I know its not BCP, but best place to put this thread!
Hi All, Long time lurker, first time poster!
I have had PCOS since I was 18 (or at least was diagnosed at that age). My weight steadily crept up until I hit 90kgs at one point (though it tended to stabilize at around 80-85 kgs depending on emotional issues.
Last year I took the bull by the horns and lost 55 pounds or around 25 kgs. I went from a big size 16 to a smallish size 10.
I feel and look great, and am still loosing.
Now I want to try and loose the BCP's, I have been on Dianette for the last 10 years and its time to give them the kick. I just had the copper paragaurd IUD put in (HURT LIKE HELL!!) and have spent my first week BCP free.... feels kinda liberating so far!
My question is, has anyone gone on the copper IUD and found they could stay off the BCP. I am petrified that will end up my old jabba the hutt self. Hairy, zitty, fat and without a period in sight.
Though surely the laws of physics would indicate I can only get fat again if I go back to eating a million calories a day?
Any thoughts here would be great, I would love to know there are a few people out there with PCOS who are managing just dandy on the hormone free IUD system!
Hi, thanks for the links, obviously I did a heck of a load of research before getting this put in me! The problem with the links is most people with pcos are using the hormonal IUD - very different from mine which is not hormonal.
I am really looking for feedback from people who are not on hormones!
Firstly, CONGRATULATIONS on you weight loss! Especially whilst on Dianette too!
I have a non-hormonal IUD. Had it fitted a month ago (thought I was going to die from the pain - childbirth is easier according to the doctor lol!) I actually had it fitted as emergency contraception, after being taken of my BCP (Marvelon/Desogen) due to migraines. Unfortunately that week we had and "accident" despite using a back up method, and I refused to take the morning after pill, as I soon have an appointment with my gynae and wanted to be able to tell him how my cycle was doing and not be ill with that progestogen (Levenorgestrel makes me ill).
Anyway, I too have felt liberated by not taking hormones, but unfortunately I'm one of the PCOS'ers who has great difficulty losing weight UNLESS my hormones are controlled...fun...
The only problem I've had with this IUD is heavy period and some light spotting, but I expected it and was prepared. Period was very painful too.
In my opinion, if you can maintain your weight and lead a healthy lifestyle, then the IUD is absolutely fine as a long-term contraceptive option. I know many GPs don't like childless women having them, but it really is your choice and your body.
I'm unsure as to whether I shall be keeping mine, as I'm seeing my gynae in a couple of days for a review, so if he suggests something else which will help my other symptoms, I shall try it. I certainly have felt more like "me" rather than an over-emotional, migraineous and sensitive woman.
xx
Last edited by Meringoo; 06-03-2008 at 06:28 AM.
Reason: computer was too hasty and posted it!
Thanks so much for your response! Loosing the weight was a tough one, I figure that as a pcos gal I am kinda built to really retain those calories, so my reduction on food has been drastic to say the least. I actually think that is the only way I have been able to do it as I actually was eating around 2000 cals a day before but still looking like a marshmellow!!
Great to know you think it can be done. I do feel scared and its nice to have others agree that it can be managed. It was an uphill attle to convice the Dr this was a road I really wanted to go down!
Again thanks! And all the best with whatever you decide to do re the coil :O)
My question is, has anyone gone on the copper IUD and found they could stay off the BCP. I am petrified that will end up my old jabba the hutt self. Hairy, zitty, fat and without a period in sight.
I don't use an IUD but just wanted to comment, it's possible those side effects might not be as much of an issue for you now that you've lost all that weight! Congrats on your weight loss!
__________________ Dx PCOS w/ IR 4/05 High Cholesterol 9/00 Glumetza (Metformin) 2000mg
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Just wanted to update this as I have seen my gynae now.
I must admit I think he didn't like the fact I actually knew things about PCOS and treatments, so when I used words such as "anti-androgenic" and "metabolism" he got a bit frustrated. He really didn't seem to know what to give me, since I can't take the combined pill. HOWEVER, I was so pleased he agreed with my decision to have an IUD instead of using Levonelle morning after pill. My GP treated me like an idiot for that!!
Anyhow, he has prescribed me a month's supply of Cerazette as I need contraception, to see if that suits me, and whether it will help with pain and my skin. I made it clear that I was concerned about my weight, but he said since I'm not obese (anymore!) it isn't affecting my pcos and that my ovaries have cleared up due to using Marvelon. I asked about Metformin but he was reluctant as he said it hasn't ever worked for his patients and that for the weight I could do with losing, the side effects aren't worth it. So back to the gym for me..
I will start Cerazette when AF comes. I'm to leave my IUD in for a month just to make sure I'm ok on this pill, but since my periods are so heavy and painful I would like to use Cerazette as contraception instead. I really hope I can start getting back to "normal" soon.
Ohh one more thing, he is sending me for a scan as he is wondering whether my constant nausea and pain is due to gall stones crazy, never thought of that....
Its funny how they never seem to like it when we know a lot about whats going on in our bodies, yet I cant imagine trying to find out as much information as possible!!!
Fantastic news with you, and if it is gall stones, well thats easy to remidy (I think?) and therefore one less thing where the pain could be from anything.
Fingers crossed for you!
Also thats to the other people who have posted. I have had a few more little pimples etc since coming off the pill (its been two weeks now, and when I was much heavier I would break out big time if I even missed one so thats good!) but I think a couple little ones are fine, my family has oily skin anyways.
I feel less moody which is interesting, as I never considered myself to be a moody person anyways!! But I defo feel calmer.
I just need to wait now and see if I get a period..... fingers crossed
I'm pleased that you are ok. Hope your period comes without any trouble!
My skin is getting quite spotty, despite eating healthily etc, so I know i need something to help with that. I can't wait for AF to come so i can get started on Cerazette, more out of curiosity than anything else lol!
I'm kind of hoping that the pain and nausea is down to gall stones, as at least I can have them removed. It's in the same area though so who knows... I know its not down to any medication or anything though.
I'm feeling really positive. You have inspired me to continue trying to lose weight! So thank you!
The only thing that is bugging me is having my IUD removed, as it was hell to put in. But it's just another challenge put in my way lol!!
I'd try Metformin or another insulin sensitizer to help your symptoms first, before bcp. Unless your AF is wild. I had a copper T for 8 years, but my symptoms got to where they weren't bearable. I did spiro 100 for 2 years, until we stopped and yanked the IUD to ttc. On spiro, I finally lost 30 pounds and had great skin. Now 2 years postpartum I'm on YAZ and am not impressed yet. If I were done with children I'd get another IUD and go back on spiro alone.
__________________ Whoa! bfp 11/22/08. A YAZ "reset" baby!
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I know its not BCP, but best place to put this thread! 
crazy, never thought of that.... 
