Does BC pills help with PCOS symptoms?

Lhasalover · 02-23-2004, 11:00 AM

Not quite a year ago, I was diagnosed with PCOS. I typically have irregular periods and have had some facial hair develop. Plus, I've put on weight but to me, it's unclear if it's caused by PCOS or the PCOS developed from the weight gain. Nonetheless, I'm having a really hard time taking the weight off. Last April, when I was diagnosed, my dr. mentioned that BC pills could help. He said that the added estrogen from the pills could help me lose weight and in turn, help my symptoms. Just wondered if any of you have found these things to be true. I'm not sure why I didn't get the perscription filled. Denial maybe? Didn't want to spend the money on them? (it's hard considering my husband had a vascectomy! Seemed a little ironic to have to take the pill after he had his procedure!) Thanks for letting me know your opinions and experiences. I'm starting to get really depressed over all of this. The hair growth, the weight, etc.. I just feel defective!

Chrissy · 02-24-2004, 09:58 AM

I can relate with your story. In an ideal world I wouldn't be taking bc pills anymore since I'm done having my children and don't necessarily need it for bc. I do take ortho cept (desogen)and am very happy with it. It has helped my skin and hair dramatically and my weight is low on it. I do believe it could help you to take them. Some of the pills are not as friendly for weight , acne and hair. Do some research on the site to find one you may like. Some doctors aren't very good about picking them for women with PCOS since we have very specific needs. I think many women quit them before finding a pill that works well for them. I highly recommend ortho cept. It has only 30 mcg. of estrogen so I still get the benefit without too much that has caused me troubles with bloating and water retention in the past. It is also a very low androgenic progestin so ideal for PCOS.

Have they tested your insulin? Have they considered insulin resistance as a factor,especially with the weight gain as of late? This is a very important area to discuss with your doctror since other treatments may be more beneficial to you if you show IR.

Best of luck!