PCOS

[Lurkerlove]

Does anyone have any advice on weight gain? Is metformin something that can help? Thinking about asking the GP to prescribe but they are useless not sure if to try myo-inositol instead but no idea what brand as there are so many!!

 

[ThisIsMyDragName]

Does anyone have any advice on weight gain? Is metformin something that can help? Thinking about asking the GP to prescribe but they are useless not sure if to try myo-inositol instead but no idea what brand as there are so many!!

I found a ‘cheat sheet’ on TikTok (I know… but it’s not like my GP is helping me) that suggested 4000mg of myo-inositol per day. I basically went on a massive supplement ordering spree based on this cheat sheet and bought it all up. 4000mg seems to equate to 4 myo-inositol pills a day so I take them morning and evening. I think mine have folic acid and something else in them. I went for the cheapest 180 pill jar they had because the total cost of the pills was a bit eye-watering! I’m only about 4 days in so I can’t tell you if they work or not!

 

[RandomAlpaca22]

So I finally (after 9 months of waiting) had my gynaecology appointment, only to walk out sobbing from it. The Dr I saw was a horrible cow, I knew from the get go that she was not interested in helping me. I was told I need (yet another) blood test to confirm that I do have PCO/PCOS as currently I don't (even though my scan has confirmed cysts that the sonographer made note of), but I have had one many years ago. They're now telling me to get another, but the gynaecologist gave me no letter, and I've phoned my GP surgery and they cannot help either? Trying to call the hospital is impossible as it seems that department don't answer nor do they have a voicemail box! Just another victim of this shitshow they try and pass off as being the NHS!

Edited to add - I have not had a period in 6 months now, and have been told to get a blood test on day 1-5 of my cycle. Anyone know how I am supposed to know whereabouts I am during my cycle when I am not even menstruating

 

[bbbbbbb123]

So I finally (after 9 months of waiting) had my gynaecology appointment, only to walk out sobbing from it. The Dr I saw was a horrible cow, I knew from the get go that she was not interested in helping me. I was told I need (yet another) blood test to confirm that I do have PCO/PCOS as currently I don't (even though my scan has confirmed cysts that the sonographer made note of), but I have had one many years ago. They're now telling me to get another, but the gynaecologist gave me no letter, and I've phoned my GP surgery and they cannot help either? Trying to call the hospital is impossible as it seems that department don't answer nor do they have a voicemail box! Just another victim of this shitshow they try and pass off as being the NHS!

Edited to add - I have not had a period in 6 months now, and have been told to get a blood test on day 1-5 of my cycle. Anyone know how I am supposed to know whereabouts I am during my cycle when I am not even menstruating

Ahh sorry to hear this, it’s sooo rit! If you’ve not had a period in over 3 months you should be offered something to bring on one as it’s not healthy for your lining to get too thick. I think they say you should have 4 a year at least. So I’d try and get an appointment for that and then bring up how awful it was. When I was tested for pcos they didn’t do it on a specific day of my period either. I have since had tests on specific days for fertility reasons and they just give me the form to take to a drop in clinic (if you have one of these in your area) so I didn’t have to make an appointment.

The first doctor I saw was really unhelpful so I made another appointment with someone else and luckily she was helpful! So it may be worth trying that? Sorry I can’t offer much more the doctors are so tit and not interested at all!

 

[ThisIsMyDragName]

I’m about 3 weeks into my mad supplement binge for PCOS and I’m not really sure how it’s going. I have some IBS-type issues and they seem to have become a little worse. I haven’t been very good at chugging the spearmint tea so my facial hair issues are exactly the same, but weirdly my anxiety has spiked in the last little while. Work’s a bit stressful so it could be that, right enough, but meh. I could do without this. I am on an SSRI but I take the lowest possible dose because we’re trying to conceive and whilst I tried to be fully off my meds, that did not work out well for me at all, so this is a compromise. It was holding me really well until the last few days. Meh. I’m taking myo-inositol, berberine, magnesium, NAC and L-Carnitine. Oh, and folic acid, biotin and Vit D3. Yes, taking pills has become a full time job and I rattle.

On the flip side, my sex drive has really increased which is great for the whole TTC thing but I think MrDragName is a bit bored of me at this point .

 

[fishsticks]

Super glad I've found this little forum. After years and years of battling with the GP over my periods, weight, mood, etc. I finally spoke with a GP who's husband is a gynae specialist and she took a good 30 mins to chat through everything with me. She's prescribed me metformin (off-label as it's not specifically for PCOS) as she's 99.9% sure I've got insulin resistance which is what I've been trying to advocate for YEARS. Although I've been pretty sure I've had it for years I only got diagnosed with PCOS in May and didn't get told anything about it. I wasn't advised on diet, supplements or anything so I did my own research. I've been taking myo-inositol religiously with folic acid for around 5 months now, but I've noticed zero change.

