PCOS

[knivesnflowers]

I’ve got an actual face to face appt with a female GP to talk about my results from my ultrasound (I’ve requested it rather than them calling me in). I want to see if there are treatment options. Are there treatment options? Is there something I should specifically be discussing?

I’m reasonably lucky in that my periods have, touch wood, not been too painful (my painful periods were, I think, due to endometriosis). I do get twinges where I suspect my ovaries are from time to time and often feel very uncomfortable the the pain is usually manageable. My periods have mostly settled but into a really long cycle, 35-38 days. My skin is a disaster in acne terms. I’ve started tretinoin which in some respects is making my skin look so much better and clearer and fresher but the hormonal spots persist so whilst my skin feels and looks smooth, there are also all these random spots. My body hair is outrageous, particularly facial hair but it’s bloody everywhere. I’m overweight and I really struggle to shift my weight. When I was on the mirena coil I managed to get down to a size 14 which was quite petite for me. I’m currently a 20 and feel enormous.

We are sort of TTC, we were taking it a bit more seriously then had to scale it back for various reasons. Now we’re just not taking any preventative precautions and I keep half an eye on my cycle tracking apps (but don’t test anything or take my temperature etc). As I approach my 40th year I’m mindful that time is against me. I guess any referral for fertility investigations would take ages so I should just accept something if it’s offered?

Should I try metformin to see if it helps me?

i've been on metformin for about a week now! i'm also on the progesterone only pill which helped my skin massively, but some hormonal spots still pop up (realise this isn't an option for you rn though). metformin should help with the hirsutism after 8-12 weeks, and i was also told by another dr last year that it can help with fertility (was presented as a reason for waiting til i'm older to take it).

mine was prescribed by an endocrinologist at a hopsital appointment and he warned me that some gps are reluctant to prescribe, even if initially sorted by a consultant. might be as it's off label and meant for diabetes? i'm the same with weight and as above have been told it can help with apetite supression and then weight loss (iirc this is due to insulin resistant forms of pcos but not entirely sure)

 

[pecan]

I’ve got an actual face to face appt with a female GP to talk about my results from my ultrasound (I’ve requested it rather than them calling me in). I want to see if there are treatment options. Are there treatment options? Is there something I should specifically be discussing?

I’m reasonably lucky in that my periods have, touch wood, not been too painful (my painful periods were, I think, due to endometriosis). I do get twinges where I suspect my ovaries are from time to time and often feel very uncomfortable the the pain is usually manageable. My periods have mostly settled but into a really long cycle, 35-38 days. My skin is a disaster in acne terms. I’ve started tretinoin which in some respects is making my skin look so much better and clearer and fresher but the hormonal spots persist so whilst my skin feels and looks smooth, there are also all these random spots. My body hair is outrageous, particularly facial hair but it’s bloody everywhere. I’m overweight and I really struggle to shift my weight. When I was on the mirena coil I managed to get down to a size 14 which was quite petite for me. I’m currently a 20 and feel enormous.

We are sort of TTC, we were taking it a bit more seriously then had to scale it back for various reasons. Now we’re just not taking any preventative precautions and I keep half an eye on my cycle tracking apps (but don’t test anything or take my temperature etc). As I approach my 40th year I’m mindful that time is against me. I guess any referral for fertility investigations would take ages so I should just accept something if it’s offered?

Should I try metformin to see if it helps me?

I don’t have much to add since you’ve already had some great replies but if you would like to conceive, tell the GP. Don’t make it sound like it’s not important to you. As soon as I told the GP I didn’t want to conceive at the time, I was offered nothing except the pill. It was since discovered that I cannot naturally have a child anyway but that’s beside the point.

