how does the mini pill help with PCOS

[Shairox]

i was just diagnosed with PCOS and my doctor immediately recommended that I use hormonal contraception, eventually prescribing me the mini pill. but I don't understand the benefit of using the mini pill if it won't regulate my period.

[Emma15]

Hello! So the mini pill can help regulate your symptoms and regulate your period (in the sense of giving you a ‘bleed’ although it is worth knowing it isn’t a real period). I was put on the mini pill and while it did regulate period, it did nothing for my other symptoms. The only thing that worked for me was a combined pill - Yasmin was the one I used. It was great - periods were regular and acne went away completely. I was very happy on that.

However, I would just say - I decided to come off the pill last year at the start of the pandemic. At the time I didn’t know I had PCOS as the doctor had just put me on the pill without bothering to fully diagnose and do blood tests etc.

When I came off the pill, my body went crazy - because I’d been on the pill for about 7 years - i had really shocking amount of hair loss, my skin went nuts, I was absolutely miserable and my period didn’t come back for almost a year. In the end they did tests and having found I had PCOS they tried to put me back on the pill but I refused so they had to work a bit harder. However now, I take something to reduce my prolactin (which was a bit raised) and now I have almost regular periods, acne is totally under control and no more hair loss. And I am so happy not to be on the pill and reliant on that.

Just saying, it is worth looking into the other options if you possibly can. while the mini pill is less bad for your bone density and vitamin and mineral deficiency, it is still worth finding out what else is possible. Doctors just use the pill as a quick fix but it doesn’t actually tackle the root cause - it just masks it! Just make sure you’ve really asked them what your options are before you go on the pill - it may well be the best option for you but great to know everything.

Hope it helps to hear another point of view!

[Hidden]

Hi! I've just been prescribed the same thing because I have hormonal migraines with aura I can't take the combined pill with estrogen. I've also been told I have supppeerrrr low progesterone too! My gynae said she wasn't even sure if it would help when she prescribed it...fab! I'm starting it today let me know how it works for you!