Extract (CinSulin ®)
- helps maintain healthy blood sugar levels.
Guar Gum - Helps maintain healthy cholesterol, triglycerides and blood pressure, and supports insulin sensitivity.

Apple Pectin & Beet Powder - Slow the absorption of glucose into the bloodstream, which reduces insulin response.

Fenugreek - Reduces the effect of carbohydrates following a meal, and helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels, and promotes insulin response and glucose tolerance.

Milk Thistle - Helps maintain healthy blood sugar and insulin levels. Supports the liver.

Nettle - seems to help those with PCOS who specifically have high levels of DHT (dihydrotestosterone). It inhibits an enzyme known as 5 alpha reductase which is responsible for converting testosterone to DHT (DHT is the form of testosterone which produces hirsutism/male pattern hair loss and acne). However, it can alter sex hormone binding globulin.

Red Raspberry Leaf  - Is a natural fertility enhancer and helps prepare the uterus for healthy conception.The Red Raspberry Leaf is most popular as a tonic for pregnancy, but is it also excellent as a nutritive and tonic in preparation for pregnancy. It is also one of the main herbs that is considered safe in most cases to use during pregnancy in preparation for labor. Red Rasberry Leaves are high in Carotenoids, citric acid, tannins,vitamin A, B complex, C, and E. They also have an easily assimilated form of iron, calcium, phosphorus, potassium and silica.

DIM (DIINDOLYLMETHANE) - is a plant indole—a plant compound with health-promoting properties. DIM 150 is safe for women and has no side-effects, as long as it is taken as recommended. Women should use a lower dosage of one half to one capsule (75-150 mg) per day. Post-menopausal women that take replacement hormones can improve their estrogen metabolism with DIM. Among the other benefits DIM gives women is a lower chance of weight gain and maintain uterine, cervical breast health while decreasing the chances of cancer.

Day 5

So I skip day 4 & went straight to day 5. Today I was in a little bit of pain. I get the feeling like a chest cold pain where my ovaries are. It's so hard to explain. Sometimes its a sharp pain, but not a cramping pain like some woman have expressed. Laying down sometimes helps, as well as a heating pad.


I learned a few new natural remedies today. Think Ill try the DIM out:

1. Homeopathic Remedies:

Silicea 6x and Thiosinaminum 6C daily 3x day will help break down and stimulate the healing and re process in your body. Also the application of thiosinaminum oil weekly will help.

2. Fertility Cleanse:

By using detox herbs, nutrients and minerals you will help your release toxins, especially excess that contributes to endometrial inflammation. A fertility cleanse is designed to both the liver and the uterus in for pregnancy. The liver detox eliminates harmful toxins while restoring hormonal balance and egg quality.
The uterus detox is very important making sure any debris, stagnant or hold blood is completely eliminated from the uterus. This can cause inflammation and scars becuase women do not completely empty their uterus during menstruation and the left over blood stays inside causing damage to the reproductive organs especially if the immune system is weak and fails to remove it.

This is often associated with symptoms of PMS, menstrual cramps brown blood, blood clots, PCOS, endometriosis, irregular menses, abnormal bleeding and bleeding less than four days during the periods.

3. Castor Oil Therapy:

Very effective in removing scar tissues and adhesions from the ovaries & abdominal cavity. Castor oil therapy can be done at home soaking a flannel cloth in castor oil and place it in the abdomen to promote healthy pelvic organs and tissues. The flannel cloth should be covered with a sheet of plastic and a heating pad for 30-60 min 3x wk, but not during menstruation and after ovulation if trying to conceive. It can be used to treat ovarian cysts, uterine cysts, endometriosis, blocked fallopian tubes, and PCOS.

4. Self-fertility Massage:

The Self Fertility Massage DVD, by Massage Therapist Hethir Rodriguez,  is the be way to learn how to do self fertility massage. It is a very effective way to support reproductive health.

These are the benefits of doing a self fertility massage:
1. Increase circulation to ovaries, fallopian tubes and uterus
2. Eliminate old stagnant blood and tissue from the uterus
3. Help reposition tilted uterus
4. Clear ovarian congestion and ovarian cysts
5. Help bring flesh blood to the uterus
6. Eliminate blood clots and endometriosis
7. Reduces pelvic inflammation
8. Detox the body and the liver from toxins
9. Reduce stress
10. Promote hormonal balance
11. Help the body to loosen tight or twisted tissues in the pelvis
12. Help break up adhesions
13. Strengthen the uterine muscles
14. Promote relaxation

5. DIM Supplementation

DIM is a supplement for female fertility that balances the hormones by breaking down estrogen and removing it from the body. Without a balance estrogen dominance occurs. Estrogen dominance occurs when the ratio of estrogen to progesterone sways too much one way or another. One of the most common patterns with estrogen dominance is to see excess estrogen in relation to progesterone, which is often too low. DIM comes from cruciferous vegetables. It's recommended to take 100 to 200 mg of DIM a day to treat PMS symptoms, fibroids, endometriosis, ovarian cysts, lack of periods, menstrual dysfunction and recurrent miscarriage.

