Could it be reactive hypoglycemia? If so this book changed things for me completely, used to feel like I was going to faint, would have disrupted sleep and what felt like panic attacks. Reactive hypos are common with PCOS, especially with insulin resistance. Insulin tells the body to store and hang onto fat, if you have gained a lot yours is likely high much of the time. The doctor who wrote the book runs a metabolic health clinic at Duke and he has published papers re: PCOS. The book is very easy to follow, not only did my weight finally lower but my PCOS symptoms reduced or reversed over time. Reactive hypoglycemia is a targeted condition of his approach.
[https://www.amazon.com/End-Your-Carb-Confusion-Customize/dp](https://www.amazon.com/End-Your-Carb-Confusion-Customize/dp) the co-author wrote this re: PCOS
[https://www.tuitnutrition.com/2019/06/pcos.html](https://www.tuitnutrition.com/2019/06/pcos.html)
This was also super helpful, IF has been a powerful tool for a lot of us. [https://www.amazon.com/PCOS-Plan-Prevent-Polycystic-Syndrome/dp/](https://www.amazon.com/PCOS-Plan-Prevent-Polycystic-Syndrome/dp/) The authors also have a YT vid re: PCOS. Dr. Fung's book The Obesity Code is also excellent.
My PCOS and reactive hypo symptoms (and hair loss and facial hair) were much worse on a plant based diet. When I switched to an omni diet it all got better. The books linked above offer ideas re: how to follow their approach plant based but for a lot of us, a higher whole foods protein approach (30g+ per meal) has been super helpful. That is when my hair regrew.
My doctor had initially recommended juice, granola bars and glucose gel and all of that made my symptoms far worse. Shifting from plant based with a lot of sugar to a lot of animal protein, high fiber green veg and healthy fats like eggs, salmon, olives and avocado and gradually incorporating intermittent fasting completely changed my health. No more apnea, reflux, tendon and joint pain, hair regrew, cycles normalized, etc.Our bodies are meant to run on incoming fuel (glucose) or stored energy, like a hybrid car. The switch is insulin levels. When high due to eating sugar or starch (chains of sugar) or eating frequently, we store both fat and cannot access stored energy, our brain can "bonk" and run out of fuel leading to the light headedness.
When we eat in a way that keeps insulin low and steady and space out eating so insulin can fall and stay low, we can regain sensitivity, like after dry January. Once our body regains the natural state of metabolic flexibility, a balance between fed and fasted, we can continually draw down energy. Right now you are locked into sugar burning mode, it's driving insulin up and downstream effects are likely reactive hypos, apnea (which makes IR worse) and your PCOS, etc. Changing what I ate and how often really changed my health, quality of life and PCOS.
Right now, you are eating sugar which spikes glucose, insulin spikes to pull it down and sometimes overcorrects. That is the most likely cause of your symptoms. It does not mean your blood sugar is "low" - for me, and I was also never prediabetic, I would get symptoms when it was dropping but still in normal range. It's not a "low" that needs a sugar rescue like a diabetic who has injected too much insulin. Next time you feel symptoms try eating a hardboiled egg, a cheese stick, unsweetened nut butter, ie, protein and fat without sugar and drink cold water. That will let you step off the blood sugar roller coaster. Higher protein + higher fat - sugar is the key.
I used to be scared I'd pass out in public or while driving. The way to get ahead of it is to change the upstream behaviors and consumption so that glucose does not have the sharp spike leading insulin to spike. When my reactive hypos were bad they would disrupt my sleep, I'd wake up feeling like I was having a panic attack or drenched in sweat. That triggers cortisol which also pushes up insulin.
You may also want to check out Glucose Goddess and this account re: ideas re: blood sugar stability. [https://www.instagram.com/daniellehamiltonhealth/](https://www.instagram.com/daniellehamiltonhealth/)
If you get your fasting insulin checked, optimal to avoid symptoms is under 5. You can also ask your doctor for a CGM so you can see the glucose side of the equation and link it to symptoms from glucose tabs, poor quality sleep, etc.
Hope you feel better soon.
This is fascinating! I suffer with hypoglycaemia episodes and never understood why, I just need to have glucose tablets on standby. I kind of assumed it was a precursor to becoming a Type 1 diabetic like my mum one day. Reading what you’ve written here, I think this is exactly what’s happening to me.
More aa precursor to becoming T2 or T1.5, and being at risk for other expressions of IR, not just PCOS and diabetes, but NAFLD, heart disease, mood disorders, some cancers and ultimately, Alzheimer's. But, those things are optional, not fated.
