30 yrs old, new to forum, was on Diane 35 for 8 years

[zigzag]

Hi everyone...I need help and Im so thankful for having found this forum.

Im 30 years old (nearly 31), no kids, 5'8 and a bit and 148lbs. I have always been around this weight. I was recently diagnosed with PCOS, over 1 year ago now although, I think I have probably had PCOS since puberty.

I have always had a problem with irregular menstruation and acne, so my doctor put me on Diane 35 when I was around 20. I was on Diane 35 around 8 years. I had regular periods and much less acne while on Diane, it really helped.

I got married 2 years ago and 1 year ago we decided it was time to go off the contraceptive pill to give my body a rest before we try to conceive.

Well, since going off Diane I have had terrible painful acne all over my face, and a total of 3 periods. I tried Vitex for 3 months and no help. I tried Chromium Piccolate for 6 months and no help with menstruation. My last period was the first week of June 2008.

Early next year we will start to try and conceive. I am therefore desperate to help my body as much as possible.

Up until 6 months ago, after I went off the pill, I had sore breasts frequently. 6 months ago, it stopped and hasnt returned.

Tests: I have had 2 ultra-sounds to confirm the cysts. I have two large cysts on my ovaries (one each) and my LH and FSH levels are within the normal range LH 14lU/L and FSH 5 lU/L although my gyno told me that the LH and FSH levels are reversed, that is that the LH should be lower than the FSH. Glucose test seemed to be in normal ranges and insulin sensitivity also within normal range. I dont seem to have an over abundance of hair, although I am hairier than some other women and not as much as some other women.

Questions:
1)No doctor has prescribed me anything so please help me figure out what I can ask the doctor for to help get my menstruation working. They only recommended going back on the pill until I want to conceive, which I just do not want to do.

2) How can i check if I ovulate and when? I do get some kind of thick liquid discharge now and then, do I need to keep a journal?

3) Am I overweight and will losing 20 lbs help my condition? I do feel like I am carrying an extra 10 lbs but eating less hasnt helped me lose weight.

4) Will exercising vigorously help me? I walk everyday I do pilates or yoga, 1 or 2 times per week. I could add in jogging if it would help.

5) What medication helps with getting me ovulating (I dont know how to check if I ovulate or not).

6) What other tests/medications/questions can I ask from my next doctor to make sure I am getting all the information I need, to further check my condition and to get the best treatment.

I am so glad to have discovered this site so please reply with any information. If you need any further information, please let me know.

Thanks for helping!!!

[Eva37]

welcome to sc i dont know the answer tosome questions, sorry. But im sure someone wil be able to help.

I have lost weight, and my hormone levels have gone normal now, there is a link to the newbie roadmap in my siggie for you

[zigzag]

Thanks for the support! Was the weightloss achieved with the help of medication or diet changes or both? I am going to the Dr. this week and hope to get some help.

[Eva37]

well, metformin helped me lose weight originally. Then i put the weight back on. But since finding that i am intollerant to wheat/dairy (hence my weight gain), i have lost weight and not put it back on.
eva

[zigzag]

well, metformin helped me lose weight originally. Then i put the weight back on. But since finding that i am intollerant to wheat/dairy (hence my weight gain), i have lost weight and not put it back on.
eva

Thanks Eva. I went to a new gyno yesterday who specialises in PCOS and hormones. She was excellent and has prescribed me metformin.

She told me to expect nausea for a few weeks while I adjust.

I asked her about diet changes, and she didnt recommend anything, except keeping up a good supply of fruit and vegetables and excercising regularly (which I do).

I am so excited and I hope the metformin works. Did you experience nausea when you first started?