Yay! I'm working away at that first stone to lose now.
Also working still at undoing all those years of shaving. It is a long and oh my god tedious job. But waking up without stubble will make it all worthwhile.
Sunday, 20 February 2011
Saturday, 19 February 2011
No to Dianette and Laser
I had a consultation at a salon which does laser hair removal and was told that because Dianette makes my skin photosensitive I would have to stop taking it in order to under go treatment (otherwise I risk burning my skin). However from what I have been told I gather that laser hair removal would not be very effective on someone with PCOS because the effect of the hormones would see the hair return very quickly, so I would need to do something to control my hormones, say by taking Dianette.
Its a vicious circle.
As is the weight issue. I really need to lose at least another 2 stone but my weight loss has ground to a halt, possibly due to PCOS. And yet I need to lose weight to improve my PCOS symptoms. This is a joke.
I am going back to a strict diet (which I had originally stopped for fear of becoming very flabby and losing my breasts) to see if I can lose another 3-4 pounds. This includes 50g Muesli + skimmed milk and a black coffee for breakfast. Half a tin of tuna and a salad (tomato/lettuce/cucumber/seeds/pepper/radish etc) with no dressing or mayo for lunch. A tin/packet uber low fat soup for dinner. Snacks are only fruit (no bananas) and raw veg. Lots of water and green/peppermint tea.
I will also make sure I do the exercise video 4 times a week and run 3 times.
Feeling pretty depressed right now so I need to see some results.
Its a vicious circle.
As is the weight issue. I really need to lose at least another 2 stone but my weight loss has ground to a halt, possibly due to PCOS. And yet I need to lose weight to improve my PCOS symptoms. This is a joke.
I am going back to a strict diet (which I had originally stopped for fear of becoming very flabby and losing my breasts) to see if I can lose another 3-4 pounds. This includes 50g Muesli + skimmed milk and a black coffee for breakfast. Half a tin of tuna and a salad (tomato/lettuce/cucumber/seeds/pepper/radish etc) with no dressing or mayo for lunch. A tin/packet uber low fat soup for dinner. Snacks are only fruit (no bananas) and raw veg. Lots of water and green/peppermint tea.
I will also make sure I do the exercise video 4 times a week and run 3 times.
Feeling pretty depressed right now so I need to see some results.
Thursday, 17 February 2011
The Three-Pronged Attack
I have a future appointment with a specialist. In the meantime:
Reading through any PCOS/hirsutism advice on the internet will give these recommendations, but what the heck I'm going to go and repeat them anyway.
The symptoms I suffer with greatly are: bad hirsutism, weight, bad skin. All cosmetic things. (I also suffer from unpleasant periods but I have always been a bit heyho about them, they are an inconvenience and don't ruin my life) So nothing that will kill me, no. All things that cause me mild to extreme upset, embarassment, lack of confidence, prevent me living life how I want, and (in some cases) depression and thoughts of suicide, yes. To anyone who does not suffer with PCOS this may sound excessive, to anyone who does I imagine they understand.
So on my road to rid myself (yes rid myself, not just put up with it, not just accept my lot in life) of my symptoms I have come across the three main attacks: For effectiveness I am following them all, rigorously:
LIFESTYLE CHANGE. MEDICATION. HAIR REMOVAL.
For effectiveness I am following them all, rigorously.
Medication
As mentioned in an earlier post I am currently taking Dianette and things have improved since I last wrote. I have been taking it now for a month and a half, I have (touch wood) no more breast pain that I experienced in the first month and for the moment am not experiencing any more serious mood swings (I occasionally get grumpy or upset, but this is usually for a reason, ie. I am finally facing my PCOS and dealing with it - normal.) I experienced a big dip in my sexdrive a few weeks ago (another side effect) but I can say that it has definately bounced back to normal! My skin is less red than before and the acne on my face is much clearer. I have also noticed a reduction in growth, or rather it seems to be growing slower, both on my face and other places I remove hair. As this medication is not supposed to kick in for several months (although it is possible that my hair has reduced due to lifestyle changes, but I suspect the pill is the reason) I have high hopes for the Dianette. However, after a little research I have found out that it may not be possible to stay on the pill for more than 2 years, and because the hair reduction is not fast enough for my liking I am following 2 other routes:
Hair removal
Face: Since the age of about 17 I have shaved my face - this has got to stop! Shaving, although quick, is a BAD idea and I would recommend anyone who does this to stop. It irritated my skin, I get rashes, I get stubble so I can't let anyone touch my face and it grows fast so I have to shave everyday and in the morning I have a shadow. Urgh. I have started using hair removal creams and plucking, its a slow process, but eventually I want to be able to wax the worst of it.