I'm on day 4 of metformin and not had any side effects yet, but I am quite hopeful it'll help with food noise and weight loss.

 

[ThisIsMyDragName]

Super glad I've found this little forum. After years and years of battling with the GP over my periods, weight, mood, etc. I finally spoke with a GP who's husband is a gynae specialist and she took a good 30 mins to chat through everything with me. She's prescribed me metformin (off-label as it's not specifically for PCOS) as she's 99.9% sure I've got insulin resistance which is what I've been trying to advocate for YEARS. Although I've been pretty sure I've had it for years I only got diagnosed with PCOS in May and didn't get told anything about it. I wasn't advised on diet, supplements or anything so I did my own research. I've been taking myo-inositol religiously with folic acid for around 5 months now, but I've noticed zero change.

I'm on day 4 of metformin and not had any side effects yet, but I am quite hopeful it'll help with food noise and weight loss.

I’m so happy to hear a success story of someone’s GP listening and being proactive please keep checking in here to let us know how it’s going for you!

 

[ThisIsMyDragName]

I’m about 6 weeks into my massive supplement bull. I have added a few more in over the 6 weeks. I bought an e-book from Carmen Mair which recommended a couple of others that I have recently added in. I take about 24 pills a day which is practically a full time job. I can provide a big list of what I’m taking and the doses if it helps? I’ve gotten most of my recommendations from TikTok though, so take it all with a pinch of salt.

I haven’t lost any weight. I do need to, but I didn’t really do this for weight loss. I also don’t weigh myself unless I really have to anyway. My appetite is a little bit suppressed though, which I’ve appreciated. I’m sleeping a bit better. Sometimes it takes me a while to get off to sleep, but I don’t wake up at 3/4am wide awake and ready to start my day any more. I had a possible 28 day cycle the cycle I’ve just had. I had started spotting a couple of days before my period in previous cycles. This time it was heavier than my usual spotting but my period lasted 5-6 days instead of the ‘standard’ 3. My cycle has been regular as in, I do have periods, but my cycle had settled in the 32-36 day range. Will see what the next cycle brings. My skin seems like less of a hormonal disaster but not back to how it was when I had my Mirena coil. My facial hair is as terrible as ever but I have been super lax on drinking spearmint tea. I need to take some to work with me.

on the negative side, my stomach/bowel/IBS-like issues are worse than before and I now tend to go at least twice a day and have diarrhoea rather than my usual once a day. I think this might be down to my magnesium supplements as it contains a type of magnesium (magnesium citrate maybe?) that’s known for that stuff. I’m quite stressed/anxious but that could be down to lifestyle factors rather than supplements, impossible to say.

one final thing I’ve noticed that I have mentioned before is the massive increase in my sex drive. I openly sit about talking about people I find attractive and when and why. I cannot get enough my poor husband is exhausted. It’s handy from a TTC perspective but it’s a bit distracting!

the negative side effects aren’t enough to make me stop at the moment. I hope that’s useful for someone!

 

[sleepflowers]

Has anyone got a good small electric facial hair trimmer? I keep getting recommended loads on Insta...I have a Philips one which is fine but it is about 8 years old now so wondering if technology has improved. I see Gillette has a new one for 'facial hair and dermaplaning'?

 

[panda_eyes]

I had a purple lipstick sized one from Asda, but I got another from Amazon that's a bit longer but rechargeable - I love it, it also keeps charge for aaaaaaaaaaages. Currently £9.99. Highly recommend it.

 

[Carefree]

I have this one - https://www.officialnono.co.uk/products/no-no-®-genius-3-step-hair-removal

Can't claim it's the facial hair removal device of my dreams but it does a good enough job. I like having the options of changing the tops over too.

 

[RandomAlpaca22]

I always lose this thread! Just thought I'd give an update into my ongoing problems with the GPs not taking my PCOS seriously lmao.

I outright refused a blood test (on mental health grounds as it is too much stress being made to wait in a 2 hour queue, not to mention the phlebotomists are always rude as duck, the last one made 5 attempts to draw blood and failed each time) as per the NHS website I meet the criteria to be diagnosed with PCOS (symptoms and internal scan of my ovaries which confirmed bilateral PCOS with the right side containing a lot more cysts than the left, sonographer confirmed this was textbook pcos as she sees it all the time in her job). Gynaecologist refused this and blamed all on my weight, was told to stick with a diet and that my symptoms would subside. I put in complaint about her as she was super unhelpful and dismissive of my claims. She was also adamant that my referral form had irregular periods as the reason for the referral but it wasn't (I found the referral and it point blank says for severe period pain).

