Possible PCOS

A few years ago I started having heavy/painful/irregular periods with period type pains throughout the month. I told my gp and she did blood tests (I think they were to see if I was ovulating/liver/kidney function) and iron levels. They came back normal...so she just put me on the pill to regulate things.

I was on Dianette most recently, but reacted with Migraines...so I can't have that any more as the COC is contra-indicated with Migraines.

I was off the pill for around 6 months until October...my periods went back to being heavy/painful/cramps throughout month/irregular etc. so I went to a women's health clinic and they put me on Micronor. Since being on Micronor I have had about 3 withdrawal bleeds in the space of 5 or 6 weeks. I went back to the clinic on Wednesday to ask if this was normal and the doctor didn't think that sounded quite right. She asked me about my symptoms when I've been off the pill and I told her heavy/irregular/painful bleeding. I also have acne and am on systemic antibiotics to control it as well as topical gel which I put on at night (still have breakouts) facial hair (a few years back my brother commented that I had a moustachesome), hair on my tummy, hair on my fingers and toes. I'm also a bit overweight..... but I felt it was as if she felt that being overweight is the reason for having PCOS I've got issues with my appearance so as right as the doc might have been, it was a slap in the face for me.

She seems to feel that all of my symptoms point to PCOS and she's going to treat me symptomatically - so told me that there's no point in doing blood test atm as they wouldn't get an accurate reading (as I've been taking Mirconor) I've also heard you can ovulate with PCOS.

OK, I know I've not got a 100% diagnosis....but she seemed 99% sure that's what it is.....I'm still in a bit of shock and would greatly appreciate anyone else's experience of PCOS.

Sorry for long post.

I don't have experience of PCOS but do have endometriosis, so I can relate to how you're probably feeling emotionally right now; to use a cliche, it can be a bit of a rollercoaster being diagnosed with this type of condition.

With regards to weight, with PCOS it's a bit of a vicious cycle. PCOS makes it VERY difficult to lose weight, but weight exacerbates the condition, so it's a bit of a catch-22; losing weight can help alleviate symptoms, but it's very difficult to lose weight. I'm sorry your doctor has been less than sympathetic in this regard; she should understand that not only does PCOS make losing weight hard, but hormones thrown into the mix (in the form of the pill etc) certainly don't help!

Have you been referred for a scan yet? As this should show up any cysts and so help diagnose the condition. I would push for one if you haven't had one, as I personally struggle to see the point of treating symptoms when you do not know the cause. PCOS is likely given your symptoms, but it could equally be a condition like endo, or it could be nothing at all: a scan will give an idea of what is actually going on. If your GP refuses, ask to see someone else and ask them to refer you a) for a scan and b) to a gynaecologist who specialises in PCOS.

The following link may be helpful; it's from the NHS site and details symptoms, treatment, and diagnosis:

http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Polycystic-ovarian-syndrome/Pages/Introduction.aspx

Hope that helps x