Just wanna get y’all ladies’ opinion of this.

Do any of you guys feel this way as well?

The persistent facial hair, belly fat, bloating, fatigue, thinning hair, and the constant animalistic cravings for sugar. And don’t get me started on the constant irregular hormone spikes and dips that make me invincible some days, and then an emotional bitch the next. There are probably more I’m forgetting but you get the idea LOL.

I know I don’t LOOK like somebody’s old, fat, balding uncle, but I damn sure feel that way 😂

I was adding up how much money goes into just existing with PCOS every month and honestly got so mad...

Because society punishes women so harshly for showing any visible sign of androgen excess (facial hair, cystic acne, etc.), an entire predatory industry has come up to profit off our insecurity. Laser hair removal, 10-step skincare routines, $30 "hormone balance" powders with 2 dollars worth of inositol, guilt-free diet snacks...

It feels like we get hit from both sides: society makes us feel unlovable, and then charges us every month to hide those symptoms so we look palatable to everyone else.

What is the biggest "PCOS tax" expense you resent paying the most right now?

I used to be a very fair girl. But after PCOS, I can feel the difference on my face, the colour has become so dull, I don't see that beauty and skin shine, I used to have on my face. DO PCOS REALLY TAKES AWAY OUR BEAUTY ? Your experiences might help me to become calm and neutral. I am so disturbed 😔.

Anyone who has reversed PCOS, please share your achievement story, it will be really helpful now.

Just my fucking luck that I have to be born like this. Of course I couldn't have been a normal person and I will never experience being skinny or pretty or not having to shave like a man. I feel so ugly and hairy and fat and I never get my period and I know the only way to do anything about it is medication, making my entire life revolve around my diet and exercise 24/7, and getting a professional to stick a needle in my pores to fry them so I don't have to shave my sideburns and chin.

I have no discipline and the mere thought of a diet makes me feel miserable. For all I know this stupid thing could be a major reason I have such horrible anxiety in the first place too. I only get once chance on this planet and of course I have to end up with something that ruins my life, I can't experience life without it and I want to cry because other girls can go out and lose weight and be skinny and look pretty and not have chubby faces and wear cool clothes in their size and not have stubble. I don't feel like I'll ever find a girlfriend because I'm so ugly and it's all because I got unlucky

I (20f) am trying to try and different pills to find what's right for me. I heard some good stuff about medications like this but I wasn't sure if it was true. Have y'all had good experiences with them?

Anyone else experiencing stretch marks from the weight gain of PCOS?? if you have any tips and tricks, please drop them!! i know it’s something that probably won’t go away permanently, but what’s the best thing that will reduce the appearance??

Hi there, I (21) was just recently confirmed to be diagnosed with PCOS. I'm still in a state of shock and probably relief(?) since it explains the things that have been happening throughout my life like very irregular periods, jump in weight gain, hairs on my cheek, etc etc.

How do I manage my life? Are there any tips that I can follow to make my life at least a tad bit easier to live? Any vitamins I should take daily? Exercises that I can start with? What should I expect in the long run?

Hi everyone ! I am 24F have a few questions, and i don’t exactly know how to formulate this text so it might get all over the place. (please bare with me and thank you in advance for reading !) (reposting on main account)

So i suspect having PCOS, i practically match for all the symptoms i’ve read online and in this sub as well. even stuff i didn’t think could be linked to that seem to be.
i have a first appointment with a gynecologist end of next month. I’m pretty sure that it is quite late for my age, but i never see the doctor even when i’m sick because im a procrastinator and a bit reckless (even though i live in a country where health care is basically free).

To present the most pro imminent of symptoms, i used to have very irregular periods. i once spent almost a year and a half without having them. i wasnt too alarmed, mainly because i dont like having my period and i was studying and very single minded about academics. I thought it was because of my anemia, which i believe is mainly caused by the fact that i have the sickle cell trait (i’m mostly asymptomatic, but sometimes have pain crises when it’s too cold). My period would usually come back when i took iron, so i stopped for a while. But it came back normally a few months ago, so i started taking iron supplements back to avoid being always so tired.