I left it for a few months as couldn't cope with the lack of help and my mental health got worse so my physical health became less of a priority. After 6 months of no period I spent almost all of October bleeding, in excruciating pain alongside with vomiting, diarrhoea and constipation. Spoke to a GP who told me the only option was the mini pill. I am 16 days into being on this pill and I have never, ever, EVER felt so depressed, suicidal and miserable. I have gained almost 9lbs. The pain I am in everyday has amounted into me taking 7 sick days. GP is supposed to be calling me back at some point to discuss, but what other options can there possibly be for me?

I was put on this pill as due to my BPD I physically cannot cope with having one (it is an extreme trigger for me), when I voiced that the unknowningness of this pill was a huge factor as to why I don't want to take it, I was told to try it and that this is my last option due to my BMI being too high for the normal pills with the 7 day break.

I have tried my best with losing some weight and at first I was slowly losing at the rate of 1-2lbs a week, however now they've put me on this pill that's gone out the window too as my weight just seems to rocket every single time I weigh myself now, regardless of the fact my eating habits haven't changed in the slightest.

I'm honestly at breaking point with this and right now I don't see any possible solution.

 

[bbbbbbb123]

I always lose this thread! Just thought I'd give an update into my ongoing problems with the GPs not taking my PCOS seriously lmao.

I outright refused a blood test (on mental health grounds as it is too much stress being made to wait in a 2 hour queue, not to mention the phlebotomists are always rude as duck, the last one made 5 attempts to draw blood and failed each time) as per the NHS website I meet the criteria to be diagnosed with PCOS (symptoms and internal scan of my ovaries which confirmed bilateral PCOS with the right side containing a lot more cysts than the left, sonographer confirmed this was textbook pcos as she sees it all the time in her job). Gynaecologist refused this and blamed all on my weight, was told to stick with a diet and that my symptoms would subside. I put in complaint about her as she was super unhelpful and dismissive of my claims. She was also adamant that my referral form had irregular periods as the reason for the referral but it wasn't (I found the referral and it point blank says for severe period pain).

I left it for a few months as couldn't cope with the lack of help and my mental health got worse so my physical health became less of a priority. After 6 months of no period I spent almost all of October bleeding, in excruciating pain alongside with vomiting, diarrhoea and constipation. Spoke to a GP who told me the only option was the mini pill. I am 16 days into being on this pill and I have never, ever, EVER felt so depressed, suicidal and miserable. I have gained almost 9lbs. The pain I am in everyday has amounted into me taking 7 sick days. GP is supposed to be calling me back at some point to discuss, but what other options can there possibly be for me?

I was put on this pill as due to my BPD I physically cannot cope with having one (it is an extreme trigger for me), when I voiced that the unknowningness of this pill was a huge factor as to why I don't want to take it, I was told to try it and that this is my last option due to my BMI being too high for the normal pills with the 7 day break.

I have tried my best with losing some weight and at first I was slowly losing at the rate of 1-2lbs a week, however now they've put me on this pill that's gone out the window too as my weight just seems to rocket every single time I weigh myself now, regardless of the fact my eating habits haven't changed in the slightest.

I'm honestly at breaking point with this and right now I don't see any possible solution.

Is there another pill you can try? I can’t offer much help but so sorry you’re going through this! The first GP I saw was unhelpful but the second one was really good, you can ask the receptionists at my doctors which are better in women’s health and book an appointment with them but I know this isn’t common everywhere but could be worth a try?

 

[RandomAlpaca22]

Is there another pill you can try? I can’t offer much help but so sorry you’re going through this! The first GP I saw was unhelpful but the second one was really good, you can ask the receptionists at my doctors which are better in women’s health and book an appointment with them but I know this isn’t common everywhere but could be worth a try?

Will only be offered the mini pill due to my weight sadly - and I find it hard enough to remember medication, let alone something I need to take daily at the same time every day.

I've seen every GP at my surgery over the last 2 years, none of them have a clue including the women, every single one suggested the pill to hide the actual problem, I only said yes the last time so it could be put on file that I've tried it.

 

[bbbbbbb123]

Will only be offered the mini pill due to my weight sadly - and I find it hard enough to remember medication, let alone something I need to take daily at the same time every day.

I've seen every GP at my surgery over the last 2 years, none of them have a clue including the women, every single one suggested the pill to hide the actual problem, I only said yes the last time so it could be put on file that I've tried it.

Ahh that’s tit, have you tried metformin?

 

[ThisIsMyDragName]

I always lose this thread! Just thought I'd give an update into my ongoing problems with the GPs not taking my PCOS seriously lmao.

