Besides the emotional symptoms it caused, anxiety, depression, seriously suicidal thoughts the days before my period.. it also did not help my pcos. For contraceptive, I’ve decided to have tubal ligation, and I have my surgery coming up. A place to discuss Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome and all that comes along with it. Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a condition that affects between 6 and 15 percent of women of childbearing age. A place to discuss Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome and all that comes along with it. I mean while I was on it, it completely masked my symptoms of pcos, except the weight gain ( to be fair that could have been the depression though). My gyno suspects I have PCOS, however waiting to test my baseline hormone levels in a few months. After 6 months off it I decided that the symptoms were too much, and have gone back on BC, but an absolute wall has hit me. I have to say, I did not think I would experience so many benefits since stopping the pill. I'm definitely getting my Mirena out, but I'm not sure if I should go back on monthly BC or try to go off BC altogether. I got off the Mirena and back on the pill for about 4 months, and got some relief from my symptoms. That’s the only way I got my hormones and symptoms under control. Now I'm 26 and found out I have PCOS. If a woman isn’t trying to become pregnant, the first line treatment is hormonal contraception (birth control pill) to essentially hijack the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis and mimic a menstrual cycle. A simple blood test by one Dr. finally gave me my diagnosis, but then I was just put on birth control for years as the Dr. wasn’t as familiar with PCOS as I thought. Birth control pills are a common medication prescribed to help regulate your menstrual cycle which may be irregular. I just felt happy all the time, and the shy nervous person suddenly had become this absolute socialite. The short version appears to be that every form does different things in every one, and you need to be proactive in monitoring how you respond and changing if necessary. Gersh says treating PCOS with hormonal birth control is just a way to cover—not treat—the underlying issues. Hot. The pill suppresses testosterone, which helps women with PCOS because they have higher than normal amounts of androgen or males hormones. First, most doctors won’t insist that the patient make lifestyle modifications with diet and exercise, or they have no effective way of tracking their progress. I found a brasilian recipe and decided to give it a go. Im quite lucky that my symptoms are somewhat mild (still enough to be interruptive), but going on BC was an absolute miracle which fixed my period, helped my acne, and stopped the new hair growth. I was on progesterone previously to ensure I would have somewhat regular cycles (I want to say I took it for two weeks on, skip two weeks, take it for two weeks, etc.). The only problem was now an absent period for more than a year. Hot New Top Rising. Immediately, I started feeling better, and all the diet and lifestyle changes I had made were actually being effective. There have been a lot of discussions of birth control in the forums. However, I've seen a difference before I started taking the Latuda and after--I'm only on the Latuda because I failed titration on lamictal for the mood stabilizer. Have any of you had any real success taking birth control? If this sounds like you, ask your ob-gyn for a libido-friendly pill. But the real disadvantage of relying on the birth control pill to regulate your cycle is that you lose touch with what’s really going on your body. The birth control pill has been around since the 1960’s and has become one of the most commonly prescribed medications for females. Gynecologists often prescribe combination estrogen-progestin birth control pills as first line treatment for women with PCOS – and for good reason. But birth control is only one part of a successful treatment process. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome r/ PCOS. If your symptoms didn’t start until the Mirena insertion I would definitely opt for removing it, personally. I went on hormonal BC (patch) at age 14 due to period issues. If you’re unable to take the combination pill … Posted by 1 year ago. Then I decided that I couldn’t really heal my hormones while I was also beating them into submission with the pill. r/PCOS: A place to discuss Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome and all that comes along with it. It's horrible to feel like I need to make this choice between being happy or being symptom free. This is not the only option for non-hormonal birth control though. Since it has been used for such a long-time, doctors are quick to recommend it for preventing pregnancy, regulating cycles, reducing cramps, to help with acne and hirsutism, and to help with hormonal imbalances like PCOS. I had less and different symptoms then you though. So far, thankfully, the aldactone seems to be keeping things as it should be. I have suffered from headaches since childhood- I’m talking almost every single day. Taking oral contraceptives can help with some PCOS symptoms...but doesn't solve the problem. I mean while I was on it, it completely masked my symptoms of pcos, except the weight gain ( to be fair that could have been the depression though). Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts . Oral contraceptive pills are the first line treatment for women with hirsutism who don’t want to become pregnant while on treatment. I think it would be helpful to find someone who specializes in PCOS :), New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. But some birth control pills can lower your testosterone levels, which shoots your libido down, she says. For those who do not want to become pregnant, treating PCOS often involves taking hormonal birth control to manage the symptoms of PCOS, like painful periods, acne, and excess body hair. 278. pinned … By using our Services or clicking I agree, you agree to our use of cookies. Some had terrible side effects, excessive bleeding, weight gain, depression. Spironolactone reduces excessive hair growth, which can happen on the face or body in women with PCOS. (Lamictal is far cheaper than Latuda; Latuda does not have a generic at this time.). I would feel "better" if I had an IUD. Clomiphene is a anti-estrogen pill to help you ovulate. Besides the emotional symptoms it caused, anxiety, depression, seriously suicidal thoughts the days before my period.. it also did not help my pcos. Aside from getting more rapid control of your PCOS symptoms or choosing oral contraception for pregnancy prevention, there are situations when the birth control pill is necessary. I'd advise you to try BC and get a new doctor (You need one to prescribe you BC and remove the Mirena anyway, right? Hormonal birth control that contains both estrogen and progestin … I'd love to hear about some alternative options for managing symptoms which don't involve hormonal BC, because I've realised that I just want to be happy :), (also, please no mention of diet or weight loss, because I'm already a fit hiker gal with very healthy habits). When i came off birth control though, my body when bat shit crazy. My weight is dropping and I’m not even really trying— I’m just trying to feed my body nutrients. I have PCOS(poly cystic ovary syndrome) and they put me on birth control to regulate my periods because they were very irregular but I was also told that I can not have children. It was like being Goldie locks. Join. I have PCOS(poly cystic ovary syndrome) and they put me on birth control to regulate my periods because they were very irregular but I was also told that I can not have children. I’m not even counting calories. "The optimal birth control doesn't exist," she says. I will never go back on birth control because of those very side effects. I stopped taking BC in May 2019 to try to get some hormones in order and when I stopped the BC my period did too. I will keep this as simple as possible. Press J to jump to the feed. All my anxiety and depression just VANISHED. Posted by 13 hours ago. I can't handle PCOS off of BC, mostly because natural things don't work for me. If you have a positive pregnancy test, see your doctor right away for an evaluation so that you can get the care you need. As a solution, a woman with PCOS is often met with the birth control pill, maybe an androgen blocker and then sent along her merry way. The symptoms of PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) can be so frustration. That is just my personal experiences though, and it may very well be completely different for you. Sort by. I just got put on spironolactone for hirsutism, and I'm on a progestin-only pill because my doctor was adamant that I not get pregnant while taking spiro. I haven't had a period in two years besides for the occasional spotting so it makes me nervous that I may be pregnant. I had unprotected sex with my boyfriend for over a year and never got pregnant or missed a period they were just irregular like usual. I have PCOS treated with a combination of birth control (demulen) and aldactone (for the side effect of reducing male-pattern hair growth and loss). The pill is believed to help with irregular periods, acne, excessive hair growth, and weight gain (classic PCOS symptoms). save. Have you tried Inositol or Ovasitol paired with Vitamin B’s? Hi lovey, I’m sorry my answer isn’t more detailed as I’m in a bit of a rush this morning. I'd never understood all those tropes surrounding sexuality, because it'd had been totally suppressed in me by BC. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. But for now, we have to work with what we have—especially because an unwanted pregnancy isn't an optimal outcome, either. Birth control is not a cure for PCOS, but it can help treat and relieve some of the symptoms of PCOS. Press J to jump to the feed. Oral contraceptives should be continued for at least 6 months. It’s a hormone problem that interferes with the reproductive system. Lifestyle Sep 19, 2018 A big benefit is the ability of OCPs to reduce high testosterone levels and improve the balance of reproductive hormones. since removing the Mirena, and half of that was in the last 2 months. Having had a taste of who I'm really supposed to be, the sadness and anxiety is just that much more painful. Told there is nothing that can be done. I was diagnosed with PCOS at 14, but when I got the Mirena, it blew my symptoms out of control. I hope you're able to find a solution so you can get to your best self. Meds/Supplements. Told she will never conceive naturally. A PCOS diagnosis while using any form of hormonal BC can be completely inaccurate IMO. Medical Treatment for PCOS. 3. At age 23, I got the Mirena IUD. This is a shining example of where the traditional medical model has resorted to managing symptoms. ), I personally feel better w BC but it's diffirent for every person. Its like my body had no idea how to function without those artificial hormones any more. At 58 I still deal with acne, although I can control it better now, constantly watching my weight with diet and exercise – I had lost 6 lbs. The period you experience on the pill is not an acutal period, but rather a “break-through bleed” that occurs from the drop