I have hair on my belly, a bit on the chest and on my neck. i never thought much of it growing up. i just wore clothes that didn’t show them because i couldn’t bother shaving all the time. And for my neck, my skin is dark enough for it not to be too visible ( at leat i hope so ).

I think i have a normal weight. Can’t remember exactly but a bit less than 70kg ? for 1m70. But i have a lot of belly fat. it feels disproportionate for my body and it’s hard & a bit annoying, i sometimes feel like im pregnant.
i used to think i had a tumor or something and would look into it after graduating (please don’t judge me, terrible ADHD brain lol)
that and the hair and the acne is probably is probably what i really want to get rid of.

I used to have a lot of hair younger but it just started breaking down as i hit puberty, still very thin. I’m always tired, always thought it was the anemia but maybe not. I obviously have acne, it is all over the place, sometimes it’s very bad, sometimes it’s not that bad. i am also a very stressed and anxious person, so i thought the cortisol might cause all of that.

I don’t typically exercise. i just used to have a mandatory weekly sport class at school. i don’t have that anymore, so i just started playing tennis weekly (mostly because i like it a lot). I do know however that my grandmother used to have diabetes (so does my aunt & oncle), so i suppose i have the genetic predisposition.

Back to the main reason reason of this post. my upcoming appointment. my colleague was recently diagnosed with pcos, and she went with the same doctor who proposed her birth control pills to balance hormones. she refused, because she thinks BC messes you all around.

For context, i live in France. in the event of a diagnosis, i assume that is what she might prescribe me. i’m not sexually active and will not be for at least the next 4 years, so that’s not an incentive. And everytime i hear people talking about BC it’s about how the symptoms are terrible. Im currently pursuing a PhD and lately (compared to the past few months) i feel like i’ve reached an equilibrium within myself where im willing to and doing thing. where i don’t feel tired all the time or sad. The past few months i used to be so exhausted and had headaches ALL the time.

im scared BC might f\*ck all that up, but i also want to mitigate my symptoms bc i cant live like that forever. And my mood fluctuates so much and so violently that this equilibrium might not last lol.
I’m willing to try it, obviously, i suppose i just have to do in a period where i dont need so much of myself.
I’m mainly looking people with similar experiences and how birth control have changed them for the best or the worst ? because i feel terrified about potential side effects.

I don’t usually have periods, usually stress triggers me to pass clots for maybe a few days and that’s it. This time it started painful like a period and I was passing clots and bleeding enough to warrant an ER visit. That went on for probably 4 days and then the pain stopped and the bleeding stopped for a day or two and then it started again but the clots I’m passing now are smaller and without pain but it’s just not ending. It will stop for a day maybe less and start again. I feel like I can’t even leave the house because It’s just constant. I don’t have any insurance so my only option is going to the ER and they don’t ever really take it seriously. I’m just annoyed at this point.

I was diagnosed with PCOS when I was 22, but I’ve struggled with my weight since I was around 13. I’ve tried every diet under the sun, going through cycles of losing a significant amount of weight, gaining some of it back, and repeating the process. Eventually, the constant yo yo dieting and the difficulties I was experiencing with my hormones led me to seek answers, and I was diagnosed with PCOS.

I’ve now reached a point where my weight loss is much slower, but also more sustainable. The problem is that maintaining it still feels like a constant battle. I eat foods I don’t particularly enjoy, find creative ways or use supplements to manage my cravings and seemingly bottomless hunger, and I’ve even started vaping.

It’s only recently dawned on me that, at 24, this could be the rest of my life. Constantly denying myself the foods I crave, feeling guilty when I’m too tired to go to the gym, and forcing myself to go anyway. I hate the gym. I don’t particularly enjoy working out or playing sports. In fact, the only thing I hate more is how I feel about the way I look in clothes.

