Those with PCOS - help

mysweetpeasWil&Wes wrote: Just found out I have PCOS. I told you all about the cyst my OB found on my ovary back in February. Well I had it rechecked last week and luckily the cyst is gone, but this new OB says it looks like I have PCOS from the ultrasound. Blood test will confirm, but without med insurance (we do have Cobra) and all our moving expenses, I can't pay for the lab work right now. I think the u/s really confirmed it for me though. Basically my ovaries are "full of eggs and cysts", according to the doctor, and because I'm not ovulating regularly, not getting my period regularly either, those eggs and cysts are just sitting in there. And whatever hormone it is (progestin/estrogen, or combo of the two) that helps you get your period, well I'm lacking in that area altogether. Which explains why I've only had two periods in over two years. My skin is the worst you guys. So bad, to the point I seriously feel embarassed to leave the house. Acne is definitely a symptom of PCOS. I have switched makeup, tried taking things out of my diet, changed facial products...No change. So I know the acne is due to my hormones, or lack of at this point. I haven't noticed too much weight gain, which is another symptom of PCOS, but I definitely have a harder time losing weight lately.

So the OB said that the best thing to do is to get me on oral contraceptives to help regulate my hormones, control my acne, and regulate my period. I'm just so scared though you guys. I hate taking the pill. I've tried several different kinds and they all just make me moody, gain weight, depressed. She recommended the NuvaRing, but after reading up about it online, it doesn't sound good AT ALL. Anyone use it?

Long story short - if you have PCOS, what do you take to help control your symptoms? I need to do something, but I'm really at a loss. Thanks for listening.

grapfruit replied: I'm sorry you have this I used the ring. And it was "ok". My biggest complaints were loss of "drive" and I felt sick for like the first 2 months.

I also felt WORSE when I stopped. I had what I can only imagine was similar to morning sickness. Fine one second, puking the next, and then fine again. Luckily that only lasted like 2 or 3 days.

Maddie&EthansMom replied: I'm sorry, hun. I don't take the pill, either. I'm having problems, but I can't take artificial hormones. I hear ya on the acne, too. I am paying for having clear skin as a teen.

coasterqueen replied: I wish I knew, but I don't. I know it's harder to have kids w/PCOS so remember that if you are going to have anymore future babies. My sitter has been battling it for years to have kids.

I don't like the pill either, but I have had no choice but to take it. I'd probably be in a padded cell if I didn't. I'm actually getting ready to start a new pill that REALLY scares the dickens out of me because it's one of those where you only get a period every 3 months. My doc said it's either that or off to see a psychiatrist to figure out how to control the hormones during that TOM.

We do what we have to do, right? Hang in there.

Maddie&EthansMom replied: Karen I was taking the pill like that about 12 years ago when I was diagnosed with endometriosis. I had breakthrough bleeding about every 6 mos, but other than that, it was kind of nice not having a period. I need something to control my hormones, but artificial hormones make it worse, unfortunately. The only thing that helped me was when I was eating right and working out. Now why don't I do it?????

luvbug00 replied: I can't take bcp becuase the hormones make me so sick. so no advice there but major of support!!!

lisar replied: I cant take the pill either. It makes me sick and makes me . Sorry no advice here just wanted to offer and support.

mysweetpeasWil&Wes replied: Well this is really scary you guys, that so many of us women suffer from taking BC!!! Something is seriously wrong there!! Why isn't there a pill out there that actually makes you feel normal? Do we all have to suffer? I think it really stinks to be a woman sometimes.

Thanks for the nice words ladies. Glad I'm not alone. My MIL who is very into homeopathic, supplements, organic, etc, warns me about BCs. She says don't take them. She said use a diaphragm and change your diet. I believe her, but I'm desperate right now. I am a mess, not only my face, but I'm lashing out at the kids big time. And I know I totally turn my DH off because of how moody I am. He tries to kiss me and I push him away. I keep blaming it on the stress of this move, but I know it's hormone related.

My MIL told me to start taking evening primrose oil as soon as I told her about the ovarian cyst. The cyst is gone, so maybe that does help, but who knows. She said it would help my skin too, but NOPE. I'm trying organic face products right now too, to see if maybe I'm allergic to parabens, since my acne is almost like a rash, but again, nothing has really changed on my face. And you guys know I already eat well and love to workout. No huge difference, although it does help my mood and weight.

Karen, I think about having another child, but now I'm not so sure. They say that PCOS is typically passed on through the family. Yet I don't think anyone in my family has it. Does it mean I can pass it on to my daughter (if I have one)? My doc said I have probably had it all my life, but the hormone fluctuation from PG causes more symptoms. I never had problems getting PG though, fortunately. But it's scary to know that I may have trouble if we try again.

