Periods or not- PCOS

[ToadRage]

I am trying to get an appointment with my GP but thought I'd ask in case anyone else had experienced this. I suffer from PCOS, was diagnosed at the age of 16 having bled heavily for two months. I have never had regular periods, space between could be anything from 3 months to a year, they usually last for 8 days and are heavy and painful throughout. Since October I have been bleeding lightly every couple of weeks. A few days on, a few days off, no pain. I have not made any lifestyle changes that could have triggered this. I have never been offered any kind of treatment (apart from Naproxen when it's bad enough for me to call a doctor) for my PCOS and have never been referred to a gynaecologist. Has anyone else had this before, does it clear up on its own or is it just another PCOS thing i that have to put up with?

I was also diagnosed with PCOS.

The bleeding may be related to PCOS in that it is hormonal and due to a lack of progesterone but you really need to see a gynae to make sure.

Periods should not be very heavy or painful so do not put up with that either. Fibroids and endometriosis can often cause heavy bleeding to arise and can coexist quite happily alongside PCOS.

If this bleeding every couple of weeks has been going on since October then it’s unlikely to subside on its own. Do seek medical help from a gynaecologist as this type of issue is often outside a GPs remit.

May I ask how old you are now?. If you were diagnosed as 16 iyou really need up to date test results.

Age would help. I have PCOS and had heavy but regular periods. All hell broke loose in my mid 40s and I was diagnosed with adenomyosis and a fibroid and a polyp (and the inevitable anaemia). All sorted with a short procedure and a Mirena. Ask to be referred to gynae - I was put on the two week pathway for cervical cancer twice (all was ok, as it is in 99% of cases) because my GP was concerned. Sounds like yours isn’t concerned enough. Tell them it’s having a detrimental effect on your daily life (exercise, diet etc) and they should help. As soon as my GP realised I couldn’t cycle, swim or run (all ingredients for a healthy life) she got on the case.

I have PCOS too, and my periods were irregular and heavy for years. I also experienced light bleeding every couple of weeks for a while. My GP eventually referred me to a gynaecologist, and I started treatment to regulate my hormones, which really helped. It might be worth asking your GP for a referral to get a clearer diagnosis and treatment options.

I am 39, I did have another blood test and ultrasound in my early 30's to confirm the earlier diagnosis as my records were incomplete after switching surgeries. I was on the contraceptive implant for 12 years but not on anything now. I attend regular smears when invited to do so and have never been given cause for concern in that respect.

I also have PCOS.

My periods have always been really long in between them and at times the GP has gave me medication to force my period to come as they advised I should have atleast 2 periods a year so if I went more than 7-8 months without I was to contact them. Sometimes when I get them, they are that heavy I resort to always disposable pants and get transenamic acid (don't know the spelling) to help reduce the flow but most of the time they are fairly light with the first day being the heaviest.

The GP and gynaecology have always advised me that if my periods ever change from my normal, to get in contact with GP as it's not my normal.

I'm not on any medication for my PCOS except from I take myo inositol daily. I do however know some people that get medication to help PCOS symptoms.

I would advise you contact your GP, they will do some tests then afterwards possibly refer you to gynaecology.

Withh PCOS it is really important to have a period as regularly as possible, naturally - menstrual suppression is different.

Contraception particularly progesterone is used to thin/stop the growth of the uterine lining because PCOS/irregular periods cause the build up of the uterine lining often leading to endometrial hyperplasia, a precursor to cancer. (PCOS patients have 2-5x more risk of endometrial cancer).

But having progesterone controls that even if you don't have a period on contraception, it is no longer leading to overgrowth of the uterine lining, this time its caused by having
progesterone thin/stop the growth.

I would definitely see your GP, it might be worth getting a transvaginal ultrasound to check for anything. I'd also get some bloods done as well to see how your PCOS in general is. It may be worth getting and using something like naproxen more regularly during your periods as well.

Blood test wise I'd probably ask for:
• Total testosterone
• Sex Hormone Binding Globulin

• Free Androgen index

• Fasting glucose + insulin• Lipid panel (cholesterol, triglycerides)

• Vitamin D

• Thyroid panel (TSH, free T4) since

Then once your results for bloods come back - depending on what they show, ask your GP about trying metformin and/or orlistat as well. That can help regulate BP and other symptoms to prevent complications.

I have had different advice about not having periods. Some people say you must have one at least every 3 months but I once had a phone appointment with a ducting having gone a year without one she said there is nothing wrong with that. She would prefer to avoid inducing one unless i desperately wanted one so I left it and no period came along by itself a few weeks later.