Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) Support Group

Polycythemia is a condition in which there is a net increase in the total circulating erythrocyte (red blood cell) mass of the body. Primary polycythemia occurs when excess erythrocytes are produced as a result of a proliferative abnormality of the bone marrow. Secondary polycythemia is caused by increases of erythropoietin that result in an increased production of...

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Jennheimrich 01/02/2013

I just got my diagnosis on 12/31/12 and I am still trying to process the news. What can I do to help myself here? I don't want to be on birth control pills for the rest of my life, but what other options do I really have?

deleted_user 01/02/2013

I found that birth control pills made my symptoms worse so my doctor put me on aldacton and metformin. which at first werent working for me but they then began to. Those help with my symptoms alot the other thing i can really suggest is a change in diet and exercise they made a huge difference for me. hope this helps. i was diagnosed with pcos about 6 years ago while i was still in high school.

TheGreatKate 01/02/2013

Hello Jenn,

I am in the process of seeing if I have PCOS, but I have to say, it seems like all the signs are pointing that I have it. I was prescribed birth control too. For now anyway. I think the best thing you can do is ask your doctor about all the options you have. If you don't want to be on birth control forever, ask him what other things he may suggest. I also have heard that losing weight and changing diet is a good way to sort of reverse the effects. It's hard, I know. I am working on it myself. Good Luck to you! I wish I had more advice!

*HUGS*

deleted_user 01/03/2013

Hey! Metformin has been a life saver for me. I rave about it all the time on here. Birth control wise, everything made my symptoms MUCH worse. The only thing that worked was the Mirena IUD. But since I am TTC I don't have that anymore.

The best thing you can do for yourself is diet and exercise. I know that's not what you wanted to hear. But start researching A LOT. Go on a diabetic diet. Limit your carbs. Eat clean. And exercise.

Losing 10% of your current weight will dramatically change everything.

We are here for you!!!

deleted_user 01/04/2013

i have had pcos since i was 18 and now i am 43 and my pcos has got allot worse and my weight has got out of control and i couldnt move it ..also i was so so so tired and i was asleep more then i was awake and the hair on my face..i went and got a couple of books and starting to read and get as much info as i could and what i lernt is the there is no cure for pcos but with a good diet and exercise can make life better.I was going to the gym and eating what i thought was a good diet but nothing seemed to work for me until i understood pcos ..i have changed my diet to eat mainly fresh food and fish and chicken and i do yoga everyday and i take vitamins and they make a big difference and i have not been tired since the vitamins and the best thing of all is i have started to feel like a woman and i have not felt that in a long time..and in a week and half i have lost 1 kilo

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