I have spent the majority of my 42 years comforting my self with food. its just not working for me anymore.
this is a good thing, but darn frustrating.
I need to find something to replace my old standby, something good for me.
gonna take a while to get used to, to say the least.
i think the venom is doing more for my PCOS related issues than anything else. my depression or attitude has REALLY lifted. I am more productive. I am just happier.
and because of this, things are happening.. good things!
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1 comment:
Other people are having good results for their PCOS symptoms using the lizard spit as well. Check this post out:
http://www1.investorvillage.com/smbd.asp?mb=2885&mn=21790&pt=msg&mid=1844186
Byetta and PCOS -- Anecdotal Evidence from Diabetes.Blog.Com
The following posts are from the PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) forum on Diabetes.Blog.Com. It looks more and more that Byetta can work wonders through either its anti-diabetes mechanisms or its anti-obesity mechanisms. I hope the company explores this indication for Byetta.
Best Regards,
war
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Byetta and PCOS
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5 - Lahle:
It is because of PCOS gynecological symptoms that I ended up at an endo several years ago. I have been on metformin since that time.
I've never met the criteria for an official T2 diagnosis. My FBGs are impaired (slighly over 100) but never over 126 and my A1Cs were also creeping up (but have never been over 7).
At my appt. in January, my endo felt that things were certainly NOT moving in the right direction and I agreed. He suggested Byetta as a method of keeping the situation from getting any worse. It took 2 very detailed letters to my HMO to get them to cover. He specifically addressed my PCOS and the need to regulate my blood sugars and lose weight. Of course, the HMO first wanted me to use sulfonylureas which are likely to cause weight gain.
Long story short...I've been on Byetta since January. On my 3 month blood work, my AIC was down and my FBG was normal. I've lost nearly 40 lbs. Regarding the weight loss...my endo and I share the opinion that Byetta helps, but it is mainly my own dietary and exercise changes that have contributed. Also, I am very overweight so at least initially, it's been faily easy to lose. (Comment this)
Written by: Henley at 2006/05/28 - 10:14:05
I was diagnosed with PCOS, which went by the name of Stein-Leventhal Syndrome in those days, when I was 18 and still hadn't started menstruating. The endocrinologist gave me an injection to start my periods and put me on birth control pills and a thyroid medication. That combination helped me lose weight for the first time in my life, and I was able to easily control my appetite. I stopped taking both meds in my early 40s, and was able to maintain the weight loss and lack of symptoms like hirsuitness and acne, etc., for several years, but slowly the weight started to creep back on and my level of testosterone started to rise. The endo then put me on Aldactone which, through its diuretic action, lowered my level of testosterone and basically got rid of any of the annoying symptons of the syndrome. I still take it today, along with Byetta and Glucophage.
Back when I was first diagnosed with T2 in 1999, my endo said they were just starting to put their PCOS patients on Glucophage even though they were not testing out in the diabetes range. Today, they are putting a number of them on Glucophage and Byetta. I wish I had those two drugs in my arsenal all those many years ago. (Comment this)
Written by: Lorrie T2 (1999) Byetta (12/05) Glucophage 1000mg (2x) Aldactone 50 mg (2x) Diovan 140 mg, Nexium 40 mg (2x) Vytorin at 2006/05/31 - 18:06:02
Replies to this comment: 13
http://diabetes.blog.com/771702/
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13 - Lorrie T2 (1999) Byetta (12/05) Glucophage 1000mg (2x) Aldactone 50 mg (2x) Diovan 140 mg, Nexium 40 mg (2x) Vytorin, Hi-
I'm on Byetta, Glucophage and was just put back on Aldactone after a 5 year hiatus because of recurring PCOS symptoms like hirsutism and hair thinning. I have just gone through menopause but still have PCOS, confirmed by my lab tests. I was wondering for those on Byetta and Aldactone, if there was a suggested timing for when to take them. Is an hour apart enough? I used to take the Aldactone in the morning.
