Junkie
Well-known member
I recently found out that I probably have Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome.
I don't know how long I've possibly had it....but my family doctor seems to think I've shown symptoms basically since I hit puberty (weight gain, extremely bad acne, some facial or body hair, etc).
My cycles were pretty normal up until I was about 19. It took me around 6 months to get pregnant (which can be all timing, but kinda weird considering I was young and relatively fit). So that was probably the first indication.
After my daugther, I was ovulating again within 4 weeks of giving birth. Things went somewhat hay-wire after this. I started taking Depo-Provera and stayed on that for about a year. I went off (after having periods that sometimes lasted up to 2 weeks long - even almost a year after on the contraceptive). Normally, after atleast 8-12 months, your period lessons drastically, if not completely. Mine didn't. It was then I started breaking out like crazy - I went on Accutane during this time.
I stopped the Depo and went on Ortho Tri-cyclen 21's (not the low's). The Accutane stopped after only 3 months. The birth control pill stopped after 3-4 months.
I've been off every contraceptive. Truth be told, I'm scared to try anything else. My doctor prescribed Sprinolactone and Minocycline both for the acne and the hormones. I tested negative for any thyroid conditions and my male hormones aren't high.
The doctor seems to think its PCOS....yet I haven't gotten any formal testing, other than a few ultrasounds (which detected cysts on both ovaries). I've missed my period several times over the course of this past year. My acne has also flared back up including pustules that are infected and hurt my face....same with some cyctic. Most of it is along my jawline, but recently, its also invaded my forehead and cheeks too.
The most recent is now - two months to be exact.
I've tried upping the physical exercise - because apparently that can make them "pop"....ew, I know. The pains I get on either side of my abdomen are intense. I break out like crazy if I forget to take my pills. I'm constantly hot, uncomfortable and generally more irritable than normal when it comes to my actual cycle days (though I don't menstruate).
Oh and the cincher? That fullness you feel when you're on your period? I always have that the 2 weeks when I'm supposed to ovulate and again the entire week my period is due....yet nothing happens.
Brutal.
Anyone out there with similar symptoms and what they did/do to alleviate the pain or stress?
I'd love to lose the weight.....but I've found that next to starving myself (and restricting myself to 1000-1400 calories a day) is the only thing that ever worked. But it was only for about a month before I caved and had to frikken devour EVERYTHING.
Its damn near impossible with PCOS....it just feels 1000x more hard and uncomfortable to control yourself.
I'd love to gain that support and will power but just need a good swift kick in the ass!
I don't know how long I've possibly had it....but my family doctor seems to think I've shown symptoms basically since I hit puberty (weight gain, extremely bad acne, some facial or body hair, etc).
My cycles were pretty normal up until I was about 19. It took me around 6 months to get pregnant (which can be all timing, but kinda weird considering I was young and relatively fit). So that was probably the first indication.
After my daugther, I was ovulating again within 4 weeks of giving birth. Things went somewhat hay-wire after this. I started taking Depo-Provera and stayed on that for about a year. I went off (after having periods that sometimes lasted up to 2 weeks long - even almost a year after on the contraceptive). Normally, after atleast 8-12 months, your period lessons drastically, if not completely. Mine didn't. It was then I started breaking out like crazy - I went on Accutane during this time.
I stopped the Depo and went on Ortho Tri-cyclen 21's (not the low's). The Accutane stopped after only 3 months. The birth control pill stopped after 3-4 months.
I've been off every contraceptive. Truth be told, I'm scared to try anything else. My doctor prescribed Sprinolactone and Minocycline both for the acne and the hormones. I tested negative for any thyroid conditions and my male hormones aren't high.
The doctor seems to think its PCOS....yet I haven't gotten any formal testing, other than a few ultrasounds (which detected cysts on both ovaries). I've missed my period several times over the course of this past year. My acne has also flared back up including pustules that are infected and hurt my face....same with some cyctic. Most of it is along my jawline, but recently, its also invaded my forehead and cheeks too.
The most recent is now - two months to be exact.
I've tried upping the physical exercise - because apparently that can make them "pop"....ew, I know. The pains I get on either side of my abdomen are intense. I break out like crazy if I forget to take my pills. I'm constantly hot, uncomfortable and generally more irritable than normal when it comes to my actual cycle days (though I don't menstruate).
Oh and the cincher? That fullness you feel when you're on your period? I always have that the 2 weeks when I'm supposed to ovulate and again the entire week my period is due....yet nothing happens.
Brutal.
Anyone out there with similar symptoms and what they did/do to alleviate the pain or stress?
I'd love to lose the weight.....but I've found that next to starving myself (and restricting myself to 1000-1400 calories a day) is the only thing that ever worked. But it was only for about a month before I caved and had to frikken devour EVERYTHING.
Its damn near impossible with PCOS....it just feels 1000x more hard and uncomfortable to control yourself.
I'd love to gain that support and will power but just need a good swift kick in the ass!