Should I push for a PCOS diagnosis?

[ThisMustBeThePlaice]

I have oily skin, acne and I’m quite hirsute. Periods are fine, sometimes a longer cycle of 6/7/8 weeks between them but no problems. I mentioned PCOS when I was at my GP once but he said they’d only investigate if I was trying to conceive so I left it. (I’m 32 but doubt I will have children). However now I’ve got lots of skin tags on my upper body and I was wondering if it could be linked to blood sugar issues. I’m not overweight though which seems to be typical for PCOS. Do you think I should go back to the GP? And ask about PCOS again or try and find if it is something else?

Morning bump.

We've moved this thread to our Women's Health topic for the OP. Hopefully some Mumsnetters will be along shortly with some advice.

I was diagnosed at 14 and to be honest, it’s made zero difference. Doctors are completely uninterested.

I’ve spent a lot of time researching and making lifestyle changes and I’m completely on top of my condition with clear skin,
a healthy weight, regular cycle. (I came off the pill about 2 years ago and the first few months I had no periods, my skin was a mess and I was constantly tired). What has worked for me:

• 10,000 steps a day
• strength based workouts
• inositiol supplement daily
• try and limit carbs but I’m definitely not strict on that
• spearmint tea
• vitamin d, zinc and folic acid supplements
• laser hair removal

I've been diagnosed with PCOS for years.

It made it more difficult to conceive and I needed clomid both times (have 2 clomid children)
Its made me more likely to get type II diabetes and I am currently borderline.
Loosing weight is a nightmare

But on the plus side I hardly ever have periods.

The NHS has never been remotely interested and when giving medical history there is not even a box to check for it.

Thank you for replying.
Mushroo can I ask were you overweight? Also what’s inositiol supplement?

congratulations on the babies Carol!

@ThisMustBeThePlaice no I’m not overweight. Well, BMI is higher end of normal and I’d like to lose a few pounds but I think that’s everyone!

Inositol is a powder and you take about a teaspoon a day. It’s really easy to order online - there’s loads of studies about how it helps With insulin resistance.

If you have instagram ‘healthy PCOS’ is a great account to follow.

Thanks Mushroo. I hope that didn’t sound rude asking about weight, I just know it is very common to be overweight because of PCOS. I’d never heard of that powder, thanks for sharing and the Instagram rec.

@ThisMustBeThePlaice not at all! Completely
understood the reason for the question.

best of luck with everything - I’ve found progress to be slow but getting there

I was very slim when diagnosed

first baby i took clomid

didn’t need to for the other two children…and thats when all my weight piled on 😀

Agree with Mushroo. I was diagnosed at 16 and nobody has ever given a shit. I manage it myself much in the same way - inositol, low carb diet etc.

That’s a relief Mushroo! Thank you and peachgreen.

How long did your acne take to clear after quitting the pill?

Swings and roundabouts I guess. I had a formal diagnosis so that I could go on Metformin (didn’t make a difference and gave me the shits). I don’t have children (didn’t meet anyone) so I didn’t have to think about fertility issues. It’s made me more aware of my diet, fitness, weight, diabetes risk, etc but the diagnosis had to be disclosed for a critical illness and life insurance policy when I bought a house, which then doubled the premium. I got it because all my close family members died of cancer, but it turns out I’m at a higher risk of stroke, diabetes and heart disease and that’s what’s bumped up the cost. Over the lifetime of the policy that’ll cost me about £12,000.

@readingismycardio I came off the pill in March 2021 and I’d say it’s properly cleared up this year Jan / Feb time (which is also when my cycle became regular so it’s definitely all connected)

Thanks so much for replying! My cycle js becoming regular again after 12 months or so. There's hope, then!

SweatyChamoisPad erm... love the username! Wow I didn’t think about the potential impact on something like that, it’s worth thinking about.