I’m honestly really disappointed with how my previous post has been received.
I came to this subreddit because I have PCOS, irregular periods and concerns about my fertility. I wanted advice from people who have experienced similar things, particularly regarding getting pregnant, ovulation and fertility medication.
Instead, the comments have mostly turned into discussions about my relationship, the age gap between me and my boyfriend, and how we aren’t married. People have even been calling him a groomer based on the fact that I was 18 and he was 22 when we got together.
I understand that people can have different opinions, but I haven’t described being manipulated, pressured or abused. I’m not asking for a relationship analysis, and I don’t appreciate people making assumptions about my experiences or treating me as though I’ve come forward saying I was sexually assaulted.
I’m 23 now, we’ve been together for five years, and I’m trying to understand my fertility because I have PCOS. I know relying on PCOS as contraception was a mistake, and I’m trying to get the right medical advice now.
I came here for PCOS-related advice, not to have my relationship put on trial.
Please can we keep the discussion focused on fertility, ovulation and people’s experiences with treatments such as letrozole, Clomid or metformin? That’s the help I was looking for in the first place.

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.

I've lifelong suspected I have PCOS for many reasons, ever since I was a teenager, but my suspicions have risen significantly lately as I'm struggling hard with insulin resistance and a very high A1C for my age despite significant dietary changes and some weight loss.

My PCP has suggested getting checked for PCOS as my next step, as many women in my family (both aunts, 2/5 of my sisters, and mother) have PCOS. The only problem is that I'm a transgender man who has been on hormone replacement therapy for 7-8 years and has completely masculinized. I am 25 and I have never seen an OB/GYN, and have never had any kind of vaginal exam or uterine ultrasound done, even by a PCP.

I guess I'm wondering if it's even possible for them to theoretically detect and diagnose PCOS if I even do have it, as 2/3 of the markers are going to be obfuscated due to my gender transition. I haven't had a period in 6 years (they were previously very heavy, unpredictable and excruciatingly painful, but not irregular as in length of cycle or going a long time without one), and I obviously have more androgens than a cis female because of the HRT.

I do know I have ovarian cysts because they occasionally burst, however, I also know PCOS cannot be diagnosed based on ovarian cysts alone.

I really need to narrow down what could be causing my high blood sugar before I develop type two diabetes.

Any thoughts?

Hey everyone :) I’m 21, I’m on here because I have pcos it has made me really sick, and it has taken so many things from my life that I should be experiencing at my age but instead I have to worry about doctor appointments or worrying about when im going to feel sick. Since Ive been off the pill for years now I been having gut issues iron depletion brain fog, heart rate elevation and it causing me discomfort body image problems. I have seen others in my life and those who have bullied me as well traveling, graduating college, having a relationship, hanging out with friends, and honestly yes I do feel jealous and ask God why me, but even then I’m not mad at God at all, although im suffering. im actually happy that I was the one who got this instead of the people I love like my family. Right now Im awake and cant sleep and depressed but I try to hold on. love you all

I rarely ever get my period. Just got my first ob ever (37f). Im now on medroxyprog and the mood swings are full.

In 2 work shifts, ive lost a lot of work friends due to my anger and tension. I dont even know if i care. Im just angry all the time for everything. Im driving a bit more aggressively, speeding. A bit more increase in anxiety.

I havent even had a period yet. Im 8 days in. Does it get easier? Once i shed the thick old linings, will my body regulate better and - as a result the extreme anger stop?

Thank you.

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.

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 (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?

for context, I (older minor NB, yes above 13), inherited PCOS from my mother, which is causing 'problems' with my periods and hormones (which, I don't count as a problem for me, I'm growing more body hair [hyperandrogenism apparently, from my research anyway] and not dying every month lol??). The only real problem is.. i have a higher chance develop breast, or the different types of uterine cancer if my hormones are unbalanced, and if I don't have my period. (my aunt [mom's side] has had breast cancer before, so that puts me at an even higher risk)
So, I discussed it with my gyno doc (who I came out to), and she prescribed me with progesterone only birth control to start my period again. But I've only seen her once, and she hasn't done a physical exam or anything, and I don't know if I'll be able to do periodic exams to check for tumors and stuff (mostly due to it taking me like, over 6 months to convince my mom to actually schedule the appointment I went to a few weeks ago...)
I'm kind of (VERY) nervous to take it, but my mom already bought a 3 month supply. I don't want to stop growing body hair like I have, and I don't want my breasts to grow any- but my mom spent like, 50$ on it, and she'd probably be mad at me if I don't. She said that I could try it for the 3 months, and if I don't like it, then I can stop it. If I just fold, then I have to start taking it on Monday (Oct. 19th).

is the three months going to do anything?? should I even take it in the first place?? is it even worth it to take?? would the side effects outweigh the good???

