Posts by Jamie Johnson6

Lisa Gonzalez said:😬 exactly

Maybe take a quick second to double-check the spelling of that medication 😉

I really can't, because I've already finished the bottle and if I go looking now, I'll probably just misread it again.👎
But I am quite certain about the name—it was Aglurab, I'm positive (it was printed in large letters on the label, unlike this tiny fine print here)😬

coppernomad7 said:Is verbena and lady's mantle actually the same thing as lady's slipper?
If they are, then that's that third tea blend I just couldn't quite wrap my head around earlier.

I picked some up at a little roadside stand near the entrance to a Walmart, $4.00 just a small bag, though I haven't actually brewed it yet.
Before that, I tried a different herbal blend—something marketed for women's wellness—that didn't have any verbena, but featured calendula along with five or six other herbs. To be honest, it made me feel a bit nauseous; I suspect there might be some nettle in there, which I've never been particularly fond of, even if it does help me out sometimes.

mistycyclist14 said:Is laser hair removal actually worth the investment? I'm wondering if those new hairs just end up growing back, and if they do, how soon after the treatment should I expect them to reappear?

If your hormones are acting up, you might find it isn't worth the trouble, but once you get everything balanced out, I think it’s a fantastic move. It certainly isn't cheap depending on your budget, but from a purely aesthetic standpoint, it's definitely a priority for me.😬

mistycyclist14 said:Is it actually true that birth control can help with unwanted hair growth or excessive body hair?

It really depends on how you look at it; while the pill might prevent any new hair from sprouting up, it won't magically make the hair you already have disappear, though something like laser treatment certainly would.

coppernomad7 said:and my skin was an absolute disaster even though I was way past my teenage years.
)

Maybe this will make you feel a little better:
my skin used to be such a mess
(and I don't mean during puberty, but rather when I hit my mid-twenties before things finally started looking up)
...but now, everything is suddenly working out beautifully,
and honestly, I think I actually ended up doing better than most girls my age since I haven't developed a single wrinkle yet,
it seems like my oily glands eventually just created a protective barrier against all those outside environmental factors🤣

(I remember once trying this intense chemical peel that worked wonders on my dark spots and old scars.)

And don't worry, that peach fuzz isn't just going to vanish on its own, so try not to stress too much about it.😠

Rachel Brooks63 said:In this particular situation, you can't really help anyone, and I actually agree with you—people who blindly follow advice from online forums are largely responsible for whatever consequences they face.

But that doesn't mean we shouldn't feel a sense of responsibility to avoid giving out bad advice, right?

I don't mean this personally toward you at all; it's more of a general appeal to everyone, please. 🙂

It’s quite funny how I was the first one to start using the term "intolerance" instead of "resistance," and then it just kind of stuck...🤣

Who exactly was giving out wrong advice? 😕

There weren't even really any specific pieces of advice being given,
(aside from yours😬 and others regarding exercising and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, which is impossible to go wrong with).
I can certainly share my own experiences, but obviously, you can't derive a universal rule or write a scientific study based solely on one person's story.

Though, I suppose people can always complain; it helps to realize that your neighbor's lawn isn't perfectly green either. 😬

Joking aside, because of the Rodin forum, I actually went in and requested some specific medical tests, which led to me receiving different diagnoses altogether.

(I didn't write them up myself, of course; you can tell I don't even know how to transcribe them properly—looking at my results now, it should have been glucose intolerance rather than insulin, but I misread it.)

Rachel Brooks63 said:Alright, I’ve let you all talk nonsense for long enough, but I simply can't ignore my conscience any longer. 😬 It was such a pleasure catching up with Peema earlier today.

So, it turns out that insulin resistance isn't actually an intolerance!

When we talk about insulin resistance, what we’re really discussing is the body's inability to effectively utilize insulin at a cellular level, which essentially means the cells in our tissues aren't responding to the hormone as they should. I remember reading a fascinating piece in a medical journal last month that illustrated this perfectly; it's quite a complex physiological hurdle, but it's precisely the phenomenon being discussed here.

I don’t think any of the moderators on this sub ever have the authority to step in when someone hands out incorrect or even dangerous advice, so I really want to make a sincere appeal to everyone here: please, just be careful about what you post. It’s easy to feel confident behind a keyboard, but if you aren't absolutely certain about a particular topic, it might be better to stay silent rather than risk putting someone in harm's way with bad guidance. I remember once trying to help a friend with a DIY project based on something I thought I knew, only to realize later how much trouble I could have caused—so let's all try to be responsible and look out for one another.

Fair enough, that's perfectly fine; I honestly have no idea where that word even came from. 😵
I know it might sound a bit silly—it’s based on an OGTT, or oral glucose tolerance test, if you want to get technical. I’m certainly no medical expert, so please take this with a grain of salt, but I just wanted to share what I personally went through.

