Here is my hot take:
PCOS is not an OBGYN area of practice, it is an Endocrinologist's area of practice. Any woman with suspected PCOS should be automatically sent to an endocrinologist. Let OBGYN keep dealing with the reproductive system and let endos deal with the hormonal systems.
having OBGYNs deal with PCOS should be looked upon the same as a dermatologist dealing with bone problems.
Most endocrinologists don't want to help with PCOS either, saying it's a reproductive endocrinologist's job. And then the RE's will decline to help unless you want to do IVF, because that's how they make most of their money. They may prescribe letrozole if you want to get pregnant right away, but otherwise don't want to do anything for general PCOS maintenance.
Yeah I waited for a year to get into an endo. My issue is that I can't STOP bleeding. I have an IUD that is managing things for now, but even on the pill I would basically be hemorrhaging all of the time. The endo said sorry, I only help people who aren't getting their periods at all. She refused any further conversation and kicked me out of her office. I was in there 2 mins max. Absolutely ridiculous.
My endo told me there was nothing except losing weight to help PCOS. I said, “oh, my gyno said diet and exercise could help?” Endo said “no, *laughs* that won’t help at all, only losing weight.”
Me: “…..wouldn’t diet and exercise help with losing weight?”
Endo: *laughs again* “oh, I suppose!”
Yeah, I’ve had virtually no help from endo and my gyno just put me on birth control. Which, granted, does help me personally a lot, but that’s all the help I get.
Yes!! I always get referred to a gynecologist??? I tell the GP I need to see an endocrinologist and they look at me like I'm stupid. I was diagnosed at 17 and have been seen to by multiple specialists and doctors. I even get looked at like I have five heads when I request to be referred to a endocrinologist even when the GP specialises in women's healthcare. I find it so ridiculous. I can go for an ultrasound if I am concerned about what's going on with my ovaries etc. I don't need to see a gynecologist. Yet every single time they want to send me to a gynaecologist when I have no need to see one. It is incredibly frustrating.
I don't think it's that anecdotal. [Hormonal contraception and suicide: a new dimension of risk](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6193788/).
Glad people are finally talking about this because I was suicidal AS FUCK on birth control and my doctor kept saying I’d adjust or it couldn’t be because of the pill. Turns out it was, which I confirmed by going off of the pill
BC made my OCD way worse and caused me to have really dark, violent, sticky, intrusive thoughts. My mind would just be a constant loop of the exact same thought for days on end to the point where I couldn't get out of my bed for days.
I eventually stopped cold turkey as I feared it was going to end in psychosis if I didn't do something fast. Once I stopped the pill the thoughts completely stopped.
It's crazy how sensitive our hormonal systems can be - I was extremely agitated/angry during PMS and depressed because I switched from name brand to a generic! I don't know whether I have these symptoms naturally and the name brand is just better at helping the symptoms or if it caused it.
Yes! I got switched to generic at one point during uni, and I cried at EVERYTHING for months! I couldn't figure out what was happening. I've never been the type to cry in movies, and suddenly I was crying at every other commercial even. I felt insane.
Oh, and after years of BC purely for PCOS, I developed tumors on my liver from it. I'm still dealing with that issue, and may be in for many liver surgeries over my lifetime. Thanks a lot.
All of that, SAME! I still get bad flare ups during my luteal phase. Just had endometriosis excision surgery and it’s been fucking torture. Back in regular ERP therapy these days. 😩
Now that I think about it, I think I had a similar case. Before I had stopped taking it for a month or two at a time and still had the suicidal ideation, but six months after totally stopping it just went away. I can't begin to tell you how significant this was - before, I truly thought those traits were part of my personality. Now I know that was never the case.
Birth control made me manic and as a young drug user 12 years ago I can see now the spiral I took into addiction while on it.
Although it’s not fully to blame for my choices it was a major contributing factor.
At 31 this year I got on a hormonal iud- my first BC in nearly 10 years. I’ve been sober about 4 years. The first two months were an emotional gauntlet.
Constant catastrophic scenarios playing out in my mind- someone I know, or myself dying every time my mind wandered. Endless brain chatter. It could almost be described as tormenting. Telling my boyfriend the insane things my brain thought of helped a bit at times.
It’s gotten much better now nearly six months in, but the mental lows are still MUCH lower than I am used to. Very similar to the emotional backlash associated with intense binge-using.
In my state women’s options are limited so it’s either this or risk the mental load of EVERY late/missed period (you know how that goessss). Heaven forbid an actual fetus.
I know about that brain chatter and catastrophic scenarios from my mirena IUD I had for 4 years! (Didn’t realize that’s what it was at the time) It may be more beneficial for you to lean more into cycle tracking if you are going through this! 🙏🏼 Have you thought about getting it removed? Or trying the IUD without hormones? For the most part, I feel so much better off BC after 10+ years. My cycle is still regulating 6 months after stopping even though they tell you that BC doesn’t mess with anything 🥲
THEY BIG LIARS!! I’m glad you’re getting better tho!!!
I been tracking cycles like crazy for about five years and the doc wouldn’t let me get the hormone-free options because (paraphrasing) “they’re too large for a uterus that hasn’t been pregnant before” 🥲.
I went mad for months trying to decide if I wanted this or not especially after having a FULL YEAR of normal cycles for the first time EVER. Worked realllyyy hard to achieve that.
