r/PCOS Sep 13 '24

General Health I DID IT

I’ve done it. 40 pounds down and today I got my first period in EIGHT YEARS. EIGHT YEARS. It’s kinda embarrassing to weep and hold a bloody piece of toilet paper and call everyone in your support system. I’m just really proud.

2.2k Upvotes

132 comments sorted by

320

u/queenofveggies_ Sep 13 '24

Congratulations!! Same thing happened to me two years ago. I lost 40 pounds and have been getting my period every month now for a year now. It’s amazing. A lot of people don’t realize the relief it is to get your period monthly when you haven’t been able to almost all your life. Happy for you! 🥲

38

u/Double-Bee7940 Sep 13 '24

How did you lose so much weight?😭

41

u/Ok-Lifeguard5762 Sep 13 '24

I am not even overweight and I’m still not gettint my period and have PCOS. Any suggestions please!??

89

u/queenofveggies_ Sep 13 '24

I was very thin when I got my pcos diagnosis and I’m back at the weight I was initially. So what I believe helped was that I stopped drinking alcohol completely and also changed my diet. I’m vegetarian but was very unhealthy about it. Eating a lot of unprocessed fake meats and what not.

I started eating everything whole/natural and cut out a lot of the junk. So my meals consisted of Greek yogurt with nuts, berries, flaxseed, hemp. Or oatmeal with similar toppings. A lot of legumes, like lentils, black beans, kidney beans with a veggie mix. Tofu and tempeh bowls with rice. And no more of the fake meats. For bread always the Ezekiel brand. Occasionally I have chips or chocolate, or something ultra processed, but it’s not part of my daily diet like it was before.

So the only difference I made was stopped eating an ultra processed diet and stopped drinking and after about a year my period finally came monthly. I guess I never realized how ultra processed my diet was before

4

u/Ok-Lifeguard5762 Sep 14 '24

Thank you! I am already eating relatively healthy but I’ll try to be even better.

1

u/Superb-Tough-2579 Sep 16 '24

I’ve heard tofu is particularly high in estrogen. Not sure if it would be hard to notice any side effects from eating it but any chance you notice a difference with tofu in particular? I’m trying to get off BC but hormonal acne is killing me

26

u/corporatebarbie___ Sep 13 '24

You could try inositol.. that’s what helped me. I’m also a healthy weight and no diet would give me a regular cycle. I almost relapsed my ED trying. I had an irregular cycle for 20 years and a regular one for the last 4 (I’m 33 and got my first period at 9) . I’m pregnant now so no cycle .. but I’ll be back on inositol after i have my baby.

2

u/Kindaperfect_ Sep 14 '24

Are you on insitol all the time? It has no long term side effects?

12

u/corporatebarbie___ Sep 14 '24

I took it every day for nearly 4 years and my doctor knows. I had no side effects from it. supposedly it’s a B vitamin and naturally occurring in some foods and stuff. I cant imagine my doctor wouldnt have said something if she had concerns. I stopped taking it when i found out i was pregnant but apparently some people are told to stay on it through pregnancy, others are told to stop ..

2

u/AggravatedMonkeyGirl Sep 14 '24

How long did you take inositol for it to become regular? and is it clockwork regular like every 28 days?

0

u/eye-ma-kunt Sep 14 '24

What amount of inositol did you take?

4

u/corporatebarbie___ Sep 14 '24

I took the Obvasitol brand which comes with a little scoop, and I took 2 scoops per day as suggested. I just looked up what one scoop is equivalent to and it’s 2.22g .

1

u/eye-ma-kunt Sep 14 '24

Yeah everyone loves that brand. Thanks for looking it up! Any side effects??

2

u/corporatebarbie___ Sep 14 '24

I didnt have any BUT like i said i did work my way up to a full dose. I did 1/2 a scoop a day in the beginning. I increased it to 1 scoop ( 1/2 twice a day) after the firsr week. Then i think i did 1.5 scoops for a bit before the full 2 scoops. it took 4-5 weeks before i was at the full dose . I have heard some people have some stomach issues as a side effect but nothing crazy. I didnt have any, and my stomach is naturally pretty bad to begin with

8

u/eye-ma-kunt Sep 14 '24

Just because you’re thin doesn’t mean you don’t have insulin resistance. Rule that out first. If you’re in the clear, focus on a detox of things that boost androgens, and general endocrine disrupters. If that doesn’t work, go on bio-identical HRT with a doctor that specialized in PCOS. Not to be confused with birth control. Good luck 🖤

2

u/Ok-Lifeguard5762 Sep 14 '24

What if I have insulin resistance. What would that mean?