Make it clear that you want to try for a baby, even if you aren’t actively TTC right now - they don’t need to know that. I hope everything goes well for you

 

[ThisIsMyDragName]

Metformin has helped me in terms of helping with appetite I have started to lose weight on it. Slowly but it is coming off. I also got pregnant naturally in June and all I can put it down to is the tiny bit of weight loss and being consistent with the metformin. I did sadly miscarry, but I had clomid for my first baby so to even get pregnant on my own was a shock! In terms of facial hair I haven’t noticed a difference but other people do. It’s worth asking for. I know some GP’s can be funny prescribing it but mine was ok with it

Thanks for taking the time to reply! I really appreciate it. I’m sorry for your loss, the TTC journey is a challenging one, that’s for sure.
---

i've been on metformin for about a week now! i'm also on the progesterone only pill which helped my skin massively, but some hormonal spots still pop up (realise this isn't an option for you rn though). metformin should help with the hirsutism after 8-12 weeks, and i was also told by another dr last year that it can help with fertility (was presented as a reason for waiting til i'm older to take it).

mine was prescribed by an endocrinologist at a hopsital appointment and he warned me that some gps are reluctant to prescribe, even if initially sorted by a consultant. might be as it's off label and meant for diabetes? i'm the same with weight and as above have been told it can help with apetite supression and then weight loss (iirc this is due to insulin resistant forms of pcos but not entirely sure)

Oh it was a timely post on my part! Yep, no POP for me at the moment. I really miss my Mirena. No periods, clearer skin, my facial hair was there but wasn’t quite as bad, was able to lose weight (although keeping it off was a bit challenging). Will see what the GP says!
---

I don’t have much to add since you’ve already had some great replies but if you would like to conceive, tell the GP. Don’t make it sound like it’s not important to you. As soon as I told the GP I didn’t want to conceive at the time, I was offered nothing except the pill. It was since discovered that I cannot naturally have a child anyway but that’s beside the point.

Make it clear that you want to try for a baby, even if you aren’t actively TTC right now - they don’t need to know that. I hope everything goes well for you

Thank you, that’s helpful advice, I’m sorry you had such rubbish treatment though! The doctors know I’m TTC because I had my Mirena removed and not replaced last year, and prior to that I discussed coming off my SSRI ahead of TTC, although I failed on that and had to go back on but I’m managing pretty well on the absolute lowest dose of my particular medication. But just because I’ve discussed it with them doesn’t mean they’ll make the link! I will no go into the complexities of my work situation (new job, no enhanced mat pay even if I’d been here forever, need to do work to change that, also haven’t passed probation yet etc etc ) or my personal situation (husband invariably ends up working away from home when I’m ovulating) and will just focus on the ‘it’s been over a year and nothing has happened let’s come up with a plan’ type noises. I might be pushing 50 by the time a referral comes through

 

[knivesnflowers]

@ThisIsMyDragName also meant to ask have you had your thyroid checked? there's a separate thread for it here but a lot of symptoms are similar, can also impact fertility and weight, and autoimmune causes (my type is hashimoto's) are linked to pcos too

 

[ThisIsMyDragName]

@ThisIsMyDragName also meant to ask have you had your thyroid checked? there's a separate thread for it here but a lot of symptoms are similar, can also impact fertility and weight, and autoimmune causes (my type is hashimoto's) are linked to pcos too

Thank you! It was checked as part of my Hertility test. All came back within normal range, it was also tested a couple of years ago when I I as struggling enormously with fatigue and thirst etc (was checked for diabetes at the same time) and that was normal as well. In my Hertility test the Dr that reviewed it said one of my results was just inside a level that can be indicative of issues in pregnancy (I think, I’d have to go back and look it up) but I was absolutely on the cusp of that, I had a follow up chat with a fertility nurse who said my result was not of any concern and whatever level it was did sit within normal range. MotherDragName does have both type 2 diabetes and a thyroid issue but both developed later in life so are probably lifestyle related rather than something I will likely inherit!

 

[Curly]

Metformin didn’t help me with weight loss but did start to regulate my periods.
My endocrinologist gave me some great advice in regards to diet and supplements and helped explain things better than any GP. I have now had weight loss surgery and hope that it helps me in conceiving. Once I can fully eat normal I will be back on my PCOS friendly diet and supplements and hopefully I won’t need Metformin

 

[ChampagneBox]

Has anyone got any tips/reassurance on having a ‘full bladder’ for the scan? I’m an anxious weer lol and if they’re pressing on my belly I’m worried I’ll wet myself

 

[pecan]

Has anyone got any tips/reassurance on having a ‘full bladder’ for the scan? I’m an anxious weer lol and if they’re pressing on my belly I’m worried I’ll wet myself

Okay so I don’t want to make you feel worse but I actually started to wee as I was walking across the car park to my scan appointment because I physically couldn’t hold it any longer. I had no choice but to go to the loo as soon as I walked through the door. I would recommend drinking some water once you get there, a little while before your appointment. Don’t do what I did and drink it way before.