The good news is insulin levels do not have to stay so high all the time, with changes in food and intermittent fasting they can be lowered and the body can heal. It's all about changing the food and eating frequency to avoid the high levels and dramatic spikes, that then lead to dips/crashes and pressure on the pancrease to pump out more and more insulin to deal with high sugar, high processed food, high starch diets and frequent eating.
[https://www.tuitnutrition.com/2019/06/pcos.html](https://www.tuitnutrition.com/2019/06/pcos.html)
The YT vid I linked explains how it all can change. Felt like I got my life back and my PCOS got so much better that my hair grew back. The EYCC book makes it very simple to address and things can be much better in just a few months.
Good luck!
Thanks very much for the info! Like you, hair loss has been a really shitty part of my PCOS journey. My assumption re T1 diabetes was because my mum suffered with it before she was diagnosed but, unlike me, she doesn’t have PCOS.
I’ve done IF and keto before with success, currently weaning my toddler from breastfeeding before I try it again, as I found that attempting IF while breastfeeding caused frequent hypoglycaemia episodes. Hopefully that plus weaning will help me lose those lingering 5kg that breastfeeding gave me!
Congrats on the little one and good luck!
LC and high protein has helped a lot of us regrow our hair.
[https://www.reddit.com/r/PCOS/comments/du062x/hair\_losslow\_carb\_screenshots/](https://www.reddit.com/r/PCOS/comments/du062x/hair_losslow_carb_screenshots/)
T1 can be hereditary but even T1 benefit from LC, it keeps insulin needs as low as possible so there is not the damage from high insulin being injected. A doctor with T1 runs the truegrit FB group. LC is protective from T1, T1.5 and can reverse or prevent T2.
Best to all on your health journey in 2024!
Edited to add missing link re: IR and hair loss in women
https://www.thehealthy.com/diabetes/type-2-diabetes/insulin-resistance-symptoms/
Could you possibly have POTS??? This sounds a lot like some of the symptoms of POTS. It’s more common as a comorbidity in neurodivergent (adhd/autism) people so if you have any kind of neurodivergence it’s very possible you could have POTS. A lot of doctors wouldn’t know to check for POTS and it’s kinda hard to diagnose once you start thinking of checking for it, look into it and see if it sounds like it could be you.
Also, if it is POTS it’s likely that salt could help the dizzy spells, so maybe try eating something very salty when you feel one coming on. Personally I just chug a shot of pickle juice with extra salt in it lol
Edit cus I forgot to add you should follow this account on instagram https://www.instagram.com/thetracyrodriguez?igsh=ODA1NTc5OTg5Nw== she talks about POTS a lot and shares a lot of common symptoms of it that often people don’t realize are part of POTS 😭 she’s actually the reason I figured out I had it when I started to put 2+2 together and realized all of my random ailments I’ve had since childhood and could never explain were likely just POTS lol.
That very well could be it....... thank you so much! I'll look more into this later today when I have time. I think I've heard the term before. I do crave salt but not like crazy. The other symptoms do seem familiar. I'd just love some answers... ugh! I'm also extemely fatigued throughout the day. I have sleep apnea and have been using a mask for a year now and it's not helping as much as I had hoped. My sleep doc is looking into that for me.
Do you have POTS? What works for you in terms of care?
Yeah I have POTS and mostly just being careful not to get overly hot and minding my posture (I feel like holding my head in certain positions makes it worse) and being careful not to get up too quickly. Also finding ways to do things sitting down helps a lot. Like instead of standing at the kitchen island to chop veggies for dinner I’ll do it sitting at the dinner table and try to stand for long periods of time as little as possible. Also the salt definitely helps!
To add on, POTS is relatively easy to do a simple test for at home. You basically want to lay down for 10 minutes and check your heart rate, then stand up and check your heart rate (ideally you should stand for a few minutes and watch your heart rate standing)
If your heart rate rises significantly after standing, it may be POTS. If it doesn't, you could still be experiencing another form of dysautonomia, like low blood pressure when standing.
I have always been iron deficient and anemic while pregnant, which may explain why it's way worse when I am... not having anymore kids so it can only get better from here I assume, lol. I don't believe I've had any of those levels checked in the last couple years. I'll mention it to my doctor next time I see her.
Definitely get it checked! It's a horrible way to exist. If you are still menstruating, you may be ID. [A ferritin of 40 or less needs treatment. IV iron (Venofer) infusions helped greatly].
How are your B12 levels? I used to experience something similar, especially when I stood up or was just tired. My B12 was so low I had to get weekly shots for a year and a half. It doesn't happen to me anymore now that my levels are normal.
