Hey so I'm wondering if anyone else has encountered this.  I went to a RE to work on getting pregnant and he suggested that I may have Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome.  Fine, it's treatable so we talked about options.  However, one thing he suggested along with possibly medication is a low carb diet (or even Atkins, UGH!)   That's not an option obviously but I wanted to know if anyone has ever been told this or diagnosed with PCOS and how they treated it.  This is all related to one of the signs of PCOS which is hypo/hyperglycemia or an insulin imbalance. Thanks so anyone who can shed some light!

http://www.theveganrd.com/2009/06/the-atkins-diet-goes-vegan.html

I do not have PCOS, but do understand the mechanics of it.  I also have issues with blood sugar and need to be very mindful.  Above is a link to an article regarding being vegan and "low carb". Not to mention, it's just a great site in general :) 

Take care! :)

Hi Lauren, I was also diagnosed with PCOS during my GYN visit last year December. My doc put me on glucogen and on NYE I found out I was pregnant. However my progestrone levels were really low so he put me on more hormone meds... he also told me my insulin level was imbalanced but I dont really want to keep taking meds which is the reason why I have turned to the vegan lifestyle. I'm in my second month now and I'm hoping that this does something to cure my PCOS.... you should try reading 'The Fertility Diet' and also 'The insulin resistance diet'. I found both books were quite helpful.

How long have you been vegan?

Thank you.  I found your response so helpful!  I have a blood test & ultrasound tomorrow so I will learn more, but when I heard "Atkins" I was kind of freaked.  I'll definitely look into the books you recommend.  I agree with you about the meds too, it's frustrating to come upon this issue that can be taken care of with meds, hormones & a low carb diet....all things I have been avoiding.  I have been a strict vegetarian for 2.5 years and a vegan for 1 year.  I have no itension of changing!  Thanks again for the response.  I appreciate it!

Lauren, I just saw this although you wrote awhile, so I wonder how you are doing.  I was diagnosed with PCOS this summer.  I have been vegan for awhile but one of the sugar-loving kinds.  I kicked the white carbs, but definitely not the whole grains.  I also started juicing everyday, really took care of myself and stepped up my workout routine.  I didn't do anything else - no meds - and starting ovulating again a month after this change.

Hi friends!  My obgyn thinks I have PCOS too.  I know that there is no official test for it, but it does not make sense to me...I only have one "symptom"....I do not get my period unless I am on birth control.  I hate taking medications and have been working on regulating this naturally to no avail....I have done accupuncture, I exercise (not too much),  I do not eat much sugar and an a healthy vegan eater.  I take a few supplements that are supposed to address this such as dong quia, viatex, black cohash. I was also worried it might be a thyroid issue, so I have been taking a kelp pill daily too.  Any help would be greatly appreciated.  I just do not want to go back on birth control and hope for a natural approach. 

I know pcos can lead to diabetes...I'm thinking this is why low carb is suggested?  Call me crazy, but I cant see where animal products with all of their fat and hormones can be good for a hormonal imbalance?  I feel fruits and veggies are the way to go....

I have PCOS and doctors recommend a low-carb diet.  But when they say low-carb they are talking about good carbs and bad carbs and wanting you to limit the bad carbs.  The high-fiber, whole-grain carbs of the kind diet falls into the good carb category.  Stay away from processed foods too if you can.  The superhero plan is the best for PCOS conditions in my opinion.  Lauren, I hope you're doing fine and good luck.

Another one with PCOS here!  My doctor said that it is common in those who are overweight, but I don't fall into that category.  Unfortunately, all of the advice that I've read to cure it relates to weight loss.  I don't want to lose weight!  I've been trying to get pregnant for about 8 months now and have been on and off fertility drugs the whole time.  It has been very frustrating, but it helps to know that there are other PCOSers out there. Hugs to you all.

Hi Erin!  I am in your boat.  My doctors said I must have pcos, but I do not fall into the typical categories either. The only thing is that I do not get my period unless I am on birth control.  My doctors insist that I take it, however this is counterintuitive to me since I want my body to regulate itself naturally.  I am just at a loss as how to do this on my own.  I am currently using a tincture of viatex, 1 tsp in the am & pm. If anyone as any advice, it would be so greatly appreciated :)  much love to you all!  xo

Lexie- I completely understand how you feel, and I am so sorry that you have to deal with this.  I don't get my period without the help of Provera, so we're in the same boat.  Trying to conceive unsuccessfully has been such an emotionally draining process.  I really give so much credit to women who try for years and years without success.

Of course you can use the Atkins diet Lauren! I had PCOS and I have type 2 diabetes and the vegan version of the Atkins diet is what I use. Be sure to get the 2010 version of the book called THE NEW ATKINS FOR A NEW YOU by Dr. Eric C. Westman, Dr. Stephen D. Phinney, and Dr. Jeff S. Volek. I lost a LOT of weight on it (over 200 pounds) and got my diabetes under control. I also use birth control pills for the PCOS. PCOS does not lead to diabetes but is part of a syndrome that includes diabetes. Low carb means low carb, not what kind of carbs you are eating. I use loads of veggies, seitan (made myself), low glycemic berries and fruit, tofu, plain soymilk and almond milk, and low carb veggie burgers. My diabetes is under control and so is the PCOS. Beware of PCOS- it can lead to ovarian cancer which is hard to diagnose until it is too late. I have seen too many people die of it. Sometimes chemicals such as the pill are necessary because frankly, cancer is ugly and painful and will kill you. I don't want to see anyone else die of cancer. 

Hi Erin!  Girl. I send you big hugs.  I know...it just seems so easy for some people :(  I am always trying to learn about natural ways to remedy the situation, so I will keep you posted :)  And let me know how you are doing with it :)  I know that not a lot of people can really understand the devistation, email me if you need any help & support! :) xo 

Thanks, Lexie!  Please do keep me posted. :)  I REALLY appreciate your kindess and support, and please know that you can reach out to me any time as well. :)

Just an update- I went to the RE yesterday, and my PCOS is GONE!!!!  I was so excited that I nearly started to cry. I've been really watching my diet (eating plant-based and foods recommended for fertility) and taking lots of supplements.  I'm not sure if that's what helped or what, but I'll take it! :)