I've been scanning the forum a bit and finally I've found a case that is like mine. I have a similar history: I had regular periods (like clockwork) before I was on birth control. I'm 27 and a year ago I got off the pill after taking it for 5 years. Although I had prepared myself for irregular periods (which can be common after going off the pill) I got my period after 2 months, then again after 3, and then when it was almost 4 months I went to my GYN. She diagnosed my with PCOS based on what I've said here, an ultrasound (which showed polycystic ovaries), and blood tests.
I also have very few of the classic symptoms: I'm definitely not overweight (123 lbs.). I do have a history of acne, and it was treated in the past, but it had returned (but not as bad) after I stopped with the pill. I'm blond and I've never had much excess hair, but I did notice that I had more than in the past (for example, I had to shave my legs more often).
I'm recently married and I don't intend on starting a family for a few more years, so my doctor told me I should go back on the pill. I was taking Yasmin at first and then switch to microgynon because I wanted something with less side effects. I really don't want to go back on the pill! I can't stand managing my days with it and I think it negatively affects my libido. I'm looking for other ways to deal with the situation - that's why I came to the forum.
While on my honeymoon I suddenly got my period after only 1 1/2 months! My diet had changed (we were in Thailand) and I was walking around a lot on vacation. My friend is a nutritionist and she recommended for me a low carb diet which can help women with PCOS ovulate naturally. There's plenty written about it in the "Diet" section. I'm giving it a try. I eat pretty healthily anyway so it isn't that difficult.
I'm still not 100% sure about the diagnosis and I think I should ask for more blood tests when I go back to my GYN (she was willing to let me go another 3 months as I am and visit her again - as long as I didn't go more than 3 months without a period).
So, I'm sort of in a similar situation and I'm just trying to understand what's going on at this point, but personally, I've decided to take the diet route and give it a try before deciding to take any medication (and birth control is medication).
I hope we'll hear from other women who were in similar situations here that have been around the block and can give us some more advice... :-) |