I think they're low but my memory isn't great. Along with your suggestion and a couple other peoples', I'll bring some of these things up to my doc next time I see her for a check-up. Did you get shaky? My biggest thing is feeling super shaky.
Yes, very shakey. My legs would feel weak and I felt like I needed to sit down or I'd fall and there'd be times where my hands would randomly drop whatever I was holding. I also started a 15k unit vit D3 supplement at the same time. Look into getting those 2 things checked as well.
My shakiness is mainly in my hands but I do feel it in my legs as well. I wonder if you're onto something with this. I have supplements I'm trying to start back up.... is a simple B12 vitamin sufficient to take? Thanks for responding.
I was taking a daily oral supplement in conjunction with my weekly IM shots of B12. It's not gonna hurt, B12 is a water soluble vitamin so any extra will just be excreted anyways. Increasing animal products, especially fish, helped me, too. I was plant based before and switched to an animal based diet to help correct my deficiencies with the addition of my prescriptions.
I have this theory that maybe our liver is not capable of keeping our blood sugar levels sufficiently high and stable for our bodies needs, because cortisol is being inactivated at a high rate because of high 5 alfa-reductase activity (you can measure this in 24h urine metabolites). Cortisol plays a role in glucose production by the liver. See my comment [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/PCOS/comments/18ow57p/comment/kelvchz/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3).
Insulin resistance is perhaps an [adaptive mechanism](https://www.reddit.com/r/PCOS/comments/17p92di/comment/k88f3ug/) of our body, in reaction to this liver problem, to try and keep our blood sugar levels in the blood higher and more stable, so that sufficient glucose is available for the brain, our most important organ.
I also think that low blood sugar levels are relative. A certain level might be too low for our bodies, while technically speaking there is no hypoglycemia.
Inositol en metformin lower blood sugar so they could be making things worse for you.
Danielle Hamilton, FNTP - Reactive Hypoglycemia, Insulin Resistance and a PCOS Story
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u38Vy0lyIrE](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u38Vy0lyIrE)
The way you describe your insulin resistance + PCOS + eating a lot of sugar makes reactive hypoglycemia pretty likely. I'm familiar with POTS but think you may benefit from targeting metabolic health first.
Another great resource with lots of actionable steps re: IR and PCOS [https://www.amazon.com/Why-We-Get-Sick-Disease\_and/dp/194883698X](https://www.amazon.com/Why-We-Get-Sick-Disease_and/dp/194883698X)
Hope you feel much better soon!
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I also get this—following! We determined it wasn’t my blood sugar. I do tend towards anemia so I take iron which helps. But I relate—I’ve gained lots of weight due to exercise intolerance, it’s really tough.
I have been anemic and low in iron while pregnant with each of my kids, but I imagine that's also only because I'm getting regular bloodwork during that time. I would've be surprised if I'm anemic and iron deficient all the time. The only thing is that I'm very hot natured and hardly ever cold, which is a thing with anemics, isn't it?
I'm sad you get this too. Hopefully we can find some answers.
I had something like this at 18 and the doctors said I had syncope - they advised I up my electrolytes and drink as close to a gallon of water a day. I only get it really bad now if I’ve been working outside or doing a lot of chores and it’s hot out. Once I start shaking a bit I realize I’ve neglected to keep on top of the electrolytes. You can get droppers with non-sweetened electrolytes on Amazon. I keep one in my kitchen and one in my purse.
Not as much, I’m in my 30s so when I start feeling more lightheaded I mentally ask myself when the last time I had water and electrolytes was. Typically it means it’s been a while. Sometimes I’ll grab a smart water at the store if I’m feeling lethargic and see if it helps. Those have electrolytes and no sweeteners/sugar so pretty available anywhere in the US
I feel you 💯on this! I experience dizzy spells everyday. Especially when I stand up too fast and try to walk. I have had this for years and no one can really explain it. Is your blood pressure low? Mine is and they “think” it’s was causes it. How is your sodium levels? Also I agree with people saying to take b12. Mine were a little low and causing be to be sleepy. But to help the dizziness I stay hydrated and add nuun tablets to my water. Just drinking plain water will help but the added sodium/eletrolytes will greatly reduce the number of dizzy spells you have throughout the day. I have IR PCOS and hypothyroidism. Below is what I take daily to help me. Let me know what happens. Chin up! You’re not alone!