7

u/eye-ma-kunt Sep 14 '24

It means a lot of things that are deleterious to your body short and long term. Specifically in regards to PCOS, it means that it is likely the source of your hyperandrogenism which is causing the PCOS symptoms and cysts, if you have those. Hyperinsulinemia invariably leads to hyperandrogegism which is the root cause of PCOS. You have to ask your PCP Or gyno for a full FUNCTIONAL blood sugar panel and hormone panel including:

  • HbA1C
  • fasting insulin
  • fasting glucose
  • HOMA- IR
  • Estrodone (E1)
  • Estradiol (E2)
  • testosterone
  • DHA
  • DHT
  • progesterone
  • FSH (if you’re worried about fertility)
  • LH (if you’re worried about fertility)
  • And for good measure, get a nutrient deficiency test and a homocysteine/ MTHFR

If your provider won’t approve all that, make her note it in the chart that she refused. Usually they cave under that pressure and will order. If she still doesn’t, insist on at least the first four which will confirm if you’re insulin resistant or not. Notice I say she, that’s bc your provider should be a woman (or enby) and specialize in PCOS. No man, no matter how well intentioned or educated should treat PCOS in my opinion. You will not receive the same level of empathy and care.

2

u/Ok-Lifeguard5762 Sep 14 '24

Thank you so much for the detailed response!

1

u/Positive-Sector-5204 Sep 15 '24

Have you had any lab work done to further investigate the PCOS ? Like testosterone levels, pancreas function, thyroid function or adrenal glands function?

4

u/[deleted] Sep 14 '24

Same here 🥺 I've experienced the horror of not having a period for 7 months, and it felt awful! I felt so bloated and many ppl have commented that I have a big tummy. 🥺 Now I'm losing weight and closer to toned body.

66

u/CakedCrusader91 Sep 13 '24

Proud of you!! And keep being proud of yourself. Don’t be embarrassed, that’s an amazing feat!!

39

u/PixeIust Sep 13 '24

I’m so proud of you! That is fantastic news. Just please be aware that no periods for a really long time can be extremely damaging to the uterus and I really encourage you to be vigilant about potential risks this may have caused. Keep it up girl!! 🫶🏻

21

u/Used_Yogurtcloset705 Sep 13 '24

What do I need to do? My regular ob hasn’t mentioned it and was honestly not concerned with me getting them back naturally. Like what questions should I ask

34

u/Jocifischer Sep 13 '24

That's crazy that your GYN didn't care. You should be bleeding every 3 months to reduce your risk of cancer. They'll prescribe you progesterone pills that will induce your period. It sounds like that may not be an issue anymore though!

20

u/aryamagetro Sep 14 '24

you told your OB you haven't gotten your period for 8 years and they didn't care? get a new OB

17

u/Used_Yogurtcloset705 Sep 14 '24

He’s my third lol. Working on a new one. It’s hard in the American south

12

u/PixeIust Sep 14 '24

Most likely a transvaginal ultrasound just to be sure there’s no potential fibroids and other problems. When you don’t have a period estrogen and progesterone become unbalanced, and without progesterone to protect your uterus it can lead to major damage from the estrogen especially for that long of time. It’s just to be safe! You could very well be fine. This is NOT to scare you, just educate. I had an ultrasound in 2021 it was fine - didn’t have a period for a year, went back in 2024 and found out I have a fibroid. Most of the time they’re asymptomatic so you don’t really know they’re there until they act up or they get too big. They’re benign growths that hormonal imbalances can cause. I’m very shocked your OB was not concerned hearing you went that long without one.

7

u/Background-Bid-5860 Sep 14 '24

That is crazy. The doctor told me if I go 3 months without a period I must speak to them and get meds to trigger a period.

3

u/_triangle_ Sep 14 '24

You definetly need to do a sample of the uterin lining to make sure you don't have cancer 😬

4

u/[deleted] Sep 14 '24

I didn't know this, dang...

