MEETING SUMMARY - OCTOBER 21, 2000

It was so great to see everyone again! This was our second pot-luck lunch and support meeting. Topics discussed included:

Insulin Resistance
We discussed the mechanism of insulin resistance and how insulin sensitizing drugs (such as Metformin) are beneficial for PCOS women, whether or not they have been officially labeled diabetic. This led to a further discussion of how to test for insulin resistance. One doctor uses cholesterol as an indicator of the presence of insulin resistance: if your HDL is low, and your triglycerides are high, then there may be an insulin resistance problem. We also discussed that a "blood sugar test" or "glucose test" is different from an insulin test. There are multiple types of insulin testing. The ultimate is a "3-hour intravenous insulin/glucose tolerance test" (also referred to as the clamp test) which is labor intensive for the medical staff and is not usually done outside a research setting.

Local Doctors
Victoria updated us on the construction of our web page which will allow us to post our opinions of local doctors online. (See our Support Forum.) There are certain doctors that are repeatedly mentioned as being excellent ones to go to for PCOS treatment. Before we all jump ship to the same doctors, think about this: what can we do to educate our current doctor and other doctors so that they BECOME knowledgeable about PCOS and sympathetic to PCOS women?

Amenorrhea
The dangers of NOT having regular periods were discussed, including hyperplasia (an unnatural pre-cancerous thickening of the uterine wall) and the chance of ultimately developing uterine cancer. The definition of "regular" seems to vary from doctor to doctor with a minimum ranging from every four months to every two months. For those at risk for hyperplasia or uterine cancer, every month to two months is recommended. The upshot: if you're on BCPs or some other medication to induce periods, DON'T skip it or discontinue it. If you think it's okay to, because you have a really heavy period every once in a while anyway, you may be putting yourself in danger. Victoria explained that the endometrium continues to build every month, even if we're not bleeding. It can build up to the point where the lining's own weight causes it to slough off and we have what we think is a normal period. By this time, a woman may already be in danger of hyperplasia and endometriosis. One note: triphasic birth control pills are NOT recommended for PCOS women as they do not shut off the body's natural production of estrogen and androgens.

Low Carb vs. Low Calorie Diets
Our thanks to Shawn, who brought samples of higher protein/lower carbohydrate foods that are available in any grocery store and for high protein nutrition bar samples. For those who would like a high protein alternative to potato chips, try "cheese chips" recommended by Brenda: use Kraft Deli Deluxe Slices (they seem to be the only ones that work), microwave them for 70 seconds. They come out with a nice crunch. Brenda brought us a treat -- cheese squares. Here's the recipe: Mix 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese, 4 eggs, and 4 chopped jalapenos. Pour into 8x8 ungreased pan and bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Cut into bite size squares. For a variation, add ham, crushed red pepper, sausage, mushrooms, or onions.

Infertility
Shawn also brought information from Resolve, a fellow non-profit group that deals with infertility. Shawn has first-hand knowledge of the infertility ropes, and the adoption process, so anyone looking for more information on those topics would do well to contact her. One item that has also been noted on our email list: many PCOS women are Clomid resistant. If you're trying to get pregnant, discuss this with your doctor.

Hirsutism
Shawn brought a package of the new cream Vaniqa for all of us to examine. It is NOT a hair-removal cream. It is an enzyme that, over time, results in slower hair growth. It must be used in conjunction with your current hair removal program. As far as the price is concerned, it's a little expensive: over $40 for one tube. One of the other attendees gave a good report on a new form of laser hair removal. She's had no hair growth for two years in the area that was treated.

Depression
We discussed both clinical and reactive depression, how they influence doctors attitudes, and the various antidepressants both natural and pharmaceutical. Also noted was the fact that Prozac has a 'twin sister' called Serafem: same medical drug, but without the stigma and stereotyping now associated with Prozac.

Formal Development
Anyone interested in being part of the AustinPCOS leadership team should contact us with details of their interests and strengths.