my update...some bad, good and great news!

[kay21]

Well, here is my 5 month update which includes some bad news, some good news and some great news! Some Background info. I am 27 and not married, but have a boyfriend. I started Yasmin when I was 23 and took it for 3 years. I primarily started Yasmin, because I was suffering from horrible cramps and was involved in a serious relationship. I want to point out that I did not start BCP, because of PCOS- in fact I did not even suspect PCOS at the time, because I did not have any mafor symptoms of PCOS. I got my periods about every 35 days and the only symptom I may have had was a few hairs on my chin (which all the women in my family have- so I didn't tthink much of it). After 3 years on Yasmin, I was sick of being on the pill. Although my period was really regular (every 28 days on the dot), my cramps improved and my acne was 95% clear, I felt sick all the time. While on Yasmin, I was diagnosed with IBS- which I attributed to Yasmin, so I stopped taking Yasmin in 4/2005.

When I stopped Yasmin, I didn't get a period, I began breaking out horribly, I started growing more hair EVERYWHERE and my hair from head started to fall out in clumps. I was also gaining weight rapidly. I knew something was wrong. I was convinced I had PCOS. The doctors refused to take me seriously. The y told me that IO did not have PCOS, because I was not overweight (I am 5'6 and was about 122 at the time). I knew they were wrong. After going to several doctors and demanding some blood tests, my tests revealed cysts mon my ovaries and elevated androgens across the board. I was given a PCOS diagnosis in July 2005. However, I was told to go back on the pill. I refused. I asked for Met, but they refused stating that I did not have the symptoms of insulin resistance, therefore, didn't need Met. After 2 family doctors, 3 GYNs and 3 Endos, a male endo prescribed Metformin (500 mg 2x/day) to me in October. Even though my insulin test did not indicate that I was IR (I scored a 6), he said the insulin test was not always accurate and that Met has been shown to help most women with PCOS. It took me a while to work up to the 1000 mg, because my stomach is extremely sensitive. I kept going up to 1000 then back down to 500. So after 4 months on 500 mg and 3 FULL weeks on 1000 mg, here is my update.

Since I am usually a cynic and am trying to change my ways, I'll start with the bad news, so I can end on a positive note.

The bad news- 1) My excess hair (particularly on my face) has gotten worse. I used to pluck chin hairs (about 5) usually once a week. Now, I am plucking daily. Nott only is the hair coming in quicker, it is also thicker. I am considering electrolysis.
2) I am still very oily. Because of this I am still experiencing seborrheic dermatitis on my scalp and face. So far, I haven't seen anyone lese mention this. I am also exxperiencing really bad acne on my arms, shoulders and back. This is preventing me from wearing anything strapless or sleeveless.
3) I also still get side effects from the Met- mostly a feeling of bloating and gas when I wake up.
4) I have not loss any weight since I started Met. In fact, I have gained about 8 pounds since I started in October- desipte cutting out bad carbs.
5) And finally, My hair loss continues to get worse. I have also had REALLY thick and curly hair. So thick, hair dressers would gasp at the thought of having to blow dry my hair. Now I am afraid to wash it or brush it, because it falls out in clumps. The worse part is that it falls out constantly. Even when I am not touching it. I am afraid to keep it down, becuase after 5 mins of it being down, it is all over my clothes, back, chair, etc...It is SO depressing!!! I sometimes catch myself watching the hairclub for men or other infomercials! I hate living like this! :o(

Now for some good news. My acne on my face has improved (knock on wood). I am not completely clear, but it is still much better from when I first got off of Yasmin a year ago.

Now on to the GREAT news, since stopping Yasmin, I have hadto induce my period with provera every 3 weeks. Even with Metformin, I was indcing my period with provera. well, i i took some provera in february and got AF on 2/11. i was not expecting another period and figured i had another 2 months to go before inducing another period. But then...last night I started feeling strange. I felt bloated, crampy and yucky overall. I woke up in the middle of the night, because I just couldn't sleep. I went to the bathroom and......I GOT AF!!! 35 days after my last induced one.

I still cannot believe it! I am not sure if this is Meformin working or just a one time thing! I am hoping and PRAYING that this continues. I am sitting here with horrible cramps and loving every minute of it!!!

Thanks to all of you who recommended that I be patient! Now all I have to do is be patient and take one symptom and one month at a time...

[kay21]

oops...I meant to say that I would induce my period with provera every 3 months not every 3 weeks!

[DiamondInTheRough]

So glad it is working out for you. I personally feel when you can get af coming naturally (which hopefully means ovulation) this will in-turn take care of the other symptoms, like hair loss, excess hair, acne, etc. I think the root cause for most of us is the problem with our cycles. When they go out of whack so does the rest of our bodies. Continue to be patient, and I'm sure you'll be back in another 5 months to report progress!

[longing4abab]

Now, i had a really hard time on met, how did you work your way up again??? Congrats on all the goods, i hope all the bads get good soon

[kay21]

I really had to watch what I ate. I can't take my pill in the am, becuase I am not a breakfast eater. So I usually take one with a late lunch/dinner and one right before bed. I do wake up with a sore stomach sometimes. I find that this typically happens if I have eaten a lot of carbs late or right before bed- which is a big no-no. Anyway, it's kinda funny. My mom is a Nurse Practitioner and she was so happy to hear I got AF! She was araid that he Met wasn't helping. I called her bright and early at about 7 am. Anyway, thanks again for the support!

[Mazarin]

Congrats!

[christyz]

I agree with diamond...your hormones are starting to turn and in the months ahead you'll probably see more improvement. It took me over a year on 1500 mg to see real progress..the Dr's talk like it should happen overnight, but our hormones are harder to move than that. Don't get discouraged.

Also, if you are following a diet that will keep your insulin stable, it will help immensely. I was seeing little improvement until i got consistent with that area of my life. I urge you to be diligent becuase it really makes a huge difference.

All the best!

[goldenjag25]

That is wonderful news and is giving me hope. I haven't had AF since November and am trying to be patient (also on Met, 1500 mg). I hope to be posting that soon as well! It's very strange praying for AF, cramps and all the fun stuff that comes with it.