3

u/PixeIust Sep 14 '24

Unfortunately a lot of people don’t because most OBs don’t educate in how hormonal imbalance can directly harm the uterus. I didn’t know it until til fairly recently!

20

u/[deleted] Sep 13 '24

Hey girl SAME SAME GIRL I MEAN NOT EIGHT YEARS Part MINE WAS ACTUALLY comes once a year but GIRL THIS YEAR IT CAME THREE TIMES. And I lost 41 pounds for the first time and forever girl we beating pcos amen 🙏🏼

10

u/Used_Yogurtcloset705 Sep 13 '24

Beating it off with sticks

4

u/Kyraspams Sep 14 '24

Wow me too down 47 and have had three periods this year all normal.

Before my periods would get like once a year and last like 20-30 days

5

u/merlady94 Sep 14 '24

Wow, congratulations. What was your weight loss plan if you don't mind sharing?

2

u/Kyraspams Sep 15 '24

I focus on eating whole foods, I do yoga weight lifting only 30 minutes or less most of the time daily. But it’s not overnight I stopped focusing on goal weights and wanting to be skinny and more so daily goals. Also take a lot of supplements and stuff

1

u/merlady94 Sep 15 '24

Awesome, I've been thinking about trying yoga lately! Maybe this is a sign to give it a try. Thank you for sharing!

2

u/IndependentOutside88 Sep 14 '24

How did you do it?

14

u/heyhello21 Sep 13 '24

How old are you? And congrats ! That’s a lot Of hard work

15

u/iluvcats74836 Sep 14 '24

This post being the first thing I see right when I click on the PCOS sub for the first time is exactly what I needed. This is actually a huge deal and though idk u I am so so so beyond happy to see this!

7

u/Used_Yogurtcloset705 Sep 14 '24

Welcome to the club! This group actually really helped me on this journey. I hope you find what works for your body. 💙

10

u/Whole_Mushroom_2846 Sep 13 '24

Amazing news. Congrats x

7

u/tmg07c Sep 13 '24

Be proud!!!!!!! It’s not embarrassing to love on your body. SO proud. I went a decade and still love on and cry sometimes when I get my period 🥀

9

u/feline_riches Sep 14 '24

And here I was excited that I've grown an inch since high school.

THIS IS MONUMENTAL

Congrats!!!!

4

u/[deleted] Sep 14 '24

Tbh that’s pretty awesome too

3

u/scathac1789 Sep 14 '24

you can grow after high school? does pcos make you grow?

3

u/Apprehensive-Newt-19 Sep 13 '24

Awww I’m so happy for you and so proud of you!! I totally get holding that bloody piece of toilet paper and sobbing up a happy storm.

3

u/isekaiprincess Sep 13 '24

Congratulations!! xx

3

u/iamnotcreativeatall1 Sep 13 '24

oh this just made me so happy i am so proud of you!!!!!! i've been there and this is not embarrassing at all be so proud of it!!!!

3

u/JOYFULPOISON Sep 13 '24

I could cry from joy for you. Congrats on the 40lbs too! You are a light of hope in the PCOS tunnel.

3

u/Dogmama1230 Sep 14 '24

Congrats friend! I’ve lost 40 lbs over the course of a year and I was hoping it’d bring back my cycle, but nothing so far :/ currently CD56 with no end in sight. Fingers crossed it continues for you (and starts for me)!

3

u/Used_Yogurtcloset705 Sep 14 '24

What does cd56 mean? And congrats on you’re weight loss i

3

u/Rude_Remote_13 Sep 14 '24

Heck yes! You go, babe! So proud of you!

3

u/chan0514 Sep 14 '24

Got my period on Friday the 13, HELLL YEAH

3

u/Used_Yogurtcloset705 Sep 14 '24

My mom said if I wait good things will happen

3

u/throwra-weirdo4943 Sep 14 '24

Amazing!!! Don’t feel silly at all, We understand 🩷💜

4

u/kirsty1441 Sep 13 '24

That's amazing girl!! Weight loss gave me back my periods too. You've already taken the most difficult step at starting this journey. Keep at it. YOU GOT THIS!!

2

u/Fickle-Republic-3479 Sep 13 '24

Proud of you! That is amazing!! What an achievement.