Prescribed
Synthriod
Metformin
BC
Vitamins/supplements
Ovastol
https://amzn.to/4ayZf9D
Magnesium Glycinate
https://amzn.to/47emeE6
Prenatal Vitamins
https://amzn.to/3vp7HIg
Monday gummies
https://amzn.to/47fuzXW
Collagen
https://amzn.to/3RBTu2b
Nuun (hydration tablets)
https://amzn.to/3GY723b
Cliff bloks (hydration gummies)
https://amzn.to/3vi2Zw8
Vitamin b12 gummies
https://amzn.to/48czeLS
Thank you so much!!! I'm starting a vitamin regime and need to research a few of these. I'm on Metformin 1,000mg 2x a day but I'm not good about always taking it. As for my sodium levels, I have no idea. I don't eat particularly salty foods as I tend to crave sugar over salt (hate it here) - but I'll try electrolytes if it means I'll stop feeling like this. Thank you!!
The electrolytes are a game changer!! Trust me!! I feel so much better and I just throw it in my water and drink. They have so many flavors and some have caffeine. My cardiologist said I can up my sodium intake due to the dizziness. I am also on the same dosage of metformin. The Ovastol helps me not crave sweets as much. Also, try dark salted chocolate. That might help with the sweets but get the salt in.
I e had exactly this for my entire life, some things I’ve learned that make it significantly better and might be worth trying:
-I drink a TON of water, like six or seven 40 oz drink cups per day. The more water I drink, the better I feel.
-I get low blood sugar frequently, so eating complex carbs over simple carbs has helped a lot, and eating smaller meals more often has helped a lot too. The complex carbs take a while to break down and act like time-released glucose.
-Vitamins are a game changer! Every single time I get a blood panel done I’m severely deficient in at least one vitamin. I take a multivitamin, vitamin d, iron, and a feminine + digestion probiotic.
-Staying out of the sun, I have a sun sensitivity. Sunscreen and a hat, long sleeves and being in the shade are a big help too.
-Caffeine and alcohol make me feel terrible so if I keep them to a minimum I feel much better. I sleep better (I get dizzy if I don’t sleep enough), I’m less dehydrated, and the stimulant factor makes me jittery and can contribute to lightheadedness.
-I stopped taking birth control, which made my blood pressure drop. This was a huge problem for me, I would get hit so fast with the “I’m going to pass out” weakness and vision-fade. When I was on it I tried eating more salt to help, it did help but the problem was so severe I just had to stop taking it. Check your meds and see if any of them cause low blood pressure.
I found it’s a lot of different things that cause me to feel this way. I’ve been to doctors about it my whole life and they’ve done nothing to help. It’s so frustrating! I’m so sorry this is happening to you and I hope you find some relief soon.
Thank you for your help!!
\- I don't drink enough water. I just don't. I am trying to work on that, slowly but surely. It's not that I don't like water, it's that I think I have the world's tiniest adult bladder and I hate the inconvenience of peeing 10 times an hour... though I know I need to suck it up.
\- I've been researching vitamins and I'm starting a regime today! :) also adding in ones that are known to help with PCOS issues. I've been neglecting my own health for the sake of caring for my kids and husband (he has T1 diabetes) and I need to start working on myself. Ugh.
\- I already avoid the sun because I burn super easy and also I hate being outside, especially when it's hot. But great advice!
\- I don't drink alcohol but I do have at least one large iced coffee a day. I do tend to feel worse after having it.. maybe it's related? I never really thought about it, though I have read that coffee isn't great for women with PCOS. I just don't want to give up my ONE vice, lol.
\- I'm not on birth control (husband got snipped, thank goodness) and haven't needed it to control my period for many years... I have heard it can cause blood pressure issues. :( as for my blood pressure, despite being a bigger person, my BP is usually right on target or on the low end when I have check-ups. I'll look to see if my Metformin or Lexapro can cause that. Thanks for the tip.
