So after 10 years on BCP, first for PCOS, then for BC too, I'm finally contemplating going off them. It's possible that 10 years later, at a healthier weight (I have a history of anorexia), I won't have the problems I had before, months without a period then one that lasted 2-3 weeks.
But if I do fail to menstruate, what happens then? I know that's not good, but would there be any alternatives to going back on BCP? I really want to get off them because I worry about the health implications from taking them so long, and because I would dearly love to have a sex drive and I think they might be a part of the problem.
__________________ -diagnosed 1/2004
-treating with diet and exercise
-mom to 5 furkids, Patrick the greyhound, Gretta and Samantha the rabbits, Sophie and Rosie the guinea pigs, and 4 guinea pigs waiting at the Bridge.
-working on a PhD in American History
I want to hear opinions on this too. I gained weight last time I went off, but i didn't know I had PCOS then. I'm wondering if I'm careful with carbs this time and try some of the alternative remedies like saw palmetto and d-chiro-inositol, if I can prevent some of the problems. I don't want to turn into a hairy, acned beast, but I don't like the way BCPs make me feel, I'm not trying to conceive, I just don't like the pill.
I was given Provera tablets to induce a bleed to ensure a healthy endometrium at least. But obviously you would want to start ovulating and having a regular period by yourself. I can't recommend reflexology enough! I thought that somebody touching and massaging my feet would just be enjoyable and relaxing, but it helped with my cycle too! Also taking chinese herbs can be effective, but not as pleasurable!
I found that taking progestorone tablets wasn't very nice, in fact it reacted very harshly with my body - very painful bleed, bleeding from the bowels, cramping to high heaven! So having fortnightly reflexology sessions with a trained reflexologist was preferable, and my doc agreed it was kinder on my body. Successfully got my regular cycle back after a few weeks, however, my PCOS continues to cause me problems (acne, weight, hair falling out) so I went on Yasmin to try and make my life easier.
But I would like to return to reflexology when I ttc! Hope this helps xx
Right now, I'm a few weeks off of BC after being on for several years. I'm kind of in your boat right now - sorta anxious what is to come in the next few weeks. Our bodies are so bizarre!
Bethann, I am in the same boat as you. I went on the pill 11 years ago to control my random heavy periods (unbeknownst to be that this was PCOs). Three years ago I decided to come off the pill because I was getting break through bleeding and when I did, boy did the hormonal changes hit me! My skin was super oily, I lost quite a bit of hair around my crown and I even think it changed the way my face looked. After self diagnosing I went straight back on the pill and things went back to being ok. But I have been thinking about coming off the pill recently as I am thinking about having a baby in the not so distance future and want to see what is happening with my cycle.
Has anyone without insulin resistance gone on Met to keep testosterone down? I had a nutritionist once who said you can do good things with herbals and diet.
I wish there was a test they could do to see what the best meds/diet/exercise plan was for each person. It seems nothing is a given with this syndrome.
Going off BCP--what if I don't get my period? 