And who exactly would I be doing any favors for by offering my advice?
If people could just take the initiative to find a reliable endocrinologist and get their hormone panels checked, I think we would all see much better results. Everything is looking wonderful on my end today! I always make it a point to do my own research before starting any new medication, including this one, which I actually first heard about while browsing an online health forum.
My OB-GYN actually handed them over to me at my own request, though she didn't even bother testing all of my hormone levels.👎 )
Do you think marijuana can actually be harmful? In my experience, it hasn't really done much for me—neither helping nor hurting—though I did find myself heading to the restroom quite frequently and quite happily.

Kimberly Chase54 said:Wait, what?
.

Honestly, I don't think a gynecologist is really the right specialist for this specific issue; typically, they just prescribe hormones to ensure you have a regular cycle and to handle things like uterine cancer prevention. However, our endocrine system covers a much broader area than just the ovaries. Personally, I would suggest seeing an endocrinologist instead. I actually dealt with some thyroid issues myself once, and if I had only been seeing my OB-GYN, I probably wouldn't have even realized there was a problem, even though it can definitely mess with your cycle.
Kimberly Chase54, are you currently trying to conceive? (If you don't mind me asking)🙂

On the bright side, please don't let this weigh too heavily on your mind; my neighbor, who also deals with PCOS, is already on her second pregnancy.

Kimberly Chase54 said:I definitely agree regarding the weight loss aspect.
You are absolutely right that Metformin is primarily a diabetes medication, but doctors here in the States are increasingly prescribing it in smaller doses for PCOS because the link between the two and insulin resistance is becoming much clearer. It really is such a complex issue to untangle.
The reality is that Metformin has been a game-changer for many—regardless of their starting weight—when it comes to regulating ovulation cycles, even for those who haven't technically tested positive for insulin resistance yet! And naturally, it often helps with weight management too.

I tend to view all of this through the lens of fertility, mainly because I've seen so many women dealing with PCOS successfully regulate their cycles using Metformin specifically to help with conception.
I am honestly not sure how often it is prescribed to women who aren't currently trying to get pregnant, or if they are, how long they stay on it and what happens once they stop.😕

That’s exactly it. Using it alongside birth control is becoming a more common approach lately, regardless of the initial diagnosis.
I will be sure to update you on what my doctor says😬 during my next checkup.
My lab results have actually improved quite a bit after six months of treatment; they aren't perfect,
my LH and FSH levels are still pretty much where you would expect them to be,
but my androgen levels have improved significantly (which is why my period finally returned), while my testosterone stayed relatively stable and my SHBG swung from one extreme to the other.
When I was just taking Diana or Cilest, I didn't see much of a difference at all.
.
(I am honestly going a little crazy today—I just realized I've misplaced my medical logbook, which is the last thing I need right now!😠 )

Kimberly Chase54 said:Oh, and if you're looking for tea recommendations, you might want to give chamomile a try!

Just so there isn't any confusion since there are several different varieties out there, it's sometimes referred to by other names as well. I’ve heard nothing but wonderful things about it, though I personally haven't picked up a box to brew myself yet; I usually just stick to various herbal blends.

My endocrinologist explained to me that the pill is prescribed specifically to boost metabolism, regardless of any concerns regarding weight or blood sugar levels—I actually double-checked that with him twice just to be sure.
My gynecologist, however, holds a different view on the matter.

I suspect prolactin might be an issue, though it isn't strictly necessary for a diagnosis; whereas the ratio of LH to FSH, along with androgen levels like androstenedione and testosterone being outside the normal range, are direct consequences of the underlying situation.
You see, the only thing I haven't tested for is progesterone—which I believe is used to confirm ovulation—but as far as my other results go, my prolactin levels are perfectly fine, even if everything else is a bit messy. Prolactin is that breastfeeding and stress hormone, and it’s more than enough to throw your entire cycle out of whack even when all your other markers look okay.

coppernomad7 said:I’m actually wondering what Metformin even is; I can't believe I haven't heard of it before, especially since my doctor didn't even bring it up as a potential treatment option, hmm
Does it have harsh side effects like birth control pills, or is it a bit milder?

It doesn't work anything like birth control does. It's actually a medication for blood sugar management. Are you seeing a general practitioner or an endocrinologist for your prescriptions?
I'd suggest getting all your tests done first, and then deciding on a treatment plan.
To be honest, reading through your post, I'm having a hard time figuring out if you've been diagnosed with PCOS or something else entirely.😕
If it's just your prolactin levels that are elevated, what was the basis for that diagnosis?
Having ovarian cysts isn't the same thing as having PCOS, nor is an irregular cycle by itself.
Prolactin isn't even typically linked to PCOS; instead, you really need to look at the ratio between FSH and LH, along with everything else.
I've tried herbal remedies and teas myself, which aren't bad—they certainly help clear things out—but I'm not entirely sure if they were effective, though perhaps they helped reduce some inflammation.