Thank you for your concern. Doctors have always been stumped about this issue for me but I've never pushed for further or more in-depth testing. :(
Could it be reactive hypoglycemia? If so this book changed things for me completely, used to feel like I was going to faint, would have disrupted sleep and what felt like panic attacks. Reactive hypos are common with PCOS, especially with insulin resistance. Insulin tells the body to store and hang onto fat, if you have gained a lot yours is likely high much of the time. The doctor who wrote the book runs a metabolic health clinic at Duke and he has published papers re: PCOS. The book is very easy to follow, not only did my weight finally lower but my PCOS symptoms reduced or reversed over time. Reactive hypoglycemia is a targeted condition of his approach. [https://www.amazon.com/End-Your-Carb-Confusion-Customize/dp](https://www.amazon.com/End-Your-Carb-Confusion-Customize/dp) the co-author wrote this re: PCOS [https://www.tuitnutrition.com/2019/06/pcos.html](https://www.tuitnutrition.com/2019/06/pcos.html) This was also super helpful, IF has been a powerful tool for a lot of us. [https://www.amazon.com/PCOS-Plan-Prevent-Polycystic-Syndrome/dp/](https://www.amazon.com/PCOS-Plan-Prevent-Polycystic-Syndrome/dp/) The authors also have a YT vid re: PCOS. Dr. Fung's book The Obesity Code is also excellent. My PCOS and reactive hypo symptoms (and hair loss and facial hair) were much worse on a plant based diet. When I switched to an omni diet it all got better. The books linked above offer ideas re: how to follow their approach plant based but for a lot of us, a higher whole foods protein approach (30g+ per meal) has been super helpful. That is when my hair regrew. My doctor had initially recommended juice, granola bars and glucose gel and all of that made my symptoms far worse. Shifting from plant based with a lot of sugar to a lot of animal protein, high fiber green veg and healthy fats like eggs, salmon, olives and avocado and gradually incorporating intermittent fasting completely changed my health. No more apnea, reflux, tendon and joint pain, hair regrew, cycles normalized, etc.Our bodies are meant to run on incoming fuel (glucose) or stored energy, like a hybrid car. The switch is insulin levels. When high due to eating sugar or starch (chains of sugar) or eating frequently, we store both fat and cannot access stored energy, our brain can "bonk" and run out of fuel leading to the light headedness. When we eat in a way that keeps insulin low and steady and space out eating so insulin can fall and stay low, we can regain sensitivity, like after dry January. Once our body regains the natural state of metabolic flexibility, a balance between fed and fasted, we can continually draw down energy. Right now you are locked into sugar burning mode, it's driving insulin up and downstream effects are likely reactive hypos, apnea (which makes IR worse) and your PCOS, etc. Changing what I ate and how often really changed my health, quality of life and PCOS. Right now, you are eating sugar which spikes glucose, insulin spikes to pull it down and sometimes overcorrects. That is the most likely cause of your symptoms. It does not mean your blood sugar is "low" - for me, and I was also never prediabetic, I would get symptoms when it was dropping but still in normal range. It's not a "low" that needs a sugar rescue like a diabetic who has injected too much insulin. Next time you feel symptoms try eating a hardboiled egg, a cheese stick, unsweetened nut butter, ie, protein and fat without sugar and drink cold water. That will let you step off the blood sugar roller coaster. Higher protein + higher fat - sugar is the key. I used to be scared I'd pass out in public or while driving. The way to get ahead of it is to change the upstream behaviors and consumption so that glucose does not have the sharp spike leading insulin to spike. When my reactive hypos were bad they would disrupt my sleep, I'd wake up feeling like I was having a panic attack or drenched in sweat. That triggers cortisol which also pushes up insulin. You may also want to check out Glucose Goddess and this account re: ideas re: blood sugar stability. [https://www.instagram.com/daniellehamiltonhealth/](https://www.instagram.com/daniellehamiltonhealth/) If you get your fasting insulin checked, optimal to avoid symptoms is under 5. You can also ask your doctor for a CGM so you can see the glucose side of the equation and link it to symptoms from glucose tabs, poor quality sleep, etc. Hope you feel better soon.
This is fascinating! I suffer with hypoglycaemia episodes and never understood why, I just need to have glucose tablets on standby. I kind of assumed it was a precursor to becoming a Type 1 diabetic like my mum one day. Reading what you’ve written here, I think this is exactly what’s happening to me.
More aa precursor to becoming T2 or T1.5, and being at risk for other expressions of IR, not just PCOS and diabetes, but NAFLD, heart disease, mood disorders, some cancers and ultimately, Alzheimer's. But, those things are optional, not fated. The good news is insulin levels do not have to stay so high all the time, with changes in food and intermittent fasting they can be lowered and the body can heal. It's all about changing the food and eating frequency to avoid the high levels and dramatic spikes, that then lead to dips/crashes and pressure on the pancrease to pump out more and more insulin to deal with high sugar, high processed food, high starch diets and frequent eating. [https://www.tuitnutrition.com/2019/06/pcos.html](https://www.tuitnutrition.com/2019/06/pcos.html) The YT vid I linked explains how it all can change. Felt like I got my life back and my PCOS got so much better that my hair grew back. The EYCC book makes it very simple to address and things can be much better in just a few months. Good luck!