I outright refused a blood test (on mental health grounds as it is too much stress being made to wait in a 2 hour queue, not to mention the phlebotomists are always rude as duck, the last one made 5 attempts to draw blood and failed each time) as per the NHS website I meet the criteria to be diagnosed with PCOS (symptoms and internal scan of my ovaries which confirmed bilateral PCOS with the right side containing a lot more cysts than the left, sonographer confirmed this was textbook pcos as she sees it all the time in her job). Gynaecologist refused this and blamed all on my weight, was told to stick with a diet and that my symptoms would subside. I put in complaint about her as she was super unhelpful and dismissive of my claims. She was also adamant that my referral form had irregular periods as the reason for the referral but it wasn't (I found the referral and it point blank says for severe period pain).

I left it for a few months as couldn't cope with the lack of help and my mental health got worse so my physical health became less of a priority. After 6 months of no period I spent almost all of October bleeding, in excruciating pain alongside with vomiting, diarrhoea and constipation. Spoke to a GP who told me the only option was the mini pill. I am 16 days into being on this pill and I have never, ever, EVER felt so depressed, suicidal and miserable. I have gained almost 9lbs. The pain I am in everyday has amounted into me taking 7 sick days. GP is supposed to be calling me back at some point to discuss, but what other options can there possibly be for me?

I was put on this pill as due to my BPD I physically cannot cope with having one (it is an extreme trigger for me), when I voiced that the unknowningness of this pill was a huge factor as to why I don't want to take it, I was told to try it and that this is my last option due to my BMI being too high for the normal pills with the 7 day break.

I have tried my best with losing some weight and at first I was slowly losing at the rate of 1-2lbs a week, however now they've put me on this pill that's gone out the window too as my weight just seems to rocket every single time I weigh myself now, regardless of the fact my eating habits haven't changed in the slightest.

I'm honestly at breaking point with this and right now I don't see any possible solution.

I don’t know if a hormonal coil like Mirena might help? I think it’s a lower level of hormone than the mini pill, but I suppose the risk of side effects is still there. It’s obviously not for everyone, the insertion wasn’t the most fun thing I’ve experienced in my life but I got on ok with it after that.

You have a right to complain about your care and to ask for a second opinion for sure. Really sorry this is happening to you.

 

[RandomAlpaca22]

Ahh that’s tit, have you tried metformin?

I was told by the nasty gynae to be considered for metformin I would need to lose some weight myself. But when speaking to some others, it seemed I was the only one told this? I have a friend who saw a gynae and was put on it almost straight away with no questions asked. I truly don't think she could be bothered, she was around 70 years old, turned up 40 minutes late to the appointment so I had limited time to speak to her anyway :/

I've just spoken with my GP who said she is going to expedite my referral to another hospital as we have tried all avenues and nothing is working

 

[ThisIsMyDragName]

I was told by the nasty gynae to be considered for metformin I would need to lose some weight myself. But when speaking to some others, it seemed I was the only one told this? I have a friend who saw a gynae and was put on it almost straight away with no questions asked. I truly don't think she could be bothered, she was around 70 years old, turned up 40 minutes late to the appointment so I had limited time to speak to her anyway :/

I've just spoken with my GP who said she is going to expedite my referral to another hospital as we have tried all avenues and nothing is working

Meh, that’s so tit. However it does sound like your GP is less tit, which is good to hear (although, still not great!)

 

[whyhellothere83]

I was told by the nasty gynae to be considered for metformin I would need to lose some weight myself. But when speaking to some others, it seemed I was the only one told this? I have a friend who saw a gynae and was put on it almost straight away with no questions asked. I truly don't think she could be bothered, she was around 70 years old, turned up 40 minutes late to the appointment so I had limited time to speak to her anyway :/

I've just spoken with my GP who said she is going to expedite my referral to another hospital as we have tried all avenues and nothing is working

I’m on mounjaro to lose weight for my PCOS and it’s been amazing

 

[unfinishedsentenc]

Ladies I really don't understand PCOS

I had no period for over 2 years and after putting off going to see the doctor (I assumed it was down to being overweight) I finally went and I was reffered to a gynaecologist and in the meantime recommended that I take the mini pill cerazette and confirmed PCOS through a blood test and ultrasound.

The gynaecologist then told me to come off the pill and take provera for 3 weeks to bring on a bleed which eventually happened and that was in August. I not on any BC and I have not taken anymore provera since August but started getting a period for around 5 days in September and October also. I assumed provera kick started my cycle again but this month nothing has happened. They were usually 5 weeks apart. I'm definitely not pregnant.

Sorry for the long post, any ideas what could be going on to not get anything this month?