Hi,

I've had PCOS for almost a year now and I'm still having a hard time adjusting to some of the symptoms. I'm having some extreme fatigue, headaches, backaches, not having my cycle for up to 4 months, or having one for up to 30 days at a time. I also have severe acne again at 27 years old, and excess hair growth.

Anyone have any advice on treatment or coping?

Thanks.

what is PCOS

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

I'm so sorry you're going through this. Have you considered going on the pill?

I don't have PCOS, but I have a lot of friends (online and IRL) who do, and a few of us went through fertility treatments together. They are all parents now. :)

I'm already on hormones and other medications and I have absolutely negative interest in conceiving. I'm just not able to control my symptoms even with the meds. I didn't expect them to work but i even tried the diets that say they help managing symptoms.

I have this Never did have a child Ended up having cycles that lasted two months finally five years ago they did an endometrial ablation and I have not had a problem since

Are you seeing a GP, a gyn or a reproductive endocrinologist? If not an RE I'd make an appointment with one to get another opinion on your treatment. Most gyns and GPs don't know much about conditions like PCOS and premature ovarian failure - strange but true.

Even if you have an RE already maybe it's worth a second opinion anyway?

I agree you will want to see an endocronologist. I was diagnosed with this about 25 years ago. Your symptoms are typical. I would say the pill will do the best at staving off those symptoms. Also, the heavier we get, the worse the symptoms are.

I have had PCOS for many, many years. My suggestion is to go to http://www.soulcysters.com It is a great community and you will find tons of suggestions and help and support. I am a member there as well.

Definitely go to a Reproductive Endocronologist. Even if you are not interested in conceiving. They are the ones that have the most up to date information on this and are sometimes (depending on the doctor's personality) more willing to think outside of the box for solutions.

At this point in my life I just try to manage my symptoms because there is a chance that I might want to have another child. That limits the solutions that are available for me. But for you if you don't want to conceive there are quite a few things that you can try. Check out Soulcysters you will find it very helpful.

Good luck and hang in there!

I have it. I'm actually going in tomorrow for my 6 month check-up. I was diagnosed several years ago. Are you being treated (or have you been checked) for insulin resistance? When I was first diagnosed (late 90's), the standard treatment was to treat the irregular periods and/or infertility. Since I didn't care to be on birth control and was not trying to get pregnant, I opted out of any treatment.

In the mid-2000's, I was sent to an endocrinologist for thyroid issues. He discussed the PCOS with me and tested me for insulin resistance. During the time between my diagnosis and that appointment, treatment standards changed from treating the "female symptoms" of PCOS and instead focused on the insulin resistance that is the cause of the imbalanced hormones that cause the "female symptoms" and other symptoms.

He put me on Metformin, but I am really bad about taking medicine every day (very strong gag reflex), so I don't always get the best relief/treatment that I should.

If you're not trying to get pregnant, then an endocrinologist instead of a RE should be fine. The place I go to is one of the top local diabetes places, which is great since the insulin resistance is the basis of Type II diabetes.