Day 3

Headache, headache, headache! My head never hurt like this before. I read some people's review on Pregnitude and they claimed they had headaches for a few days then it stopped. So I'll give it more time. Trying not to take anything (aspirin etc).
Boy, am I anxious for some action tonight. Aunt Flo has left the building. Something is working right between the Turmeric & Pregnitude. Thank goodness. I still have months to go before I really see some results. Wonder if I'll loose some weight like others have claimed. I was weighing in at 174lbs but lost some of it by working out. I slipped through the cracks ans haven't been back in months. However I'm 166lbs now. Not doing much different. Just eat right every now and then. Notice I said "now and then! Shame on me, I know. Eating healthy can be costly. Secondly, I love southern home cooked meals; the stuff that's not good for you. Baby steps. I keep telling myself, but there more like baby tip toes. Lol

Day 2

So I had another restless night. Very certain its the Pregnitude now. Again, it makes me so relaxed at bedtime, but I can't stay sleep. I woke up every hour. No other side effects though I have a huge headache today. May just be the heat. A nap might cure that. Lol I can't wait to see some results though it says to wait 3mos. I have to realize I can't always get NOW results. Wonder if there is a coupon for this stuff. $35 a month is like paying for a gym membership.
I'm so happy that my boyfriend of 3yrs has been by my side through this. He always knows what to say & how to keep a smile on my face. Even when I'm at my worst. Thank you God for such a man.
Think I'm over my emotional fit for now. Its hard not to think of the worst. Glad I have someone to talk to at times.

Day 1

After days worth of crying, I decided to journal, well blog, my challenges & accomplishments of PCOS. I was diagnosed some time last year with PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome). I started out with 500mg ER(extended release) of Metformin, then just 1000mg 2x day, now I'm at 950mg ER 2x day. Tuesday my doctor gave me somthing call Pregnitude (a reproductive dietary supplement that helps support ovulatory function, menstrual cyclicity and quality of eggs) and also diagnosed with Hirsutism.

Hirsutism (HER-soot-iz-um) is a condition of unwanted, male-pattern hair growth in women. Hirsutism results in excessive amounts of coarse and pigmented hair on body areas where men typically grow hair such as the face, chest and back. Hirsutism may arise from excess male hormones called androgens, primarily testosterone. Or hirsutism may be due to an ethnic or family trait.. When excessively high androgen levels cause hirsutism, other signs may develop over time, a process called virilization.

Pregnitude a natural dietary supplement that contains 2 grams of myo-inositol, as well as 200 mcg of folic acid. Myo-inositol is a naturally occurring substance produced by the human body from glucose.  It belongs to the viamin B complex group. Folic acid is a B vitamin that promotes cell growth.All you have to do is tear the packet open and pour contents into a 8oz. glass of water 2x day. One box of Pregnitude contains 60 packets (1 month supply). The cost of Pregnitude is about $34.99.  I took this last night for the first time. It helped me fall asleep, but I had a hard time staying asleep. So far that is the only side effect I had.

I am waiting to see my Family Medicine doctor to see what I can do about these bald spots I have. So for there are like 4 dime-nickel size bald spots. So frustrating. They just came out of nowhere. My hair hasnt fallen out much due to a few change ups. I am currently using Palmers Olive Oil Formula Gro Therapy. It is a therapeutic balm formulated with Extra Virgin Olive Oil and essential vitamins. It also contains natural herbs such as Nettle Extract, Sage, and Hyssop which promote hair growth.

 I am also taking a natural herb Tumeric, for anti-flammatory in a pill form 1x day w/ food. Ive read wonderful reviews as well as its known healing and antioxidant claims. No one I know personally suggested this, I decided to try it myself. So far it seems to give me a little boost of energy an the swelling seemed to go down slightly. No side effects. I've only been on it for a week though.

I've been so emotional lately. I'm 31yrs old with no children. I feel like giving up at times and wonder from time to time "Why me?" It sucks to see expecting mothers or have people come up and ask when are you going to have a child or if you have one. I'm scheduled to have a few tests done next month. One I think is a HSG and another is some air bubble test. I'm suppose to be on my menstrual when she does them. How gross!

Deep breaths until next time. Wusaaaaah!