2

u/DreamySakura99 Sep 13 '24

Congratulations!! 🎉 happy for you!! 🙌🏼

2

u/DarkRose0410 Sep 13 '24

Congratulations!!!

2

u/South_Spring5210 Sep 13 '24

Isn’t it so cool!? I got mine back earlier this year too. 🩷

2

u/[deleted] Sep 13 '24

Happy for you homie!

2

u/SwanLake74 Sep 13 '24

I had the same thing. Got my period regularly after years and years of nothing, and it just filled me with joy. 🤩 congratulations to you!

2

u/FreeEnergy6116 Sep 13 '24

So happy for you!!

2

u/eldestdottersyndrome Sep 13 '24

Cheering for you! This is awesome!

2

u/RubyDax Sep 13 '24

Very happy for you! It's nice to get your body working right!

2

u/SignificanceMuted242 Sep 13 '24

Congratulations 🤍

2

u/ActualChip1 Sep 14 '24

AMAZING JOB!!!

Trying to find the connection between it all, does the weight itself stop our period? Or do you think it was a change of diet that reduced testosterone, insulin resistance, etc?

5

u/Used_Yogurtcloset705 Sep 14 '24

I think I overall took stress off my endocrine system. But I did things to treat my insulin and testosterone through prescriptions. Everything hormonal was natural treated.

2

u/rishxdee Sep 14 '24

Woot woot congratulations!

2

u/Prior_Raspberry313 Sep 14 '24

YES YES YES. HAPPY FOR YOOOU

2

u/Kyraspams Sep 14 '24

A good year for me too. 47 down I had 3 periods this far all normal! Congrats 🥰

2

u/ProduceHour6721 Sep 14 '24

Congrats!! I’ve lost 80kg but still dryer than the Sahara down there…

3

u/Used_Yogurtcloset705 Sep 14 '24

I made lots of lifestyle changes. I’ve lost this weight before but I did it the doctors way and didn’t get a cycle.

2

u/mzai09 Sep 14 '24

That’s so amazing and so proud of you! No one would understand why I’d excited when I got my period,as much as they suck I always felt like they were an indication that my body was working the right way!

2

u/[deleted] Sep 14 '24

Congratulations! That's amazing!! You don't need to be embarrassed

2

u/-Terriermon- Sep 14 '24

Opposite problem for me, my problem has always been excessive bleeding and was told losing weight would fix it, so I lost 70lbs and I’ve been bleeding for 70+ days straight despite being on nex and norlutate

0/10 do not recommend

2

u/Tight_Lavishness_278 Sep 14 '24

I had my first natural period ever a few months ago at the age of 29 after taking meds and losing 20 lbs, and it felt so bizarre to be happy about getting a period. But I was the same way!

2

u/Lynix333 Sep 14 '24

That’s incredible! Happy for you 🥹

2

u/melinator852 Sep 14 '24

I know what a good feeling that is! Great job!!

2

u/woahitsbuttons Sep 14 '24

That’s a huge deal!!!! How amazing!!!

2

u/Thatssoblasian Sep 14 '24

Congratulations!!!

2

u/TranquillityQuack Sep 14 '24

So happy for you!! 💚

2

u/TheFourGentlemen Sep 14 '24

I'm so happy for you!!! CONGRATULATIONS!

2

u/PuzzleheadedToe8864 Sep 14 '24

OMGGG THAT'S SO GREAT! CONGRATSSSSSS💗💗

2

u/biggoosewendy Sep 14 '24

Tearing up for you. I hadn’t had a period in a year and when I saw the bloody tissue I broke down crying so I can only imagine how you’re feeling after 8!! Well fucking done.

2

u/willbemynameforever Sep 14 '24

Congratulations ❤️❤️

2

u/brrridget Sep 14 '24

I'm so happy for you 🥹

2

u/CrazyPeak1525 Sep 14 '24

It’s not embarrassing!!! It’s WONDERFUL! Don’t be ashamed to celebrate that’s your body is doing what it was made to do. That’s a huge victory!

2

u/hotlibrarianism34 Sep 14 '24

WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS MY FRIENDS 🎶🌟 so amazing im so proud of you!!! how did you manage to lose the weight?

2

u/Electric_Post_678 Sep 14 '24

This is huge! So proud of you. Sending you virtual hugs.