I am also looking into more expensive treatments. For now I have ruled out electrolysis on my face because I would have to leave the hair alone between treatments, effectively hermit-ising myself. This leaves me with laser (home kit or salon) or ultrasound. I currently have a consultation for the ultrasound hair removal, I will update later on this.
Body: I have thick black hair on my arms, legs, lower back, bum (slightly lighter), stomach and chest. WTF people. I have recently purchased the Braun Silk-epil Xpressive Pro Wet & Dry Body and Face Rechargeable Epilator which I have so far used on my arms, legs and stomach. Ladies, I would recommend this product to anyone. My only warning is that for anyone with thick hair like mine, the first time hurt like a bitch. Seriously. On the reviews on Boots.com most people gush about how painless it is. Take some painkillers and have a bath beforehand coz the first time, it aint pretty. But then! The hair immediately grew back lighter and less thick, and it really didnt hurt much the second time, just a little uncomfortable. Work in progress hopefully...
I am also going for electrolysis on my chest this week. The salon I am going to charges £10/30 mins, and because the hair on my chest is long and thick but there arent too many, it seems reasonable. I will update on this too. I am also getting my lower back waxed. Sometimes you have to just swallow your pride, but the lady doing the work also suffers from PCOS, so she is very understanding.
I am also considering purchasing the Boots or Phillips IPL home laser kits. I am going to ask the specialist first however.
Also, non hair related but still a PCOS symptom, I have a very strict skincare routine for my face which I have followed for a while and makes a big difference (although the Dianette helps with redness and excess oil). I use a Neutrogena face scrub (all are good) every morning followed by Clarins toner and moisturiser. I also LOVE LOVE LOVE the Neutrogena Wave which I use often (leaves skin soooooo smooth). At night I use Simple makeup remover cream and face wash. The only time I get bad skin now is when I don't follow the routine or I am uber stressed.
So, last but not least, this is for me the most important treatment for my symptoms:
Lifestyle change
I am putting a lot of faith in this one.
If I could make a wish and change any two things about my life it would be to lose the weight and the hirsutism. After speaking to my doctor and reading up on the subject I have found that the best way to improve my symptoms (most importantly for me, the hirsutism) would be to lose weight, be active and follow a good diet. Its a two birds one stone situation, worst case is that my hirsutism doesnt clear up, but I am finally slim and healthy and happier. Bit of a no-brainer really.
Having been obese (according to my BMI) for the 5 or so years I have finally lost about 3 stone and got down to just 'overweight'. I am already miles better looking and fitter (I can run for 40 minutes!). I need to lose just over a stone and a half to be a healthy weight, but my goal is to lose just over 2 stone. Ladies I would urge you to do this if being overweight is a problem for you.
I have started following a Low GI Diet (internet searches reveal this to be good for PCOS sufferers) and I exercise at least 4 times a week. I also drink peppermint tea (shamefully holistic) and take omega 3 fish oil supplements. I lost the first 2 stone in 4 months without exercising and another stone in a just over a month with exercising. If I carry on at the rate I am I will be even slimmer than my target goal by this summer, so for all you women who feel you just cant lose the weight, you really really can. But it has to be a change for life, not just a diet.
(For anyone looking for exercise to lose weight, the way that has worked for me is swimming, running (for beginners or try training for a 10K) and most recently I have bought Clare Nasir's Boot Camp DVD, which is making me waaaay fitter and more toned.)
Well that is the end of that massive post. Hopefully I will start to see some more definate improvements soon. But to everyone out there who is dispairing and can't find a way to deal with their PCOS, I really do believe there is a solution and I am going to find it.
Reading through any PCOS/hirsutism advice on the internet will give these recommendations, but what the heck I'm going to go and repeat them anyway.
The symptoms I suffer with greatly are: bad hirsutism, weight, bad skin. All cosmetic things. (I also suffer from unpleasant periods but I have always been a bit heyho about them, they are an inconvenience and don't ruin my life) So nothing that will kill me, no. All things that cause me mild to extreme upset, embarassment, lack of confidence, prevent me living life how I want, and (in some cases) depression and thoughts of suicide, yes. To anyone who does not suffer with PCOS this may sound excessive, to anyone who does I imagine they understand.
So on my road to rid myself (yes rid myself, not just put up with it, not just accept my lot in life) of my symptoms I have come across the three main attacks: For effectiveness I am following them all, rigorously:
LIFESTYLE CHANGE. MEDICATION. HAIR REMOVAL.