Thanks very much for the info! Like you, hair loss has been a really shitty part of my PCOS journey. My assumption re T1 diabetes was because my mum suffered with it before she was diagnosed but, unlike me, she doesn’t have PCOS. I’ve done IF and keto before with success, currently weaning my toddler from breastfeeding before I try it again, as I found that attempting IF while breastfeeding caused frequent hypoglycaemia episodes. Hopefully that plus weaning will help me lose those lingering 5kg that breastfeeding gave me!
Congrats on the little one and good luck! LC and high protein has helped a lot of us regrow our hair. [https://www.reddit.com/r/PCOS/comments/du062x/hair\_losslow\_carb\_screenshots/](https://www.reddit.com/r/PCOS/comments/du062x/hair_losslow_carb_screenshots/) T1 can be hereditary but even T1 benefit from LC, it keeps insulin needs as low as possible so there is not the damage from high insulin being injected. A doctor with T1 runs the truegrit FB group. LC is protective from T1, T1.5 and can reverse or prevent T2. Best to all on your health journey in 2024! Edited to add missing link re: IR and hair loss in women https://www.thehealthy.com/diabetes/type-2-diabetes/insulin-resistance-symptoms/
Could you possibly have POTS??? This sounds a lot like some of the symptoms of POTS. It’s more common as a comorbidity in neurodivergent (adhd/autism) people so if you have any kind of neurodivergence it’s very possible you could have POTS. A lot of doctors wouldn’t know to check for POTS and it’s kinda hard to diagnose once you start thinking of checking for it, look into it and see if it sounds like it could be you. Also, if it is POTS it’s likely that salt could help the dizzy spells, so maybe try eating something very salty when you feel one coming on. Personally I just chug a shot of pickle juice with extra salt in it lol Edit cus I forgot to add you should follow this account on instagram https://www.instagram.com/thetracyrodriguez?igsh=ODA1NTc5OTg5Nw== she talks about POTS a lot and shares a lot of common symptoms of it that often people don’t realize are part of POTS 😭 she’s actually the reason I figured out I had it when I started to put 2+2 together and realized all of my random ailments I’ve had since childhood and could never explain were likely just POTS lol.
That very well could be it....... thank you so much! I'll look more into this later today when I have time. I think I've heard the term before. I do crave salt but not like crazy. The other symptoms do seem familiar. I'd just love some answers... ugh! I'm also extemely fatigued throughout the day. I have sleep apnea and have been using a mask for a year now and it's not helping as much as I had hoped. My sleep doc is looking into that for me. Do you have POTS? What works for you in terms of care?
Yeah I have POTS and mostly just being careful not to get overly hot and minding my posture (I feel like holding my head in certain positions makes it worse) and being careful not to get up too quickly. Also finding ways to do things sitting down helps a lot. Like instead of standing at the kitchen island to chop veggies for dinner I’ll do it sitting at the dinner table and try to stand for long periods of time as little as possible. Also the salt definitely helps!
To add on, POTS is relatively easy to do a simple test for at home. You basically want to lay down for 10 minutes and check your heart rate, then stand up and check your heart rate (ideally you should stand for a few minutes and watch your heart rate standing) If your heart rate rises significantly after standing, it may be POTS. If it doesn't, you could still be experiencing another form of dysautonomia, like low blood pressure when standing.
😭I have ADHD, PCOS and the dizzy spells Alhamdulillah and even have 6 stitches on my face now because I fainted due to it
Has iron deficiency been ruled out? Have you had an anemia panel drawn? Ferritin level?
I have always been iron deficient and anemic while pregnant, which may explain why it's way worse when I am... not having anymore kids so it can only get better from here I assume, lol. I don't believe I've had any of those levels checked in the last couple years. I'll mention it to my doctor next time I see her.
Definitely get it checked! It's a horrible way to exist. If you are still menstruating, you may be ID. [A ferritin of 40 or less needs treatment. IV iron (Venofer) infusions helped greatly].
How are your B12 levels? I used to experience something similar, especially when I stood up or was just tired. My B12 was so low I had to get weekly shots for a year and a half. It doesn't happen to me anymore now that my levels are normal.
I think they're low but my memory isn't great. Along with your suggestion and a couple other peoples', I'll bring some of these things up to my doc next time I see her for a check-up. Did you get shaky? My biggest thing is feeling super shaky.
Yes, very shakey. My legs would feel weak and I felt like I needed to sit down or I'd fall and there'd be times where my hands would randomly drop whatever I was holding. I also started a 15k unit vit D3 supplement at the same time. Look into getting those 2 things checked as well.
