HELP! PCOS Side Effects Are Driving Me Nuts!

Hi C.. I really feel for you--my sister and I both have PCOS, and have had those same side effects (I actually asked a doctor at one point if I was turning into a man!) Sounds like what you REALLY need is a good reproductive endocrinologist (RE). I say that because I went to a number of doctors (including gynecologists and endocrinologists) and they all missed the diagnosis. But then the RE caught it. This was a few years back--he put me on metformin/glucophage, and I saw a HUGE difference pretty quickly. My cycles came back, I was able to lose the weight with a combination of diet and exercise (with the drug's help) and I got so much energy back--more than I even realized I'd lost.

I don't know much about natural remedies, but I wish I did. I've heard you have to eliminate all white flour and sugar, but I don't know if that's true. Check out www.soulcysters.net if you haven't already--it's a great resource for info and support. And if you want the name of my RE, who specializes in PCOS, let me know. He's in Reading, PA. But let me tell you, when I moved to Houston for awhile, I continued to see him because he is THAT good!

You really need to get this taken care of, not just for the side effects, but for your health. As you probably know, PCOS, if left untreated, can lead to other medical problems in later life. And as far as conception goes, take heart--I'm now pregnant with baby #2, and my sister is pregnant with baby #5. So there's plenty of hope!

Good luck and best wishes. Send me a message if you have any questions about any of this, or need more info!

1 mom found this helpful

Hi C.,

I have PCOS as well. Years ago, before laser, electrolysis was really the only way to get rid of unwanted hair. I used electrolysis for years and have to say it was highly effective. I don't have any personal experience with laser hair removal but you may want to look into that as well. I did try one medication spiranilactone (sp?) but it did not seem to help with the hair. I know exactly how you feel. Best of luck
N.

I have PCOS as well. Have you been to an endocronologist? I was just told after having for years myself that insulin is a cause of having PCOS. Now it can't be reversed. I was borderline diabetic now I am on meds to help it. The hair you would have to talk about taking sprolactone? I have takien that before but i don't know with your diabetic meds. I have hair issues as well. I have talked to people who take hair out about stuff like that and it my be hard for people like us for it to take affect or make it affective. I am going to a demo in a couple of months if you get info before lucky you. I am going to talk about it because it is very embarassing.

I know that wheat germ oil has helped people. My advice is to see a medical nutritionist!

My best froend has PCOS (and is pregnant with baby #2 - needed a little help from an RE but otherwise had great pregnancies). She was an electrolicist and was part of many PCOS support groups in NYC. Have you tried to find any of them through Google or Yahoo? I bet you'll find a group that has lots of great advice for you (not only on pregnancy and hair but on good doctors to see as well).

Good luck - I'm sure you'll be pregnant and somewhat hair-free in no time.

Find a specialist in your area... there has to be something that can help you. Ask your reg. dr. for help in finding a good dr. to help you out.
As for the baby trying.. good luck. I had a few miscarraiges.. and finally gave up... I couldn't take another misss... We finally adopted thru Holt International - check them out on line.. we have two wonderful, beautiful children from Korea.. they are healthy, smart, loving... and our children. I love them more that anything.. my son took 9 months of paperwork.. and then we got him.. he was only 2 mo. old.. my daughter - a year of paperwork... she was 6 months when we got her... they are the loves of my life.. and my hubby too. good luck.. if you ever decide to look into adoption... Holt is great... and good luck witht he other stuff too... there is a dr. out their that can help you...

Hi C.,
I have PCOS too. If you live in CT, I have a terrific reproductive endocrinologist (RE)in Stamford. She is wonderful and helped me with concieving my 2nd. I am currently taking Metoformin and will most likely be for the rest of my life. I saw a HUGE difference when I began taking it - my cycles came back, I was able to lose weight with a combination of diet and exercise (while being on the meds). Of course, I am back to weight watchers since I never lost the weight from my 2nd (my fault, not PCOS!). I am beginning to see the weight come off now - and it feels great. Tried with out the meds for a while, and it just wasn't the same. Regarding the hair issue, a friend of mine (who has PCOS) has had success with Vanquia. I have minor issues and just go to an electrologist.

I'm with Amanda on checking out www.soulcysters.net. It is a wonderful resource for us and will give you a lot of info and support. Good luck and best wishes. Feel free to send me a message if you have any questions about anything.

Take care,
C.