I was diagnosed when I was 14 after being sexually assaulted, it was a double blow, learning that I couldn't have children. When I was that young, it didn't make any difference to me, and I didn't know much about it. But after years of not having health insurance and not getting treatment, it has taken its toll on me, I am going to be 21 in June, and I get unbearable migraines, I gained a lot of wieght and I haven't been able to lose it. The migraines have kept me from working full time in anything that is physically demanding. Therefore I haven't been able to get health insurance. I just got a job working as a classroom aide for a county run day care center. In another 3 months I get health insurance and I'm praying that I can work for that long. There are a couple things that I wanted to know:
1. I heard that Metformin wroks for infertility even though it is for diabetes, is that true?
2. Are there any natural means of regulating or kickstarting my hormones?
3. What is the risk of having a disabled child because I have PCOS?
First of all, PCOS doesn't mean you are infertile, it just means that you may have problems when you try to conceive and might need some help. Lots and lots of women with PCOS go on to have kids.
Getting some sort of treatment is definitely a good idea - don't let the doctors fob you off saying that there's no need if you're not trying to conceive. Another good idea is to find out as much information as possible about this condition so that understand what the doctor tells you and why you are being given certain treatments. This site is brillant for information.
Metformin isn't a fertility drug but it can help balance out the hormones which in turn helps your fertility.
There are natural means - I don't use any though so I'll leave it to someone else to post about that.
I've never heard of any birth abnormalities being caused by PCOS itself. You do have to be careful with some of the medications - Spironolactone for one, but I'd check with your doctor/pharmacist about that whenever they prescribe something and read the little contraindications sheet that comes in the packet.
Hope that helps!
__________________ Amanda, 28
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DX with PCOS - July 2004
DX with Endometriosis - 27/04/05 by laparoscopy
DX with inflammatory arthritis - 2008
Meds and Supplements - Pro natal vitamins with folic acid, omperazole, naproxen, hydroxychloroquine, omega 3. Starting metformin again soon.
Weightloss for the wedding
Starting 16st / 224lb / 101kg
Current 15st 12lb / 222lb / 100kg
Target 9st 9lb / 135lb / 61kg
I was also dx young at 16 and was told I would probably never be able to have children. It is a hard blow on a young woman. It changes how we feel about ourselves and changes our definition of what a woman is. PCOS can cause fertility issues... I never ovulated on my own, no AF (periods) or anything until I was 31. I always had to take something to make my AF show.
I stated metformin at 23 and am still taking it. It does help many PCOS woman ovulate but not me. It did help my sugar and insulin levels. Although I never really tried to get pg, I never "didn't" stop it either. In Oct of 2005 I went on a low carb diet, the doctor put me on advantia with my metformin and I started ovulating...by March I was pg and now I have a beautiful son.
PCOS doesn't cause any defect in children, the risk is the same as with any pregnancy.
Natural alternatives ~ there is a section on here for alternative therapies...my women here have had a lot of success.
I know even without insurance, places like walmart offer metformin for $4 a month supply.. you would just have the cost of seeing a doc.
I wish you a lot of luck...and with some patience and knowing your body, you can really decrease the inpact that PCOS has on your body.
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Nathan's baby sister is on her way
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Shawna,
Welcome to CS. This is a great board and you can find great info here as well. Make sure to visit all post place because there is good stuff to learn from in each one.
I am sorry to hear of your sexual attack. You was so young. I too have been raped but was 19 at the time. Either way it does not make it easy.
As for PCOS it stinks girl but be a fighter. Dont give up on it (easier said than done)! I too started having symptoms when I was young. Rapid weight gain etc. It will be a battle you will have to ensue most of your life. I am 29 now and still fight it. I too had no treatment till2003-04 and it was for the same reasons as you. Make every effort to go see someone because I wouldnt have waited had I known then what I know now. It takes a long time to get just the right meds to help. Still working on mine.
Met can help and many ppl here are on it. I am aswell. There are other meds they can RX for you, depending on your DR and ur needs. I have been TTC for 5 years and it has been difficult but some ppl here have only been TTC for a short time. It all depends on your body and what your willing to do to help yourself. I will be the first one to say PCOS is a drag but I try not to let "it" drag me down with it.
Hope I have been some help.
Take Care
Jenn
__________________ Jenn 29 DH 33 TTC 6 years Dx PCOS & IR 2005 Met 1000mg 3/2005 Spiro 200mg 3/2005 Clomid 50mg Round 1-4 all BFN BCP 9/2006 Stop Spiro &BCP 1/2007 Up Met2000mg 4/2007 Male Factor Dx 04/2007
Welcome to sc!!!! Dh and I have been ttc for sometime and while it has been a very long and difficult road I guess I am like the little engine that could Ijust keep chugging up that mountain knowing that someday I will reach the top. I was not dx until 02 although I alway new since I was a teen that something just wasnt right. I know lots of women have had great success with just Met alone my DH actually has a cousin who had been ttc for almost 10 years finally she found a Dr who put her on Met and she was pg in just a few months. I unfortunately have not been so lucky and couldnt take Met so I am now on Avandia 8mg a day. I hope you can find the help you need. Gl
welcome to sc Ive not done natural therapy for pcos, but im sure that someone will be able to help. My son is nealy 10, and he is fine. Has asthma though.
eva
2. Are there any natural means of regulating or kickstarting my hormones?
Hi ShawnaIsGoddess,
to SC.
I used natural remedies to get treat my PCOS, and was able to get PG. You can read the details in my PCOS story, link in my sig.
There is an alternative remedies board with other things that cysters have used for PCOS Tx.
I wish you the best of luck withyour new job, and getting your PCOS under control.
__________________ Cara
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There is an entire section for Natrual Treatment of PCOS and those ladies RAWK!!
As far as birth defect type things with children, my mother had PCOS and I don't have anything except PCOS.
And about Metformin, it helps with the hormones which can help with your infertility! And yes you can have babies. I am a baby of a lady with PCOS and there is an entire Mommy Board here!!
WELCOME!
__________________
Erika Leigh - Teen Mod
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Questions about PCOS 
Ive not done natural therapy for pcos, but im sure that someone will be able to help. My son is nealy 10, and he is fine. Has asthma though.
to SC.