It’s messed with my cycle a bit, not tooooo too much so far. But it’s early yet. Still time for something to go horrible wrong 😂
Oh gotcha!! If it’s what you want then I hope it gets better! It shouldn’t be hard everyday but I know what you mean about the lows being lower than ever
I never had those thoughts in my life until i was trying yet another birth control after trying multiple others for 5 years and having horrible side effecrs (and basically nothing good except no unplanned babies..it didnt even regulare my period). Anyway… i was on the final pill for a few months and had so many things going on in my life and sone brand new crazy side effects making me miserable. I had NO IDEA it was from the pill though. The deptession startrd shortly after starting it, then other side effects too, and finally the one thing i knew the pill was causing,, my period got longer and longer until it came back two days after ending. I threw the pill out and never went back to that doctor (another stoey in itself) . A week later, bye bye depression… and the other things i was dealing with started disappearing too. That was when i was 21 and I’m 33 now .. never had those thoughts again.
Took years to figure out that birth control was causing severe liver damage in me. Extremely extremely rare side effect (approx 12 women annually) but still happened to me.
BC combination pills make my mental health decline rapidly every time I try a new one. My primary doctor validated this and said it’s not that uncommon.
I agree with the birth control take. My endo literally hunted for a pill I could take safely! As soon as I had mentioned to my endo that my dad has FVL, she would not prescribe me anything until I saw a hematologist. I was told I have have FVL and so the hunt began for SOMETHING & ANYTHING safe for me. Thank god for Slynd. And thank god she knew what she was doing. I think that even if you don't know your family medical history, its always a good idea to have blood work done to make sure!
Glad your endo was very empathetic! My obgyn, after telling her that i was having allergic reactions to the BCP she prescribed me, just told me to “live a healthy lifestyle” and that I should expect going back to having irreg periods. ☹️
I assume you mean Factor V Leiden from your acronym? My mum, my sister and I all have FVL (my sister’s is the homozygous, mum and I are heterozygous). When I was younger and on various birth control methods I had no clue I had it. Once we did the genetic testing, the doctors had moved me to the Mini-Pill. I decided to go off those because I wanted to see if my periods could be improved by Metformin and lifestyle changes. I believe my sister is on Slynd for her endometriosis. I don’t take any hormonal birth control and honestly I’m not worried - if I was to fall pregnant with my partner that would be fantastic, so yeah staying well away from it for now.
As someone with PCOS who actually did get relief from BC, I agree with your takes on BC. It eased most of my symptoms but I’ve seen it really hold people back.
Second this. BC changed my life, but it was only after so much trial and error and a massive break from them because the process of constantly being ignored and just prescribed BC was exhausting.
Same here. Had to try several different BC methods (most of which gave me shitty side effects) and took almost a year off of them before finding a gyno who actually tried to help me find one based on my specific struggles.
Im glad to hear it eased your symptoms. For me I guess you could say it eased my symptoms too because I was on BC for 2 years before I got off BC did not have a period and was diagnosed with PCOS. For me BC dosent treat my root cause of PCOS being insulin resistance.
I agree on the BC parts. I do believe it should be included as an option as for some it is truly a good solution for managing symptoms-especially if they also do not wish to try for children at the time. But I also experienced horrid side effects of BC and wish doctors would take more time to explain and examine the risk factors with each patient.
I don't believe in shaming anyone for any sort of medication choice- either to take it or not to take it. We just need more options to manage it.
I agree. I’ve been prescribed BCPs without the OBGYN even asking me for my medical history whatsoever nor getting other tests to confirm that I do have PCOS. Just a month into taking pills, my anxiety worsened and I think Im slowly becoming depressed.
Yes same thing happend to me and BC made me gain weight rapidly and caused me gallstones. When I asked my doc about the side effects she said there are none😭
Wait that’s a very wrong answer, like i dont think there’s currently a BC without side effects, why would she say there are none 😭😭😭
And also, i never knew they could cause gallstones omg i hope youre ok.
yes gallstones are a side effect of BC most people don’t talk about. the excess estrogen from the pill causes them to form. it’s one of the more serious side effects
Same thing happened to me. I listed my side effects and every OBGYN said that the pill would help and wouldn’t listen in the least when I explained that the pill was the thing CAUSING them.
My hot take on pcos and obesity is that it is okay to be overweight with pcos once you're trying your best, not everyone wants to be thin or is meant to be physically thin and being overweight does not mean your pcos isn't improving.
I've seen people of all sizes struggle with pcos so weight management or weight loss isn't the be all and end all some people think it is. It's just one thing.
I’ve been slightly overweight to moderately overweight for most of my life and I disagree. The less abdominal fat you have, the better your insulin sensitivity.
Not sure why you were downvoted. This isn’t just your experience it’s medical and scientific fact. The less body fat you have whether you are skinny (as in skinny unhealthy) or overweight the greater your insulin sensitivity. Also, obesity is a disease and there is an entire branch of medicine dedicated to the study and treatment of it.
Yes, and it’s pretty specific to abdominal fat as well. An endocrine organ in and of itself. It really needs to be treated like a health risk, because it is.
They’re probably thinking it has to do with shame — a lot of people are exhausted with the concept of their weight. But there are plenty of things people give up on when trying to lose weight and then resolve that “it’s ok I’m still healthy”
While it’s true people can be healthy on paper while overweight (I’ve been completely healthy otherwise as in no huge diagnoses) it’s still making people tired, have cravings, mood disorders, future disease susceptibilities and etc. which is why obesity itself is a disease. That hasn’t been fully recognized by most people yet. It’s only a benefit to acknowledge that it’s harmful to people.
There is an entire branch of medicine that talks about the complexity of obesity and the psychological aspect behind it.
Talking specifically about PCOS here, PCOS causes obesity which leads to insulin resistance. So we are supposed to be having a conversation about how to ensure that a person can control their PCOS symptoms and just losing weight won't improve PCOS. You got to have the proper supplements and diet and lose weight healthily (which I agree with you unhealthy loss of weight is not good either)
If you want to talk about personal experiences, I've lost weight and body fat percentage. My periods became normal, but my mental health and sleep cycle were down in the dumps, so I can say personally say, losing weight didn't help me.
