I have PCOS (actual ovarian cysts in addition to hormonal symptoms) and I would echo both increasing Vitamin D (most of us don't get enough anyway, but many studies have shown there is a link between D deficiency and PCOS, so it can't hurt) and lowering refined carbs. I still eat whole grains (quinoa, brown rice, whole wheat bread) but not white flour/ sugar. I don't sweeten things often, but like for oatmeal, I'll use half a teaspoon of agave nectar because it's lower on the glycemic index than most other sweeteners. This "diet," if you can call it that, helped me, but seeing an RE can't hurt and should be really helpful in TTC. If it's at all encouraging, I am currently pregnant and conceived without assistance. Best of luck!

There was a piece on pcos in the NYT before thanksgiving, sort of an introduction to the syndrome

http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/11/24/pcos-an-infertility-issue-that-is-little-understood/?ref=health&_r=0

I recommend trying a whole30. Everyone is different but for me it was easier to go cold turkey.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Also be prepared that Pcos girls generally have very low breast milk output. Don't let that discourage you just be aware that it's also a side effect of pcos (that most don't know about).

I've never heard that, and never had trouble producing milk (in fact I had excess) for my two kids. I have several friends with kids with PCOS and no one has ever mentioned that. I'd take it with a grain of salt. Where's the research on that?

I had very low milk production and was told it was part of PCOS.

Run run run to an RE

OBs, amazingly, still don't know much about PCOS.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
Low carb diet has helped like nothing else. I also mini-fast to make sure my blood glucose stays low - essentially by skipping breakfast.

Also I use the clearblue easy fertility monitor to track ovulation.

I have tried and tried and tried to go low-carb because I feel so much better and worse when I do it, but it is so hard to get enough food when I do. I find myself too low on fat or protein or veggies. Did you go cold turkey, so to speak, or did you slowly reduce carbs?

Pp here. Dropped refined carbs mostly cold turkey - read on for the 'mostly.' I replaced carbs with cheese, nuts, higher fats like full fat yogurt. Hardest was dropping pasta, pizza and sandwiches. Instead we do a meat and 2 side vegetables. I eat a big, nutty, cheesy salad for lunch most days. But, after doing research I made some bargains with myself. I could never fully commit to a life with no, for example, cake ever again. The body is more sensitive to a carb bomb on an empty stomach, and also in the morning. So, if you you have a carb, make it dessert and not breakfast. Occasionally I slip up, but over all it has worked for almost 2 years.

I also keep some easy frozen stuff for tough nights, like meatballs and jarred sauce or salmon and pesto. The other part of it is the intermittent fasting, which also works to bring down the blood glucose, and corrects any slip up or indulgence. I eat so much more nutrient dense now, so much less filler or sweetener, despite eating less, and not holding to a full 100% standard - still very big improvement.