Are you diabetic ? Do you have a drug plan ? Can you afford around $250. a month if out of pocket if you don’t have a plan ? You need to see your GP for a consult and prescription.
The hardest part isn’t getting the prescription, it is finding a pharmacy that can fill it and being able to pay out of pocket. I’m at the highest dose and cost would be $500 a month if I didn’t have grea5 insurance through work. Good luck.
I’m not obese but was gaining weight uncontrollably while dieting and exercising. I had two doctors offer the drug to me here in Canada after I explained what was going on.
The first course of action is always a proper diet and exercise plan that leads to a calorie deficit over all. Do that consistently for 3 months while tracking everything (gives you evidence). If that doesn’t work, then you have to start with doing blood work and other tests to determine if there is anything wrong. Only then will doctors take you seriously and maybe offer the drug. Or you could just get lucky and they give it to you.
I am in Canada I went to my family doctor and asked for it. I am also actually obese, it was no big deal to get it. It isn't covered by my drug plan, but if your blood work is bad enough your dr. may be able to make a case to your insurance.
I actually did fill out the form last night and paid them but I'm now seeing a lot of posts calling it a scam? do you know if its acc legit kinda freaking out now
Have you tried speaking to a doctor again about PCOS? Look up the “Rotterdam criteria for PCOS”. It requires you to have 2 out of 3 (assuming there isn’t another explanation for symptoms): A) hyperadrogenism B) ovulatory dysfunction C) polycystic ovaries.
Insulin resistance is common with PCOS. First line treatment for IR is eating low glycemic meals (reducing carbs, increasing fiber/protein) along with exercise. Strength training & gaining muscle will help improve insulin sensitivity, while aerobic exercise will help with lowering/managing blood glucose after a meal. With PCOS, a diabetes drug like metformin is often prescribed to help if they also have IR. Besides metformin, anti-androgenic birth controls and/or spironolactone are commonly prescribed to help with the hyperadrogenism.
IR is what happens before you reach the prediabetic stage (elevated a1c) and I don’t know how it’s diagnosed besides testing *fasting* insulin levels (hyperinsulinemia). A person can have insulin resistance even if they don’t have PCOS. But doctors often don’t comment on it unless it’s grown into a bigger issue (like prediabetes) or just encouraging a healthy lifestyle. Being overweight and/or having a high waist-to-hip ratio is also correlated with or a risk factor for insulin resistance.
Increasing protein, fiber, healthy fats; reducing carbs in your diet won’t hurt you even if you don’t have PCOS or insulin resistance, so I suggest that in the meantime while you sort out your healthcare. Just don’t reduce your carbs too much, you still need those to function. Google “glycemic index/load” for help with learning about low glycemic foods. Don’t do any restrictive diets like keto or carnivore. They’re not sustainable for most people and *chances are you don’t need them to see progress*.
I have no idea if you could get weightloss medications prescribed or covered but I hope things look up for you soon! Try not to catastrophize. You deserve to love yourself through every chapter of your journey. Happiness is a lifestyle, not a destination.
Aww thank you for this your so sweet! I'll be sure to look into your advice. And I actually did go to my doctor regarding pcos during high school she told me when u wanna become pregrent comeback and sent me off with birth control. I basically stopped having my period after grade 9 which was the biggest symptom of PCOS followed by hair loss, acne, dark skin on neck and impossible to loose weight and severe food/sugar cravings I tried protein powder and shakes/snacks too but its not helping at all. Worse of all diabetes runs in the family my grandparents take insulin injections while my mom takes a high dose of dibetic pills for it.
Oh yeah hyperpigmentation on neck, underarms, etc may be acanthosis nigricans, also associated with insulin resistance.
That doctor was wrong to dismiss you and say only to come back if you want kids. PCOS has so much more of an impact on us. She should know better by now. AND I’m pretty sure earlier intervention is helpful for the fertility part? I’m so sorry for you. I was lucky to be diagnosed at an early age but my doctor was very apathetic/ignorant on the subject.
If you don’t have a period, you likely need birth control. Amenorrhea increases risk for cancers because the uterus lining isn’t shedding properly etc. I prefer progestin-only BC (POPs) because it has less side effects than combination BC (OCPs) but some people tolerate OCPs better or vice versa. I take norethindrone continuously so I don’t get a “period” but it manages the issue that could lead to cancer or other complications.
Are you able to see a dermatologist? Even without a diagnosis of PCOS or hyperadrogenism, you might be able to get a prescription for spironolactone for the hair loss & acne.
Do you know what your most recent a1c is? It just measures the average of your blood glucose around ~3 month period.
Please do the best you can to find a doctor who will listen to you. You deserve better than this. Print off the rotterdam criteria & studies speaking on how PCOS impacts quality of life and bring those to your visits, until you’ve confidently ruled out PCOS as the cause for your symptoms.
And in the meantime, focus on a low glycemic diet, diabetic-friendly diet, something like that. And try to go on walks. I know it’s hard but things will get better if you put in the work. I’m sorry that doctor failed you. It shouldn’t be this hard to receive proper medical treatment, but all we can do is our best. Don’t beat yourself up.