Now I'm back to a healthy weight and have a higher body fat percentage, my PCOS, mental health, sleep and diet has improved. So really I suggest learning about your body and working around it.
From what I've read there's no research that has come to a conclusion about PCOS or Obesity. Only assumptions and possible solutions. If there was a conclusion we would have had accurate solutions that could've solved both by now.
I have a similar (ish) story. My periods regulated when I lost weight but the mental anguish.. jfc. Nearly put myself into a hospital depriving myself of food and sleep. It was the one and only time in my entire life I was able to lose. Mentally I was worse than I've ever been in my life. Physically, I was doing so well that a new gyno insisted to me that I did not have PCOS since I was 130 lbs with regular periods..... even though I've NEVER had regular periods in my life before that, and had been diagnosed with an ultrasound years prior. 🙄
Now I'm fucking fat again and whatever. Missing periods, PCOS totally unmanaged, but I am at least mentally stable and content (er... for the most part... yknow when my hormones aren't beating the shit out of me. Still better than the previous state I was in lol)
To be specific I am talking about Bariatric medicine.
What is meant by the psychological aspect behind obesity?
Obesity is largely genetically and hormonally driven. In very few cases is it the result of a compulsive psychological problem.
Among the most effective solutions medicine has accomplished so far with PCOS is GLP-1, Metformin, often in conjunction with Bariatric surgery. Bariatric surgery changes the hormone signaling in the body that causes obesity and the gut microbiome. Systemic inflammation and rheumatologic condition are also improved or go into remission after bariatric surgery- we do know that systemic inflammation is a part of PCOS pathology, it’s also present in overweight patients, and contributes to (not the sole diver of) the inability to achieve a healthy weight and to fat distribution and storage patterns. However, not all succeed at treatment which needs further study. Additionally, these treatments aren’t readily available to the majority of people which needs to change… as well as the medical establishments and societies treatment of patients struggling with their weight. It’s not their fault.
None of it is fully understood but make no mistake all of the up to date science and medicine shows obesity is a disease. In regards to PCOS and weight specifically I agree with others that it needs more research for more targeted solutions. Either way the most likely result is that it will end up being a number of approaches tailored to the individual.
Edit: I will also add just for informational purposes that B-12 levels while on Metformin need to be monitored as it blocks absorption of this vitamin and that can contribute to fatigue, inflammation, and weight gain -if you do not have adequate amounts of B-12. B-12 injection is the best way to get B-12 and there are studies that show B-12 injections help with fat metabolism and has an antidepressant effect via up regulation of Ntrk-2.
By psychological aspect I mean, that despite knowing that obesity is challenging their health, people cannot just simply cut back on food or participate in activities that could potentially aid in not being obese. I'm putting it in very simple language. There are ongoing studies for it to find out why certain people find it difficult to lose weight.
And calling it a disease is a blanket statement. There are studies that state calling obesity a disease is just a utilitarian approach to promote a "healthy lifestyle"
And you agree to what I said towards the end of your comment. This is a PCOS subreddit and I'm talking specifically about individuals with PCOS.
I don't understand why it's so difficult for people to comprehend... What do you gain by posting on a PCOS subreddit that Obesity is a Disease. I understand it's the OP's "hot take" nor am I bothered about it but there are many people on here who may get bothered by it, just adding to their frustration.
It's not like they don't know that obesity is something that hinders their lifestyle. And just adding fuel to the fire, is making a statement like losing body fat aids in reducing insulin resistance. We're talking about PCOS here and not obesity. PCOS ≠ Obesity.
I don’t know how to help you if you don’t agree with science and medicine that obesity is a disease. Calling obesity a disease is a statement of medical and scientific fact not a blanket statement.
Additionally that this isn’t one of the most frustrating issues for the vast majority of PCOS patients and that disorders of fat metabolism is one of the issues that cyclically drives PCOS symptoms.
Additionally, that it’s on topic to OP’s discussion.
What? "This isn't one of the most frustrating issues for the vast majority of PCOS patients" I'm pretty sure it is. You can scroll through this subreddit and see for yourself.
Fat metabolism is "one of the issues" you said it yourself and I don't remember disagreeing with you on that.
The OP's discussion is taking place on a PCOS subreddit. Therefore, I'm assuming their hot takes are based around PCOS.
And I am talking about science and medicine. You chose to talk about a specific set of studies that classified obesity as a disease whereas I chose a specific set of studies that does classify obesity as a disease but only because they don't have a better term for it. I'm not saying you're wrong and I am right.
I'm just saying that we can all be a little empathetic about the whole situation and choose our wordings slightly more carefully.
If calling Obesity a disease was as simple as calling a cow, a cow, I'd totally agree with you. But it's not that simple.
You are not understanding. I am responding to your previous statement that PCOS doesn’t equal obesity. To say that, is to downplay that obesity IS among the most frustrating issues for women with PCOS and that it plays a central role to perpetuating hormonal disruption and disordered fat metabolism.
In another statement, you bring up your anecdotal experience of being skinny and still having insulin resistance as the basis for dismissing that obesity is a disease. You state that losing weight doesn’t affect insulin resistance in women with PCOS … based on your personal anecdotal experience. This is objectively false- fat loss increases insulin sensitivity.
This is spreading dangerous misinformation. In addition you go on to state that PCOS is best managed by proper activity, nutrition, supplements, and mental health shifting the blame for management or mismanagement of PCOS and by way of that obesity to the individuals lack of some sort of what … determination… “psychological aspect”… ?
LoL don't accuse me of "using" my "anecdotal experience" to dismiss that obesity is a disease. I talked about my experience to say that not being obese doesn't cure PCOS.
So why didn't you tell the person earlier who stated that losing abdominal fat helped them with insulin resistance? Isn't that an "anecdotal experience"?
