Don't know what pill to take, so miserable

skymoonsea · 10-01-2007, 12:42 AM

Hey all,
I've had PCOS since about as long as I've had a period (I'm 26 now). Most doctors I see don't take it seriously as I'm relatively thin and have high good cholesterol (total 260, but low LDL). I took Necon 1/35 for years with no problems, but about 2 years ago my hair started falling out and my facial hair growth increased. I've tried so many since then: Ortho-Tricyclen Lo, Yasmin for a disastrous two weeks (terrible mood swings!), and was recently given Estrostep which makes me feel dead. I tried Metformin but it did nothing even after 3 months, though I still try to stick to a low carb diet. I'm seriously at the end of my rope while my HMO doctors sort of look at me like I'm insane when I show them how much of my hair has fallen out. I don't know which pill I should take and am so miserable about my situation.

Should I try to stick it out with the Yasmin, or try Necon again? I obviously need something that blocks the androgens, and I feel like I have no where else to go. Please, if anyone has any ideas, I'm willing to try standing on my head while drinking water if it'll work. I can't take this anymore.

Navi · 10-01-2007, 01:32 AM

Have you thought about trying Spiro? It's definitely an anti-androgen and is sometimes used with/in the place of Met and BCPs.

If the only problem with Yasmin was mood swings, I would advise sticking it out for a while. I know it sucks but sometimes you have to give medication a while to adjust. The Necon just sounds like it stopped working so don't bother with that one again.

If you want to stick with BCPs, Yaz seems to be a pretty good option for a lot of cysters. I also personally recommend Seasonale.

skymoonsea · 10-01-2007, 01:40 AM

Thank you for responding! I'm definitely willing to try Yaz, I didn't know it was different! I will ask for it tomorrow, I am desperate.

Sarahsue · 10-01-2007, 03:06 AM

I would also seriously consider the Spiro. Keep in mind that it takes 6 to 8 months to see full results so you won't see immediate changes. However, it is definately worth it. My main visiable symptoms are/were acne and facial hair. Spiro is an androgen blocker (or something like that) and it really helps with my PCOS symptoms. I take it along with Yasmin (which works well for me) and my skin is very clear and my facial hair is almost gone. It won't cure the symptoms such as facial hair, but it lessens the hair growth. I only use Nair about every 2 months instead of every 2 weeks. It also works for hair loss.

skymoonsea · 10-01-2007, 06:31 PM

I oddly don't have problems with acne anymore, but when I was younger I was given Acctune because it was terrible, and it never really came back after that (I suppose in that regard I'm lucky). I've only been taking Metformin recently and it's not really working at all (no real weight problems if I stick to a law-carb diet), but my hair loss is getting really bad, I stay up nights crying a lot

I'm in the process of moving but when I get settled I definitely want to try Spiro, it seems like a lot of women on here have had good experiences with it. In the meantime I'll try Yasmin again, and try to get some Yaz from PP, because the depression I had on Yasmin was terrible.

Thanks so much for responding, I don't feel as alone anymore

guineapig · 10-04-2007, 02:16 AM

I'd go for Yaz, Loestrin, or Nuvaring-ring b/c they all have lower blood estrogen levels. Less mood swings, bloating, etc. Spiro completely by itself usually screws up AF, so you probably need something else. Plus it can cause birth defects (all antiandrogens can).

guineapig · 10-04-2007, 02:17 AM

I meant, something additional, like Spiro PLUS Yaz or Nuvaring, etc.

Siayae · 10-05-2007, 09:54 PM

I was judt wondering if you ever tried something natural like spearamint tea or saw palmetto, they lower testosterone and androgens gently, a good bcp to try is mircette, it works well on some, I had a bad experience with yasmin, but yaz might be better since it is a lower dose pill.

Paris LaRue · 10-05-2007, 11:22 PM

I used to take Yaz, didn't have any problems with it

Amanda04 · 10-08-2007, 03:27 AM

I am another Yaz user, I am getting used to it and it is working pretty well for me. I took Yasmin and it didn't work for me either.

skymoonsea · 10-08-2007, 12:39 PM

I've been on Yaz for 5 days and I already see a huge difference! I can't believe it's working so fast. The first day I woke up to a noticeably less greasy face... by day 4 my hair clumps that I notice best in the shower had become just a collection of strands. I'm amazed. I also can't believe how much you all have helped me, I have gotten better advice in two weeks on these boards than any doctor in ten years has given me. And siayae thanks for the tip! I already drink tons of peppermint tea, I'm going to try spearmint now! You all have given me so much hope when I didn't have any. Thank you!

Rock-Poppit · 10-11-2007, 10:11 PM

Now I really think I should try Yaz. I thought that's what I was getting with I got Yasmin.
I don't have a family doctor so I have to go to the walk in to get my prescription. Which is a pain, because the dr's are so rude about it all the time. I'd like to have a family doctor to just sit and talk about the symptoms with. It's so uncomfortable with a walk in doctor.