Can't take oestrogen for PCOS-what else is there?

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I have pcos but due to family history my GP won't allow me to take the combi pill. The problem is when I was on this pill (for years) I was always very slim, no excess hair and no problems other than irregular cycles. I know the obvious solution is to lose weight which I am trying very hard with, but I feel like the odds are stacked against me. My mood is low, I have to shave my face and neck every day & I am a size 14-16 at a height of 5ft 3 which I know isn't healthy. I would so appreciate any help, it feels like such a hill to climb and I'm so miserable already. The GP told me unless I want to conceive there isn't much they can do but I feel so upset - I actually cried when I came off the phone as I don't want to live like this.

Assume you're not taking inositol, or you'd have mentioned it? It's an obvious place to start, as cheap, natural and no side effects likely. If you don't know about it, it's supposed to help your cells recognise insulin better, which should in turn allow weight loss and also decrease excess testosterone thereby regulating periods.
It worked for me after about 3 months of taking it. Regular periods and weight loss (although I technically had a healthy BMI to start with, losing a stone was really good). You do still need to diet like a normal person, but I could lose 1lb per week on a 500cal deficit, which I had never been able to before.
Healthy weight is vital for managing pcos so I found the inositol helped break the cycle. Definitely worth a shot before doing anything more drastic like Metformin.

Im doing the Fast 800 diet alongside Metformin and its really helping my PCOS. I feel better than i have done in ages. I agree with the pp above that before you go metformin, inositol + fast 800 (or another low carb / keto type diet) might be a good place to start. I've lost around 8kg in 6 weeks so far. Good luck!

PCOS here and high protein and high fat with low carb / no sugar is really helping me. I don't feel bloated and my mind and eyes are clearer. Periods still ridic but tranexamic acid is helping with that.

I thought metformin was often prescribed- but maybe only if TTC? Could you see a different GP at your practice to talk through options? If you can afford it, a private endocrinologist or gynae could help too.

Depending on your skin/hair colouring, have you considered IPL for the hair as a permanent solution? At a salon for quicker results, but home version can have some effect.

Would your GP prescribe the mini pill? I have found this just as helpful as the combined one.