Those who are maintaining ......

PCOS is really more of a hormonal issue than anything else. Yes some (me lol) have the cysts, but not all. Again its WAY more of a hormonal imbalance than anything else. So glad this is helping. When my brain isnt so fuzzy, will get you more info lol

http://thyroid.about.com/cs/newsinfo/l/bltest_values.htm


I wrote the following probably 2 years ago and have not updated but the above site and the following will give you a place to start.

I hope this helps!

 

**************HYPOTHYROIDISM******************

 Do YOU suffer from Hypothyroidism and are going untreated???

The Board of Endocrinology changed the range of appropriate TSH levels in January of 2003. The appropriate range was .035-5.00 but is now .035-3.00. Anyone having a TSH over 3.00 is considered to have hypothyroidism and should be treated. Anyone between 2.00 and 3.00 with symptoms should be suspect and considered for treatment.

 The labs have not caught up with this change even 2.5 years later. So, PCPs and Surgeon's get TSH levels above 3.00 but they are showing within the acceptable range on the blood work. Therefore, people are going untreated. I'm a good example as over 10 years ago my TSH was topping to 5.00 (I had suddenly gained 20 lb for no apparent reason) but I was within normal limits - never mind that I had all the symptoms. Later, it would go over 5.00 but they considered this "slightly elevated" and didn't rush to treat anything as they were being conservative. So, I suffered needlessly for 10 years and slowly gained over 100 pounds. 

 If you have symptoms of hypothyroidism such as the following, please inquire with your physician(s) and/or surgeon about your TSH level. Symptoms of hypothyroidism usually develop slowly over months or years. Symptoms and signs may include:

 *Coarse and thinning hair.
*Dry skin.
*Brittle nails.
*A yellowish tint to the skin.
*Slow body movements.
*Cold skin.
*Inability to tolerate cold.
*Feeling tired, sluggish, or weak.
*Memory problems, depression, or difficulty concentrating.
*Constipation.
*Heavy or irregular menstrual periods that may last longer than 5 to 7 days. 
*Infertility (primary or secondary) 

 

 Other, less common symptoms may include: 

*An enlarged thyroid gland (goiter).
*Modest weight gain, often 10 lb(4.5 kg) or less.
*Swelling of the arms, hands, legs, and feet, and facial puffiness, particularly around the eyes.
*Hoarseness.
*Muscle aches and cramps. 
*Imbalance / *clutzy*

 "According to AACE Medical Guidelines for Clinical Practice for Evaluation and Treatment of Hyperthyroidism and Hypothyroidism, the sensitive TSH test has become the single best screening for thyroid dysfunction. To further evaluate the appropriateness of a patient’s TSH level, AACE recommends that a Free T4 test be conducted along with a TSH test. “It is very important for patients with thyroid hormone imbalance to know their TSH and Free T4 numbers. The optimal goal TSH level for patients on treatment ranges between 0.3 to 3.0 mIU/L. Patients should talk to their doctors about their Free T4 numbers, since reference ranges can vary somewhat between different laboratories," stated Dr. Law."

 http://www.aace.com/newsroom/press/2006/index.php?r=20060110

 "Until November 2002, doctors had relied on a normal TSH level ranging from 0.5 to 5.0 to diagnose and treat patients with a thyroid disorder who tested outside the boundaries of that range5 . Now AACE encourages doctors to consider treatment for patients who test outside the boundaries of a narrower margin based on a target TSH level of 0.3 to 3.04. AACE believes the new range will result in proper diagnosis for millions of Americans who suffer from a mild thyroid disorder, but have gone untreated until now."

 http://www.aace.com/newsroom/press/2003/index.php?r=20030118 

I am also 5 years out (on Sept 15) and concur with all of the above.  I can eat completely normal and eat whatever I want to be honest.    I still only eat what I ate the first year and still measure portions.  I also intake 80 grams of protien a day.  I have maintained my weight of 144 pounds the last 2 years and look fabulous (I have pics on my profile).  Know your limits and trigger foods and avoid them or only eat them in small portions.  This will help you as you get farther out.

I too had PCOS and had 3 children with no problem.  It is all about your body and how it reacts to things.

You will loose the weight and keep it off of you try.  For me it is now second nature as I have retrained my body and brain to eat like a "thin" person.  you will be fine just keep your eye on the prize and always remember where you started.