(P.S. I'm not out to either of my parents due to them being transphobic, so telling them my real feelings is not a viable option :/ also, I've already asked this in r/ftm but I thought I'd ask here too, plus, I'm also doing my own research, not just asking strangers online lol- oh, and I probably don't want to give birth, so infertility isn't really a problem for me)

(P.P.S. Whenever I say "for me", I understand these being problems for others, just not for me personally, my heart goes out to all of yall ❤️ )

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!!!!

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?

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 😂

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?

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.

20F, struggling with PCOS, weight gain & absolutely NO energy — where do I even start?

I’m 20 and have always been naturally quite small (usually under 55kg), so the changes I’ve experienced with PCOS have been really difficult for me to adjust to.
Recently I’ve been struggling with weight gain, particularly around my lower stomach, and I feel like I have absolutely no energy. The lack of energy is probably what bothers me the most because I work in a school and I want to feel fit, active and like I actually have the energy to get through the day. I used to feel much more active and I really want to get back to that, but at the moment I genuinely don’t know where to start.
I’ve also been prescribed birth control, but I’m really hesitant about starting it. I feel like some of my PCOS symptoms/dramas started or became worse around the time I was on birth control previously, so I’m nervous about going back on it.
I know everyone’s experience with PCOS is different, but I’d really appreciate hearing from anyone who has been in a similar position especially if you’ve struggled with fatigue, weight changes despite being smaller previously, or getting back into exercise with PCOS.
What actually helped you? Diet changes? Supplements? Strength training? Walking? Medication? Something completely different?
I’m not looking for a quick fix or trying to lose a huge amount of weight. I mostly just want to feel like myself again, have some energy and feel comfortable and strong in my body.
Any advice, experiences or things you wish you’d known when you were first diagnosed would be really appreciated 🤍

Hi guys, I'm turning 20 this year and was hoping to get some job advice from others who also have PCOS

I was lucky enough to get diagnosed around 16ish years of age. I've never had a regular period and per my doctor's advice, am taking myinositol daily and on a medication every 2 months to induce my period

I've noticed that most of my flare-ups are triggered by long-term stress. Example, I was mentally stuck, so demotivated, depressed, etc during my internship that had me working 10 hours 5 days a week. When I'm in a flare-up, I've noticed I can be stuck in it for a week or as long as months, completely random each time.

Now it's time for me to enter the workforce since I've graduated and decided to not go to University.

My main question is if working 2 part time jobs would be better for me since I've noticed that I should keep my stress low. I feel like the flexibility of part time jobs would also be a plus if I need recovery from a flare up. I'm a bit worried about pursuing part time work instead of full time because it is an unconventional path and it feels like getting a full time job is expected of me as someone becoming an adult

Advice please?

I’m 20F, and I could really use some advice from people who have been in a similar situation.

I started taking hormonal birth control (Yaz Plus) 2 months ago for PCOS and during my first month, I experienced a pretty intense depressive episode. I would get ready, go to university, come home, and start crying for seemingly no reason.

I felt emotionally overwhelmed and couldn’t handle things the way I normally would.

Looking back, I think I’ve struggled with my mental health for a long time. I’ve always been anxious, I tend to spiral over the smallest things, I overanalyze social interactions, and I often feel out of place around other people. I can get incredibly overwhelmed by thoughts about my future and things that other people seem to handle normally. I’ve also struggled with attention and concentration, (to the point that i can’t sit down and read a book no matter how much i want to) for as long as i remember and I’ve wondered whether I might have ADHD.

I think the birth control may have intensified feelings I had already been suppressing or made me more aware of them. Before this, I often felt emotionally numb, whereas during that episode I would suddenly cry about things I hadn’t really allowed myself to feel.

I need to admit something else, too. During that period, I started taking my mom’s escitalopram without a prescription. I know that was very irresponsible, and I’m not planning to continue self medicating. I took small portions of the 10 mg tablets, and I remember feeling noticeably better. I felt more motivated, could concentrate on studying. I understand that responding positively to an antidepressant doesn’t necessarily mean I need one, but it made me wonder whether professional treatment could actually help me.

I recently spoke to my mom about how I had been feeling, and she immediately booked me an appointment with a psychiatrist.