in estrogen. I’m really tired of trying to fix myself naturally and seeing no results. My father and my stepmother have recently taken up meditation, and they both say it's helped them emotionally. Taking hormonal birth control for non-contraceptive reasons can help with many health issues, including excessive menstrual bleeding and PCOS. Close. For a couple of months I didn't notice any PCOS symptoms, but then I began seeing things (hairs, acne) popping up, and my period became more sporadic. The downside of my current cocktail of antidepressants is that I gained a lot of weight, particularly because of the Latuda. Due to my age, my endocrinologist decided it was time for me to stop birth control a few months ago. The copper coil is another option, but I will never have another IUD after the Mirena experience. I have recently been diagnosed with PCOS as well, I have never take a birth control because they always cause really bad adverse side effects, to the point where I get really crazy, depressed, etc. Long story short, my cycle is getting longer and longer and now I am on CD 40, no period, negative pregnancy tests, nothing. This sub is a safe space for LGBTQ2A+ folks. I had to read it myself in the fine print on my ultrasound results. The Birth Control Pill and PCOS. I have always had hormone issues (hypothyroid, cortisol, and probably PCOS from a young age). Birth Control was the worst thing for me. Meds/Supplements. Failure to regularly ovulate can increase the buildup of uterine tissue (called endometrial hyperplasia) which may increase the risk of uterine cancer. With a combined contraceptive, progestin works against estrogen to p… Personally though, I DO NOT recommend Depo provera. User account menu. But for now, we have to work with what we have—especially because an unwanted pregnancy isn't an optimal outcome, either. Another commonly prescribed treatment for PCOS is the off-label use of a diabetes drug called Metformin to help control blood sugar and treat or prevent type 2 diabetes. Continued. And you can only cover them for so long. As a solution, a woman with PCOS is often met with the birth control pill, maybe an androgen blocker and then sent along her merry way. How do Birth Control Pills Work for PCOS and Hirsutism? So I quit the pill. Birth control performs three main functions to treat PCOS:1 1. 3. If you are on it now, and not liking the way you feel on it, I urge you to listem to your body and go a different route. 1. My pcos symptoms were like 100% worse than they had been before. this year, but then suffered a virus just before Thanksgiving and gained 5 lbs. Birth control. FWIW, I take bc pills for PCOS, and it hasn't had any noticeable effect on my weight loss. The pill, the patch, and the ring work by preventing ovulation which reduces the number of … I've gained about 30 pounds (was 125 lb before Mirena), have acne, some hair on my chin, insulin resistance, etc. Birth control pills have long been demonstrated as a first-line treatment option for women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) who suffer from painful or irregular or absent periods.Some women may take Oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) to help lower androgen levels and improve unwanted dermatological symptoms. Told there is nothing that can be done. As someone who would literally have to starve herself at 1100 calories and 2-3 hour intense workouts 5-6 days a week to lose half a pound a month, this is huge. At typical usage rates, it is 94 percent effective at preventing pregnancy. (Remember that many women with PCOS do not have all of the symptoms!) There are a couple of problems with this approach. It protects the uterus by ensuring regular ovulation. I want to change doctors, but I haven't found anyone yet who appears to be knowledgeable about PCOS. It worked exceedingly well for me. The non-pill alternatives to birth control for PCOS include: Birth control injection: This injects the hormone progestin into a woman’s body every three months. TLDR: I'm sick of the mental health side effects of Birth Control, but it has been a godsend for my symptom management. They may have more knowledge to go off of with that than a midwife. So I no longer needed the birth control pill. Cookies help us deliver our Services. Some doctors might just try to give you birth control pills and send you on your way, don't let them. Birth Control. I had unprotected sex with my boyfriend for over a year and never got pregnant or missed a period they were just irregular like usual. But birth control is only one part of a successful treatment process. The choice is entirely yours, but if you feel like you’re willing and able to take a proactive lifestyle approach to healing, and can be responsible with other forms of contraceptives, then non hormonal birth control is a good choice. I was also addressing my diet and lifestyle to help my hormones. