PCOS and periods

[Figtree11]

I’ve recently been diagnosed with PCOS and been put on Metformin to help me ovulate more regularly.

Had 2 MMC in the last year or so, and last one I had surgical management. Had 3 very normal periods after that over the space of about 5 months. In December I had the flu & had cramps & spotting for 3/4 days but my period never arrived. Put it down to being ill.

I’m pretty sure I ovulated 13 days ago based on symptoms, and I’m now on day 3 of spotting and cramping. But AF hasn’t shown again. Pregnancy test is negative.

I’m starting to worry, I’m spiralling into thinking I have some sort of scarring from the surgical management.

Anyone had similar with PCOS after having normal periods? I was going to make a GP appt if it doesn’t come mid week

I have, I truly believe I get 'fake' periods too with all the symptoms but no actual period if that makes sense.

Just to put your mind at ease, I had 2 periods a year then without trying fell pregnant with DS without any help (I was told I may need help from consultant). Ever since I stopped BF it's knocked my periods onto a monthly cycle although they vary month to month, I'm currently 6 weeks pregnant.

P.s my post isn't to boast, I was terrified I wouldn't be able to conceive naturally.

What I will say, drinking ginger & lemon shots did help my overall PCOS symptoms with inflammation which may be worth a shot.

I hope it appears soon. 💐

Also... with both pregnancies it took me 9 days after my expected period for a test to turn positive! I did read somewhere PCOS can play havoc with tests sometimes.

@onesu thank you for your reply, I was only diagnosed with pcos just before Christmas so it’s all still new to me & I don’t know what is ‘normal’ with pcos.
That’s great that you’ve had a successful pregnancy & pregnant again, it helps to hear good news stories. I’m really worried it won’t work out for me but trying to hold onto some hope. Just hoping I can get pregnant soon & it actually works out

I was devastated at my diagnosis and wrote myself off. Metformin did help and the shots I believe helped my other symptoms, acne etc.

I didn't in a million years think it would happen for me and it did. It's a lot to come to terms with but at least now you know what you're managing. ❤️

@onesu thank you, I really appreciate it. After worrying all day, I think my period is starting now, so fingers crossed the Metformin has started to work as I definitely had all the ovulation symptoms 2 weeks ago 🤞🏻

Hi, I am a Physician Associate student and as part of my university research project I am ‘exploring the experiences of south Asian female’s PCOS management.
If you are a south Asian female with PCOS, I would be very grateful if you would take the time to fill out this short survey. All responses are anonymous and more information can be found by pressing the link attached.
If any questions please feel free to contact the email address on the participant information sheet (found by pressing the link) :)
Thank you and please share

https://app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk/s/bournemouth/experiences-of-pcos-management

@onesu Hope you dont mind me interrupting your conversation with Figtree11 but I was just wondering what BF is. I frequent these forums as someone who has had MMC and Chemicals so far but a good friend of mine had no menstral periods for over 15 years!! She didnt even think to worry about it until she hit her early thirties and realised she may have a problem if she wanted a family, she has highly suspected PCOS but all the doctor has done so far is out her on the pill to ensure a regular bleed. She is likely to see a private specialist soon to try and get somewhere in getting her normal cycle to start going again so hence the question about stopping the BF that you mention.

@Objectiontime In this case BF meant breastfeeding. ☺️

Your friend should 100% demand to have her hormone levels/bloods checked! Before diagnosis I didn't struggle with my weight (was actually lower end of BMI) so I didn't 'fit' in the typical physical symptoms of PCOS, I only had one period in a year and the Dr checked my bloods & my testosterone levels were through the roof explaining my fatigue, minor excess body hair, irregular periods, acne (which I had been seeing the gp for ten years for!) and issues with insulin.

My private consultant explained that for my health, I had to have at least three periods a year and there is medication (not birth control) that can help kick this in. Also not treating insulin resistance if undiagnosed can lead to long term complications I.e diabetes.

I'd strongly advise her to return and demand further testing! 💐

I hope that it came. 🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻

@onesu it did thank you 🙂 I was so relieved! Now back to wondering when ovulation will happen!

Thank you so much for that advice and I will let her know, such a minefield!