This post is a follow-up to You Were Just Diagnosed With PCOS… Now What?. If you’re here for the first time, check out that post before reading this one! 🙂
There’s a lot of women I know who have PCOS and aren’t necessarily trying to conceive a baby yet. They just want to function normally, feel like a woman and not be in so much pain. Sometimes they just want to lose weight and get healthier. There are some things you can do.
Birth Control
For many women with PCOS, birth control pills are their best friend. The hormones often help keep cysts at bay and cycles regulated, although the cyst claim is up for debate. For some women it’s the complete opposite (remember how I said before that all women are different?). That said, there are specific birth controls that are most recommended for women with PCOS. I’ll tell you right now that there are so many differing opinions on what birth control is best, so you really need to talk to your doctor (remember what I said about having a good doctor?). My doctor recommended Mirena, which many women I know have great success on. For me personally, I was not okay with the idea of it. The thought of some foreign object setting up camp in my uterus completely freaked me out. Some other women I know say it was the absolute best decision they ever made because they didn’t have to worry about it and they did great on it. If it doesn’t freak you out, it might be a great option. Other women I know have loved YAZ and have had great success with it as well. My personal experience with artificial birth control was fine before having Zoey, I was on YAZ and it didn’t bother me. After Zoey, I couldn’t take birth control at all without having a period for 2 weeks at a time (not exaggerating). For me, birth control is off the table. For you, it might be a great resource. For most women with PCOS, it is really great. Talk to your doctor.
Lifestyle Change
Women with PCOS are typically prone to high blood sugar and falling into a pre-diabetic range. I can’t stress enough how important it is to make sure your blood sugar is in check. With that, you will need to consider how you eat on a daily basis. The best thing you can do is start looking at a low-glycemic index lifestyle. This is going to help you keep blood sugar levels regulated, possibly help you lose weight, and for some women, it helps regulate their cycles and even helps them ovulate. I personally pay attention to the glycemic index of foods as much as I can, but wouldn’t you know it, I’m not typical… my blood sugar already runs low. I’m more hypoglycemic. I still have to really watch what I eat and keep my blood sugar stable, but I often find I have to bring it up instead of down. That said, it’s really important to eat throughout the day for sugar balance… as in every three hours. If you’re struggling big time with weight and PCOS, I would greatly recommend you find a nutritionist to talk to who can help you get on a specific meal plan for you. I’m not an advocate of fad diets because I feel like they set you up to fail. They’re in place to get you to “lose weight fast”, which isn’t practical in my opinion, and they don’t really teach you how to change your life with food. Counting calories and fat is not what you need. A balanced diet with whole foods that your body can process and break down in a healthy way is where it’s at. An awesome resource with information on how glycemic index impacts your PCOS: Your PCOS Diet. Also, I have a Pinterest board where I save things that inspire me to eat better: Eating for PCOS
Metformin
I was on Metformin once upon a time (twice, actually) and we figured out that it’s a huge mistake for me. Back in 2009, I was on it to help conceive my daughter and I didn’t have much trouble with it, other than the usual stomach issues that come with Metformin. At the end of 2013 and early 2014, I was back on it and wouldn’t you know, I had an incident where my sugar levels plummeted in public and I fainted at a restaurant… not good. My doctor yanked me off of it immediately and I’ll never go back on it! That said, I’m obviously a freak (ha!) and I can’t tell you how many women I know swear it’s a miracle drug for them. Talk to your doctor on whether it’s a good option for you. However, keep in mind that Metformin really pairs best with a low-glycemic index lifestyle, so if you go on it, consider making a huge change in how you eat as well. All that pasta is not your best friend (I know, don’t hate me). For information on Metformin and PCOS, check out Metformin for PCOS.