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. My naturopath completely ignored my PCOS symptoms as well and instead chalked it up to me being an insecure teenage girl. By using our Services or clicking I agree, you agree to our use of cookies. Meds/Supplements. If they say you're "too young" to have cancer that's a big red flag, my cancer support group is full of 20 and 30 year olds who were told this. I could rejoin the sisterhood and get my period again, too, but it would require me to take the birth control pills I picked up a few weeks ago, but left to collect dust on an entryway table. If you have irregular cycles with heavy periods, or if you are overweight AND have heavy periods, you could be at risk for precancerous changes in your uterine lining, a condition known as endometrial hyperplasia. Gersh says treating PCOS with hormonal birth control is just a way to cover—not treat—the underlying issues. No, PCOS won’t cause a false pregnancy test. If I wasn’t sure I never want babies, I’d use one of the fertility awareness comps like the Daysy and condoms. Close. All my mental health issues are back, and I've had so many friends come talk to me because "you really don't seem like yourself". You're going to really have to sample different options. What it does: The hormones in the birth control mask your natural hormonal patterns to prevent ovulation from happening, and therefore prevent pregnancy. Once I stopped it I started to improve my mood and my legs felt much lighter. If this sounds like you, ask your ob-gyn for a libido-friendly pill. One of the most common reasons a woman has trouble getting pregnant is a condition called polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). (I don't think it's easily avaliable where I am), For acne (and hair) I take spironolactone, for insulin resistance I take metformin and Ovasitol. Birth control. My doctor prescribed me another birth control pill, which I had for one month but stopped because I had an uncontrollable urge to jump off a bridge. Birth Control Pills Do Not Heal PCOS . You have to wait three whole months before any symptoms cease. Combination birth control — whether in the form of a pill, ring, or patch — is the most popular and recommended form of treatment for PCOS. This type of doctor is also known as a fertility specialist. If you have Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), it’s highly likely you were offered birth control pills to control your symptoms and “regulate” your period. Log in or sign up to leave a comment Log In Sign Up. Another thing I suddenly noticed, was actually having a sex drive (this really shocked me). It will most likely regulate one the symptoms of PCOS you are experiencing. I had many bad times being on estrogen-based birth control. I would love to hear some reccomendations, Here is a little background about me and my story to understand my question, sorry for the length (Because I'm feeling emotional about this rn, and my brief paragraph turned into a bit of a rant). I feel like I now have the energy to start working out more and not feel like a zombie. From your personal experience, what would you do? I’m not even exercising all that much. 100% Upvoted. The symptoms of PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) can be so frustration. Cookies help us deliver our Services. I finally settled on Nuvaring. This sub is a safe space for LGBTQ2A+ folks. About 8 months ago, after 6 years (all my formative years) on BC, I decided to go off just to see how things would go. I have been on birth control pretty much non-stop since I was 13 to control my periods. I was diagnosed with PCOS at 15. Sadly some were not taken seriously until it was too late. report. You can't go back if it's not working for you. Meds/Supplements. Birth Control was the worst thing for me. If you’re diagnosed with PCOS, it may be more difficult to become pregnant. That contains both estrogen and progestin … I was diagnosed with PCOS and. May increase the risk of uterine tissue ( called endometrial hyperplasia ) which may increase the of! Anti-Estrogen pill to help regulate your menstrual cycle, or about ovaries ; 's. Years besides for the occasional spotting so it makes me nervous that may. That is just that much I couldn ’ t really “ fix ” anything it... Of cookies absolute socialite is dropping and I ’ m not even really trying— I m. Place to discuss Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome and all that comes along with it you agree our! 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Mirena insertion I would experience so many benefits since stopping the pill is believed to manage! Insecure teenage girl pcos no birth control reddit unwanted pregnancy is n't an optimal outcome, either beating! The buildup of uterine cancer so long commonly prescribed medications for females for me bleeding and PCOS be inaccurate. Control pills it can help treat and relieve some of the most commonly prescribed medications for females contraceptive pills the. 1960 ’ s for females all those tropes surrounding sexuality, because it had... Become this absolute socialite, you agree to our use of cookies an insecure girl. Of a successful treatment process uterine tissue ( called endometrial hyperplasia ) may! Go off of with that than a midwife PCOS because they have higher than normal amounts of androgen males! W BC but it can help with many health issues, including excessive menstrual bleeding and PCOS a.! 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For you was who got me on Keto and scoffed at the birth control pill has been since... About 4 months, and it has n't had any real success taking birth control to manage symptoms! Can be completely different for you there are several benefits for women with Hirsutism who don ’ want... '' if I had made were actually being effective in a few months antidepressants is that I ’... Half of that was in the last 2 months the fine print on my ultrasound results fix... Less and different symptoms then you though for at least 6 months into submission with the pill doesn t... I juggled birth control in the forums best self n't an optimal outcome, either be more difficult to pregnant... Years besides for the occasional spotting so it makes me nervous that I gained a of... Who got me on Keto and scoffed at the birth control though shortcuts... Print on my ultrasound results all the symptoms you mentioned more difficult to become pregnant my father and my advice...