Ok, well, I was just recommended this site by one of the doctors on another site that I've been visiting....
So I am new here and wow! I didn't know that there was such a close knit community with so much information for the different struggles of PCOS. I am a little overwhelmed by it all, I'm currently in finals right now with school, so I definitely don't have time to really do much reading right now, but let me tell a little bit about myself.
I was diagnosed with PCOS when I was 16 (that was about 6 years ago), we first became aware of the issue when I started noticing excess hair on my chin. I had no idea what was going on and I was extremely embarrassed. My mom searched out the symptoms and told me what she believed it was, and then took me in to have the Doctor's back that up. I had all the blood work and etc.. and therefore was diagnosed. In the past I have had issues with weight, but have managed to bring things under control again my biggest issue was when I was living in the dorms and eating Cafeteria food every day. When I went home and started eating less processed foods I lost the weight without much of a try, I have figured out that the more natural I keep it the better I am able to maintain. As of right now I would say that I am pretty normal, definitely not over weight.
Up until about a month ago all that I had been given to treat the symptoms was birth control, until my husband started asking me how important it was for me to be on the pill, because he's been wanting to start having children. I haven't really told him much about my issues, but it forced me to do some research.
I've been on the pill.. gosh... since I was 15 due to Accutane treatments. I had been talking with my doctor about it, because I had been experiencing tremendous pain during my periods... so much so that I can't get out of bed on the day that it hits. But my periods have always been so irregular that I never know exactly when I'm going to get it. I get cramps for a week before and somewhere in there I'll get hit hard. Anyway, I don't think my doctor believed me! She just told me to take some pain killers before I get my period, and I tried explaining to her that I never know exactly when that is, and she prescribed me the pill, but I was already on it.
Once I found this other method of treatment that is supposed to naturally treat the symptoms and deal with the underlying problems about a month ago I had only and always been on the pill, which had very minorly helped with the excess hair. Now I am off the pill and in transition, waiting for the other supplements to do their thing, which I am told can take up to six months.... I have come off of birth control and everything has been so completely out of whack. I am way more emotional,moody, and my very painful periods have come back. I'm a wreck and my husband in no way even close to understands what I'm going through. He gets angry with me when I get irrational, and I try to explain it all to him, but it gets to be that constant blame game saying well its due to emotional imbalances. I think he's begun to turn a deaf ear.
That's why I came here. I need support of others who are dealing with the same things. I'm at my wits end right now. I'm working towards getting better, but its that challenging period where it looks like I'm getting nowhere but getting worse again.
I'm new here as well, so your post definitely spoke to me. When I read your words and learned the initial symptoms you experienced, I couldn't believe it--the excess hair on my chin was the first thing that I noticed, followed by missed periods. Then I had terrible acne issues as well, and went on Accutane for about 8 months (2007-2008). I too have had problems with weight, meaning I can't really eat what most people eat and still maintain my weight.
After missing my period for 2 months in a row and dealing with excess facial hair for about 2 years, I went to have my hormone levels tested and on the first try they found nothing abnormal--so, naturally, the doctor had nothing much to say and suggested birth control (I guess that's the solution they give when they have no answers). I, being the digger that I am, insisted on going for another blood test, and on that try, they found really high testosterone levels. Then, I was prescribed spironolactone, which is an androgen inhibitor (androgens are associated with acne, hair growth, weight gain, etc.).
BUT, I am lucky in that my father and sister are big proponents of alternative health, so through them, I've learned how much DIET has to do with PCOS and hormone imbalance. I'm not sure if you have already, but look up "PCOS and insulin resistance". Insulin is a major hormone in the body, and when it spikes too often (from eating processed foods, sugar, etc.) it can throw off other hormones and bodily systems. I've completely changed my diet in the past month and 10 lbs came off right away--which has never happened to me before in my life. I'm waiting for the hair growth to stop and my period to return, and I do get impatient and frustrated, AND sad/depressed, so that's why I'm here! Is changing your diet something you'd be able to do? The evidence speaks for itself--it's what we put into our bodies that determines their state, and it took me a while to wrap my head around that and let it set in.
Thanks for your input, advice and support Search4truth87. It is definitely encouraging, and I really appreciate it. I have done a bit of research on Insulin Resistance and am slowly working my way to changing my diet for the better, but it's been a hard road. My mom is a big advocate in finding alternative solutions, and natural ways of treatment. Food definitely seems logical, and makes sense considering my mom has had so many issues with food intolerances her self.
I grew up thinking that I was making healthy choices by simply choosing the more natural foods, but I had no idea that carbs were affecting me. yeah I definitely agree that it makes sense, back in 2006 I went to a Gyno for persistent yeast infections that were running my life and he asked me what I eat... well, at the time I was working at Subway, so I was eating bread several times daily! And we also didn't have a lot of money both working and trying to make ends meet in miami, so when I wasn't eating bread at work I was eating it at home, because it was cheap. When he told me that cutting out bread would help my health, it was a hard blow, but was gradually able to for the most part cut it out. I allow myself to have it on occasion as a treat... you see I am not a big diet advocate, so I am trying really hard to approach this as a life style deal and take it slowly so I don't burn out. You know? I have lost a couple pounds with just simply taking things step by step, which I definitely welcome. lol. And I am beginning to crave veggies and meats as opposed to foods packed with carbs... it's a process though, lol.
Yeah Misses periods are definitely a pain, there was a period where I missed mine for 6 months... my mom did a lot of research on it and attributed it to the extreme amount of stress that I was dealing with at the time, however I'm beginning to wonder if this could have had a hand in it too?
I really need to find another doctor and try to get tested for Endometriosis, I fear that I may also have that due to the pain that follows my periods. I also need to find a doctor that is on my side and willing to help me with PCOS and treatments. It just feels like picking through a hay stack for a needle.
Anyway, I'm glad to hear that things are going better for you, and welcome you to the boards! Thanks for the reassurement! Maybe we can help encourage each other on our tough days
New here... a little overwhelemed. 