Natural Remedies
This is where I personally stand right now. We tried to conceive #2 for 2 years and in February decided to take a break. In the meantime, I am taking natural supplements to hopefully help boost my fertility and regulate my cycles. I gave an update in this post: Quick Update: Maca & L-Arginine are Working (I Think). For more specifics on what I take and why, you can check out this post: More Natural Ways to Improve Your Uterine and Ovarian Health. The #1 resource I rely on for all my information regarding natural remedies for PCOS is this: Natural Fertility Info. I love that website. If you click on that link, it’ll lead you to everywhere the site mentions PCOS. Some people say natural remedies do nothing for them. For me, it’s worth a try. We’re not actively trying right now (obviously not preventing) so I’m just hoping they help get my body on track in some way. Ultimately, I’d love to be able to conceive without fertility medication. For now, I can’t just stand by and do nothing… this is my way of doing something… even if we’re not tracking anything or trying to time things perfectly.
That’s it for now. As always, send me a message if you need to talk or ask questions. I may not have all the answers, but I will sure try to help you find them! Also, consider following me on Twitter! I try to share additional resources there – there’s a lot of great info out there for PCOS and infertility, and I try to share as much as I can through Twitter.
I just found you on Pinterest and found this information very helpful. My husband and I are not currently TTC, but are planning on it in July. I just found out I have PCOS last month. So far my doctor only has me on Provera. I’m not sure if I feel like it is working, but hoping. I just want to thank you for posting this, it really related to how I feel. I was okay with the news at first and then it sank in and I lost it after my last appointment. Thanks again for putting this out there and sharing your story!
Hi Lindsey! Thank you for taking time to comment. As much as I write to help other women not feel so alone in this journey, comments like this help me remember that I, too, am not alone, and that taking time to write about PCOS is worth it. Thank you so much for stopping by. I’ve never done Provera, we always used Prometrium to induce AF, but I know a lot of women said it worked great for them. Good luck on your journey and feel free to ask any other questions you may have!
Hi Jessi. I just found your articles on Pinterest as well. I was wondering if you have any articles about going through the diagnosis process? After my ob/gyn appointment this week, I’m feeling a little lost in it all. I went in to my appointment knowing something was wrong. I was thinking I would be diagnosed with endometriosis (my best friend has it) and came out of the appointment with an order for a bunch of blood tests and a transvaginal ultrasound and a new possible reason for my pain and ovarian cysts. I just don’t really know what to expect since we aren’t trying to conceive. What I really want to know is what are they looking for on the blood tests? What if the tests come back normal? Does that for sure mean I don’t have it, or that maybe I do and my hormones are just “normal” for this month? Eugh, I’m so frustrated with it…
I feel like PCOS requires multiple blood tests. They are going to check all your hormone levels, especially looking for testosterone. Our hormone levels are supposed to be in certain ranges depending on where we sit in the cycle (follicular phase, luteal phase). If you’re not TTC, they might just recommend you go on birth control for a while to trick your body into thinking it’s normal. Some women do great, some don’t. I personally can’t take it anymore, my body fights it way too much and I end up bleeding more than usual. But for some women, they are saving grace. They might want to check your levels over the course of a few months, but every doc is different. Some cycles, my tests have looked great! Others, not so much. Hormone levels can change day to day… that is what makes it so hard sometimes. Your ultrasound may be the true proof of your PCOS. Does any of this even help answer your question? lol Please let me know!
It does help! I’m already on birth control, have been for years to try to regulate everything but I still go 3 or 4 months without. My doctor says we might change dosages and try metformin depending on what the results say. It does definitely help to know that if this test is normal that something may still be wrong. I’m just happy my doctor has a plan of action. I’ve spent the last 3 years being told “it’s just part of being childbearing age” and that there’s nothing they can do. I’ve also always had very up and down blood sugar. Thank you so much!
Did your doctor ever suggest seeing an endocrinologist?
When I was 17 I found out that cysts were responsible for the horrible pain I was experiencing and put on birth control. I was always on birth control and then came off of it. A year later I googled some of the symptoms I was experiencing, including the inability to get pregnant. My doctor referred me to an endocrinologist. Of course I can’t get an appointment for several months… Confused about my prognosis I found your blog very helpful! Thanks!
