New and confused!

[babyblue112]

Hi everybody,

I just turned 17 a couple of weeks ago, and along with that I have been diagnosed with PCOS--yay :-/ lol. I've had the symptoms for a while and was tested for it a couple of years ago, but I didn't have it then. I was recently tested again, and it was confirmed that I indeed do have PCOS. I've had a facial hair problem since I was about 14, and my mom took me to an endocrinologist who suggested that it was probably my weight causing the problem and suggested that I lost some weight. She also put me on birth control. Being only 14 and not trying to deal with the problem (other than just wanting the hair to go away), I always forgot to take the pill, so I saw no real results and I stopped taking it. Since then, I've been using hair removers such as surgi cream, veet, & nair (surgi cream works the best for me) to control the hair problem. Just last year, I began to experience more symptoms when my hair started to fall out. I've always had pretty thick hair, but after several months of constant shedding, my hair is now relatively thin. Shortly after that, my period started to become very irregular, stopping for months at a time, then coming and lasting for months on end. After going to a different doctor, I was diagnosed with PCOS. My dr. prescribed me the Yaz BCP, which I will begin taking soon, although I'm quite nervous about it after reading the mixed reviews from this site. I guess what I'm really wondering is...how do you guys deal with the effects of PCOS? I've always been ultra self conscious about my facial hair as well as my weight, and because of that I have never pursued getting a boyfriend because I always assume that most guys wouldn't want a chubby, hairy girlfriend. Also, I do intend on having kids in the future, is having PCOS going to affect that? How do you guys deal with questions that people have about the noticeable side effects i.e. "why do you have so much hair on your face?" or "wow, your hair is so much thinner, what have you been doing?"....I don't want everyone to know that I have PCOS, especially since it's not one of the most common problems that people have. Thank you guys for listening, I'm just trying to figure out where to go from here!

[Eva37]

welcome to sc i personally cant do bcp, it makes my bp/weight go up to much - but we're all different, i hope that it works for you. I also have spiro for the hair growth which seems to help.
eva

[ShyChicagoGirl]

I just popped in to say Hi and to SC!

[rynngo]

welcome to SC!! as far as having a BF is concerned, I married a guy who LOVES big women! And he fell for my smile! So I can only say that you need to accept yourself for yourself and if a guy wants to go out with you, go for it! he wants to know you, not "fat girl" so tell her to take a hike.

I also have facial hair, not a lot but its on my chin and it never really bothered me because I'm italian and my whole family has some to some extent. So i just keep it in check and don't obsess over it. you're only gonna stress yourself out which can also mess up your cycles.

As far as the BCP is concerned, I would strongly suggest you do NOT go on it. I was on BCP for 3 years (the strongest that they could prescribe at the time - early 90's) and gained 100+ lbs as a result. Went from AF for 8 days to 1 hr and didn't get AF back for 2 years after stopping BCP. Then gained another 20 lbs! It totally aggrevated my PCOS symptoms and now I am TTC and having a hard time.

Losing weight is difficult, you are in the right spot for support, we are all struggling. Try to see if you can control your weight with diet and exercise. Join WW or Jenny Craig or Curves or something else to help you find friends to support you on your journey. Having friends go through it with you is the best thing you can do!

Don't want to talk about PCOS to friends/family? Okay, just tell them that your new lifestyle is what you have decided is right for you and you don't want to be another statistic in the weight game. You may want to tell your immediate family, like younger/older sisters and mother in case they develop some of the symptoms or they can keep their diet/weight/exercise in check so they don't develop PCOS. (the jury is still out on whether or not it is a genetic disorder and can be handed down the generations-I am the only one in my family that has been diagnosed with it, but have a niece who is IR and not PCOS)

Do your own research and decide for yourself if BCP is right for you. Look through this site, there is a lot of info regarding alternatives and opinions on the subject.

Good luck!!

[soulfulqween]

Hi everybody,

I guess what I'm really wondering is...how do you guys deal with the effects of PCOS? I've always been ultra self conscious about my facial hair as well as my weight, and because of that I have never pursued getting a boyfriend because I always assume that most guys wouldn't want a chubby, hairy girlfriend. Also, I do intend on having kids in the future, is having PCOS going to affect that? How do you guys deal with questions that people have about the noticeable side effects i.e. "why do you have so much hair on your face?" or "wow, your hair is so much thinner, what have you been doing?"....I don't want everyone to know that I have PCOS, especially since it's not one of the most common problems that people have. Thank you guys for listening, I'm just trying to figure out where to go from here!