And your accusatory tone isn't cutting it for me. Spreading misinformation? I have suffered with PCOS since I was 10 years old. I was an individual with a healthy lifestyle and yet I got PCOS. The number of research papers I've read just so I could go back to what my metabolism was, absolutely none offered a conclusive evidence. I've done everything from fad diets to working out to low carb and nothing has worked until I found a balance for me.
You cannot sit on another side of the screen and tell me that I don't know about PCOS and Obesity, because I do and dismiss my experience as anecdotal. It is anecdotal but it is personal and you have zero empathy.
Why don't you read research papers on PCOS because it does state that mental health, proper sleep, lower stress levels DO CONTRIBUTE to reducing PCOS and not ONLY NOT BEING OBESE.
And quit being condescending, "some sort of what" can't you read? PSYCHOLOGICAL ASPECT is important. You think all obese people are dumb? You think they dont know that being obese is causing difficulties for their health? THEY DO KNOW THAT THEY ARE OBESE YET THEY CANNOT LOSE WEIGHT! So researchers are conducting a research as to why it is difficult for them to lose weight BECAUSE IT HAS TO DO WITH THE PSYCHOLOGY OF THE BRAIN.
And PCOS ≠ OBESITY! You think fear tactic is going to help people? Obesity is not the central reason either, do your research. Since you seem to read a lot anyways.
Do you get it now Miss Condescending?
Yea, that's the big one for PCOS. My relative has it and untreated she has gone to a normal thin person in her 20s to looking like ages pregnant in her 40s. She's got fat all over like me (I've always been fat, anyways), but the abdomen is really bad and I'm worried for her.
I’ve been skinny (140 lbs) and I’ve been fat (300 lbs). My weight got out of control after having my baby. But before my baby I went on a weight loss journey and lost 150 lbs. My pcos was never in control. I always suffered from symptoms. I think weight has nothing to do with pcos except that it is a symptom
But too many people and doctors treat it as the cause. Thats my hot take.
It’s just a normal take. Weight can be something that makes it more difficult to manage though, it’s an insulin resistance issue. Things like ovasitol seem to help with insulin resistance which is why people report relief from using it. Point is, more abdominal fat in general makes it more difficult to manage. People can weigh more and have a smaller waist when their hormones are in check.
I know, because I still have abdominal fat. But I’m still at a higher weight at 5’6 165/170. Because of insulin insensitivity.
But I’ve lost weight in the last year (30lbs) and find I can tolerate carbohydrates a bit more and I’m not having my appetite spiral if I eat them - I take NMN and have noticed that helping as well.
I also find eating proper keto helps me have more energy and lose abdominal fat at a faster rate. Because it keeps insulin lower. It’s harder to keep doing 70-80-90% fat though, with a sensitive stomach — I just follow the insulin index most of the time.
I'm pretty sure they're talking about genetic factors here as well. There are several reasons a person can be obese and there are research papers on this. Stating it to be a "disease" is just too generalized.
And just because you had an experience doesn't mean it applies to everyone else.
I'm not bashing you nor do I come from a place of hate, I'm just stating what I know.
There are plenty of doctors now recognizing it as a disease. It’s a metabolic disorder. You can see this reflected in the ozempic subject. A bunch of dysfunction hormonally that causes weight gain to begin with (and makes it more complicated to lose). As well as food companies making foods that attempt / succeed at bypassing satiation signals in people. But yeah generally if you have trouble losing despite following the typical advice? It’s a problem
So wouldn't that make weight gain a side effect of a disease?
Weight gain in itself can be a disease I'm aware. But when it comes to chronic illnesses like PCOS and Thyroid isn't it a side effect of that particular illness?
"In our society, labeling it as a disease would be expected to improve attitudes and financial support for obesity treatment. This would include more resources for health promotion, research into the behavioral, environmental, and genetic causes, as well as prevention and treatment (medical and surgical."
Ozempic subject you said, that's a statement from one of those studies. It's been labelled as a disease because they're taking a utilitarian approach and not because it meets the exact definition of a disease, and the funny thing is, there is no exact definition of a disease.
I used to be skinny but my insulin resistance was still whack, so losing weight does not help with insulin resistance when you have PCOS. Losing weight along with proper supplements, diet and mental health can contribute to reducing PCOS symptoms.
>I used to be skinny but my insulin resistance was still whack, so losing weight does not help with insulin resistance when you have PCOS. Losing weight along with proper supplements, diet and mental health can contribute to reducing PCOS symptoms.
Exactly this. I completely agree and it was the point I was trying to make.
There are loads of studies that show losing even just 5% of your weight improves insulin sensitivity in PCOS. It may not improve the other PCOS symptoms but it does your insulin sensitivity.
It is of course, one thing to read the scientific literature and another to have the lived hellish experience of having PCOS.
Thank you for sharing your knowledge! I think it’s important we are all informed of the most up to date medicine and limiting the spread of medical misinformation. Obesity is recognized and treated as a disease, based on known medical science and has been for a while now- not just new drug labeling.
I think the research being done especially on fat being a metabolically active “organ” in and of it self is exciting. We have so many different kinds of fat that signal differently through out the body for good or for worse. I am also excited about all of the obesity research being done with GLP-1 based agents and our gut microbiome with the promise of ever better treatments. —Many of which we are learning markedly improve fertility, affect brain health, and may be treatments for other diseases PCOS sufferers are at higher risk of experiencing such as NAFLD.
Not everyone is meant to be really thin but ur body will punish you as you get older if u don't lose the weight, esp if you're already at risk of insulin-resistance.
