Stacey1111
07-17-2003, 01:17 PM
I'm not even sure where to begin. I'm 22 and ever since I was 12 I've had abnormal periods. I would have my period for 6 months non-stop and then not have it for 8 months. I was diagnosed with PCOP at the age of 15 and was put on birth control. I was always a heavy teenager but as soon as I started taking the pill I put on about 40lbs within a matter of months. I also had terrible side effects from taking the pill which i would bring up with my doc. I must have gone through about 6 different kinds of bcp and each time I'd switch I'd gain more weight. I was on the pill from the age of 15 to 19 until one morning I got on the scale and my weight was almost 250lbs and I'm 5'4. That day I took myself off the pill and put myself on a diet. I'd excersice daily, eat right and the weight started coming off and my periods became very regular. For almost 2 years I knew exactly when my period was coming, it was less painful and would last 5-6 days. I was in heaven. In 12 months I managed to go from 250lbs to 105lbs and I did it the healthy way. I never took any pills or did anything drastic. I never starved myself and my doctors were amazed. I've maintained my weight for 2 years now and everything was fine until this past may when I skipped my period by a month. Last month my period came on the 15th and now I'm 2 days late. I know 2 days is not much but I'm worried that the problem is starting again. I plan on waiting a few more days and if my period doesn't come going to see my doc. I'm just scared that i'll have to go back on the pill. I've worked so hard on keeping the weight off only to have it come back.
Any advice?
Any advice?
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kbonnieboo
07-17-2003, 05:44 PM
>>>>>>I'm just scared that i'll have to go back on the pill. I've worked so hard on keeping the weight off only to have it come back.
First of all, you never HAVE to do anything re: your health that you are not comfortable with...and I would strongly advise AGAINST anyone who's hormones are already hugely out of whack (that' PCOS) going on bcp's. Honestly, it just makes matters much much worse (as you've experienced). I would urge you to go to www.soulcysters.com (http://www.soulcysters.com) . It's a great site...and there's a searchable message board there. I like the section on complimentary therapies and the thread "alternative remedies." I combine natural and traditional therapies with a good result...but I avoid bcp's and synthetic prescription progesterone like the plague!!!!!
good luck!
kbb
First of all, you never HAVE to do anything re: your health that you are not comfortable with...and I would strongly advise AGAINST anyone who's hormones are already hugely out of whack (that' PCOS) going on bcp's. Honestly, it just makes matters much much worse (as you've experienced). I would urge you to go to www.soulcysters.com (http://www.soulcysters.com) . It's a great site...and there's a searchable message board there. I like the section on complimentary therapies and the thread "alternative remedies." I combine natural and traditional therapies with a good result...but I avoid bcp's and synthetic prescription progesterone like the plague!!!!!
good luck!
kbb
bngreen
07-18-2003, 02:42 PM
I stress myself out once a month because my period is never on schedule. I get scared then over time a little excited. Then it comes and I prepare for the next month. Last month, my period was nine days late. I am due any day now. I choose to stay off birth control. You should do what you feel is right.
EddieDean
07-18-2003, 06:38 PM
Personally, I love using the pill to regulate my periods. I never had a normal one on my own....the doctors have no idea why, but because I have no weight gain, no excess hair, nothing on my ovaries, and all normal hormone levels, they think it must be some sort of minute hormone release that is faulty and is not allowing me to ovulate. I've been taking the pill since I was 16 (I'm 24 now) and love being able to predict and alter when I have periods. I have had three separate doctors (two gynos and a reproductive endocrinologist) tell me this is the right course for ME.
However, the pill and the PCOS are obviously effecting your body in a severe way. Kudos to you for the way you lost so much weight....that is so impressive and is truly something to be lauded for!! I would consult specialists, if possible, and see why your body is responding in this way. Maybe birth control is NOT the right option for you, but there may be other treatments out there. Do your homework and talk to as many people as possible....but be careful! This is nothing to take lightly. Best wishes.
However, the pill and the PCOS are obviously effecting your body in a severe way. Kudos to you for the way you lost so much weight....that is so impressive and is truly something to be lauded for!! I would consult specialists, if possible, and see why your body is responding in this way. Maybe birth control is NOT the right option for you, but there may be other treatments out there. Do your homework and talk to as many people as possible....but be careful! This is nothing to take lightly. Best wishes.
justdontknownemore
07-19-2003, 10:06 PM
DID you actually have a scan to determin pcos? and blood tests for your testerone? and also have you got any abnormal hair growth? the pill is rubbish for pcos all id does is make you put on weight which is not what should happen with pcos as the sugar in your body feeds the cysts, and also the pill just regulates your periods, i take metformin which is one that is used, as people with pcos and who are overweight got type 2 diabeties, it helps break down the sugar and helps you loose weight and at the same time helps pop those cysts and regulate your periods..
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chocolate29
07-19-2003, 11:26 PM
look into the herb 'vitex'
Stacey1111
07-19-2003, 11:52 PM
Thank you so much to all of you that have responded. I've actually done some research these last couple of days and am shocked that I was never properly diagnosed with pcop. When my periods would not stop my mother took me to a see a GYN who asked me what the problem was. When I told him what was going on (period would not stop for months) he diagnosed me with pcop. He said that since my periods were irregular, I was chubby has some facial hair that pcop was the problem and right away put me on birth control. Since then I've been to a couple of other gyn doctors and no one has ever bothered to give me a blood test to check my hormone levels. I never bothered to research the topic myself because I had full faith in my doctors. The only reason I became concerned now is because I still haven't gotten my period. I am so grateful to you all for all the information you have given and I'm so mad at myself and my doctors. All these years I thought I had pcop when in fact it could be something completly different!!
justdontknownemore
07-20-2003, 10:16 AM
Well if i was you, i would dmeand a blood test for tesosterone and a scan to see whats going on inside you? geeez.. doctors get right on my nerves sometimes.Good luck
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kbonnieboo
07-21-2003, 06:21 PM
FYI...there is a new push in the medical community (according to my RE) to stop calling PCOS PCOS and instead call it "METABOLIC DISORDER." Why? Because not all women with PCOS have polycystic ovaries. It's a common symptom...but not present 100% of the time. Also, testosterone may not always be significantly elavated (although it is in my case). PCOS is usually diagnosed when a series of symptoms are found together...but they may be different symptoms for every woman. "Estrogen Dominance" may also play a key role.
PS...vitex would certainly be a good supplement to add to your treatment regimen (anything's better than bcp's!!!). Also, consider applying natural progesterone cream for two weeks a month.
PS...vitex would certainly be a good supplement to add to your treatment regimen (anything's better than bcp's!!!). Also, consider applying natural progesterone cream for two weeks a month.