Welcome...
PCOS can affect your ability to have children...but MANY MANY of the women on here have had success in having children. It's just that it is going to take a bit more work for you when the time comes. It doesn't mean that it is impossible.
Having a good Dr is key...one that listens that you trust and that is willing to put in as much hard work as you are for your health care.
Also MANY MANY of the women have good men in their lives. Don't worry a real man can and will love you for the person you are. I personally concentrated on my health for a while until I felt comfortable enough.
Here is a good time to mention that there are so many symptoms with PCOS that not everyone has the same ones. I don't have as many hair issues as I have read here, but painful periods and spotting and IR oh yea that's me.
It's possible to control this and it is more common then you think and it is apart of who you are. You just have to figure how to fight your body and manage it...now it ain't easy.
But when you are frustrated or tired, or just don;t know what else you can possibly try...that's why you come here. SC is a great place. The women here really do support each other. And no matter how odd, gross, scary, bothersome, or great something is that happens to you trust me someone else here has been there done that.
Ask questions and meet people...PM me anytime if you'd like to talk.
Best of luck to you...

[babyblue112]

welcome to SC!! as far as having a BF is concerned, I married a guy who LOVES big women! And he fell for my smile! So I can only say that you need to accept yourself for yourself and if a guy wants to go out with you, go for it! he wants to know you, not "fat girl" so tell her to take a hike.

I also have facial hair, not a lot but its on my chin and it never really bothered me because I'm italian and my whole family has some to some extent. So i just keep it in check and don't obsess over it. you're only gonna stress yourself out which can also mess up your cycles.

As far as the BCP is concerned, I would strongly suggest you do NOT go on it. I was on BCP for 3 years (the strongest that they could prescribe at the time - early 90's) and gained 100+ lbs as a result. Went from AF for 8 days to 1 hr and didn't get AF back for 2 years after stopping BCP. Then gained another 20 lbs! It totally aggrevated my PCOS symptoms and now I am TTC and having a hard time.

Losing weight is difficult, you are in the right spot for support, we are all struggling. Try to see if you can control your weight with diet and exercise. Join WW or Jenny Craig or Curves or something else to help you find friends to support you on your journey. Having friends go through it with you is the best thing you can do!

Don't want to talk about PCOS to friends/family? Okay, just tell them that your new lifestyle is what you have decided is right for you and you don't want to be another statistic in the weight game. You may want to tell your immediate family, like younger/older sisters and mother in case they develop some of the symptoms or they can keep their diet/weight/exercise in check so they don't develop PCOS. (the jury is still out on whether or not it is a genetic disorder and can be handed down the generations-I am the only one in my family that has been diagnosed with it, but have a niece who is IR and not PCOS)

Do your own research and decide for yourself if BCP is right for you. Look through this site, there is a lot of info regarding alternatives and opinions on the subject.

Good luck!!

Thanks so much for the advice!

[babyblue112]

Welcome...
PCOS can affect your ability to have children...but MANY MANY of the women on here have had success in having children. It's just that it is going to take a bit more work for you when the time comes. It doesn't mean that it is impossible.
Having a good Dr is key...one that listens that you trust and that is willing to put in as much hard work as you are for your health care.
Also MANY MANY of the women have good men in their lives. Don't worry a real man can and will love you for the person you are. I personally concentrated on my health for a while until I felt comfortable enough.
Here is a good time to mention that there are so many symptoms with PCOS that not everyone has the same ones. I don't have as many hair issues as I have read here, but painful periods and spotting and IR oh yea that's me.
It's possible to control this and it is more common then you think and it is apart of who you are. You just have to figure how to fight your body and manage it...now it ain't easy.
But when you are frustrated or tired, or just don;t know what else you can possibly try...that's why you come here. SC is a great place. The women here really do support each other. And no matter how odd, gross, scary, bothersome, or great something is that happens to you trust me someone else here has been there done that.
Ask questions and meet people...PM me anytime if you'd like to talk.
Best of luck to you...

Aww thank you! These encouraging words are just what I needed to hear...

[babyblue112]

Thank you to everyone for being so kind!

[graceking]

Welcome to SC! I hope you find the site helpful and informative... I know I have.

As far as BCPs go, I'm taking Yasmin, and its been great for me. I've actually been losing weight (slowly, but steadily), my acne has gotten much better (although I still break out a bit around the time AF comes), my periods are predictable and aren't heavy, and the moodiness I had struggled with before is evening out. That's just me, though, and Yasmin is different thatn Yaz. I'd say talk to your doctor about any concerns you have about Yaz, and if nothing else, try it, and if it doesn't work for you, try something else until you find something that does.

And on the guy front, I know guys our age generally seem to be more superficial than older guys, which is unfortunate, but trust me -there are some great people out there who do appreciate you for who you are, not just what you look like. Frankly, those are the kind of people that I'd want even if I was thinner!

If you don't want to tell people, then don't! I was diagnosed over a year and a half ago, and I only just told my 4 closest friends about my pcos a few weeks ago; before that, my parents were the only ones who knew. When the time is right, you'll know; if you never decide to tell them, that's fine too. I'm sure you'll find plenty of people here who understand what you're going through and will be glad to support you, so you're not alone in this.

Best wishes, and good luck!!!

[stellarchik]

Welcome to SC!