It feels like I’m constantly having to take things to more extreme levels, restricting myself more and more and forcing myself to eat these monotonous, high protein meals, all for the scale to barely move. And even when I do make progress, it feels like I can never relax because I’m terrified of losing it all and having to start again.

It’s got to the point where I avoid eating out with friends because I’m so scared of undoing all the progress I’ve made. I feel like I can’t just enjoy a meal without calculating the consequences or worrying about what it might mean for my weight.

I think what’s really getting to me is the realisation that I’m 24, and I don’t want the rest of my life to feel like this. I don’t want food to be something I’m constantly fighting against, exercise to feel like a punishment, or my appearance to dictate how much I allow myself to enjoy life.

But I also don’t know how to let go of that mindset when I’m still unhappy with the way I look and scared of going backwards.

How do you convince yourself to enjoy the process when it feels like an endless cycle of misery? At what point do you stop pushing yourself so hard and accept that maybe this is just how you’re going to look? How do you find a balance between wanting to change your body and actually enjoying your life in the body you have now?

I have heard that for those of us who struggle with PMOS, it might take a higher dosage of a GLP-1 to feel its effect.

I am currently on 5mg of Zepbound and have been for over four months. It has helped me manage my hunger very very slightly, but I still feel that shaky, urgent hunger and bottomless pit feeling often. Excess and painful hunger is definitely still an issue. I am eating enough and balanced meals for my PMOS.

Just wondering if anyone has any similar experiences or info?

I am a 35yo female who has struggled with her weight her entire life. I am aware of what a healthy diet and lifestyle consists of however my body is very stubborn. I weigh 220lbs (lost 13lbs over the last 7mo). I was taking 1500-2000mg of ER Metformin and started tirzepatide in February. I have only lost 13lbs since then. I’ve lowered my metformin dose to 500mg as it doesn’t seem to make a difference.

Are there any other slow responders out there? I am on 10mg and feel like I can go up in dose but I’m hoping something finally clicks and my body responds. I am becoming demoralized especially as I see so many others lose weight at a more consistent speed. I of course have insulin resistance and no matter what I do, I am still IR. Help!!!!

Previous post here: https://www.reddit.com/r/PCOS/s/bIJ3eLbvQe

Back from the ER (Canadian urgent care or A&E). No impaction but I did get to see what intestines with approximately 6ft of poop in them looks like! I’ve been sent home with a prescription strength laxative and a package of wet wipes so I guess we all know what I’m doing for the rest of the evening…

My dermatologist was suspecting pmos because of my persistent acne, but the test results look normal. It doesnt look like i have insulin resistance either.

On top of persistent acne, i have hashimotos hypothyroidism, hair loss and thinning, bloating, and long period cycles of up to 80 days + they have always been irregular (ever since I started getting my periods).

Could my periods irregularity be only because of my elevated prolactin? Or should i run additonal tests for Pmos?

I got these drawn on the 3rd day of my cycle as recommended. My results:

1. Fasting Plasma Glucose: 93 mg/dL Reference range: 70–99 mg/dL
2. HbA1c (Glycated Haemoglobin): 5.2% Reference range: <5.7%
3. Prolactin: 45.6 ng/mL Reference range: 1.9–25.0 ng/mL
4. FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone): 7.24 mIU/mL Reference ranges:
   • Follicular phase: 3.2–15 mIU/mL
   • Ovulatory phase: 7.5–20 mIU/mL
   • Luteal phase: 1.3–11 mIU/mL
5. LH (Luteinising Hormone): 12.00 mIU/mL Reference ranges:
   • Follicular phase: 1.2–12.5 mIU/mL
   • Ovulatory phase: 12–82 mIU/mL
   • Luteal phase: 0.4–19 mIU/mL
6. Total Testosterone: 0.33 ng/mL Reference range (menstruating females): 0.18–1.10 ng/mL
7. Fasting Insulin: 12.70 µIU/mL Reference range: 4.03–23.46 µIU/mL

Disclaimer: I don’t mean to put anyone down who is trying to conceive right now & is having trouble. I’m just sharing my story!

