This is my story about gaining 60 pounds, being diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), developing insulin resistance and celebrating my weight loss four years later.<\/p>\n
About four years ago I was diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, which is the growth of small cysts in the ovaries. Because of these growths, my hormone levels were amuck with higher than normal levels of androgens (male hormones). This caused a number of unpleasant effects on my monthly cycle, my mood and how my body burned calories.<\/p>\n
Prior to diagnosis I gained 60 pounds in one year without changing my diet. I had never been slim, but certainly not fat either. I ate well, for the most part. But because of PCOS my body began to store fat, particularly around my mid section. My unusual and rapid weight gain, combined with other health troubles prompted me to visit my doctor, who quickly diagnosed me with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome.<\/p>\n
My doctor prescribed medication for treating the PCOS and my hormonal levels began to go back to normal, however my weight stayed high and I couldn’t lose. I would exercise and eat very little and my weight would just stay the same. I was very frustrated.<\/p>\n
I went back to my doctor who ran a myriad of tests. As it turns out, due to my weight gain because of polycystic ovarian syndrome my insulin levels were always high and as a result I had developed Insulin Resistance.<\/p>\n
Insulin resistance is a common condition, particularly in overweight and obese people. No matter how much you exercise or how little you eat you will not lose weight. In fact, someone with insulin resistance may have a lot of body fat, but be starving. Read this for more info about Insulin Resistance<\/span><\/a>.<\/p>\n Once I was placed on medication for both PCOS and insulin resistance I finally started to lose weight. It took three years for me to lose the initial 60 to 70 pounds that I gained because of PCOS just with a healthy diet and low to moderate exercise.<\/p>\n Over the last year I have continued to work towards a healthy body weight. The good news is that my insulin levels are almost back to normal. Yes, you can reverse insulin resistance by losing weight ! I have been given the green light from my doctor to stop taking the medication for insulin resistance. I finally feel like I am taking control of my life again.<\/p>\n I think the most important lessons from my experience are these:<\/p>\n I hope that my story will help any others who are coping with polycystic ovarian syndrome or insulin resistance.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" This is my story about gaining 60 pounds, being diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), developing insulin resistance and celebrating my weight loss four years later. <\/p>\n\n