I have a question about BCP. My endo said one treatment for PCOS is BCP. He wanted me to be put on Yasmin which had great effects on acne, weight gain, etc.. I told him that I didnt want to go on BCP because it seemed like my symptoms increased while being on BCP and now I do not get my period at all. I am not ttc but I am not not ttc either (mainly because I am getting married and we both plan to have kids). My question is this - since having PCOS it is hard for us to conceive and BCP is one method in treating PCOS, isnt BCP only going to make it harder for us to conceive? - I hope this question makes some sense?
__________________ 2000mg Fortamet - Metformin was too harsh
TTC #1 Since March 2008
My doc suggested BCP if my cycle didn't even out. I decided I didn't want to ever go on bcps because I didn't want it to make things worse. He explained that BCPs are a treatment for PCOS, but from what i've read on here it can cause major problems for some cysters. It is the standby that many docs use. Some don't even check a cyster for IR or diabetes or thyroid or cushings, but just prescribe BCPs and send the lady on her way. I think there could be times when BCPs could lessen symptoms like cramps, irregular cycles, etc, but I'm thinking of the long run for my body, not short term.
What other things did he test you for? Insulin resistance can cause women to have a horrid time loosing weight. I'm on Metformin and a lowercarb diet and i've lost over 50 lbs.
My doc suggested BCP if my cycle didn't even out. I decided I didn't want to ever go on bcps because I didn't want it to make things worse. He explained that BCPs are a treatment for PCOS, but from what i've read on here it can cause major problems for some cysters. It is the standby that many docs use. Some don't even check a cyster for IR or diabetes or thyroid or cushings, but just prescribe BCPs and send the lady on her way. I think there could be times when BCPs could lessen symptoms like cramps, irregular cycles, etc, but I'm thinking of the long run for my body, not short term.
What other things did he test you for? Insulin resistance can cause women to have a horrid time loosing weight. I'm on Metformin and a lowercarb diet and i've lost over 50 lbs.
Actually that's what happened to me too. My gyno checked my hormone levels and told me to go on BCPs and sent me on my way. She never tested me for thyroid, cushings, diabetes, cholesterol, etc. She also didn't tell me that BCPs could make my symptoms worse. I'm also thinking long term, esp with more hair growth since it does seem to be getting worse and I don't think the BCPs are helping with that.
My last appointment with my endo was yesterday and thats when he diagnosed me. I think it was great that he diagnosed me on my second visit to him because I read that many doctors are relunctant to dx. He suggested BCP but I told him that all my symptoms seemed to worsen by taking the BCP. Yesterday he went over what PCOS is and how it effects my body. He also seems to think my may have cushings because of my round face and the color of my stretch marks on my stomach and I have a lil hump of fat on my lower neck; however, my cortisol test keep coming out in the normal range. So my dr said that I might have 17 hydroxy which is a haromone that attaches itself to cortisol and blocks the production which could lead to higher cortisol levels. 17 hydroxy is very rare and he said that he is only treating two patients with the disorder. I might have all three disorders - pcos, 17 hydroxy, and cushings. AHHHHHHH!
My endo is sending me for more testing - Progestrone, TSH (which it seems like they test me on every bloodwork), fasting glucose levels (this is the blood work for IR right?). I also asked him if he can recommend me to a nutritionst and he did I have a weight management class sept.8th and 15th and I bought What To Do When The Doctor Says It's PCOS.
I am going to start watching what I eat on Monday. The doctor wants to see how my symptoms are after I loose 50lbs. As you can see on my weight tracker below.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jashobeam
My doc suggested BCP if my cycle didn't even out. I decided I didn't want to ever go on bcps because I didn't want it to make things worse. He explained that BCPs are a treatment for PCOS, but from what i've read on here it can cause major problems for some cysters. It is the standby that many docs use. Some don't even check a cyster for IR or diabetes or thyroid or cushings, but just prescribe BCPs and send the lady on her way. I think there could be times when BCPs could lessen symptoms like cramps, irregular cycles, etc, but I'm thinking of the long run for my body, not short term.
What other things did he test you for? Insulin resistance can cause women to have a horrid time loosing weight. I'm on Metformin and a lowercarb diet and i've lost over 50 lbs.
__________________ 2000mg Fortamet - Metformin was too harsh
TTC #1 Since March 2008
Yeah, fasting glucose test can be used to dx IR. Mine was "mild" but I had a ton of symptoms. I'm sorry you might have 2 other problems, but glad your doc is doing tons of tests. Keep reading up on BCPs and don't be afraid to ask around on the different boards about what choices other ladies made (the Trying to Conceive and Mommy boards are good places to ask). If I am really wondering about a question I will post it on the Getting to Know You Board, then sometimes delete it once I get my answer. It seems most people check the GTKY board.
I agree with your point about BCP's. I was diagnosed 4 years ago but looking back from 12 onwards I had all the symptoms missing cycles overweight ect, ect. I was put on birth control at 15 to reg and try to help the terrible cramping I had (I ended up in hospital a few times). I put on 28 pounds in 6 months so was taken off it. After suffering a miscarriage at 17 they put me back on them much to my dissmay, low and behold I put on a stone in 8 weeks. After I came off them my periods have never been the same since (2004-2005 2 periods), and the cramping is worse than ever, but as I have lost more weight they have steadily become more regular, so I think you are on the right track in trying to lose weight, we actually had the same starting weight give or take a few pounds. It takes determination and willpower but I'm sure like me that you will get there.
I wish you all the best in your weightloss
__________________ caz To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
me 28, hubby To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. 25
diagnosed 2002, no meds, controlling with diet
A problem shared is a problem halved!!!
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
One of the side effects of bcp is hair loss thats why at first I didnt think there was anything wrong with me because alot of the side effects of bcp are also symptoms of pcos. For example, weight gain, hair loss, fatigue, missing periods, etc. It was when my mother and I were talking that I decided that it cant be just a coincidence that the bcp gave me all of those side effects and I decided to see a doctor and go off the pill.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Peggotty
Actually that's what happened to me too. My gyno checked my hormone levels and told me to go on BCPs and sent me on my way. She never tested me for thyroid, cushings, diabetes, cholesterol, etc. She also didn't tell me that BCPs could make my symptoms worse. I'm also thinking long term, esp with more hair growth since it does seem to be getting worse and I don't think the BCPs are helping with that.
__________________ 2000mg Fortamet - Metformin was too harsh
TTC #1 Since March 2008
One of the side effects of bcp is hair loss thats why at first I didnt think there was anything wrong with me because alot of the side effects of bcp are also symptoms of pcos. For example, weight gain, hair loss, fatigue, missing periods, etc. It was when my mother and I were talking that I decided that it cant be just a coincidence that the bcp gave me all of those side effects and I decided to see a doctor and go off the pill.
I see. Thanks for the info. But did the BCPs help with acne/oily skin and eliminating facial and body hair? Or was that a non-issue for you?
I see. Thanks for the info. But did the BCPs help with acne/oily skin and eliminating facial and body hair? Or was that a non-issue for you?
I never had a problem with acne. I always had the clearest skin, until about two years ago. That was another symptom of mine from the pcos...acne!
I always had oily hair; however, I use to be able to wash my hair everyother day or every two days, now I have to wash my hair morning and before I go to bed - although I do not because I feel it would do more damage to my hair. So, when I get up in the morning I wash my Hair then by the time its time to leave work my hair is up.
I never had facial or body hair.
__________________ 2000mg Fortamet - Metformin was too harsh
TTC #1 Since March 2008
Birth Control Pills 
