Simple definition: Polycystic ovary syndrome is a condition in which there is an imbalance of a woman's female sex hormones. This hormone imbalance may cause changes in the menstrual cycle, skin changes, small cysts in the ovaries, trouble getting pregnant, and other problems.
It look me almost a year and a half for my doctor to confirm something I already knew. Every time I went to her she brushed me off like I was crazy. In that time, I only had my period once. That is NOT normal in my mind. But it took her months to take me somewhat serious.
My symptoms were...
-gained about 20 pounds within a couple of months
-hair grew in darker, thicker and faster
-my acne was getting worse by the day
-no period
-lower abdominal pains
-lower back pains
-completely exhausted and always tired... And the list goes on...
Finally my doctor sent me for an ultrasound and the results came back with cysts in my ovaries.
She told me "the only thing we prescribe for this issue is birth control"... Birth control was the last thing I wanted to go on. For all I know, the long term use of the bc could be why I have this condition.
So she put me on Yaz and within a matter of weeks my skin cleared up, I lost weight and I was having a monthly cycle. But... I dont want to be on bc. I was told if I went off it all my symptoms would come back. It doesnt "cure" it. It just controls the symptoms.
About 2 months ago, I went to my doctor asking if she could do another ultrasound to see if the cysts are still there, did they go away, did they grow etc. And she said no and that they dont usualy check up on those kinds of things... WHAT?!
I finally asked her so many questions she didnt have answers to she referred me to a specialist that I wont be seeing till August. So in the meantime, I bought some books on PCOS, I do A LOT of research and I went off bc (couple days ago and been using it since last June)...
Enough is enough! I am done with doctor's bull shit...
Have you asked your doctor about putting you on Glucophage? It's commonly used for diabetics...but is widely used here in the U.S. for PCOS. I was put on it about 2 yrs ago, and my period regulated, symptoms cleared up, and lost some weight. I was put on 500 mg 3 times a day...worth a shot! Good luck!!
ReplyDeleteI, too, have recently started using Metformin (the generic form of Glucophage). I'm on the extended release formula in the hopes I'll avoid many of the side effects. So far, they've been less severe than the first time I tried regular Metformin.
ReplyDeleteI'm super interested to see what you come up with, Samantha!! I hate taking medication but have reached a point where I can't see another way out of PCOS hell. We're trying to have a baby, I desperately need to lose weight, I HATE all the weird hair growth, and I just want to have a normal amount of energy again!!! If you can find a way to do that, without medication, I'll be your lifelong fan! LOL
Awe! Thanks ladies for the comments! I feel you on the energy.. For two years I had absolutely no energy.. Which is not me.. I used to be able to work all day, come home and clean, do laundy, cook dinner and still go to the gym after. And for two years I could barely make it through the day without taking a 5 hour nap..lol. And just within the last week or so I got all my energy back.. hmmm coincidence? I stopped taking bc about a week ago... hmmmMMmmm
ReplyDeleteI know exactly how you feel. You mentioned your in Vancouver I'm in Victoria. This totally sucks. I started a blog too it might be, if noting else, comfort to know I'm going through the same. Check it out may be we can help each other I'm trying to do the same thing. All natural. http://journeythroughpcosinoneyear.blogspot.com/
ReplyDeleteAnd by the way I can give you some advice on this stuff this is year 4 for me but I'm starting again from square one. New doctors and good mess that worked for me. You need a doc that will listen to you.
ReplyDeleteI've been told since I was 14 that I had PCOS. I was told that not only would I not be able to have children, the only way to "cure" PCOS was to be permanently on bc. A few months ago I got fed up (I'm 26). My old dr rarely discussed my concerns with me, and brushed me off all the time. She refused to order the necessary tests to formally diagnose me with PCOS. I found a new dr who was willing to do so, and treat the symptoms. She offered to put me on bc, I refused telling her that I don't like the way it makes me feel. Even the lowest dosages make me sicker than a dog. So she sent me for ultrasounds, blood work, etc. I have since been formally diagnosed with PCOS and started metformin. If I don't conceive in the next six months, I will look into clomid. So there is hope if you can find a new dr, it just may take time!
ReplyDeleteA few reccomendations
ReplyDelete-go to a specialist, I see an endocrinologist. they understand PCOS in a much more helpful way.
-find a birth control option that works for you. I was initally on YAZ and I hated it. all bc helps PCOS, so look into pill alternatives like Nuva Ring (which I use and looooove) or an IUD or Implanon
-try eating changes. I am vegetarian and I know another with PCOS and she has nearly no symptoms because of her vegan diet.
-I don't think there is a cure for PCOS. like diabetes, it has to be managed and if you can find a way that works for you, it will be easier
I was diagnosed nearly 5 years ago and I am much more accepting of my PCOS and how to deal with it now. There are so many options for management, just keep trying. You will get to know your body better and learn what works and what doesn't.
also @stephanie, you don't want to conceive while on metformin because it alters the hormones of the fetus and is dangerous for its development. I don't take it now, but my doc recommended going off metformin for atleast 6 months before I want to get pregnant. it may be different for you, but that is what my doc told me.