My name's Ren and I hail from Melbourne, Australia.
I've been quietly spying on this forum and have gained so much helpful information and advice that I felt it was time to finally join.
My story...I started suffering from acne when I was about 15-17 and was taken by my mother to see a GP who was also a qualified homeopathist. She asked me a lot of questions and ran a saliva test that went for about a week (I had to spit into plastic tubes 3 times a day). The test found I had irregular levels of progesterone and testosterone. After an internal ultrasound (VERY daunting for a 16 year old!), I was eventually diagnosed with early PCOS. Apparently I had/have very small cysts on my ovaries.
The doctor put me on a variety of homeophathic medications - Lipoec acid capsules, magnesium, iron, progesterone cream...lots of things which I can't really remember.
I took them for a little while, but then I got myself a job and became much more active. I was walking absolutely everywhere, everyday and my life became a lot busier socially. I gave myself a huge goal - a year to save up and move to London. Because of all this I went from 81kgs to around 60kgs at my lightest. All my symptoms completely disappeared. I had beautiful skin and felt light as a feather. I look back at photos from that time and I just looked radiant.
Anyway, cut to 20 years old. I was living in England and couldn't afford the fresh fruit and vegetables I used to eat, or the bottled spring water. So my face exploded with acne again, then another blow came when I split up with my boyfriend. I started eating uncontrolably and that's when the weight came! It was concentrated in the area under my belly button and looked really odd on my still small frame. After I came back to Australia things just got even worse...I've become pretty depressed and I've now put on almost 15 kilos.
I've been taking bcp for nearly 6 months which has cleared up my skin - thank god! But it messes with my hormones a lot...I get extremely emotional, my boobs have ballooned and I swear it's made me look even chubbier.
I also started Metformin 5 days ago. So far I haven't noticed a real change but I'm hoping something happens. I can truthfully say I never eat greasy food, so maybe that will slow the effect it has on me.
Anyway, sorry for going on so much! I'd love to hear if any of you have had similar experiences.
Hey Ren,
I'm 20 and was just diagnosed with PCOS early this year. I can relate to the acne symptom. After going off a birth control pill I started breaking out and then began having irregular periods. Well fast forward...went to my Gyno and she suspected PCOS and tested my hormones. My testerone was elevated, I don't think she tested my Progesterone. Getting on the right birth control pill, Yaz, has really helped my breakouts and I am probably going to be starting Spiro soon which also helps a lot of women with breakouts. I personally dont want to be on bcp but it helps keep my periods regular and helps with my acne so until I'm ready to have kids it's fine...oh yes and Yaz made me loose 8lbs and go from an A-cup to a B Maybe you could look into Yaz? It's suppose to be good for PCOS.
Anyway I just wanted to say that I relate completely to your story and wanted you to know you are not alone! PM me if you need anything.
-TomorrowIsAnotherDay (Nicole)
__________________
"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you do."
__________________ [url= To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. src="http://tickers.TickerFactory.com/ezt/t/w3rlST3/weight.png" border="0" alt="" />
PCOS, Male Factor Infertility, and One Tube Wonder! Surprise BFP 10/6/05, Placenta Previa 11/05 Incompetent Cervix and Pre-term Labor 3/13/06 DD born 5/06
Join us on the Monthly Breastfeeding support thread in the mommy board!
A Friendly, Open Board for ALL Cysters.
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
Just wanted to say hello and welcome. I've definately noticed that when i'm eating healthy and exercising i have a lot less symptoms, but when i'm stressed, gaining weight, everything gets worse. I cant take bcp's, but am taking met for symptom management. Good luck to you
new person - my story <-LONG 
i personally cant get on with bcp, makes my bp and weight go wayyyy up. All the best for the met.