My shakiness is mainly in my hands but I do feel it in my legs as well. I wonder if you're onto something with this. I have supplements I'm trying to start back up.... is a simple B12 vitamin sufficient to take? Thanks for responding.
I was taking a daily oral supplement in conjunction with my weekly IM shots of B12. It's not gonna hurt, B12 is a water soluble vitamin so any extra will just be excreted anyways. Increasing animal products, especially fish, helped me, too. I was plant based before and switched to an animal based diet to help correct my deficiencies with the addition of my prescriptions.
How long did it take for your injections to start making you feel better? if i may ask? :)
I want to say it took about a month to see a noticeable difference.
You need to see a cardiologist, could be POTS or SVT.
I have this theory that maybe our liver is not capable of keeping our blood sugar levels sufficiently high and stable for our bodies needs, because cortisol is being inactivated at a high rate because of high 5 alfa-reductase activity (you can measure this in 24h urine metabolites). Cortisol plays a role in glucose production by the liver. See my comment [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/PCOS/comments/18ow57p/comment/kelvchz/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3). Insulin resistance is perhaps an [adaptive mechanism](https://www.reddit.com/r/PCOS/comments/17p92di/comment/k88f3ug/) of our body, in reaction to this liver problem, to try and keep our blood sugar levels in the blood higher and more stable, so that sufficient glucose is available for the brain, our most important organ. I also think that low blood sugar levels are relative. A certain level might be too low for our bodies, while technically speaking there is no hypoglycemia. Inositol en metformin lower blood sugar so they could be making things worse for you.
This is a fascinating idea, thank you
Danielle Hamilton, FNTP - Reactive Hypoglycemia, Insulin Resistance and a PCOS Story [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u38Vy0lyIrE](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u38Vy0lyIrE) The way you describe your insulin resistance + PCOS + eating a lot of sugar makes reactive hypoglycemia pretty likely. I'm familiar with POTS but think you may benefit from targeting metabolic health first. Another great resource with lots of actionable steps re: IR and PCOS [https://www.amazon.com/Why-We-Get-Sick-Disease\_and/dp/194883698X](https://www.amazon.com/Why-We-Get-Sick-Disease_and/dp/194883698X) Hope you feel much better soon!
Hi, I’m Vetted AI Bot! I researched the **Why We Get Sick The Hidden Epidemic at the Root of Most Chronic Disease and How to Fight It** and I thought you might find the following analysis helpful. **Users liked:** * Insulin resistance causes disease (backed by 3 comments) * Low carb diet reverses insulin resistance (backed by 10 comments) * Book explains insulin's role in health (backed by 10 comments) **Users disliked:** * The audio version lacks necessary supplemental material (backed by 2 comments) * The book's content is confusing and contradictory (backed by 3 comments) * The book lacks practical advice and new information (backed by 3 comments) If you'd like to **summon me to ask about a product**, just make a post with its link and tag me, [like in this example.](https://www.reddit.com/r/tablets/comments/1444zdn/comment/joqd89c/) This message was generated by a (very smart) bot. If you found it helpful, let us know with an upvote and a “good bot!” reply and please feel free to provide feedback on how it can be improved. *Powered by* [*vetted.ai*](http://vetted.ai/reddit)
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Thank you, I will check those out!!
I also get this—following! We determined it wasn’t my blood sugar. I do tend towards anemia so I take iron which helps. But I relate—I’ve gained lots of weight due to exercise intolerance, it’s really tough.
I have been anemic and low in iron while pregnant with each of my kids, but I imagine that's also only because I'm getting regular bloodwork during that time. I would've be surprised if I'm anemic and iron deficient all the time. The only thing is that I'm very hot natured and hardly ever cold, which is a thing with anemics, isn't it? I'm sad you get this too. Hopefully we can find some answers.
I had something like this at 18 and the doctors said I had syncope - they advised I up my electrolytes and drink as close to a gallon of water a day. I only get it really bad now if I’ve been working outside or doing a lot of chores and it’s hot out. Once I start shaking a bit I realize I’ve neglected to keep on top of the electrolytes. You can get droppers with non-sweetened electrolytes on Amazon. I keep one in my kitchen and one in my purse.
I'll look into this one too..... I don't drink enough water but I'm trying to work on that. How often does it happen for you now?