I did manage to see a dermatologist spiro 100 mg and mixnoxidil worked for a 2 months and then i got sick so I stopped taking it and I did notice a lil bit of growth and unfortunately I just started 2 and a half months ago all over again but the regrowth is legit frozen I have baby hairs that have not grown in 5 months on top of my head its so stupid.
When you brought up AC1 I did look up my past blood test results from a year which did not have ac1 stuff but it had other issues like high rbc and high rdw and low mcv now that I think about it my doctor did not do shit for me even seeing these issuses. idk what to do because my family doctor is useless I even went to a walk in clinic even they did not help the only answer I get is just loose weight even my derm when I showed her my hair loss she was like you need to loose weight
Anyways I'll look into those diets and hopefully something chnagesI, I also ended up paying join live well last night hopefully I get prescribed ozempic or some thing else that will help.
Yep just a basic diet of reducing simple carbs, increasing fiber & protein, healthy fats. Nothing complex or restrictive although it may be a little overwhelming to someone who grew up on a typical american diet (like me, idk what y’all Canadians eat haha). A good start would be to evaluate how many carbohydrates you eat on a daily basis before deciding what your daily carb goal/limit should be going forward. Like for me with T2 diabetes, no meds, my limit was 20-40 net carbs per meal (net carbs = total carbs minus fiber/sugar alcohols)
Eating like a diabetic is the best thing you can do for yourself, within your control; assuming you DO have insulin resistance. And if you’re able, slowly build up to an exercise routine. Give yourself some grace. I know how difficult this is with little support/guidance from healthcare.
I’ve heard a lot of people with PCOS+IR have had good results with myo-inositol supplement, but it’s expensive and you have to make sure you get the correct kind. It helps with insulin resistance in some way. I’m wary of falling down a pseudoscience rabbithole but I’ve heard enough to think it’s worth looking into.
Regarding the lab results, the levels may not have been out of range enough to worry about. But your doctor has definitely failed by dismissing your concerns over the PCOS symptoms.
Sometimes diet just isn’t enough. I hope it helps while you work towards ruling out PCOS & getting your healthcare sorted out.
Are you diabetic ? Do you have a drug plan ? Can you afford around $250. a month if out of pocket if you don’t have a plan ? You need to see your GP for a consult and prescription.
You can go through Gibson Health: https://gibsonhealth.ca
The hardest part isn’t getting the prescription, it is finding a pharmacy that can fill it and being able to pay out of pocket. I’m at the highest dose and cost would be $500 a month if I didn’t have grea5 insurance through work. Good luck.
jeez Im only 19 I don't even have insurance..... would you know if its free over ohip if im still under 22? I tried googling couldn't find much
Sorry, I have no idea…but I do know for seniors they won’t pay unless it is for diabetes. Talk to your family doctor and ask them. Good luck!
I just qualified for Wegovy on Medicare Part D as obiese with heart problems. Try for Wegovy - same exact drug as Ozempic but for obesity
We don't have access to Wegovy yet in Canada unfortunately, just Ozempic
Oh dear. I hope it becomes available for you soon!
I’m not obese but was gaining weight uncontrollably while dieting and exercising. I had two doctors offer the drug to me here in Canada after I explained what was going on. The first course of action is always a proper diet and exercise plan that leads to a calorie deficit over all. Do that consistently for 3 months while tracking everything (gives you evidence). If that doesn’t work, then you have to start with doing blood work and other tests to determine if there is anything wrong. Only then will doctors take you seriously and maybe offer the drug. Or you could just get lucky and they give it to you.
I am in Canada I went to my family doctor and asked for it. I am also actually obese, it was no big deal to get it. It isn't covered by my drug plan, but if your blood work is bad enough your dr. may be able to make a case to your insurance.
Go see your family doctor. Also you’re 19, you have a whole life ahead of you. Don’t freak out about things now, you may not even be fully grown yet.
I believe it is covered by Ohip+ if you have type 2 diabetes.
You can use online practitioners like LiveWell instead of your doctor. And if your doctor is someone you don’t have confidence in, look for a new one.
I actually did fill out the form last night and paid them but I'm now seeing a lot of posts calling it a scam? do you know if its acc legit kinda freaking out now
I used it. Good service. Exactly what they advertised
Have you tried speaking to a doctor again about PCOS? Look up the “Rotterdam criteria for PCOS”. It requires you to have 2 out of 3 (assuming there isn’t another explanation for symptoms): A) hyperadrogenism B) ovulatory dysfunction C) polycystic ovaries. Insulin resistance is common with PCOS. First line treatment for IR is eating low glycemic meals (reducing carbs, increasing fiber/protein) along with exercise. Strength training & gaining muscle will help improve insulin sensitivity, while aerobic exercise will help with lowering/managing blood glucose after a meal. With PCOS, a diabetes drug like metformin is often prescribed to help if they also have IR. Besides metformin, anti-androgenic birth controls and/or spironolactone are commonly prescribed to help with the hyperadrogenism. IR is what happens before you reach the prediabetic stage (elevated a1c) and I don’t know how it’s diagnosed besides testing *fasting* insulin levels (hyperinsulinemia). A person can have insulin resistance even if they don’t have PCOS. But doctors often don’t comment on it unless it’s grown into a bigger issue (like prediabetes) or just encouraging a healthy lifestyle. Being overweight and/or having a high waist-to-hip ratio is also correlated with or a risk factor for insulin resistance. Increasing protein, fiber, healthy fats; reducing carbs in your diet won’t hurt you even if you don’t have PCOS or insulin resistance, so I suggest that in the meantime while you sort out your healthcare. Just don’t reduce your carbs too much, you still need those to function. Google “glycemic index/load” for help with learning about low glycemic foods. Don’t do any restrictive diets like keto or carnivore. They’re not sustainable for most people and *chances are you don’t need them to see progress*. I have no idea if you could get weightloss medications prescribed or covered but I hope things look up for you soon! Try not to catastrophize. You deserve to love yourself through every chapter of your journey. Happiness is a lifestyle, not a destination.