I explained the situation and they said it was fine and they could still do the scan. Having a full bladder helps with visibility on the scan but it’s not imperative it seems.

 

[bbbbbbb123]

Has anyone got any tips/reassurance on having a ‘full bladder’ for the scan? I’m an anxious weer lol and if they’re pressing on my belly I’m worried I’ll wet myself

I drunk loads and they told me my bladder was really full (not a bad thing but unnecessary ) so don’t stress! The one after that I just drunk as I would normally and then a bit extra on the way there so I wasn’t desperate and it was fine! Also if it’s internal they don’t press on your belly so don’t stress about that if so! X

 

[ChampagneBox]

Thanks all will just try and relax about it

 

[knivesnflowers]

Has anyone got any tips/reassurance on having a ‘full bladder’ for the scan? I’m an anxious weer lol and if they’re pressing on my belly I’m worried I’ll wet myself

i drank a bottle of smartwater and was told any more and i'd be asked to empty my bladder a little! so about a pint seems the right amount? the room i was scanned in had an ensuite i could use straight after, but towards the end it did get a bit crampy with all the pressing down.

 

[ChampagneBox]

scan was all good, no PCO! Thanks everyone for your help

 

[Observing_Annie]

Metformin didn’t help me with weight loss but did start to regulate my periods.
My endocrinologist gave me some great advice in regards to diet and supplements and helped explain things better than any GP. I have now had weight loss surgery and hope that it helps me in conceiving. Once I can fully eat normal I will be back on my PCOS friendly diet and supplements and hopefully I won’t need Metformin

Could you share the advice and tips you received re diet and supplements please?

 

[ThisIsMyDragName]

Meh, my GP appointment was kind of tit.

Spoiler: My GP appt - trigger warning for fat girl talk and fertility trouble talk

I can be referred to the assisted conception clinic but apparently it’s pointless because my bmi is too high and it will be rejected. And my blood tests I paid for privately were ‘pointless’ and so I have to have more done but they’ll only show us all what we already know, what I’ve known most of my bloody life, I have PCOS. I was simply told to lose weight, like I’ve ever found that easy in my life outside of times of very disordered eating (or the assistance of a hormonal coil which I don’t want because I’m trying to get pregnant). Then, I got a lecture about my medication. I came off my SSRIs last year and my entire world came crashing down around me mental health wise. Looking back, I’ve never been so unwell with my anxiety as I was during the time I had no meds. Some of that was the situation I was in (awful, awful job), but I couldn’t not be on my medication. Instead of going back to my ‘normal’ dose I settled on the compromise of the lowest possible dose that most people just use as a gentle introduction to brain chemistry altering drugs before they increase up to 4 times as much. It holds me, but it’s a compromise.

I asked about my facial hair and acne and was given a vaniqa prescription and told my skin was fine (it’s actually ok today, in fairness), but then followed a massive lecture about how I probably can’t take Vaniqa if I’m pregnant. I felt like this bad person who has already attempted to duck up a baby that doesn’t even exist by poisoning it with medication and creams and being too fat.

I didn’t expect to walk out with a visit from the stork planned but that was pretty brutal. Trying to think positively, she at least suggested MrDragName books himself in for semen analysis and pointed out it’s not all about the woman, so that was ‘nice’. But I guess it’s all bleeping pointless unless I lose weight anyway. Sorry for bringing my TTC chat to the PCOS thread but I cannot face the TTC thread. I had to leave when it felt like everyone got a positive test result even though I’m happy for others, honest guv.

Anyhoo, sorry. I just needed to get that off my chest basically. Tomorrow is another day.

