help with advice at GP

[Lozza456]

good morning, I was diagnosed with PCOS when I was 16 years old (now 25), I am just wondering whether anyone else has had problems with their GP prescribing them absolutely anything?? The only thing I’ve ever been offered is the contraceptive pill despite years of asking (begging) for anything else to help with side effects such as fertility, very very excessive hair growth, fatigue etc. just wondering how people in the UK go about being prescribed anything and what works well so I could go in with a different stance when asking?? It seems to be brushed off by my GP practice ☹️

[alohalu]

I know this is not the answer you want, but I gave up with fighting with the hair everywhere and bought and IPL machine, best thing I've done in my life! I use it everywhere and I barely have any hairs left.

The doctors would probably prescribe you metformin, if you really insist them, but I would try first Inositol, since it has similar effects and doesn't need prescription.

Good luck!

[gemini99]

I have had the same problem it took them ages before diagnosing me with PCOS in the first place and now they won’t do anything but tell me to get pelvic scans done it’s so frustrating because I’m genuinely struggling with fatigue and fertility

[Chel91]

Yes, it's a big problem and it's unacceptable. My advice and what works for me is honestly just making appointment after appointment with possibly multiple doctors (and possibly changing practices). Go in with it written down, like "I've tried BC for 1 year I still have excessive hair so I need another option today". NHS guidance states that PCOS can be treated with metformin (primarily for metabolic / overall health / hormones), and spironolactone (for excessive hair growth or acne). Write this down, take it and demand that they prescribe this to you. You can use those both at the same time.

I'm not saying these work for everyone, but then you can at least try it, keep researching alternatives and working with your doctor. Sometimes we just have to be persistent and forceful. That or they need to give you a referral to a NHS endocrinologist and dermatologist etc. if they can't treat you!

Ps. If you want children, aren't ovulating regularly, and have tried for 2 years they are supposed to prescribe you letrozole to induce periods also so you can try to conceive. Best of luck xx

[JMSNutrition]

Go with myo-inositol if your going to take anything, can get it over the counter or at any supplement shop. 2x2g/day for at least 6 months but lifestyle interventions will be more likely to improve your PCOS symptoms than anything prescribed

[Lozza456 in reply to JMSNutrition]

could you please send a link for this so I can have a look?

[JMSNutrition in reply to Lozza456]

Heres a meta-analysis of RCTs ec.bioscientifica.com/.../e......

[JMSNutrition in reply to JMSNutrition]

ec.bioscientifica.com/view/...