For effectiveness I am following them all, rigorously.
Medication
As mentioned in an earlier post I am currently taking Dianette and things have improved since I last wrote. I have been taking it now for a month and a half, I have (touch wood) no more breast pain that I experienced in the first month and for the moment am not experiencing any more serious mood swings (I occasionally get grumpy or upset, but this is usually for a reason, ie. I am finally facing my PCOS and dealing with it - normal.) I experienced a big dip in my sexdrive a few weeks ago (another side effect) but I can say that it has definately bounced back to normal! My skin is less red than before and the acne on my face is much clearer. I have also noticed a reduction in growth, or rather it seems to be growing slower, both on my face and other places I remove hair. As this medication is not supposed to kick in for several months (although it is possible that my hair has reduced due to lifestyle changes, but I suspect the pill is the reason) I have high hopes for the Dianette. However, after a little research I have found out that it may not be possible to stay on the pill for more than 2 years, and because the hair reduction is not fast enough for my liking I am following 2 other routes:
Hair removal
Face: Since the age of about 17 I have shaved my face - this has got to stop! Shaving, although quick, is a BAD idea and I would recommend anyone who does this to stop. It irritated my skin, I get rashes, I get stubble so I can't let anyone touch my face and it grows fast so I have to shave everyday and in the morning I have a shadow. Urgh. I have started using hair removal creams and plucking, its a slow process, but eventually I want to be able to wax the worst of it.
I am also looking into more expensive treatments. For now I have ruled out electrolysis on my face because I would have to leave the hair alone between treatments, effectively hermit-ising myself. This leaves me with laser (home kit or salon) or ultrasound. I currently have a consultation for the ultrasound hair removal, I will update later on this.
Body: I have thick black hair on my arms, legs, lower back, bum (slightly lighter), stomach and chest. WTF people. I have recently purchased the Braun Silk-epil Xpressive Pro Wet & Dry Body and Face Rechargeable Epilator which I have so far used on my arms, legs and stomach. Ladies, I would recommend this product to anyone. My only warning is that for anyone with thick hair like mine, the first time hurt like a bitch. Seriously. On the reviews on Boots.com most people gush about how painless it is. Take some painkillers and have a bath beforehand coz the first time, it aint pretty. But then! The hair immediately grew back lighter and less thick, and it really didnt hurt much the second time, just a little uncomfortable. Work in progress hopefully...
I am also going for electrolysis on my chest this week. The salon I am going to charges £10/30 mins, and because the hair on my chest is long and thick but there arent too many, it seems reasonable. I will update on this too. I am also getting my lower back waxed. Sometimes you have to just swallow your pride, but the lady doing the work also suffers from PCOS, so she is very understanding.
I am also considering purchasing the Boots or Phillips IPL home laser kits. I am going to ask the specialist first however.
Also, non hair related but still a PCOS symptom, I have a very strict skincare routine for my face which I have followed for a while and makes a big difference (although the Dianette helps with redness and excess oil). I use a Neutrogena face scrub (all are good) every morning followed by Clarins toner and moisturiser. I also LOVE LOVE LOVE the Neutrogena Wave which I use often (leaves skin soooooo smooth). At night I use Simple makeup remover cream and face wash. The only time I get bad skin now is when I don't follow the routine or I am uber stressed.
So, last but not least, this is for me the most important treatment for my symptoms:
Lifestyle change
I am putting a lot of faith in this one.
If I could make a wish and change any two things about my life it would be to lose the weight and the hirsutism. After speaking to my doctor and reading up on the subject I have found that the best way to improve my symptoms (most importantly for me, the hirsutism) would be to lose weight, be active and follow a good diet. Its a two birds one stone situation, worst case is that my hirsutism doesnt clear up, but I am finally slim and healthy and happier. Bit of a no-brainer really.
Having been obese (according to my BMI) for the 5 or so years I have finally lost about 3 stone and got down to just 'overweight'. I am already miles better looking and fitter (I can run for 40 minutes!). I need to lose just over a stone and a half to be a healthy weight, but my goal is to lose just over 2 stone. Ladies I would urge you to do this if being overweight is a problem for you.
I have started following a Low GI Diet (internet searches reveal this to be good for PCOS sufferers) and I exercise at least 4 times a week. I also drink peppermint tea (shamefully holistic) and take omega 3 fish oil supplements. I lost the first 2 stone in 4 months without exercising and another stone in a just over a month with exercising. If I carry on at the rate I am I will be even slimmer than my target goal by this summer, so for all you women who feel you just cant lose the weight, you really really can. But it has to be a change for life, not just a diet.
