Becca,
You're more than welcome to PM me - same for any of you on this thread
I empathise with your trouble with Dianette. You don't mention what your trouble is, but for me, it gave me the worst ever PMS I have ever experienced. I felt incredibly violent and aggressive and my thoughts were totally irrational. I actually considered taking myself to the local psychiatric unit, I felt that out of control. Needless to say, I stopped using the drug!
Yes, NHS understanding of PCOS can be a lottery. By nature of their work, GPs are not specialist in any one area, and although you may consult a GP that is interested and well versed in gynaecology, it can be a lottery. My GP admits that gynaecology isn't his strongest point for example. Maybe see if your surgery has one that specialises in "Well Woman Clinics"? Depending on what you want, a practice nurse may be a good point of contact.
Having being a student midwife, I know how hard it is to keep up to date with latest research and practice. Even if you're a gynaecologist, that's an awful lot of information to digest! Even if research suggests something to be a good course of action, the doctor still has to take responsibility for commencing it with you. For example, I had to see an endocrinologist for my cyproterone acetate. It may take some shopping around to find the right person for you.
One of the best things I have found is to arm yourself with the information. 1) So you know what they are talking about and if it's complete and utter hogwash, 2) so you can assist them to help you. You may read of a treatment for example that they don't know about and you are helping them to help you and other women. Not all GPs know about metformin for PCOS treatment for example. Thirdly, it is harder for them to take the "I Know Best" line with you, which sadly some healthcare people are apt to do.
Manzy