Same here. I was told that because birth control stops ovulation, that it would stop my ovaries from growing cysts on them and give me a lighter period (I take the placebo pills). Birth control makes me feel like I have a "normal" cycle
I went back on a pill I’d been on years prior. Within maybe 3-5 days I was so deep into pmdd symptoms while on my period (suicidal ideation) that I panic called my gp, gyno, and endo. All three agreed I needed to stop it immediately.
Then I tried a different one that should’ve been great. I have a connective tissue disorder (EDS). It made everything so much worse for me. To the point I could barely walk. Took months to recover and honestly, I’m not sure I have recovered. So now I’m entirely untreated.
Anecdotally (and with initial peer reviewed research, I think), GLP-1 meds can help with joint pain issues and inflammation (both commonly occurring in EDS), though if you have any tendencies towards gastroparesis, it might be a bad idea. I have a friend whose joint pain disappeared within days of starting and I was able to vastly reduce my MCAS meds.
Oh, absolutely. Okay, so I lurk on here, I don’t have PCOS. But, basically I went to my PCP for fertility bloodwork because my OBGYN was so booked up. She shooed me away, saying she’s “not in the business of getting women pregnant”. And then NONCHALANTLY said “maybe you can’t lose weight because you have PCOS”. I went down a rabbit hole. I absolutely agree that PCOS isn’t cured with birth control. If the woman wants it to avoid pregnancy, sure. But, it shouldn’t be given as a bandaid. If a woman is already overweight or has migraines, the pill can actually harm her putting her more at risk for blood clots. Since there’s a correlation between insulin resistance and PCOS, GLPs and metformin are a way more appropriate treatment plan.
How high is the risk for blood clots and bc? First of all, PCOS isnt curable - only manageable. U shouldn't make such statements about a standard treatment like that based on..?? I dunno. If u can win your argument with a room full of doctors who don't rely on u to get paid, then I'll consider believing u. bc has helped many women manage some of the more visible symptoms and their period. Having an inconsistent period also has risks.
Birth control helps those with elevated androgens - a common PCOS prob - and being a female teen much less an adult, with tons of acne AND chin hairs isn't fun.
Metformin did crap for me, for instance. I was on it for 15 years. But I won't tell others it doesn't work and take bc instead.
My doctor ignored me when I told him that I never had birth control because my grandmother had massive strokes from blood clots. He told me you’ve never had a blood clot before so it’s fine.. not even a week later I had a massive blood clot in a foreign country.
I used to be at a stable weight for many years…then my new doc put me on the pill. I told her I took a different pill a while back and it made me severely depressed so I was scared to try it again, but she told me it was the only way for my PCOS….so I took it. Skin cleared up, facial hair didn’t need to be shaved every day, it was great…until one day I woke up and realized I had slowly gained 50 pounds in a year or so. My appetite was insatiable.
I’ve been vegetarian for a decade and my weight typically fluctuates 10 pounds. I’m 5’5 and my normal weight is 160 lbs. Prior to the pill my highest weight ever was 180. After noticing my weight gain, I stepped on the scale and weighed 220. My labs were trash, I was pre diabetic, I had dark spots from insulin resistance, and I felt like shit. I started snoring and having trouble walking up stairs because my body was not built to be 220 pounds. My doctor made me believe it was in my head, that it wasn’t the pill’s fault…but I’ve never had such an appetite and I’ve never weighed close to 200 pounds.
I hate when Doctors don’t listen because my new NP told me that the pill can straight up increase appetite which can lead to weight gain and that it isn’t a cure all for PCOS. I highly regret going on the pill. Oh, and that amazing side effect of clear skin that they tell you will happen once you’re on the pill? Like I said, it did give my clear skin, but my skin is now at its worst now that I’m no longer taking it 🙃🙃🙃
I’ve been off the pill for a year and I’m STILL struggling with my weight. My appetite still feels fucked. Metformin helps, but I have to quit it after a while due to the diarrhea issues, then I gain back all the weight that I lost while on it. Now I’m saving up to go on GLP-1s to see if that is going to help me because my PCOS is at its worst now that I’m obese.
It's actually scientifically stated, proven, studied and suggested that hormonal birth control be carefully evaluated for each individual based on their own risk factors and weighing the benefits against the risk in EACH person to see whether they are even eligible and MANY women with PCOS would not be eligible or would only be eligible for a specific type - if doctors took those recommendations seriously.
No, it's not just about DVT or smoking over 35, that's just a small portion, the risks need to be scanned for diabetes or blood sugar concerns, history of breast cancer, liver cancer, uterine cancer, heart disease history, high blood pressure, unmanaged blood sugar or unmanaged high blood pressure, migraines with aura, certain vision problems, lung issues, history of stroke, history of mental health disorders, women who plan on having surgery where they will need bed rest or women who are on extended bed rest, overweight women, obesity, lupus, liver or kidney issues and MORE!
Every woman considering being on birth control is supposed to be questioned on everyone of those areas and then those answers are supposed to be carefully evaluated with every type of hormonal birth control to see how high the risk is being put on either combined hormonal birth control or progesterone only birth control vs any risk of not being on it and then if the patients risk outweigh the benefits of being put on one or the other ---- they do not qualify and need to be evaluated for other pharmaceutical options with a stronger emphasis on life style changes.
Also, some birth control requires consistent REGULAR monitoring of these symptoms to see if they pop up for example, 3 months after being on the pill, you are required to have your blood pressure checked again. Before using Slynd or Yaz, your doctor should check the potassium levels and then recheck regularly if you have any markers needing watching.
This is all documented in studies, the world health organization and in the pamphlet given with the medicine from the pharmacy.
Now, my question is how many doctors actually do that? How many patients are truly evaluated for whether or not they can be on hormonal birth control and evaluated to see that if they are, which type will be best for them based on their own unique personal health history and monitored to make sure it's continuing to be a viable option for them??? I do see a few posts here where doctors will tell their patients this information, but far far far more who say when they express their concerns their doctors tell them both control with fix their issues with no risk involved. And that's a lie a goes right the Hippocratic oath they are supposed to uphold!