Kimberly Chase54 said:Jamie Johnson6 😘 thanks you for sharing those details.

You're very welcome.🙂 I've actually come across quite a few articles on American medical websites discussing the link between PCOS and metformin. Regarding ovulation, I recall reading that some women found it really helpful in managing infertility issues, which I think suggests it can be quite effective.

Kimberly Chase54 said:Were you taking Metformin alongside birth control, or just the Metformin on its own? I'm curious how long it took for your cycle to regulate, and if you've been ovulating lately. Also, did you have an OGTT done before you started the medication?
Did you notice any weight gain while you were on Metformin, or was that happening beforehand? I had always heard that most women actually lose a few pounds when they first start taking it😕?
Does anyone else here have experience using Metformin?

When you take Metformin, you're generally supposed to lose weight because it helps suppress those intense hunger pangs,
but I suppose I didn't quite follow my own advice, as I ended up gaining a bit more😬(that's entirely on me)
My regimen was one Metformin tablet daily—half in the morning and half at night—combined with Cilest.
I had both an OGTT and a glucose profile done through HBalc (I'd already completed the OGTT before starting the Metformin).

After about six months, I decided to stop everything, and my lab results have improved significantly; my SHBG used to be hitting the upper limit, but now it's sitting right at the lower end, which isn't perfect, but it's progress.
Things are finally moving in the right direction (just😬 ). It’s been a long three-year journey through all of this.
As for ovulation? Honestly, I have no idea.
How long will I need to stay on this?
I really can't say; my medicine cabinet is overflowing with various pills, and I haven't even been keeping up with my vitamins.
Besides, there isn't enough going on in my sex life to justify staying on birth control.

Because I deal with glucose intolerance—which was confirmed through a simple screening—my blood sugar tends to spike, and in my experience, that inevitably triggers intense sugar cravings.
Some experts believe this metabolic instability might actually be at the root of PCOS. Lately, endocrinologists have been pairing oral contraceptives with Metformin, and honestly, in my case, that combination has worked wonders.
I’ve tried just about everything else, though nothing really made an impact once I stopped taking things like Diane.
This time around, my cycle is arriving right on schedule, whereas previously it had skipped several times entirely.
Even though I experienced some sudden weight gain—about 18 pounds, which was accompanied by a surprisingly small appetite since I refuse to let processed chemicals dictate my hunger, because I believe having a strong character matters more than following food trends👎—I haven't actually looked "heavy," especially considering my thyroid levels aren't quite where they should be either, which can definitely complicate matters.
Doctors tell me I'll likely need to go back on the pill eventually.
On the bright side, regular exercise is fantastic for improving ovarian circulation.
It is interesting to note that in PCOS, we aren't actually talking about true cysts; rather, they are follicles, making the ovaries look somewhat like a string of pearls—that's a common description in medical literature, though I actually have a photo of mine to show you.
(I suppose diamonds are a woman's best friend, while pearls can sometimes feel like enemies🙄).

It’s a solid horror flick; I can only imagine how much more atmospheric it would feel if it were filmed somewhere in the American Midwest, perhaps drawing inspiration from some old Appalachian folk tale or something along those lines.

Noah Harris50 said:Sleep isn't usually an issue for me. It’s just when I'm stressed out that I start getting those weird jerks right as I'm drifting off. Anyone else deal with that?

Involuntary movements, like your legs twitching? I experience that too, though my habit was grinding my teeth in my sleep🙄 , and it just kept escalating. I finally managed to break that cycle when I took a trip on a cruise ship—just a few days out at sea without access to a shower (which is unthinkable for me, since I travel with a massive toiletry bag), electricity, cell service, or any way to connect with the outside world besides checking in with my two closest relatives. It was just the ocean, and eventually, I found myself falling asleep in a noisy harbor, one foot practically in the water, while people walked around me, feeling completely tucked away and peaceful, almost like being back in the womb.

Walter Garcia53 said:No, actually, I spent my morning just getting used to the daily ritual—dealing with those... well, I can't even bring myself to say what they are 😠

Is it really true that they seem to grow back every single morning? What’s your secret, just trimming the tips?😕 Honestly, if you just pick up a trimmer, once it becomes part of your regular routine—much like brushing your teeth—you'll eventually forget there was ever a life before you started doing it.
🙂

Jamie Johnson6 said:I might have a little suggestion for you
—maybe try sticking some hair over your right ear before you head out to Target.🙂

)

Now, hold on just a second before you start a whole new thread titled "How to Tape Hair to My Ears." I've been scrolling through the boards, and I'm fairly certain someone has already covered that exact topic somewhere else.🤣

I’ll offer you a little bit of advice
—try sticking some hair on your right ear before you head out to Target.🙂

(honestly, there is no need to stress about it, as it is simply a matter of testosterone, which will likely just make women adore you even more😘 )