I got married in June 2026 to my husband and since then we’ve been just enjoying our time together. I did start taking a prenatal in May just to start prepping my body but I admit, some days I did forget! I also took COQ-10, a fish oil & folic acid.

I’ve had PCOS since I could remember, inconsistent periods since I first got it when I was 12.

I was on the pill for 5 years and 6 months before getting married, I stopped the pill so to give my body time to regulate. My period came back naturally the next month and I was glad to see because I really thought it would take months!

Fast forward 6 weeks after marriage, Im pregnant! I find out only 6-7 weeks in because I really had no symptoms, and so far so good! We are beyond thrilled because we thought it would take at least a year.

I saw a fertility doctor before I got married who did only ultrasound on me & told me it may be tough to get pregnant because of my PCOS.. I didn’t allow that to discourage me because I hadn’t even given it a shot yet.

I just wanted to share that the female body is so beautiful and you never know what could happen. All I can say is that I kept an open mind, I started prenatals & I prayed for an easy pregnancy journey & so far it’s been awesome. Wishing all you ladies the best on your journeys.

Who here all has elevated fasting insulin levels? I went in to get labs drawn and my A1C was fine at 5.5 but my fasting insulin was 28.1!! Normal range is 2.6-24.9. I’m only 25, very active, eat healthy, but still struggle with my weight. I’m on metformin and check my blood sugar from time to time. Will it always be elevated with PCOS due to the insulin resistance? Just stressed. I see the doctor next week but would love to hear others experiences.

This is super embarrassing but I probably have the lowest libido in the entire world. I tried taking maca supplements for more than a month — two 1200 mg capsules, and absolutely nothing happened. I don’t want to be on hormonal-based birth control; this will sound completely made up, but when I went on hormonal-based birth control at around twelve or thirteen years old (my doctor didn’t even think to wonder if I had PCOS, she just saw I had extremely high levels of testosterone and put me on hormonal-based birth control), I became attracted to men for the first time (I’m a lesbian and always have been, I’ve known since I was six years old). So I really don’t want to go down the route of hormonal-based birth control. And please don’t tell me to watch or read anything because it does nothing. I’ve tried. I’m just wondering if anyone at one point had an extremely low libido and found some kind of supplement because maca did nothing for me and I’m upset that I wasted money on it. Please and thank you.

Hi I’ve not been officially diagnosed but I have all the symptoms. I have for years now but recently I’m struggling with facial hair. I can deal with shaving everyday Im used to it but it’s starting to leave horrific razor burn. It’s sore, itchy and looks awful I’m very embarrassed. I’m currently trying to get a doctors appointment as I’ve had enough but has anyone been though this and found a remedy?

Hiii everyone!!

I’m really struggling to get my A1C and glucose down. I’ve cut out all ADDED sugars and keeping my sugars down. What’s the amount of grams of sugar a day you guys are noticing is actually making a difference? Or any other diet advice? I cannot seem to lose weight either. It’s SO discouraging omg. I’m doing little amount of carbs. I don’t go over 40 carbs. My doctor recommended staying down below 80g but that did not seem to help. My cholesterol is even up too and I just don’t understand. I’m also ONLY eating clean ingredients. No additives. Lots of veggies and fruits. So. Much. Water.

Again, just feeling so defeated and discouraged.

Hi! I really want to hear anyones experiences from those on hormonal iuds from the Mirena/Skyla family. Specifically in regards to hair thinning and cystic acne.

I have had no formal diagnosis, but have had a Gyno and PCP in the past indicate I may have PCOS but no formal testing (current PCP says only those trying to get pregnant test levels?) I have treatment resistant mild cystic acne, regular but long 35 day cycles with 8 day bleeds, and unresolved IBS issues.