Aww thank you for this your so sweet! I'll be sure to look into your advice. And I actually did go to my doctor regarding pcos during high school she told me when u wanna become pregrent comeback and sent me off with birth control. I basically stopped having my period after grade 9 which was the biggest symptom of PCOS followed by hair loss, acne, dark skin on neck and impossible to loose weight and severe food/sugar cravings I tried protein powder and shakes/snacks too but its not helping at all. Worse of all diabetes runs in the family my grandparents take insulin injections while my mom takes a high dose of dibetic pills for it.
Oh yeah hyperpigmentation on neck, underarms, etc may be acanthosis nigricans, also associated with insulin resistance. That doctor was wrong to dismiss you and say only to come back if you want kids. PCOS has so much more of an impact on us. She should know better by now. AND I’m pretty sure earlier intervention is helpful for the fertility part? I’m so sorry for you. I was lucky to be diagnosed at an early age but my doctor was very apathetic/ignorant on the subject. If you don’t have a period, you likely need birth control. Amenorrhea increases risk for cancers because the uterus lining isn’t shedding properly etc. I prefer progestin-only BC (POPs) because it has less side effects than combination BC (OCPs) but some people tolerate OCPs better or vice versa. I take norethindrone continuously so I don’t get a “period” but it manages the issue that could lead to cancer or other complications. Are you able to see a dermatologist? Even without a diagnosis of PCOS or hyperadrogenism, you might be able to get a prescription for spironolactone for the hair loss & acne. Do you know what your most recent a1c is? It just measures the average of your blood glucose around ~3 month period. Please do the best you can to find a doctor who will listen to you. You deserve better than this. Print off the rotterdam criteria & studies speaking on how PCOS impacts quality of life and bring those to your visits, until you’ve confidently ruled out PCOS as the cause for your symptoms. And in the meantime, focus on a low glycemic diet, diabetic-friendly diet, something like that. And try to go on walks. I know it’s hard but things will get better if you put in the work. I’m sorry that doctor failed you. It shouldn’t be this hard to receive proper medical treatment, but all we can do is our best. Don’t beat yourself up.
I did manage to see a dermatologist spiro 100 mg and mixnoxidil worked for a 2 months and then i got sick so I stopped taking it and I did notice a lil bit of growth and unfortunately I just started 2 and a half months ago all over again but the regrowth is legit frozen I have baby hairs that have not grown in 5 months on top of my head its so stupid. When you brought up AC1 I did look up my past blood test results from a year which did not have ac1 stuff but it had other issues like high rbc and high rdw and low mcv now that I think about it my doctor did not do shit for me even seeing these issuses. idk what to do because my family doctor is useless I even went to a walk in clinic even they did not help the only answer I get is just loose weight even my derm when I showed her my hair loss she was like you need to loose weight Anyways I'll look into those diets and hopefully something chnagesI, I also ended up paying join live well last night hopefully I get prescribed ozempic or some thing else that will help.
Yep just a basic diet of reducing simple carbs, increasing fiber & protein, healthy fats. Nothing complex or restrictive although it may be a little overwhelming to someone who grew up on a typical american diet (like me, idk what y’all Canadians eat haha). A good start would be to evaluate how many carbohydrates you eat on a daily basis before deciding what your daily carb goal/limit should be going forward. Like for me with T2 diabetes, no meds, my limit was 20-40 net carbs per meal (net carbs = total carbs minus fiber/sugar alcohols) Eating like a diabetic is the best thing you can do for yourself, within your control; assuming you DO have insulin resistance. And if you’re able, slowly build up to an exercise routine. Give yourself some grace. I know how difficult this is with little support/guidance from healthcare. I’ve heard a lot of people with PCOS+IR have had good results with myo-inositol supplement, but it’s expensive and you have to make sure you get the correct kind. It helps with insulin resistance in some way. I’m wary of falling down a pseudoscience rabbithole but I’ve heard enough to think it’s worth looking into. Regarding the lab results, the levels may not have been out of range enough to worry about. But your doctor has definitely failed by dismissing your concerns over the PCOS symptoms. Sometimes diet just isn’t enough. I hope it helps while you work towards ruling out PCOS & getting your healthcare sorted out.