In regards to BCP's there are different pills for each person. You will find the right BCP for you, but just keep in mind that everyone reacts differently to BCP's and there are several different types of pills out there that you can try so don't get discouraged if you don't have luck on Yaz.

In regards to the hair issue, I have facial hair and used waxing in the past as well as plucking and chemical hair remover creams. I find that the best way to get rid of the hair so that it is most unnoticeable is to use a man's electric razor everyday. I use a Norelco. The reason I say this is the best solution for me is because my hair is dark and very coarse. Using a wax, tweezing, or chemical cream remover isn't alright for me because I'd have to let the hair grow in before I could use it again and it would be VERY noticeable. So I shave every morning right after my shower.

If you take care of your hair growth and find a solution that works best for you most people won't even notice it at all. My DH didn't even know I had it until I told him.

About the thining hair, There are herbals and other medications that you can use to help with thining hair. Discuss with your RE about what types might be best.

On another note, You should also discuss with your RE taking Spironolactone. Spiro helps stop hair growth in unnatural areas and will not affect the hair on your head. This has drastically helped me because it has changed the texture and amount of hair on my body. You do have to take it for about 6 months consistently before you start seeing any serious results.

Also, Metformin is a pill often prescribed to PCOS patients to aid with Insulin Control. Even if you do not have Insulin Resistance you should discuss taking this with your doctor. It will aid in regulating your period, helping you lose weight and also evening your hormones.

The most effective way to lose the weight present from PCOS is to try a LOW GI diet. South Beach diet is also a good one to try. You could even follow a diabetic diet and you would see results. What you need to remember though is that it can't just be a diet...it has to be a life change.

GL and again Welcome!

[babyblue112]

Welcome to SC! I hope you find the site helpful and informative... I know I have.

As far as BCPs go, I'm taking Yasmin, and its been great for me. I've actually been losing weight (slowly, but steadily), my acne has gotten much better (although I still break out a bit around the time AF comes), my periods are predictable and aren't heavy, and the moodiness I had struggled with before is evening out. That's just me, though, and Yasmin is different thatn Yaz. I'd say talk to your doctor about any concerns you have about Yaz, and if nothing else, try it, and if it doesn't work for you, try something else until you find something that does.

And on the guy front, I know guys our age generally seem to be more superficial than older guys, which is unfortunate, but trust me -there are some great people out there who do appreciate you for who you are, not just what you look like. Frankly, those are the kind of people that I'd want even if I was thinner!

If you don't want to tell people, then don't! I was diagnosed over a year and a half ago, and I only just told my 4 closest friends about my pcos a few weeks ago; before that, my parents were the only ones who knew. When the time is right, you'll know; if you never decide to tell them, that's fine too. I'm sure you'll find plenty of people here who understand what you're going through and will be glad to support you, so you're not alone in this.

Best wishes, and good luck!!!

Thank you, I'll keep that in mind! :-)

[babyblue112]

Welcome to SC!

In regards to BCP's there are different pills for each person. You will find the right BCP for you, but just keep in mind that everyone reacts differently to BCP's and there are several different types of pills out there that you can try so don't get discouraged if you don't have luck on Yaz.

In regards to the hair issue, I have facial hair and used waxing in the past as well as plucking and chemical hair remover creams. I find that the best way to get rid of the hair so that it is most unnoticeable is to use a man's electric razor everyday. I use a Norelco. The reason I say this is the best solution for me is because my hair is dark and very coarse. Using a wax, tweezing, or chemical cream remover isn't alright for me because I'd have to let the hair grow in before I could use it again and it would be VERY noticeable. So I shave every morning right after my shower.

If you take care of your hair growth and find a solution that works best for you most people won't even notice it at all. My DH didn't even know I had it until I told him.

About the thining hair, There are herbals and other medications that you can use to help with thining hair. Discuss with your RE about what types might be best.

On another note, You should also discuss with your RE taking Spironolactone. Spiro helps stop hair growth in unnatural areas and will not affect the hair on your head. This has drastically helped me because it has changed the texture and amount of hair on my body. You do have to take it for about 6 months consistently before you start seeing any serious results.

Also, Metformin is a pill often prescribed to PCOS patients to aid with Insulin Control. Even if you do not have Insulin Resistance you should discuss taking this with your doctor. It will aid in regulating your period, helping you lose weight and also evening your hormones.

The most effective way to lose the weight present from PCOS is to try a LOW GI diet. South Beach diet is also a good one to try. You could even follow a diabetic diet and you would see results. What you need to remember though is that it can't just be a diet...it has to be a life change.

GL and again Welcome!

Oh let me take notes...

Thanks for the info! I'm gonna talk to my dr about those medications

[SnowFlower]

Just wanted to say welcome!!

[babyblue112]

Thank you!

[tessa915]

Wanted to say hi!

FYI-not having periods/irregular periods can lead to cancer, so taking BCP will reduce your chances of cancer. That is something to think about. The BCP you were prescribed has small amounts of Spironolactone which is used to reduce the excess hair. I lost weight on that BCP easily.