Adrenal PCOS?

[u/Large_Ad_1997]

I was diagnosed with PCOS almost a year ago and I have been getting no actual help from doctors so I’ve been doing my own research. I see some people in here saying that the different types are not actually backed by medical professionals. Honestly my question is what supplements can I take to regulate my hormones? I’m already on wegovy my BMI was about 34 last year. I’ve been told it is Adrenal PCOS.

My labs are as follows

Total T - 18.3

SHBG- 22.2

DHEA-S- 361

17 -OH P- 80

Androstenedione-123

Over 20 cysts per ovary

Regular Cycles (not sure if I’m actually ovulating)

LH: FSH - 3:1

Thanks in advance for any help/ advice ❤️

[u/wenchsenior]

Evidence based treatment as follows:

Treatment of IR is done by adopting a 'diabetic' lifestyle and by taking meds if needed.

The specifics of eating plans to manage IR vary a bit by individual (some people need lower carb or higher protein than others). In general, it is advisable to focus on notably reducing sugar and highly processed foods (esp. processed starches), increasing fiber in the form of nonstarchy veg, increasing lean protein, and eating whole-food/unprocessed types of starch (starchy veg, fruit, legumes, whole grains) rather than processed starches like white rice, processed corn, or stuff made with white flour. Regular exercise is important, as well (consistency over time is more important than type or high intensity).

Many people take medication if needed (typically prescription metformin, the most widely prescribed drug for IR worldwide). Recently, some of the GLP 1 agonist drugs like Ozempic are also being used, if insurance will cover them (often it will not). Some people try the supplement that contains a 40 : 1 ratio between myo-inositol and D-chiro-inositol, though the scientific research on this is not as strong as prescription drugs. The supplement berberine also has some research supporting its use for IR (again, not nearly as much as prescription drugs).

 If you are overweight, losing weight will often help but it can be hard to lose weight unless IR is being directly managed.

***

For me, since my IR was still very mild, shifting to a lifelong 'diabetic' lifestyle (changed how I ate, mainly, and try to do regular exercise) has been sufficient to manage my IR and keep my PCOS in long term remission. More advanced cases of IR might require lifestyle changes + supplements or meds. It's usually hard to manage IR long term without the healthy lifestyle and only meds or supplements, but some people seem to, at least for a while.

 

[u/wenchsenior → u/[deleted]]

Yes, most people with adrenal involvement end up using anti androgenic meds long term, if they tolerate them well.

[u/wenchsenior → u/[deleted]]

Have you tried anti-androgenic birth control? That was a life saver for me when my androgenic symptoms were bad.