Going on Pill over for 40 for Pcos

Hi. I too have pcos, and was told I would have to go on the pill, which I didn't want to do. Are you seeing a reproductive endocrinologist? I'm asking because I went to gynecologists and family practitioners, and even an endocrinologist, but didn't find the right course of treatment until I went to a reproductive endocrinologist, because they are highly specialized. There are basically two types of pcos (you may already know this). I have the insulin resistant type, so bc pills are the OLD treatment method. Now, doctors use diabetic drugs (metformin being one of them) to treat it, because bc pills are really just a band-aid, and don't fix the underlying problem. Since getting pregnant with my first a few years ago, treatments have changed further (my sister has pcos too, so I know through her). In my experience, doctors who aren't REs are not up to date on pcos and the latest treatments. After being diagnosed, and successfully treated, I still had family doctors (new ones, when I moved across the country) who were skeptical when I told them I had PCOS. "But you don't weigh a lot" they would say. Well, I LOST a lot of weight due to the treatments!

As far as natural remedies, I have heard they're out there, but I haven't tried them. There is apparently a doctor in Houston who uses some cinnamon treatment? I know, sounds weird. If you go to www.soulcysters.net there is a lot of info on pcos, as well as lots of info on natural treatments, what has worked, etc. Some of the treatments were prescribed by doctors, some by nutritionists.

I hope this info was of some help. Good luck. Trust your instincts--when I was told repeatedly to go on the bc pill, I kept looking, and found my current RE, who is so wonderful (which is why I'm a soon to be mommy of 2!)

Hi S.,

I do not have PCOS but I did have lots of other issues (fibroids, infertility...) that I helped resolve with natural medicine. I went to a Naturopath (ND) that used natural hormones and IV vitamines. It worked great and I would not have my daughter with it. Here is his web sit to give you an idea

http://www.intmedny.com/women.aspx

I would get a recommendation for a ND or interview a couple in your area. See if their approach makes sense to you. I personally would be conserned about taking the pil after 40 (just my oppion)

Good luck and God bless,
G.

Good Morning S.,
I went on Quasense. You only get 4 periods a year. It's wonderful. Your body does adjust and it will take time. For example I would spot bleed every month for about a week. After a few months my body adjusted. I have been on it for about 7 years now. I will be 51 in June. Tomorrow is the last day of taking it as my Dr. thinks I may be done w/ periods. If not I can return to the pill. It's wonderful.

C.

If you don't want to go onto the pill unless you have to then I'd look into other options for you. It seems as if doctors are always ready to prescribe the pill. It's the new 'cure all' it seems in the medical world. There is a book called "Fertility, Cycles & Nutrition" by Marilyn Shannon. There's a whole section on PCOS. Also, I know you're a little young for menopause, but could it be the beginning? Did they test you for pre-monopause or anything like that?

I am too young to be a reliable source on the "M" word, so take whatever I say with a grain of salt. However, my mother went through menopause starting around 44 or 45. She was taking the pill nonstop (without the rest week) and it helped a ton. This was a long time ago, like 15 or 16 years ago, so before the medical profession changed their stance on hormone therapy during menopause. But there also weren't any low dose pills back then either like there are today. My mom always said she felt great and loved it.
Talk to your doctor-I would trust their word

If you are interested in natural remedies, you may want to read "What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Pre-Menopause" and "What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Menopause". They were written by the late Dr. John Lee. He discusses hormonal imbalances and the perils of using synthetic hormones. He discusses the use of natural progesterone, which is available as a topical cream without prescription. You might also want to look into taking chastetree berry, an herbal remedy that also helps contribute to hormonal balance.

PCOS, fibroids, irregular periods, and other female-related issues are most often due to too much estrogen relative to progesterone. Progesterone levels tend to drop earlier and faster than estrogen levels, leaving estrogen largely unopposed, causing many female-related problems. Birth control pills often exacerbate the problems they are prescribed to address (other than contraceptive use.)

Good Luck!

J.

I don't have PCOs, but I do have a hormonal imbalance that I've had at a young age. (Don't think I need to go into details about that, just that I was on and off BC pills until later.) I'm 46 and on BC pills. It's great! The only complaint I have is the low hormone ones that have the various color pills in one package (Tri-levlin...Everytime I got to the brown pills, I woul get mood swings and very grouchy. Now I have the all white ones. (Desogen) They are much better. Just remember to exercise and cut down on your total fat intake and you'll be fine. Only 5 lbs. of weight gain.

Hi, I have PCOS too and my doctor had given me a shot of progesterone to regulate my cycles at one point and a prescription for progesterone at another time. It worked for me. Ask your doctor about it, maybe it will work for you too. :-)

Hi S.. I have PCOS and agreee fully with Amanda's response. I also use metformin and now have two wonderful boys. Please do the research and do not go on bc unless YOU feel it is the right choice. Do go to a Reproductive Endo and find the right course of action for YOU. If you do have PCOS; check out the website soulcysters.org and you can see all the various ways to treat pcos. I did try natural remedies, but they did not work as well and upset my system.

Good luck!