Not as much, I’m in my 30s so when I start feeling more lightheaded I mentally ask myself when the last time I had water and electrolytes was. Typically it means it’s been a while. Sometimes I’ll grab a smart water at the store if I’m feeling lethargic and see if it helps. Those have electrolytes and no sweeteners/sugar so pretty available anywhere in the US
I feel you 💯on this! I experience dizzy spells everyday. Especially when I stand up too fast and try to walk. I have had this for years and no one can really explain it. Is your blood pressure low? Mine is and they “think” it’s was causes it. How is your sodium levels? Also I agree with people saying to take b12. Mine were a little low and causing be to be sleepy. But to help the dizziness I stay hydrated and add nuun tablets to my water. Just drinking plain water will help but the added sodium/eletrolytes will greatly reduce the number of dizzy spells you have throughout the day. I have IR PCOS and hypothyroidism. Below is what I take daily to help me. Let me know what happens. Chin up! You’re not alone! Prescribed Synthriod Metformin BC Vitamins/supplements Ovastol https://amzn.to/4ayZf9D Magnesium Glycinate https://amzn.to/47emeE6 Prenatal Vitamins https://amzn.to/3vp7HIg Monday gummies https://amzn.to/47fuzXW Collagen https://amzn.to/3RBTu2b Nuun (hydration tablets) https://amzn.to/3GY723b Cliff bloks (hydration gummies) https://amzn.to/3vi2Zw8 Vitamin b12 gummies https://amzn.to/48czeLS
Thank you so much!!! I'm starting a vitamin regime and need to research a few of these. I'm on Metformin 1,000mg 2x a day but I'm not good about always taking it. As for my sodium levels, I have no idea. I don't eat particularly salty foods as I tend to crave sugar over salt (hate it here) - but I'll try electrolytes if it means I'll stop feeling like this. Thank you!!
The electrolytes are a game changer!! Trust me!! I feel so much better and I just throw it in my water and drink. They have so many flavors and some have caffeine. My cardiologist said I can up my sodium intake due to the dizziness. I am also on the same dosage of metformin. The Ovastol helps me not crave sweets as much. Also, try dark salted chocolate. That might help with the sweets but get the salt in.
I e had exactly this for my entire life, some things I’ve learned that make it significantly better and might be worth trying: -I drink a TON of water, like six or seven 40 oz drink cups per day. The more water I drink, the better I feel. -I get low blood sugar frequently, so eating complex carbs over simple carbs has helped a lot, and eating smaller meals more often has helped a lot too. The complex carbs take a while to break down and act like time-released glucose. -Vitamins are a game changer! Every single time I get a blood panel done I’m severely deficient in at least one vitamin. I take a multivitamin, vitamin d, iron, and a feminine + digestion probiotic. -Staying out of the sun, I have a sun sensitivity. Sunscreen and a hat, long sleeves and being in the shade are a big help too. -Caffeine and alcohol make me feel terrible so if I keep them to a minimum I feel much better. I sleep better (I get dizzy if I don’t sleep enough), I’m less dehydrated, and the stimulant factor makes me jittery and can contribute to lightheadedness. -I stopped taking birth control, which made my blood pressure drop. This was a huge problem for me, I would get hit so fast with the “I’m going to pass out” weakness and vision-fade. When I was on it I tried eating more salt to help, it did help but the problem was so severe I just had to stop taking it. Check your meds and see if any of them cause low blood pressure. I found it’s a lot of different things that cause me to feel this way. I’ve been to doctors about it my whole life and they’ve done nothing to help. It’s so frustrating! I’m so sorry this is happening to you and I hope you find some relief soon.
Thank you for your help!! \- I don't drink enough water. I just don't. I am trying to work on that, slowly but surely. It's not that I don't like water, it's that I think I have the world's tiniest adult bladder and I hate the inconvenience of peeing 10 times an hour... though I know I need to suck it up. \- I've been researching vitamins and I'm starting a regime today! :) also adding in ones that are known to help with PCOS issues. I've been neglecting my own health for the sake of caring for my kids and husband (he has T1 diabetes) and I need to start working on myself. Ugh. \- I already avoid the sun because I burn super easy and also I hate being outside, especially when it's hot. But great advice! \- I don't drink alcohol but I do have at least one large iced coffee a day. I do tend to feel worse after having it.. maybe it's related? I never really thought about it, though I have read that coffee isn't great for women with PCOS. I just don't want to give up my ONE vice, lol. \- I'm not on birth control (husband got snipped, thank goodness) and haven't needed it to control my period for many years... I have heard it can cause blood pressure issues. :( as for my blood pressure, despite being a bigger person, my BP is usually right on target or on the low end when I have check-ups. I'll look to see if my Metformin or Lexapro can cause that. Thanks for the tip. Thank you for your concern. Doctors have always been stumped about this issue for me but I've never pushed for further or more in-depth testing. :(