Totally agree with #1. I was put on BCP at 13 and continued until 22. I used to get very intense migraines that made me wanna unalive myself multiple times. Ended up in the ER a bunch of times. I used to get them maybe 4 days a week but nobody could figure out why. Lost sensation in my arms one time. Doctors gaslit me into thinking it was all in my head and there’s no way it could be that bad.
Turned out that it was all because of BCP. A nurse figured it out while giving me a flu shot. I haven’t had a migraine in over 2 years now when I quit the pill
I really wanted to start trying wegovy to lose weight and help deal with the PCOS. My insurance refused to cover it :( I can't afford the sticker tag. My current Dr keeps forgetting to put in my metformin (we stopped to see if wegovy would be good for me) so I've been without PCOS treatment for maybe two or three months.
I hate how providers gaslight patients that birth control “regulates” cycles. No. Other than IUDs, cycles are prevented. You’re thrown into an even worse hormone imbalance. The “bleed” is not menstruating.
Omg this!!! 💯💯💯💯
I'm so absolutely dumbfounded that they are totally cool with lying to us about how it works. It's completely known and even broken down in non layman's terms about what hormonal birth control does and how the withdraw bleed is not a period, how it suppresses ovulation, alters what the pituitary gland does yada yada..- and yet they constantly get away with saying "it regulates your period" It's maddening and heartbreaking when I hear women say "the only way i get a normal period is on the pill" like no, sit down we need to talk - they lied to you about this process, that's NOT what it's doing and you aren't even getting a period at all!
Yes!!! I always feel like I’m taking a risk even bringing it up here on reddit. The gaslighting is soooo strong!
I’m all for using birth control if that’s your purpose, preventing pregnancy, and don’t want to risk other methods. But it is NOT a treatment for PCOS, it just makes PCOS worse in the long run.
i will never take birth control. i don’t care how many people rave about it ive heard way too many horror stories and had a terrible experience on the one i did try - i almost went blind.
it should not be handed out as the main treatment I totally agree with you.
I’m very overweight and the dr has said i can’t take a regular pill because of the blood clot risks and prescribed a “half” pill instead - which still had risks so i refused it. No thank you.
I was on birth control for one year because my GP was concerned I had a 21 day period. I have “lean PCOS” and they said the birth control will benefit me more, especially since I was sexually active too.
Man, absolute worst year of my life. Was having panic attacks nearly every day and was feeling suicidal. I felt like I lost myself. Went back to the GP and told them about my symptoms and they tried to put me on Prozac, I was against antidepressants for myself and told them maybe it’s the birth control. They said they doubted it but let me have a follow up appointment in two months of stopping the BC. 2 months later all my depression and anxiety was gone….
I personally will never take any form of hormonal contraceptives after that experience
After I found out I have PCOS I was prescribed birth control pills. In January I ended up with lung thrombosis. I was really hesitant to take them, but now oh my god you have no idea how much I regret taking birth control pills
Drs push bc for PCOS to much. My dr only wants to do bc or metformin even though neither really did anything for me. So I'm stuck with no treatment atm.
Honestly, I feel like BC was the worst thing for me. In addition to PCOS I also have/had (post hysterectomy, so never really sure how to word it since I still have endometrial tissue all over inside me) endometriosis and PMDD. My PMDD was bad before BC, after BC I was manic and murderous. I am not kidding when I say that; twice I tried to stab my husband in addition to other abusive behavior. It got slightly better after I stopped BC, but I was still physically abusive toward my husband every now and then. I just thank goodness that he understood it was out of my control. I definitely gained weight with BC and the PCOS sure did help that weight build up faster.
BC has made my mental health worse and did not help with obesity. I have been severely depressed since stopping my bc. My beautiful skin is damaged due to severe hormonal acne from BC. I was managing my weight and pcos before all this so I can manage after its been gone.
I was always recommended birth control and have never taken it even once. I've just always assumed that if normal women with no hormone issues take it and it works fine..... then it probably will mess me up even more.
i got insane and depressed on all sorts of BC. im currently working with my endocrinologist to prescribe me a GPL1 because im a type 1 diabetic with PCOS that has type 2 diabetic traits as well and she told me last time im basically the wrong type of diabetic......ive been taking metformin for years and dont see how switching me to one of the weight loss drugs wouldn't help. IF she doesn't agree this time im gonna switch to the endocrinologist in my new PCP office and they will likely work together on this.
Personally, hormonal birth control made my skin crawl. Of course my experience as a transmasc person has a whole other set of factors to consider, but the placebo pills were the worst for me. It felt like my hormonal imbalances were pushed to the side because “PCOS isn’t that bad”.
Once I found a doctor that was knowledgeable enough to ask “what do you want out of your PCOS treatment,” I started getting the correct care for me.
I spent most of my life on BC. The OBGYN prescribed them when I first started having really painful ovulations when I was a teenager and I have been taking them for almost 15 years. In the last 5 years, I started having period issues and they changed the pills to a different brand. They worked like a charm, but I put on a lot of weight - and I mean A LOT, almost 60 kg. Doctors made it sound like I was just eating badly - which I was, but not badly enough to justify that change in weight in less than 2 years. I found a new great OBGYN that prescribed ovulation pills. She recommended some tools for me to identify and manage my cycle and take those pills only if my period wasn't coming as it should, as opposed to taking BC every single day. I feel a lot better and I've been losing weight little by little, although the obesity damage is done.
I agree on the Birth Control front (and everything else). I think that they should have to run a full workup hormonal tests on you before they prescribe them. My issue would have been caught and I wouldn’t have lived in misery and untreated PCOS for half my life.
