Think I've got PCOS...

[unicorncarpet]

Hi there, I've been wondering a while now and as I'm travelling, obtaining a diagnosis isn't easy although I intend to have a blood test as soon as I can. I've had irregular periods for years, which I used to combat with the pill, however when I split up with my ex I decided to come off it, and didn't have a period for a few months which I read is normal. However, my periods have completely stopped the last few months, and I've been struggling with on/off acne on my lower or upper cheeks. I also constantly have a chubby looking face, despite not being overweight (although I could definitely lose a few pounds!) It's really getting me down as I heard there is also no cure. How does everyone manage it/any tips on alleviating symptoms?

Thanks

[Hols969]

It does sound like pcos, can you go back on the contraceptive pill as this will make sure you have periods (you must have 4 a year to keep your uterus healthy), it will also help control the acne as well. The combined contraceptive pill is good at masking the pcos symptoms. I have been on and off it for 30 years and generally it keeps my symptoms at bay pretty well. GI diet can also help reduce the symptoms so cut out all white carbs and as much sugar as poss.

[Windigo]

It's what happens with PCOS you get excessive hair, i've had it all over since i was 15, only the past 2 years did i find out i've been suffering with PCOS all this time because it runs on my mums side and she's has mostly minor symptoms of it although it was quite bad when menopause started, her periods were like water, same for her sister (my auntie), and her mum (my grandma), but it's worse for me, the hair just gets worse too, it starts to grow longer and faster and more and more areas get more hair, i now have side burns and i already grow a beard when i don't shave it all up my chin and under my lip but it's starting to creep up my cheeks and my hands now to meet the side burns, so it's 100% a symptom.

No there isn't a cure or so they say anyways... and the pill is one thing doctors do hand out for it but it tends to just make things worse for a lot of women too and never get a contraceptive coil because those are lethal even to women without PCOS, those things litterely cause hormone issues and infertility, i used to have a friend who had an implant then she started having problems with her periods with it and within just a couple months of having it in then she got it took out and it continued, although she may of also had PCOS already because she suffered with depressed since she was younger, but avoid the implant for sure. I don't know myself what else they can do though.