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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HarderToBreathe 10/18/2015

Hi all,
I was diagnosed with PCOS many years ago. I am not trying to get pregnant yet, but I have noticed over the past few months to probably years, but getting worse more recently, that I feel like my hormone levels may be off. Mainly, I feel like I get hot flashes, I feel depressed, and I get irritable very quickly. I just turned 30 this year. I never used to be like this. Has anybody else ever had this problem before? And if so, how did you treat it? Do I need hormones if my levels are off, or can i switch birth control pills?

Apple2014 10/26/2015

Hi there....I've been diagnosed since I was like 16 Years old. I'm now 31. I would go get lab work done to sew where you hormone levels are and what might be going on....also see if your doctor will run a thyroid check. I didnt have that till I was like 29 and I think I had it a lot earlier then 29. I am on medication now and feel better. Sometimes it is just a simple thyroid....good luck!!!

ARFtrainer 12/07/2015

Gynocologists sometimes don't seem to care about blood work regarding hormonal levels. I would HIGHLY recommend getting blood work as well, from the right physician. I currently see a Female Nurse Practitioner dealing in hormonal therapy for men and women.
I have had to change pills many times over the years (diagnosed at 18 and now 27) and it can be a struggle sometimes.
I recently was put on Ortho Tri Cyclen by a Gyno whom I no longer see (thank God) and it made me pretty crazy ;)

I am going to be switching to another pill soon and look forward to no longer having a larger amount of anxiety/depression, and unusual anger/irritability issues. Turns out my Testosterone was pretty high!

jennybobenny 12/31/2015

I just got blood work for three things - thyroid, prolactin and testosterone. My doctor was trying to diagnose my irregular periods by running out other things like hypothyroidism.

I had low/normal prolactin (which explains why I couldn't produce enough breast milk), normal thyroid and HIGH testosterone.

I am 32 and have been on ortho-tricyclen lo for 10 years but switched to the NuvaRing about 7-8 years ago. I like it so much more for the convenience than an every day pill. I think regulating my period helped with mood swings. Also helped reduce acne.

I'm also on antidepressants. They are magical. Lol but I have situational reasons to be depressed too so i see a therapist weekly as well. Man, I'm a beautiful mess! Lol I'm just now exploring how much is relates to my PCOS?

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