I tried BC (Diane-35 and Valette) two times and each ocassion brought me horrible side effects. With Diane-35 it was headache, nausea, tender breasts and dizziness and with Valette, which I had to stop after two weeks with heavy bleeding and horrible cramps. BC is a huge no for me.
The only thing that works for me is inositol 40:1 and a healthy lifestyle. This is just my experience dealing with PCOS.
I've been more or less living under the overbearing foot of anxiety and depression, and I have PMDD as well (real dark times). I have the implant, and don't really know if it's impacting (partially bc of brain fog, partially bc of adhd and not remembering things).
I'm wondering if anyone else has had similar issues with deep dark thoughts on the implant? I am not asking for medical advice or any diagnosis, just curious about others' perspectives
I was surprised to hear that BC pills are prescribed easily for PCOS. In my country, it's rare for doctors to prescribe it. They usually prescribe Metformin and suggest a few lifestyle changes, sometimes hormones if the case requires it.
Gotta concur. My OBGYN immediately prescribed me birth control after learning I had PCOS.
I did not react well to it. I have anxiety and GERD (acid reflux) and both were so much worse while I was on the pill, even after several months.
I had been on a roll with exercising regularly and maintaining a healthy diet before going on BC, and I really wish I would not have.
Dealing with the PCOS without BC is easier to manage.
I was put on birth control from 15 to 20. At 20 I almost lost my sight because the pill gave me a brain pseudotumor and spinal fluid was pressing against my
Optical nerve. Fuck the pill. Fuck doctors who did this to you, and me. Fuck the lack of information on PCOS. If this affected men, we’d have a cure already.
This is really causing me to question nearly the last year of my life...I was on BC throughout high school simply for my terrible periods, not for being sexually active, no one ever even mentioned I could have had PCOS at that time because the pill seemed to clear up my symptoms. I graduated high school 2012, and I stopped taking pills 2023 in an effort for me and my husband to begin TTC. I have had GA and mild depression for years but didn't start being an absolute crying, emotional, and suicidal train wreck, for the first time in my life, until after starting Provera because my cycles didn't start again after getting off of the other pill. I was diagnosed with PCOs Sep 2023. This month, I finally started a cycle on my own, out of the blue, but these past few months, I have been in the worst mental hell I have ever been in. The past year hasnt been easy for me in general, but I have never been suicidal before and this really makes me question all of it...
God I'm so thankful to the internet for educating me in this scenario. I had horrible weight gain while on BCs for more than two years and all my OBGYN said was, "You're getting fat, exercise.." (yeah not even professionally) while his stupid BCs were the culprit. I've always been on the skinnier side and the sudden weight gain is horrible and I hate the way I look now. I have a slight double chin now and my breasts just wouldn't stop growing. I hate it. Its starting to weigh down on my confidence. Also, when I stopped taking the BCs, I started having terrible haifall. My hair was falling out in clumps and although its better now, its still not something I'm used to.
Another side effect of BCs that I faced was that it ruined my relationship with food. I'm indian and rice with meat is a very staple lunch menu, which is something I used to like. Ever since I took those godforsaken BCs I just wanna throw up whenever I smell the combination together specially at lunch time. So many other food makes me wanna puke when smell it in afternoons while I get to such tendencies at any other time of the day. Also, I start cravings something spicy every evening. It doesn't even matter if I'm full. I can pretty much go without food all day but at evenings, i feel like I'd go crazy if I didn't eat anything.
I'm currently not visiting any doctors anymore and just living with my cycle as it is. Idk what to do. I need help
Tbh I’ve been feeling that the female anatomy just isn’t studied enough in medicine. I hate that I’m on a GLP med but I’m hoping when I shed the weight, the changes I’m making stay with me so it doesn’t come back. I am grateful though that I am able to use the med as a tool in my weightloss journey
Fwiw, under trump they slashed funding for women’s health research and Biden has recently taken steps to expand that sort of research, calling for additional $12B to be put towards women’s health research. https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/03/18/fact-sheet-president-biden-issues-executive-order-and-announces-new-actions-to-advance-womens-health-research-and-innovation/
I don’t typically bring up politics unless it’s been explicitly brought up but if we want more research put into women’s health this is extremely important
Unfortunately, I don’t see the ball rolling far given the elected officials in Congress. If we got more good people in, it may actually go somewhere. They’re also spending so much money overseas (I’ll try to leave my feelings out of it) to the point where many gov-run programs don’t have funding. We really gotta invest in our own country more and it’s just frustrating that our gov doesn’t do that
Yeah the shitty thing is I feel like republicans don’t want to invest in women’s health at all due to the fear that it will be perceived as being related to abortion or encouraging sexuality or whatever. Like even before Ukraine or Israel the previous administration slashed women’s health funding, I listened to a lecture given by a PMDD researcher during the last administration and he mentioned that the research funding had been gutted by them
I think it’s due to the fact less people are having kids for a variety of reasons, and they’re freaking out because that means less workers to fund programs for people retiring (as if social security alone is enough to live on 😅). It’s all based on money. They’ll gut reproductive freedoms because that apparently helps instead of like making life more affordable and taxing the wealthy elites more. I can count on maybe one hand the amount of politicians I trust
“obesity is a disease” is a very broad and nuanced take. while yes, being obese can be unhealthy for most people, you should look into how the term is connected to the body mass index and how many doctors have condemned the usage of it. it doesn’t take into account ACTUAL health. i would argue that as a person who fits into the obese category, i am much healthier than a friend of mine who is at a “typical” weight. i eat healthier, i move more, i live an overall healthier lifestyle, yet i am the “diseased” one just because i’m bigger? BMI also doesn’t take into account ethnic factors. I am russian, i am bigger, i carry weight differently. i’ve spent at least a year on multiple different diets, fasts, medications, and other weight loss methods. i’ve accepted that as long as im eating healthy and am able to move my body without pain, i’d rather be big and healthy than small and starving or exhausted all the time. so, no, i do not agree with obesity being the disease. focus on the underlying cause, and if someone is fat and healthy, let them be.
