The NHS and PCOS

I haven't used that particular drug, but was trying other oral contraceptives to help manage cramps, etc.  Unfortunately, I have problems with hormone-related migraines, and so being on the pill made them much worse. 

Are you taking metformin?  I found that after 2-3 months of taking that regularly, my periods were much easier.  Plus, because it's helping control insulin levels, it can also help with weight, if that's a concern.

Hi woadgrrl.

Yes, I tried metformin before, but after 3+ months it made me really ill, so had to stop.  I actually stopped taking any meds for about 9 years and was doing pretty good until I had my DD.  They say pregnancy can either make symptoms better or worse...for me it was definitely worse (probably because of the weight gain).  However, now the weight is under control, I still have horrendous symptoms, so back to the pill...uugh.   

Here's hoping for some reprieve...

has anyone here with PCOS used Dianette?  Did they find it helpful for controlling symptoms?

Yes, I was on Dianette for (ooh, counting...) about eight years and it was WONDERFUL. I know everyone is different and others haven't liked it, but for me, it was a miracle drug. Loved it.

Definitely give it a try for 3 months if you can get your GP to prescribe it. Some GPs are crazy scared of it, and others are much more pragmatic about the risks and see the benefit it can give.

(Otherwise, my case is now super complicated so I'm not going to go into why I'm not on it anymore as the reasons aren't really applicable to 99.9% of other women).

Yes, I was on Dianette for (ooh, counting...) about eight years and it was WONDERFUL. I know everyone is different and others haven't liked it, but for me, it was a miracle drug. Loved it.

Definitely give it a try for 3 months if you can get your GP to prescribe it. Some GPs are crazy scared of it, and others are much more pragmatic about the risks and see the benefit it can give.

(Otherwise, my case is now super complicated so I'm not going to go into why I'm not on it anymore as the reasons aren't really applicable to 99.9% of other women).

Thanks squirrelypoo. 

My friend was diagnosed with PCOS and she was referred to an endocronoligist from her GP. She's getting great care. She's on metformin and was taking orlistat (prescription alli).  She's lost a ton of weight and has regular periods again.  She feels much better. 

Ooh, I have never heard of people using Metformin for PCOS. I used to take the pill and that solved all my problems but my Dr is getting nervous at me staying on it now that I'm heading into my 30s. I've got the implant but it's been totally unpredictable and so they've put me on the pill for three months to see if it calms my symptoms.

I'm wondering if the pill doesn't work and my implant goes mental whether metformin could calm my symptoms and if it's the PCOS that's causing such hormone fluctuations rather than the implant not working properly.  I have much to discuss with my GP next time. Thanks ladies.

Ashley- it depends on whether you have insulin resistance as part of your PCOS. It's very common for women with PCOS to be insulin resistant (which can be tested for with a simple blood test - but make sure they get your fasting insulin levels, not fasting blood glucose levels.)

Basically, for women who have insulin resistance with their PCOS, taking metformin helps their bodies use insulin more effectively and when that part of the endocrine system is working better often the rest of the endocrine system starts coming online (more well regulated estrogen/progesterone/other reproductive linked hormones) and brings back regular monthly cycles. It's very commonly prescribed in America, I don't know what the standard line is here. I'm going to get the guts to really talk to my GP next month and see what they can do.

Ashley- it depends on whether you have insulin resistance as part of your PCOS. It's very common for women with PCOS to be insulin resistant (which can be tested for with a simple blood test - but make sure they get your fasting insulin levels, not fasting blood glucose levels.)

Basically, for women who have insulin resistance with their PCOS, taking metformin helps their bodies use insulin more effectively and when that part of the endocrine system is working better often the rest of the endocrine system starts coming online (more well regulated estrogen/progesterone/other reproductive linked hormones) and brings back regular monthly cycles. It's very commonly prescribed in America, I don't know what the standard line is here. I'm going to get the guts to really talk to my GP next month and see what they can do.

I have PCOS with Insulin Resistance an I take Metformin with each meal it took a while before they got the right dosage for me but it seems to be working for me now thankfully. I have a more regular period even though I cant pin point when it will be in town but I least have it these days where before when I wasn't taking Metformin I wasn't having a period at all. an with taking Metformin I have lost 6 stone/84lbs, but that was in connection to doing the LO GI diet & going to the gym 4-5 a week as well granted my weight loss took 14 months though. the only bad thing so far about Metformin for me is the side effects. when I first started taking Metformin I had bad upset tummy issues after every meal if I was outside of the house I had to know where the LOO was all times that lasted about 3 months. every now & then I have those issues thankfully it doesn't last long. I tried the Orlistat {prescription Ali} way before I started taking Metformin but it didn't work at all for me so my Dr took me off it.

This is an interesting thread for me because my GP recently told me that I might have PCOS. I've been trying to get pregnant with no results for the past year so I went to my GP. After doing a bunch of blood work she mentioned the possibility of PCOS to me and referred me to an endocrinologist. I had my appointment a couple of days ago. They are running some more tests. I don't know much about PCOS really so it was good to read this thread.