 

[Thank(space)you]

Meh, my GP appointment was kind of tit.

Spoiler: My GP appt - trigger warning for fat girl talk and fertility trouble talk

I can be referred to the assisted conception clinic but apparently it’s pointless because my bmi is too high and it will be rejected. And my blood tests I paid for privately were ‘pointless’ and so I have to have more done but they’ll only show us all what we already know, what I’ve known most of my bloody life, I have PCOS. I was simply told to lose weight, like I’ve ever found that easy in my life outside of times of very disordered eating (or the assistance of a hormonal coil which I don’t want because I’m trying to get pregnant). Then, I got a lecture about my medication. I came off my SSRIs last year and my entire world came crashing down around me mental health wise. Looking back, I’ve never been so unwell with my anxiety as I was during the time I had no meds. Some of that was the situation I was in (awful, awful job), but I couldn’t not be on my medication. Instead of going back to my ‘normal’ dose I settled on the compromise of the lowest possible dose that most people just use as a gentle introduction to brain chemistry altering drugs before they increase up to 4 times as much. It holds me, but it’s a compromise.

I asked about my facial hair and acne and was given a vaniqa prescription and told my skin was fine (it’s actually ok today, in fairness), but then followed a massive lecture about how I probably can’t take Vaniqa if I’m pregnant. I felt like this bad person who has already attempted to duck up a baby that doesn’t even exist by poisoning it with medication and creams and being too fat.

I didn’t expect to walk out with a visit from the stork planned but that was pretty brutal. Trying to think positively, she at least suggested MrDragName books himself in for semen analysis and pointed out it’s not all about the woman, so that was ‘nice’. But I guess it’s all bleeping pointless unless I lose weight anyway. Sorry for bringing my TTC chat to the PCOS thread but I cannot face the TTC thread. I had to leave when it felt like everyone got a positive test result even though I’m happy for others, honest guv.

Anyhoo, sorry. I just needed to get that off my chest basically. Tomorrow is another day.

It is really tit how so many doctors dismiss things with "just lose weight" if it was that easy, there would never be any overweight people in the world

Spoiler: OT: weight talk, Diabetes

My mum was misdiagnosed for years with T2 diabetes, because they couldn't see past her weight. Wasn't until she was hospitalised she was diagnosed as T1

 

[ThisIsMyDragName]

It is really tit how so many doctors dismiss things with "just lose weight" if it was that easy, there would never be any overweight people in the world

Spoiler: OT: weight talk, Diabetes

My mum was misdiagnosed for years with T2 diabetes, because they couldn't see past her weight. Wasn't until she was hospitalised she was diagnosed as T1

Mannnn that’s terrible!

 

[Curly]

Could you share the advice and tips you received re diet and supplements please?

prescribed metformin plus advised to start taking inositol and alpha liopic acid plus berberine.
I have also since then added maca root to my supplements and a multi vitamin.
She advised me to really cut down on sugar and carbs and try to follow a more Mediterranean style diet. She also recommended this website and books
Verity website
pcos for dummies
Diet for pcos
I also drink lots of spearmint tea to help reduce facial hair

 

[Observing_Annie]

prescribed metformin plus advised to start taking inositol and alpha liopic acid plus berberine.
I have also since then added maca root to my supplements and a multi vitamin.
She advised me to really cut down on sugar and carbs and try to follow a more Mediterranean style diet. She also recommended this website and books
Verity website
pcos for dummies
Diet for pcos
I also drink lots of spearmint tea to help reduce facial hair

Thank you so much! Interesting re the spearmint tea, I’ve heard a few people say this but not sure where to get it

 

[pecan]

Thank you so much! Interesting re the spearmint tea, I’ve heard a few people say this but not sure where to get it

Not the person you replied to but dried loose leaf spearmint is available online, that’s what I got and I put it in an infuser. I’ve never managed to find pure spearmint teabags in a shop anywhere, blends with spearmint are usually a low percentage. Maybe someone else will have a source

 

[Curly]

I buy this one from amazon.
I also have loose leaves that I strain in a tea pot. I love the taste of it although lots of people don’t. Let it slightly cool and I think it’s lovely.