Anyone else on Aldactone for hirsutism here? (Comment this)
Written by: Deb in NJ Type 2 since 10/11/01,Byetta-5 (5/19/06),Glucophage XR 1500mg./bedtime at 2006/06/23 - 23:41:11 in reply to: 12
Replies to this comment: 14
http://diabetes.blog.com/771702/
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14 - Deb in NJ Type 2 since 10/11/01,Byetta-5 (5/19/06),Glucophage XR 1500mg./bedtime, Hi Deb,
As I mentioned on the Byetta Blog, I moved my Aldactone and other meds to lunch and late night snack, I've been taking Aldactone for 10+ years, and it's helped with hirsuitism and other side effects. I've used electrolysis for years, but once I started on Aldactone, I found I only needed to go twice a year. The recent weight loss with Byetta is beginning to significantly lower my testosterone level, too, which helps reduce the side effects of PCOS. (Comment this)
Written by: Lorrie T2 (1999) PCOS Byetta (12/05) Glucophage 1000mg (2x) Aldactone 50 mg (2x) Diovan 140 mg, Nexium 40 mg, Vytorin at 2006/06/24 - 13:03:07 in reply to: 13
http://diabetes.blog.com/771702/
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24 - I feel for you and your daughter! I was diagnosed (incorrectly I think) at 16 with adrenal hyperplasia. I have taken Birth Control and other meds since then. I was never sucessful at losing weight until I tried low carb and phen fen, and that left me exhausted, with hair falling out, and heart valve damage. After I stopeed the Phen fen and went back to eatting regular, all of the weight plus some came back on. I am active and exercise regularly.
I was finally diagnosed with PCOS and just recently Type 2 Diabetes. (I am in my late 20s.) I have been connected with a great endocrinologist and nutritionist who just started me on a healthier diet and Byetta. It's only been a couple of weeks since the new nutrition, but I have lost weight and am very hopeful.
I so wish I had gotten the right information in my teens and I would [not] have spent the last 10 years overweight, having poor body image, and building to type 2 diabetes. There are so many health risks if the PCOS isn't treated. Not to mention the infertility. Now my doctor says if I can lose the weight The may be able to safely do fertility treatments and I might be able to get pregnant.
Just don't take no for an answer with your doctors and get her the help she needs.
My Dr. Said with the PCOS you can't do it with Diet and Exercise alone and that everthing feeds on itself. The more you weight the more Insulin Resistant you are to more you'll weigh. Not to mention the increased testosterone and all the other side effects.
Written by Summer in TN. Taking meds for my PCOS and TYpe 2 DM. Metformin 1000mg am and 1500mg pm, 100mg Spironolactone BID, Yaz, and 5mcg Byetta. (Comment this)
Written by: Summer at 2006/08/06 - 02:09:27
Replies to this comment: 31
http://diabetes.blog.com/771702/
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25 - Re: to 13
"Anyone else on Aldactone for hirsutism here?"
I am on Aldactone/ Spironolactone 100mg BID, it helps with the chest, but not with the face for me.
By the way, I am also taking meds for my PCOS and TYpe 2 DM. Metformin 1000mg am and 1500mg pm, 100mg Spironolactone BID, Yaz, and 5mcg Byetta. (Comment this)
Written by: Summer at 2006/08/06 - 02:12:29
http://diabetes.blog.com/771702/
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26 - Lorrie T2 (1999) PCOS Byetta (12/05) Glucophage 1000mg (2x) Aldactone 50 mg (2x) Diovan 140 mg, Nexium 40 mg, Vytorin, I WAS WANTING TO KNOW ABOUT PCOS WITH BYETTA DRUG I WOULD LIKE TO TRY IT BUT MY DOC HAS NEVER GAVE THIS TO SOME ONE WITH PCOS AND NOT LEVEL 2 YET. BUT I HAVE A RAISED LEVEL OF EVERYTHING JUST NOT LEVEL 2 ONLY. (Comment this)
Written by: WENDY at 2006/08/15 - 13:00:55 in reply to: 17
Replies to this comment: 27
http://diabetes.blog.com/771702/
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27 - WENDY, Wendy, I have PCOS and T2 DM. My diagnosis confirmation was about 2 years ago. I take Metformin, which I believe is generic for it. Since I started Byetta, my periods are regular, I'm losing weight all over, not just chest and rear area. Didn't have a clue about Byetta maybe relieving some of PCOS symptoms. Explains the regularity. I suffer from excess hair, especially on my forearms. I am self concious of this because it makes me look less girly. I have noticed a decrease growing back after I nair. Unexpected, but good, side effect I'm just noticing. I would suggest you look up any and everything you can find on Byetta. You'll probably find info your doc doesn't have. I do know thisis possible because as I learn I mention it to my doc and to my surprise, she hadn't a clue. Power on!!! (Comment this)
Written by: Dana Alaska metformin am/noon/pm enalapril glipizide lipitor at 2006/09/19 - 21:29:52 in reply to: 26
http://diabetes.blog.com/771702/
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28 - I've been diagnosed with PCOS (original diagnosis was Stein-Leventhal Syndrome) for forty years. Originally, it was succesfully treated with a combination of birth control pills and thryoid medication, pretty much eliminating any signs of acne, hirsutism, and weight gain. After twenty years, I had to stop taking both drugs and was switched to Aldactone/Spironolactone which suppressed acne and hirsutism, but my level of testosterone increased, my periods became irregular again, and my weight started to slowly, but steadily increase. When I was diagnosed with diabetes 7 years ago, adding Glucophage/Metformin to the mix seemed to help to reduce my weight but not my testosterone level. After being on Glucophage for 5 years, the weight problem resurfaced and even doubling the dose did little to help me. Finally with Byetta, I have lost all the extra poundage and have watched every three months as my testosterone level reduced with each weight loss. For the first time in forty years, my testosterone is where it should be. I don't think it would be without Byetta enabling me to lose the extra weight. (Comment this)
Written by: Lorrie T2 (1999) PCOS Byetta (12/05) Glucophage 1000mg (2x) Aldactone 50 mg (2x) Diovan 140 mg, Nexium 40 mg, Vytorin at 2006/09/24 - 12:25:14
http://diabetes.blog.com/771702/
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30 - just chiming in... another "Stein-Leventhal" here... been doing the PCOS thang for 20+ years now.