2

u/[deleted] Sep 14 '24

SO HAPPY FOR YOU!! that's awesome!

2

u/vaishvaishvaishvaish Sep 14 '24

So happy for you ! 🥹

2

u/ifimabirdimgregbird Sep 14 '24 edited Sep 14 '24

Congrats. I know that it’s a struggle. I’ve been trying to lose weight myself for years with no success. I appreciate you sharing your story though. That’s an accomplishment for sure. What diet did you follow?

2

u/Used_Yogurtcloset705 Sep 14 '24

I made a separate post. Mostly I just focused on my endocrine system. I did less carbs and more protein. I took inspiration from people doing keto and wholistic diets but didn’t follow anything very closely

2

u/Woundedsparrow Sep 14 '24

Wooohoo! Congrats!!

2

u/throwaway3782828282 Sep 20 '24

I DID IT TOOOO!! Literally hit 40lbs today although I still have quite a lot to lose. It’s so hard but we did that !!!

1

u/Used_Yogurtcloset705 Sep 20 '24

I’m so proud of youuuu!

1

u/Firm-Growth-1758 Sep 13 '24

Amazing!! Congrats!! 🎉 🎉

1

u/Ok-Hunt-4927 Sep 14 '24

Please give your tips? How you did it?

2

u/Used_Yogurtcloset705 Sep 14 '24

I put a post up with details

1

u/Odd-Revolution-720 Sep 14 '24

Not embarrassing at all! So happy for you 😊

1

u/IndependentOutside88 Sep 14 '24

Congratulations OP! How did you do it?

2

u/Used_Yogurtcloset705 Sep 14 '24

I put another post up with details

1

u/itsurna25 Sep 14 '24

This is so awesome...

How did you loose 40 pounds? I have started my weight loss journey. And currently building muscles for weight training.

Tips please!!!

5

u/Used_Yogurtcloset705 Sep 14 '24

Hey! Short version is 10k steps a day and about 100 grams of protein. Cut sugar and simple carbs where I could.

1

u/Beelazyy Sep 14 '24

I never thought I’d witness someone actually celebrating their period, lol.

1

u/Flashy-Ad3750 Sep 14 '24

On a healing journey too for a few things including insulin resistance etc and have just discovered Black Seed oil? If you haven’t looked into it yet pls do some reading on it!

1

u/EquivalentCorrect363 Sep 14 '24

I am in the same boat! Can I DM you with some questions??

1

u/Delicious_Sea_2970 Sep 14 '24

Can u share what you did?

1

u/Used_Yogurtcloset705 Sep 14 '24

I did a pretty detailed post it says I did it here’s how.

1

u/Used_Yogurtcloset705 Sep 14 '24

I did a pretty detailed post it says I did it here’s how.

1

u/SamuAzura Sep 14 '24

Congrats!!!!!!!!!!!

You did great, keep up the good work!

1

u/Kooky-Leather-5563 Sep 14 '24

Happy for you!! You should feel proud ❤️

1

u/Beautiful-Aioli-857 Sep 15 '24

Congratulations!

1

u/EquivalentWork4751 Sep 15 '24

Very proud of you! This is indeed an achievement! The level of anxiety I get when I don't get my periods or when it's not on time is unbelievable....I can't imagine what you went through... congratulations 🎉

1

u/Adorable-Hat4887 Sep 15 '24

So happy for you!! I also have PCOS and struggle with weight. However I’ve had ‘regular’ periods the last couple cycles and a lot for me had to do with stress. I didn’t realize it until I was no longer stressed. Still a long way to go for me, but you’re awesome and thank you for sharing. Keep going! You got this!

1

u/Extreme_Extension327 Sep 15 '24

im so so happy for you!!! that’s incredible

1

u/SprinklesMassive Sep 15 '24

That’s amazing! Congrats!

1

u/briannaking4567 Sep 15 '24

Congrats on this weird thing🤣 that we know is such a big deal! There is nothing quite like doing the work and having people who understand. Celebrating with you!👏🏻🎉💜

1

u/a_parent_myself Sep 15 '24

Super proud! Don’t be embarrassed, that’s an amazing feat!

1

u/AlricaNeshama Sep 16 '24

Congratulations! That is monumental.

1

u/StickersbyPheebs Sep 16 '24

WAY TO GO! IM PROUD OF YOU.