(For anyone looking for exercise to lose weight, the way that has worked for me is swimming, running (for beginners or try training for a 10K) and most recently I have bought Clare Nasir's Boot Camp DVD, which is making me waaaay fitter and more toned.)
Well that is the end of that massive post. Hopefully I will start to see some more definate improvements soon. But to everyone out there who is dispairing and can't find a way to deal with their PCOS, I really do believe there is a solution and I am going to find it.
Wednesday, 2 February 2011
Dianette One Month On and Better News
The shit has hit the fan. My big prescribed hope of hormone regulating, hair battling, skin clearing goodness (Dianette) gives me massive whopping great mood swings. See uncontrollable crying, lying around in bed all day and also painful boobs. Yay!
Also a family member got wind of the side effects and potential side effects if I were to ever come off the pill (based on reliable internet comments on health sites of course) and no longer wants me to continue with it. Cue accompanied trip to the doctors to talk about other options and risks, but also (and I am trying not too be too enthusiastic about this in case it is a let down) I am being taken to see someone about having electrolysis hair removal (eeeeee!!). Its £10 for half an hour (seems quite reasonable) and if I can at least remove some of the hair from my face/chest I would feel soooo much better about myself.
For anyone who is worried about talking to people about this... please don't be. I have bottled this problem up for 5 years which has just allowed it to get worse, and you would not believe how supportive people can be. My family wants to help, my doctor is really understanding. I have even confessed my problem to 3 male friends to gauge their reaction. One told me it was ok, there are ways to deal with it and it wouldn't put him off me, another told me he felt the same about his own body hair and totally understood me (I even showed him what it was like and he still told me he wanted to be with me - he has a crush on me for some unknown reason), and the third (we are crazy about each other but I am too scared to do anything because of my hair problem) told me he didn't give a shit.
So I will let you know about the electrolysis... the family member who wants me to take that route has had it and said it worked. Also my doctor was very positive about it. However the one thing that he really pointed out as being a factor in improving the symptoms of PCOS was weight loss. Apparently this reduces the growth of hair, helps skin (because of a better diet perhaps?) and other obvious health benefits. Tricky though for someone who has always been overweight and struggled with dieting.
But for some unknown reason, it is going well. I am currently a UK size 14 (down from a size 18 last year - my biggest ever was a size 20) and I must have lost in the region of 2 and a half stone (since late August 2010). I currently weigh 13 stone 7 pounds and my goal is to get below 13 stone (small steps is better than trying for one big hurdle). So far the benefits include looking a lot better (lots of people have commented) and having more energy. I will keep posting on the weight loss, especially if it seems to be improving my other symptoms.
Also a family member got wind of the side effects and potential side effects if I were to ever come off the pill (based on reliable internet comments on health sites of course) and no longer wants me to continue with it. Cue accompanied trip to the doctors to talk about other options and risks, but also (and I am trying not too be too enthusiastic about this in case it is a let down) I am being taken to see someone about having electrolysis hair removal (eeeeee!!). Its £10 for half an hour (seems quite reasonable) and if I can at least remove some of the hair from my face/chest I would feel soooo much better about myself.
For anyone who is worried about talking to people about this... please don't be. I have bottled this problem up for 5 years which has just allowed it to get worse, and you would not believe how supportive people can be. My family wants to help, my doctor is really understanding. I have even confessed my problem to 3 male friends to gauge their reaction. One told me it was ok, there are ways to deal with it and it wouldn't put him off me, another told me he felt the same about his own body hair and totally understood me (I even showed him what it was like and he still told me he wanted to be with me - he has a crush on me for some unknown reason), and the third (we are crazy about each other but I am too scared to do anything because of my hair problem) told me he didn't give a shit.
So I will let you know about the electrolysis... the family member who wants me to take that route has had it and said it worked. Also my doctor was very positive about it. However the one thing that he really pointed out as being a factor in improving the symptoms of PCOS was weight loss. Apparently this reduces the growth of hair, helps skin (because of a better diet perhaps?) and other obvious health benefits. Tricky though for someone who has always been overweight and struggled with dieting.
But for some unknown reason, it is going well. I am currently a UK size 14 (down from a size 18 last year - my biggest ever was a size 20) and I must have lost in the region of 2 and a half stone (since late August 2010). I currently weigh 13 stone 7 pounds and my goal is to get below 13 stone (small steps is better than trying for one big hurdle). So far the benefits include looking a lot better (lots of people have commented) and having more energy. I will keep posting on the weight loss, especially if it seems to be improving my other symptoms.
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