I have tried everything to treat cystic acne, with combo bc and low dose spiro clearing me instantly but intolerable side effects (have low BP, migraines). Am now settling on Accutane, and the Derm informed me that if I complete a course that I will not need to worry about acne flare or relapse at all if I chose a hormonal IUD from this group? I'm slightly cautious with this promise.

Hi I have been taking metformin for 4/5 years and I did lose weight initially. I was at 120kgs at one point and now I am stuck at 93kgs for atleast a year and my weight is not going down. I do hot yoga and was consistent and noticed no difference, my nutrition is okay. I really struggle with gut issues as well, somedays I am constipated, some days I have diarrhea and there is no in between. I am thinking of taking sema glutide to lose weight as I want to be 70kgs or so which would be an ideal weight for me to start conceiving. Do you have any suggestions? What do you think? I just truly feel hopeless at this point if I am being honest.

Hey yall,

I recently got sterilized and I’m off of hormonal birth control (the combination pill) for the first time in years. Before going on the pill, I tried nexplanon which basically made me bleed constantly. Being on the pill made me have withdrawal bleeding during the placebo week, but my period before going on the pill was never predictable and I could go awhile without having one.

I got my tubes removed about a month and a half ago, and haven’t had a period yet. It could be due to the stress of the surgery physically, or I could just not have a period because of my pcos.

My gyno told me to wait 2 months to see if it comes back, and if not I should take either progesterone for ten days to induce a period, or go back on the combination pill.

I’d rather just do the progesterone for ten days rather than get back on hormonal bc because my mood/ sex drive has felt more normal off of it. Has anyone had experience taking progesterone for a few days to induce a period? Or any suggestions on how I can make mine come back naturally?

A few months ago i was diagnosed with PCOS and was later prescribed metformin. I have been taking it for a week and haven't been having any issues other than a huge food aversion. I can't even think about eating without getting nauseous, every time i smell food my mouth starts watering like I'm going to throw up. Today i couldn't even eat properly, when i chew food i wanna spit it out.
Is there any way i can make this better? Or maybe food recommendations that won't make me sick?

Hello. F26

I haven't been taking Myo & D-Chiro Inositol the past couple of weeks because I have been going through some life changes and neglecting certain areas of caring for myself. I plan to start taking it regularly again soon. I was on it for a couple of months before this and was consistent every day.

Just wondering ​​if there could be any correlation between stopping and now bleeding after sex. I have bled after sex before, but rarely and usually light spotting. The past couple times though it has been bright red with small specks of what looks like tissue...it has really freaked me out. It stops soon after but never in my life has this happened. I know it's not a lubrication issue. I never got a period while taking it, and still haven't now. I'm aware I probably wasn't on it long enough to see the maximum benefits..

Has anyone had a similar experience linking the two? Should I go get checked out? I am waiting for open enrollment unfortunately​ but any insight is appreciated.

I’ve had this long enough I feel I should know the answer, but I could use advice.

The the past month I’ve had the typical cyst issue - pain, bloating, digestive issues, etc.

The past few days I’ve been a bit more lightheaded and just a bit off. Then about 1am this morning I woke up in pain, extremely sick to my stomach and light headed. I was finally able to get back to sleep but around 8:30am I was still feeling odd and went to the ER.

What a joke…ultrasound didn’t find the cyst I had been dealing with but the dr didn’t even say what my issue could be.

Well…I’ve had one ruptured cyst before (plenty of them showing up then dissolving) and kinda figure that’s what this was.

The 6 month pregnant like bloating I had is going away, the pain is starting to go away but I’m feeling such fatigue and now a bit of nausea again.

I know everyone is different, but since our healthcare facilities are useless, what does everyone think- does this sound like a ruptured cyst?

The ultrasound didn’t have much info but didn’t say anything fluid, but it wasn’t super through. I do have an OB appt on Wednesday to discuss getting the ovary removed.