Maddie&EthansMom replied: Yes, it stinks. I hate not being able to control my mood swings. I'm up and down all the time. I've tried everything, though. I even tried a form of prozac (reluctantly) and it didn't help. Now I'm not on anything. I need to get back to the gym and start eating better, taking my vitamins, drinking only water, etc. Right now I have such horrible cramps and headaches. I literally feel sick every single day. How am I supposed to work out when I feel so bad? And I'm zapped of energy. I might have a cyst. I haven't had a sonogram, though. These cramps and long cycles make me think there is something going on in there. I'm regular, but my period lasts for like 2 wks. Could just be the endometriosis, though.

If bcp helped I would be on them. My mother's breast cancer was hormone receptive and while that's not genetic, I'm scared to death to take any type of artificial hormone. That's also why I try to do organics as much as possible.

Strangely enough, I haven't tried too many natural hormones. I was doing the Arbonne cream, but not religiously. It seemed to help, though. There are other creams out there you could try. I do take evening primrose oil and like I said, when I'm eating right and taking my vitamins and working out, I feel better. But it has to be the combination of the three or it doesn't work. It's just so hard to keep up with it. I don't know why b/c I feel better, it should be easier.

bawoodsmall replied: I hope you get something figured out soon Rae.

jacobsmama replied: I am going through exactly this. I did well on BC (desogen) is the name brand. Now I am trying to concieve for nearly 2 years without protection and 1 year of Hard trying. I have PCOS and am now on Glucophage to help regulate me and help me ovulate. It is difficult. I am sorry all I can say is

maestra replied: I have PCOS too, but never really had the acne problem. I do have the weight gain, and I tried glucophage for a little while, but it had really bad side effects. There were a lot of months during my early 20s when I didn't ovulate, but as I got older things seemed to regulate on their own.

I wish I had more answers!

mysweetpeasWil&Wes replied:
Kristi, I know you work for an OB, so I really trust what you say. If you don't mind me asking, do you think it's the BC that is the cause of you not getting PG? Or the PCOS? I know some BCs have a harder time getting out of your system, so that's why I ask. This scares me. Not only because I may want a third child, but just for the fact that people have to suffer through the symptoms or side effects for over a year or longer AFTER getting off some BCs. It seems so unfair IMO. I think that's how BCs like Seasonique are, but not sure.

Is Glucophage a BC or just a hormone replacement? I think taking the combo pill will be best for my skin. I know this because I took them in college and I had the clearest skin I've ever had in my life. I know that when I was on NoraB, the mini-pill, while BF, my skin was AWFUL. So it goes to show that you need estrogen as well as progestin to level things out. That's what I think anyway. We will see. I guess I just need to talk with my doc more and see what other options I have. Dermatologists aren't any help these days. All they want to do is put me on all these antibiotics that do a number on your body as well. Ugh.

Yes Aimee, I'm with you....I need to drink more water too! Caffeine is my downfall right now. And sugar. I eat healthy meals, like lots of salmon, salads, whole grains, and I take my vitamins...But I crave sweets too. I wonder what would happen if I just eliminated sugar all together. Maybe my mood and skin would change.

maestra replied:
Glucophage is for insulin resistance, which can be a side effect of PCOS. It can also help women who are not ovulating to finally ovulate. It's not a bc at all.

I had a mirena IUD before, it seemed to really do well for me, hormone wise. My skin was really clear as well. But man, a few days after it was out, I was like zit central! Hope you find something that helps!

jacobsmama replied:
Sorry for the delayed Response. She is right Glucophage is not bc but it helps you to stay regulated and ovulate. I think that my not getting pregnant is PCOS for sure. I was on BC for 9 years before I got pregnant with Jacob and it only took 9 months. Now that I am older my PCOS is worse and it is making it harder to get pregnant. I am doing 2 more months of Glucophage if not pregnant I may be trying fertility meds

As Far as birthcontrol the mini pill or ones you take while breastfeeding only have progesterone and you are right they will do NOTHING for your skin. Maybe you should try something like ORTHOTRICYCLEN-LO. It is a tri-phasic pill and low does. It is VERY good for your skin and has less mood swings and side effects. The reason I even mentioned gluchophage to you is because it helps you to lose weight that you just can't get off due to PCOS, Because it keeps you regular, ovulating and more natural. She is right it does have diahrrea as a side effect but you get use to that after taking it a while.

I'm sorry you are going through all this, it sucks and I hope that things turn around for you.

punkeemunkee'smom replied: I have PCOS and Endomitriosis (and Thyroid diesese) I took Metformin (glucophage) for several months and honestly have been thinking of getting on it again (for the weight loss) but I will warn you that the side effects can be bad (Stomach issues ). Of course some people don't get that them at all. I can NOT take the pill for many of the reasons you listed. I wouls be happy to share with you all my research has helped me learn but I don't want to just throw info at you when I know how hard and scary these first few choices are!

Chiflata2003 replied: I took metformin to help my body ovulate, but best bet is b.c. if you arent wanting to ttc.

Chiflata2003 replied: Oh and I was told the south beach diet really works. For me the hardest part of pcos is that my sex drive has been gone for about 6 yrs now. If it wasnt for ttc I wouldnt have a problem with never having sex again.