anyone else have PCOS?

[mollysmum82]

I was diagnosed with PCOS after trying for a baby for two years with no success. I'd had 11 years of no periods and a number of scans, blood tests and x-rays. I'm now really lucky to have a gorgeous little girl, following fertility treatment.

However the other PCOS symptoms are really starting to get me down. The insulin resistance, acne and hair growth in particular. I feel so superficial saying that as I know there are people with much worse problems, but I'm struggling to get over post natal depression and these symptoms really aren't helping. I was bullied at secondary school for having acne and a tash (sooo attractive!) but when I started dianette things seemed to calm down. I don't think I can take the pill now as I'm breastfeeding my daughter and these symptoms have come back in abundance. The insulin resistance is quite hard to handle too, I'm sick, shaky, confused, slurry and moody when I've not eaten anything in a couple of hours.

Has anyone else been through this and has anything helped? I've not spoken to the GP about anything other than fertility yet. Do you think they would take it seriously? I'm not very good at expressing/asserting myself to GPs so I'm often fobbed off and told to come back in a couple of weeks, so I rarely go.

Any advice would be really appreciated, thank you

Hi,

I've got PCOS.Diagnosed after a couple of year of no periods after coming off the contraceptive pill (the irony!).

Had clomid to conceive but after 1st child periods returned with no further issues conceiving.I had further scans which still showed polycystic ovaries so although the periods returned all the other things still remain.

What I get is the insulin resistance which is greatly improved by diet.I crave sugary/carbohydrate foods but what really helps is a low carbohydrate/low GI diet and exercise which helps the insulin resistance.

For the acne get some cleanser like the tesco one which you use with a hot muslin cloth to wipe off.Never had facial hair so can't advise on that but would just be brave and ask at a beauty salon.Acupuncture also helped me particularly in pregnancy when I had hyperemesis each time.
As you are breast feeding still I'd do exercise in the form of a long (1hr) walk each day and get this book for diet help which worked for me.

Verity is a good source of information.

I'm not always good at sticking at what I should do but all these things really help me.

I have PCOS, dx when I was 20. My periods are rare, I get 2/3 a year and when they do appear they are like hell. I had to have fertility treatment to conceive DS1+2 and DS3 was conceived naturally!

I was referred to an endochrinologist in 2008 and was put on metformin which helps with the insulin resistance, periods and weight. GP's cannot presribe it as it is a drug for diabetics, so ask to be referred.

I have dark hair but am lucky not to have too much noticeable hair, only a few on my chin and nipples but I just pluck those. You can get laser surgery to remove it if you wanted. Some laser surgery places will give you it half price if you have PCOS.

Thank you so much for your help ladies and for sharing your stories. Its much appreciated and I'm so happy you have your symptoms under control xx

Hi,

PCOS as you can see from the above replies is a very individualistic disorder and affects each woman with it very differently.
The commonality amongst us all is the cystic follicles on the ovaries.

BTW there is no evidence to suggest the pill is responsible for failure to ovulate, what it can do though is mask the symptoms of the underlying problem already present.

No one therapy or treatment will completely eradicate these cystic follicles so there is no cure but it can be managed to a certain extent.

I was diagnosed with this condition just over a decade ago, this was done on the basis of my irregular periods, a few stray hairs and my bloodwork showing a typical LH/FSH imbalance. I have to be careful with my weight (very easy to put on, bloody hard to lose) as is the case with many PCOSers.
I would advise you to try your utmost to stay within the correct weight range for your height as excess weight can exacerbate symptoms.

Another thing you may find helpful is to follow a low GI/GL (glycaemic load) eating plan. This is sustainable to do longer term too.

Would ask GP to refer you to a specialist endocrinologist - PCOS is not a condition for GPs to try and manage as it is complex and they neither have the time nor importantly the expertise in managing it.

Would second contacting Verity - their website is www.verity-pcos.org.uk

Hi I too have pcos as does my dd , she was diagnosed at 16.
I am 48 now and started having regular periods again when I was 39 and conceived ds then naturally.

I still have periods and think I ovulate but I am no longer trrying ttc as ancient.

Luckily I don't have much problem with excess hair ,dd has upper lip hair that she has waxed.

I take metformin to prevent diabetes which we are prone to.I also should weigh less -ongoing problem.

DD is normal weight and still does not have regular periods , prob 3/4 a yr.

I was prescribed metformin by GP so you could talk to them about it , some are more up on it than others.