Hello! Glad to meet another newbie. I think I might as well add in my story as well since I am sure there are a few of you who are wondering who the heck I am.
I'm finaly back home in Canada after ten years of living in the USA. PCOS runs on my fathers side and what you all probably don't know is that son's seem to have a role in the possible genetics of PCOS too. He had undiagnosed metabolic issues which caused him to have higher levels of estrogen and low levels of testosterone. Obese and diabetic he eventually died of estrogen positive Breast cancer. (hmm anything sounding simularly reverse to PCOS?) Two out of three aunts lost all capabilities to have children at age 23. My other aunt started having children at 22 and now have 3 beautiful cousins because of it.
I have had symptoms of PCOS since 16, I started to develop early at age 8, not getting my first AF until 12. My doc at 16 knew what was happening but couldn't get the tests to come back so she could start treating me. that was 7 years ago and I was finally diagnosed last year. The 40lb. weight gain on the dieticians diet was enough to get the doc's attention in Canada. Since that time I have gained over 80lbs this past year, gone through 5 different treatment plans and they are at wits end with me. I've lost about 2/3rds of my hair, but it was slowly returning while taking licorice root. I have seemed to go through psudo- pregnancy which included the whole morning sickness, craving odd foods, nose that could smell everything 10X's more than usual, exhausted constantly and seemed to have lost my brain at times. Started the loosing of massive chunks of tissue this past week and the doctors keep on mentioning that hysterectomy thing. Not happening until I have at least one munchkin. Soooo - I am TTC, because I know its a matter of now or never. My current BF, who is planned to marry me anyways is very supportive about the whole thing is one who has kept me on track and from firing another doctor. I am still waiting to see the gyno- but at this point I am sick of waiting 1-5 months to see a specialist in Canada. SO after I finish my degree in Management and get to be a stay at home mommy for a while I am heading back to university to become a reproductive endocrinologist so I can try to help all of us with PCOS.
Just remember... there are other treatments besides Met- I have probably already tried them
. Try reaserching some of the alternatives like Cypterone (SP?). IF your doctor isn't open to new alternatives then find a new doctor. There always has to be someone who graduated at the bottom of the class.
Don't avoid the doc's sweetie. Things only get worse. The only reason I am off of all my meds is for testing purposes.
they can find alternatives for you.
hi im new to the board. 
I also get really my lower stomach spasms that will last for days! I dont have a regular cycle. i usually go about 6 months in between periods, when i was a gymnast i just blamed it on gymnastics.. The only good thing I liked about Met, was that it really cleared up my skin. I dont have bad acne but it has been getting worse. annnd i have all the weight gain especially in my stomach. gosh i hate it 