Hi there, I am glad the blog has been helpful to you! My OB has a lot of the same knowledge an endo has – she did her residency at a fertility clinic. She can do everything an endo can minus IVF. She can even do IUI. I keep with her because I trust her and she hasn’t let me down. She’s truly a rarity in the OB world. 🙂
Hi Jessi,
I too found you on Pintrest! I love that you are sharing your story. I was diagnosed with PCOS and IR in November. I knew something was wrong and while I love my OBGYN she said all my levels were normal. I knew it wasn’t the case. An old family friend I knew would post different things about her job at an RE here in Atlanta, so I decided to reach out to her. She set me up with one of the Docs there. My RE immediately diagnosed PCOS, after listening to my symptoms, reading my test results, and doing an ultrasound. She put me on Metformin and recommended I see a Dietitian who works with patients who have PCOS.
I have to say, I really appreciate you and your blog. It is such an inspiration to me and I am praying that my husband and I will soon welcome our own addition to our family. Please keep it up! I have enjoyed reading your blog thus far!!!
Baby dust to you for #2!
Hi there! Thank you so much for your encouraging words. I’m so glad that my blog has been helpful to you. I’m also thrilled that you’re getting the help you need. That is key to success. 🙂 Good luck!
Jessi,
I have taken the time to read both your post about PCOS. I stopped BC last July with the intention of TTC. I have only had 3 periods since stopping BC. I starting working with the fertility specialist at my OB’s office. After a round (10 days) of Provera still not cycle. The dr ordered a ultrasound and I had that done on Monday. Yesterday, I received the phone call that their are strands of pearls on my ovaries. I am in shock. Worried I will not be able to conceive the children my husband and I want so badly, I have a 3.5 hour glucose test scheduled for Saturday and a follow up with the dietician at my OB’s office Tuesday. Is this the normal process diagnosing for PCOS?
Your helpful knowledge is greatly appreciated!
Hi Marissa! Well, the glucose test and meeting with a dietitian isn’t typical coming from an OB, but it’s GREAT!!! Your doctor does need to know if you need Metformin, and the glucose test will help with that. The dietitian will help you with a low-glycemic index diet, which will ultimately help your PCOS. I think it’s fantastic that your OB is moving in that direction – it’s a much better start than most people get! Please feel free to keep me posted – I love to hear how others’ journeys are playing out.
So, just got diagnosed yesterday, woohoo newbie. I actually feel relieved, it’s like everything I’ve been experiencing has come together and I have answers as to what is going on and I don’t feel nuts. However, I still have a million questions, that I don’t want a medical answer for. So mood swings, paranoia and a slight touch of depression? All part of this thing? How about hard time with memory and just a general mental fog? And when you do get your period, do you have this disgusting brown discharge before? Like I said, I have a million questions! Thank you for this blog, it’s an awesome insight into all this crap that’s basically a buffet of symptoms!
Hi Natasha! I’m so glad you stopped by and took time to comment. I promise you are not nuts. A lot of what you are experiencing is just a result of the hormonal imbalance that you have with PCOS. The depression, the mental fog, it’s all hormone-related. And you know what? It’s okay. Don’t let yourself feel broken or unworthy as a woman – be empowered. It’s just a set-back, but it does not define who you are. Remember that! As for my period, girl that thing varies so much from cycle to cycle. Sometimes I do get the brown before full flow, sometimes it’s just at the end. Brown usually means “old blood”. I have so much inconsistency with all that, I have given up trying to understand it, haha! If I get a period, woohoo I got one! But I just gave up trying to figure out why the flow is the way it is. I hope this all helps – feel free to ask more questions!