The thing is, I’m absolutely terrified of gaining weight from psychiatric medication.
I already struggle with my body image because of PCOS, and I’ve spent a long time feeling uncomfortable in my own body. I’m scared of finally getting some relief from my mental health issues only to gain weight and feel even worse about myself. I know weight gain isn’t inevitable with every medication, but I keep reading stories about people gaining a significant amount of weight on antidepressants, and it scares me enough to consider cancelling the appointment altogether.
Part of me also wonders whether I’m overreacting. Maybe this was just a reaction to the hormones, maybe I’m being too sensitive, or maybe my problems aren’t serious enough to justify psychiatric medication. I keep thinking that other people manage their lives without needing medication, so why can’t I?

Now I’m torn between two options, and I genuinely don’t know which makes more sense.
Should I wait until I finish this month’s pack of Yaz Plus, speak to my gynecologist, and ask her to switch me to a different birth control pill to see whether my mood improves? Maybe the depressive episode is primarily hormonal, and changing brands would be enough.

Or should I go ahead and see a psychiatrist now, rather than waiting, since I was already struggling with anxiety, overthinking, low moods, and possible ADHD symptoms before starting birth control?
I’m worried about going to a psychiatrist too soon and being prescribed medication I might not actually need. At the same time, I’m worried about delaying help for problems I’ve been dealing with for years just because I’m scared of the side effects.

I know strangers online can’t diagnose me or tell me which medication I should take. I’m mostly looking for personal experiences and some perspective because I feel very conflicted. I want to get better, but I’m afraid of what getting better might cost me physically.
Thank you to anyone who took the time to read all of this.

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??

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?

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.

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.

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.

Long story short- I had intermittent pain on my left ovary and pain when trying to poop that started early this year. I went to urgent care and got an ultrasound made follow up appointments with the OBGYN, and was able to schedule the surgery. Pain worsened and I started having burning sensations that would come and go. I had my pre-op appointment with the surgeon and specifically requested she try to preserve the ovary, and in the case she couldn’t remove the cyst, I asked she just drain it. She had me get a second ultrasound to confirm the cyst was still there to proceed with surgery. Surgery rolls around & the benign cyst was completely removed. The nurse told my sister that I was able to keep my ovary and I was able to go home. I looked through the surgery notes, pre and post op notes, my after visit summaries, and pathology report and everything seemed fine.

I just had my 5 week post op phone appointment with my surgeon and she informed me the cyst was removed, it was benign, and that she also removed my ovary because it was “pancaked.” She said she took pictures that I can see if I have an in person appointment but she cannot send them to me.

I’m confused because I specifically asked to preserve the ovary, the nurse said I still had it, the pathology report only mentions the cyst, there is no documentation mentioning the removal, and I was not told until literally 5 weeks later. I’m not quite sure what to feel besides angry and frustrated that I can’t trust the surgeon and I’m planning on another ultrasound to confirm what the truth is.

I used to get a lot of spotting 3-4 days before my actual period would start. It was very concerning and frustrating for me. I would also have very bad cramping, bloating, horrible back pains, inflammation all over and high sugar carb cravings before my period. But 10 months ago, I started lifting weights and strength training. As I improved with time, I even started lifting heavier weights throughout this time. I do heavy weight lifting 3-4 times a week consistently, and I do light cardio either on stairmaster or running 5x week 10k steps a day. I started noticing that as months were passing by, I would spot less and less, and I would have less cramping, bloating, back pains, and sugar cravings. I eat a ketogenic/carnivore diet, and i have not changed that part of myself for over a year. The only thing I changed this year was adding in heavy weight lifting and strength training. I did light cardio prior to adding in lifting. A few other things I noticed that improved also is my acne is almost non-existence, my dark facial hair is now lighter and thinner, my hair on top of my head no longer falls out, and I don't feel as cold anymore. I used to worry if women lift heavy weights, that testosterone or androgens would increase. But it is almost as if it is the opposite that is happening to me. Was it high androgens all along and now its lowering? Or was it something to do with my progesterone or estrogen hormones? Either way I'm liking the results lifting weights is giving me, and I'm afraid if I ever stop lifting, my symptoms will come back!! Has anyone experienced an improved change in hormones from lifting weights?? I started my period today, and not once did I have any spotting before my period or experience any cramps, bloating, inflammation, crazy cravings, or back pain. How is this possible??!!! I do believe I was insulin resistance before lifting weights because of my high carb and sugar cravings. I will mention I have lost a total of 15 lbs since starting lifting weights. I was 150lb, and now I'm 135lb. 5'2" 35 yo mom of 2 kids. But my main focus is putting on muscle and getting rid of fat. I take no medications, only fish oil and vitamin D.