Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

Hi @alicein_wonderland. Welcome to Connect! Sorry to hear what you are going through. I too have PCOS and I do take Metformin. I think it helps a lot, however i'm also on birth control, so it's hard to tell which is helping (likely some combination of the two). The only negative side effect i've had is that it did tend to upset my stomach, but taking it with food and going to the extended release version seemed to help with that. I understand the inclination to not was to add another medication, but if your PCP thinks it's a good idea, it might be worth a shot. I also see an endocrinologist for my PCOS. Are you seeing an endocrinologist? Has that ever been suggested?

I also found this article on Mayo Clinic that offers some suggested lifestyle remedies: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pcos/basics/lifestyle-home-remedies/con-20028841. Has your doctor recommended any of those?

Tagging @copiela, @infinitykitty, @beckym, @undiagnosed3, @anon34166571 and @autumnleaves in case they can add to the conversation as well. Hope this helps!

<p>My daughter, who is 30, has been told she has PCOS. She is overweight and has excessive body and facial hair. Her gynecologist put her on birth control pills but nobody has suggested that she see an endocrynologist. I've been reading about the medications that have been prescribed by endocrinologists and am wondering if they reverse the symptoms of PCOS. I hope somebody can shed some light with me about her situation and hopefully I can steer her in the right direction. Thanks! Carol</p>

Hi Carol @cbs61752. Welcome to Connect! I have PCOS as well and I see both a gynecologist and an endocrinologist. I am on birth control as well as metformin which is typically prescribed for diabetes, but because PCOS is seen as a precursor, the medication combats the same issues. I didn't have the same symptoms you are describing, but I can say both medications help to control the symptoms I did have and they keep my levels (hormones and sugar) in check. Diet (watching carbs and sugars) and exercise are also important, as they are with most health conditions. I would definitely recommend your daughter see an endocrinologist at least for a consult. PCOS can make getting pregnant a little tricky, so if she is at that point in her life, she definitely needs a doctor who can help her navigate.

Here is some info from Mayo Clinic about the specifics of PCOS- http://mayocl.in/1qhkcaE. I'm also tagging @alicein_wonderland, @copiela, @beckym and @donna1972 who have posted about PCOS in the past and may be able to provide some additional insight.

I hope this helps. I'm sure your daughter really appreciates the support and advocacy you are providing her. On a personal note, PCOS can make you feel really uncomfortable in your body, so make sure you remind her she is beautiful 🙂

@kelsey, Thank you so much for your response. I definitely do tell her she is beautiful, but she really doesn't believe me. I also have always tried to encourage her to be physically active and watch her sugar and carbs. She is afraid to date because she feels so badly about her body, i.e. her weight and facial hair. I wonder if the medicine can help her with these things. Don't want to see her continue to feel sad and lonely.

Yes, I can really relate. I felt the same way! But I do think the medicine helps. Even when you are exercising and watching your diet, if the internal mechanisms are off, it can make it really hard to lose weight which makes you feel like the efforts are worthless. The medicine makes sure everything is working right so your efforts are more impactful.

Like I said, I never experienced the facial hair issue (though every time I see my endocrinologist, she asks me if I've seen any changes just to check), so I can't speak to that, but from what I understand the metformin is supposed to help with those symptoms. How long has she been on the birth control? That should help too but it can take a little while for your body to adjust and start to show the effects.

The one bad thing I will say about the metformin is that is can upset your stomach, so that's something to be aware of. I'd definitely recommend she ask her PCP for an endocrinologist referral. I think that could help a lot. Please keep us updated on her progress.

@kelseydm Thank you so much for your helpful information! I am going to talk to my daughter about your suggestions tonight. : )

Ok, i am 25 years old, was diagnosed with hypothyroidism about a year ago, and P.C.O.S. like 7-8 months ago. The week of thanksgiving was the last menstruation was the week of thanksgiving and it is now july 2nd. I just dont know what to do. Should see my o.b. Doctor on the seventh, gonna ask about Metformin, any other ideas to consider? Also, im having intense pain around my ovaries... presistant stabbing thats almost intolerable for 4 days, what should I do?

Welcome to Connect, @kparsons1216. I moved your message to this discussion where you'll meet @cbs61752 @alicein_wonderland and @kelseydm who have been talking about PCOS recently as you'll see in the messages above. You may also be interested in reading this discussion where @alicein_wonderland talks about going for extended periods of time without menstruating. https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/bleeding/

Ladies, any thoughts for kparsons as she prepares for her appointment with her OB next week and about the pain she's experiencing?

Kparsons, how are you managing the pain now? Can you make it until the 7th?

Been taking ibuprofen, with little help.

Hi @kparsons1216. A few thoughts... try taking Midol instead of ibuprofen (it's specifically designed for this kind of pain) and use a heating pad on your lower abdomen. Also, are you on birth control? If not and that's an option for you, i'd ask your doctor about it as well. My birth control helps my PCOS SOOOO much! Sending you a hug 🙂