Rezulin was a miracle for me, but they pulled it. Metformin/aka Glucophage helped in the beginning, but the dose gets higher and it has less help.
Yasmin is a miracle, but not covered by insc [grrr] and few samples to be found these days.
Lost 50lbs on Atkins, but then 20g/carbs/day didn't even work at 1200 cals... just 'maintained' for 18 mos or so. Then started realizing how cranky/tired/angry I was all the time. Upped the carbs by just whole grains/fruit and gained back 10lbs--enough to scare me. 50 more to lose. :(
Started Byetta three weeks ago, seems to be helping the fasting blood sugars/dawn effect. Definitely helping the appetite. Some weight loss, but vuuuuury slow. (1.5 lb/week?) not the 'miracle' of some others. BG's are GREAT though.
Happy to help anyone I can... became a bit of an armchair expert, and have worked with some excellent Docs.
Met & Yasmin are amazing... byetta could be the final link, but too soon to tell. (Comment this)
Written by: jaeme at 2006/10/15 - 21:15:22
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32 - Hey anyone else here with PCOS also taking byetta? (Comment this)
Written by: Dawn in GA, PCOS, byetta 5, ziac for bp at 2006/10/23 - 20:49:21
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33 - Dear Lahle,
Your experience sounds exactly like mine! I was on the induction phase of Atkins for 5 years and had lost 80 pounds, and then it just stopped working! I slowly gained about 25 pounds back, so I tried and tried for the next 2 years to eat NO carbs, and was at one point down to 300 calories a day for about 3 months, and doing 3 hours of aerobics a day...just to show my snotty unhelpful doc just how hopeless I had become at losing weight, even with extreme dieting and exercise. He just said "try harder!!!" I finally became so depressed that I gave up because friends convinced me that Atkins destroys your metabolism. (also the book The Swartzbine Principle 2 says this, and it is written by an endo who seems to know her stuff)
Later I got a weird lung illness and they put me on Prednisone and I gained 50 pounds in 4 months! I was on Atkins the whole time too! I am now going bald, and had once had beautiful long blonde hair. My skin is covered with warty things and gross bumps, and I have acne and super bad hirsutism. After I had lost the 80 pounds I was soooo happy and wa myself agin, but the magic ended. (I am 5'9 and back up to 265) I almost never leave my house anymore. I feel like my life is over and have been this way for the past 2 years. I am 45.
