Anyone got PCOS and been put on Provera? I am alarmed by the list of side effects!

[HecateQueenOfWitches]

I've got PCOS and I'm on Metformin. Just had my gynae appt and he's prescribed provera because apparently I need to have 3 periods a year - something about a build up of cells in the womb?

Anyway. I am very alarmed by the list of side effects! anaphalactic shock, blood clots, heart attacks, strokes, sickness, fainting, itchy rash.. and .. wait for it... EXCESSIVE HAIR GROWTH ON YOUR FACE OR BODY!!

fuck me that's the LAST thing a woman with pcos wants to hear! Dear god, I already have to pluck daily.

Anyway, I am quite scared by this list and really don't want to take this medication! Anyone on it? ok? had problems?

Can't advise on Provera but have PCOS and have also been on Metformin. In your case I would get a second opinion because I'm a bit dubious about the reason given... Sorry not more helpful...

really? He said that a woman needed to have 3 periods a year because otherwise you get a build up of cells - I assume womb lining? which he seemed to suggest was harmful? He didn't say it, but I assumed he was meaning they could turn cancerous.

The metformin seems to be doing sweet fa though, that's for sure.

Hi Hecate
I've got PCOS, wasn't on Metformin but did have Provera to induce cycle when we were trying for our children (needed Clomid). It was a one off dose both times and I seem to remember feeling v hormonal, headachey and nauseous, but only lasted a few days.

After DD1 I did have a chat with my fab GP about my completely absent cycle (one period a year, two at most) as it's never bothered me not having regular periods but I did wonder if there were any long term probs. associated with this and she said that we would have to look into inducing a few periods a year for the reason that your doc has given. A build up in the womb lining gives you an increased (albeit quite small I think)risk of endometrial cancer. I never got any further because we were then trying for second baby. We have since moved and I'm not sure I have as much faith in my new GP but your post has reminded me to get this looked into.

Hope that helps a bit. Also don't know if you belong to Verity but their forum is very helpful for queries like this.

Never heard of Verity. Will google it, thanks.

www.verity-pcos.org.uk is their website.

thanks. I joined up. haven't posted though. I'm a bit shy