I was given the PCOS diagnosis this morning and found your site through Pinterest. Thank you for sharing your insight and stories. 🙂
Hi Melissa – thank you for commenting! I’m sorry that was your diagnosis this morning… I have been in your shoes. Scouring the internet for answers! Just know you’re not alone. <3
Hi! I just came across this article while scrolling through twitter and loved it! So, I don’t know if you’ll ever answer this since it’s from last year, but I have questions when it comes to PCOS and figured you might help. I’m 24 years old and was diagnosed at age 18. I have to admit that since being diagnosed (and before I changed doctors) I only went to my GYN once a year, because I was terribly missinformed of what having the syndrome meant. No Doctor ever explained how what I was going through was a result of habing the syndrome. I used to get irregular cycles (sometimes missed it for 3 months) until I decided to change doctors and found a new one who prescribed me with some micronized progesterone pills (that I had to take for only 10 days) and wich has helped my period be almost as regular as it can (every 30 to 35 days). I’m not sexually active right now so obviously I’m not taking any contraceptive pills or any other medication. But what is next for me? I’m not thinking babies anytime soon, but I’m taking care of myself (diet change and excersise) the best I can so that when I do try to get pregnant I’m as healthy as I can be. I don’t have weight or glucose issues, fortunately. Is that why my doctor doesn’t seem too concerned? Do I just go on with my life? Because most of the articles I read are about how PCOS affects fertility. My doctor tells me not to worry because having the syndrome doesn’t mean you’ll automatically struggle with getting pregnant. I feel kind of like at a stand still. Am I just paranoid? I just really want to be healthy and be a mommy someday! (I’m Venezuelan, so you can blame any spelling mistakes on spanish)
Hi Beth! I’m so glad you found this blog post and found it useful. It sounds to me like you are in a really good place right now – you’re not trying to conceive, you’re just trying to live out your life as regular as possible. I would suggest that you talk to your doctor about whether you need Metformin. It sounds like the answer is no if you don’t have insulin issues, but sometimes it is used to treat PCOS regardless. You may or may not need it, but it’s worth asking. Otherwise, with PCOS, eating well and exercising are great to help keep things in line, but sometimes they’re just not enough. If you aren’t having regular cycles on your own, then you will likely have fertility issues later. That alone is proof. When you are ready to try to conceive, your doctor will likely want you to try for 6 months before taking action, but the fact that you don’t have regular cycles without help is a red flag. You can try birth control pills if you want, if you’re having a lot of pain with your PCOS and just want to keep everything in line. Otherwise, I would just leave it alone for now. If you’re not in a lot of pain and are just experiencing the irregular periods, I would totally just let it go for now. You might want to look at some natural supplements, like maca root and L-arginine, to help regulate things, but they may not be necessary. It really sounds like you’re in a better spot than most women. Are you experiencing symptoms other than irregular periods?
Thank you so much for answering so quickly!! As you say sometimes having good eating habits and exercising regularly might no be enough, and that is exactly my fear. “Am I doing enough for now? Is there something else I can be doing to make this better?”. Actually right after I wrote the previous review I checked my period calendar on my phone: My cicle it’s every 32 to 46 days, it varies but I haven’t actually ‘missed it’ like I did before taking the progesterone, wich she prescribed only for 10 days (because at that time my period had been missing for 4 months) and that was it, I never took them again. I’ve been as regular as 32-46 days. As far symptons go, sometimes it makes even my back and legs and pretty much everything else hurt and it’s super abundant, sometimes not so much (wich surprises me). But, lately I’ve been getting this sharp pains on my lower belly that I have learned happen a few days before my period hits. It doesn’t last long, almost as if something contracts and then relaxes. I just mostly (wrongly) throw it off because I suspect it’s all related. Otherwise, its just hirsutism that bothers me, especially because its on my lower belly and bikini area. (I mean, super thick and super dark and just grows super fast and it’s frustating) I’m all about natural remedies so.. As many as you can throw at me! Again, thank you so much for your tips! I’ll be reading your other posts too.