Have you tried the Byetta? I just want to know if it really helps...is the weight loss from lack of eating, or does it actually change something in the metabolic process with the IR? I hardly eat as it is, so I'm afraid it will be more of the same. I don't know when your letter was originally posted, and hope you can answer my questions. Thanks so much! Andrea
(Comment this)
Written by: Andrea Pederson at 2006/11/16 - 07:01:04 in reply to: 1
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35 - Andrea Pederson, I'm sorry you are having some problems but you mention The Schwartzbein Principle but don't say if you are following it. Are you? This is the program I've been following for 2 years now and I can't say it's helped completely because it will take time to heal my body but it has helped me alot. My nails are good, my skin is better than ever, my hair is growing like crazy(I never had to get it cut so often before) and it's healthy hair, my body aches less and I generally feel better. My suggestion is read the book again and give the program a 6 mos. try to see what happens. I also take the spit, more for my numbers than for the weight loss. I will never go back to the old way of eating and she is also the one who endorses not eating gluten, which is why I went gluten free(almost) a year ago. (Comment this)
Written by: geri in Co. 10 mcg byetta, Levemir 25U 2xdaily, metformin er 1000 mg 2x daily, glucotrol xl 2.5 mg 2x daily at 2006/11/19 - 08:51:23
http://diabetes.blog.com/771702/
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36 - I just found this blog from the Byetta blog. Is there anyone out there reading it. I noticed that the last posting was in Nov of last year. I am interested in if others with PCOS are having any luck loosing weight with Byetta or if the PCOS is helping keep the weight on. I only lost a small amount when I first went on Byetta but have put that back on. (Comment this)
Written by: Gloira t2, PCOS, Byetta 10, Metformin ER 2 500 mg 2X a day, glucatrol 10mg at 2007/02/20 - 20:15:56
http://diabetes.blog.com/771702/
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37 - Another question if anyone is listening. I've been on an e-group for PCOS and most on it were younger then me and were dealing with infertility issues. I was lucky enough to have 2 children even with all the problems and didn't know what was causing the problems then. I was past that when I was diagnosed with PCOS after that, but I know it was causing problems then. Now I am menapausal and wondered if there was anyone else out there in this stage of life and knows what changes can be expected as I go through this stage. (Comment this)
Written by: Gloira t2, PCOS, Byetta 10, Metformin ER 2 500 mg 2X a day, glucatrol 10mg at 2007/02/20 - 20:19:42
Replies to this comment: 39
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38 - Mel,
I have PCOS, only found out b/c I oculdn't get pregnant... although signs were clear no one bothered to tell me... anyways... Did the pregnancy thing with Metformin and now have a healthy boy of 15 months. Good luck with that :) (Comment this)
Written by: Jean at 2007/03/02 - 21:55:40 in reply to: 34
Replies to this comment: 40
http://diabetes.blog.com/771702/
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39 - Gloria,
I was dx in my 20s with PCOS. At 40 I had a complete hysterectomy (including both ovaries)due to having a period for a full year. Silly me - thought that would solve the problem of PCOS. Not quite. At the age of 52, i'm still dealing with hirsutism, increasing weight, acne, increase in testosterone levels. Was dx with Type 2 diabetes 5 years ago.
Started Byetta back in July but came off of it due to the nausea and heartburn even though bs were really good - between 80 and 110 consistantly and A1C dropped from 7.4 to 6.1 in 6 weeks. Tried Januvia and Symlin and bs started climing to over 200. Started back on Byetta a couple of weeks ago at the 10 level and having no side effects (strange) but not seeing as good results as before headed down the road of adding metformin in a couple of weeks if the numbers do not come down.
As far as weight loss is concerned, I did have some luck with Symlin - lost 12 lbs in 6 weeks but I have not had any luck with Byetta or Januvia. Very disappointing.
Taking 120mg Sprinolactone 2x a day for the facial hair growth and it has helped - hasn't stopped it completely but it has diminished it.
I am not taking HR since I was not going through any of the menapausal symptoms after surgery - guess I was one of the lucky ones.
I wish you well. Let me know what issues you are experiencing.
(Comment this)
Written by: Roni - Byetta 10, Starlix 120 2x, Spirnolactone 120 2x at 2007/03/16 - 03:08:16 in reply to: 37
http://diabetes.blog.com/771702/
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40 - Hi Jean,
How long did it take you to get pregnant once you started taking the Metformin? My endo put me on it a while back and just increased the dose as he noticed my testosterone levels were responding well to the lower dose. He put me on the XR version - and it seems I'm having nausea every morning now. But I take my night dose with food, so I don't know why 8 hours later I'm feeling sick. I'm secretly hoping it's morning sickness, LOL! Did you ever have this problem?
My sister's friend got pregnant on Metformin after only 6 weeks. I'm sure that's not how it works for everyone.
Thanks! (Comment this)
Written by: Melissa at 2007/03/17 - 10:53:28 in reply to: 38
http://diabetes.blog.com/771702/
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41 - Hello, I was dx w/ pcos several years ago. Metformin made me HORRIBLY ill, to the point that even drinking water made me sick. Right now I weigh more than I ever have in my whole life, and I am miserable in my own body. I've now also started having anxiety attacks, I'm covered with hair and skin tags and wonderful discolored skin (isn't that a pretty picture?) I have been infertile for 8 years now, as I stated, tried the metformin, clomid, low carb, etc. Desperate now, I am curious about Byetta - does it truly help with the weight issues and would it also resolve some of the issues with the cysts and other symptoms? Regaining my fertility would be extra nice as I am 34 now and my clock has slowed waaaay down. My only dilema is that I can only find info on those with type 2 - as of now, I don't have diabetes but actually have some episodes of low blood sugar - help!!
Thanks, you can email me or post responses here! (Comment this)
Written by: kyna at 2007/03/28 - 15:04:16
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