In my opinion bcps are not the ONLY option, but they are the easiest and can be cheaper than having other treatments. I would like to add that through using certain pills, Yasmin in particular, my symptoms are controlled, and when I come off them after a while, they don't seem to be as bad by any means. In fact, through using the pill, when I am not on it, I now have regular periods, as though my body has got used to the idea!
I have had traditional chinese herbs with accupuncture and it brought my (then) non-existent cycle back, but didn't help with my skin, depression or weight. Reflexology and homeopathy helped me in a more holistic way, helped alleviate some of the symptoms, but ultimately I decided to return to using bcp as I needed something more potent to control PCOS and also to have some good contraception. I also suffer from excruciating periods when not on the pill.
As with all treatment, it takes a good few months to really make any difference. I am on Yasmin and find it to be incredible in comparison to other pills I have been on. My second favourite is Desogen/Marvelon. Both have been effective in controlling my PCOS. However, on Marvelon I had to really be careful with what I ate as I gained weight easily, but saying that I lost it easily on that pill, but not as well as on Yasmin!
I think it is a great option as you are more likely to get care from your doctor or gynaecologist, as they know exactly what you're taking. My experience when taking natural remedies was that they didn't like it as they couldn't "measure" and control it! Also I got worse after not being on the pill for a while when I was first diagnosed.
It does depend on the current state of your PCOS and general health. If you are really unhealthy (not you, but "one"), I don't think they can help much, but if effort is made all round, bcp can work with the body better, and great results can be achieved!
Hope this helps xx | 