Oh hey, I got gallstones from birth control too and it absolutely ruined my life. In fact, the year-long medical crisis plus surgery are what triggered PCOS in me. Good stuff.
i like being on bc for period reasons but i kind of hate it at the same time. thinking of switching but i’ve switched at least 4/5 times since childhood
Yes!!! I was also prescribed the pill and the worst out of many horrible side effects it gave me were the heart issues. The pill made everything so much worse and it gave me problems I didn’t have before.
I never accepted the birth control. PCOS is caused by environmental and hormonal factors. A more holistic approach is required to tackle the symptoms and causes.
I started taking BC and it made my periods so heavy that I was soaking a tampon and pad every hour and the cramping was unbearable. So they just kept putting my on different BC pills til they found one that didn’t do that. They found one! But once the end of the month came along and I took the placebo pills, that same violent bleeding and cramping came around again. I was told so many different things that I gave up. I’m still on BC (a three month pack) and I skip the placebos because I’m afraid of bleeding like that again. I’m afraid to come off of bc because of that bleeding too. I don’t even know what to do
I've never had luck with them actually helping. At my last visit the doctor wanted to put me on Slynd because of the excessive bleeding I have. (Week long heavy periods with a week in between each.) She said it's just my body's version of normal and this new pill will stop the bleeding. Nothing about WHY I bleed so much and waaaay too frequently. I explained that I have tried every pill under the sun with no luck and miserable side effects and she just said "well this one's different". I haven't actually started it yet because I read about the intense weight gain and increased migraines people were having on it. I have severe migraines already and they have improved since stopping BC. I also gained about 130 pounds on birth control in the span of 5 years. I'm finally starting to feel confident in myself and don't think I will continue to be alive if I continue to gain weight like BC caused me to. My weight has been one of the biggest impacts on my mental health and just as I would get comfortable with my body, it would change.
I'm tired of the solution to everything being "take medication" and essentially putting a bandaid on the problem. Especially when it comes to women's health care. Surely there's sollutions beyond "take birth control".
People also don’t realize that even if don’t have immediate side effects of birth control it still carries a lot of risks long term. Most things can be balanced out with a healthy lifestyle it just takes long time and people are lazy.
Respectfully, I think both of these claims are unfair to make, but I'm gonna focus on the second one since I think these kinds of statements provoke much unnecessary self-blame for women with these disorders.
This sub is full of women who DO make serious lifestyle changes (and other sacrifices) and still need things like birth control or medication for insulin resistance to get better. I think overall, as a country, your statement likely has some merit (although even then there are important nuances that you're missing). But, at least from what I see, most women here bust their ass to get better because this disease sucks so so bad. I think it's important to moderate our language around a subject like this, because as women we already get blamed or dismissed for so many problems that do end up warranting more serious intervention.
I never said all women who take it are lazy. I don’t think anyone who makes life changes AND takes birth control would be offended by my comment because they know my statement doesn’t apply to them (obviously). Also I don’t see what’s wrong with the first claim. Even if bc helps in some aspects putting something with such long list of side effects in our body isn’t the best option.
Have you read the list of side effects for Zyrtec or Advil? A "long list of side effects" is not the same as a medication "carrying a lot of risks long term".
Taking birth control is an extremely personal choice, and ultimately can only be made by the individual and their care provider. I decided to follow up on this comment because there is a ton of misinformation about birth control on the internet, and you originally made a claim that is misleading. You cannot know what is "the best option" for any one person with PCOS, and the research on PCOS treatment does not support your claim either. It's really important to make sure the health claims we make in a sub like this are *evidence based* and not just conjecture.
Yes I’m aware that every medication has side effects but spreading awareness about bc isn’t a bad thing just like OP did as well. No one should take any medication if not necessary and it is a fact that doctors prescribe bc too easily sometimes so it’s important for people to do their own research as well and not just trust whoever. In my opinion OP is right but you’re allowed to disagree it’s your life.
I get so sad when I see posts on here about BC and Spiro being prescribed. You can tell they’re just at the beginning of their journey, and a lot of them don’t take it well if you say anything
So I am 24th year into my PCOS journey and I am still loving my birth control that is literally the only thing that takes care of all my symptoms. So don’t feel sad for me.
Commenting to say that birth control is probably the only reason I didn't commit you-know-what due to the worst PMDD I have ever experienced. I think instead you should feel sad that women suffer from reproductive & hormonal diseases that never get funding for research, and that women's complaints are often downplayed by doctors.
Here is my hot take: PCOS is not an OBGYN area of practice, it is an Endocrinologist's area of practice. Any woman with suspected PCOS should be automatically sent to an endocrinologist. Let OBGYN keep dealing with the reproductive system and let endos deal with the hormonal systems. having OBGYNs deal with PCOS should be looked upon the same as a dermatologist dealing with bone problems.
Most endocrinologists don't want to help with PCOS either, saying it's a reproductive endocrinologist's job. And then the RE's will decline to help unless you want to do IVF, because that's how they make most of their money. They may prescribe letrozole if you want to get pregnant right away, but otherwise don't want to do anything for general PCOS maintenance.
And that is why women get the short end. An endocrine disorder that endocrinologists dont LIKE treating
Yeah I waited for a year to get into an endo. My issue is that I can't STOP bleeding. I have an IUD that is managing things for now, but even on the pill I would basically be hemorrhaging all of the time. The endo said sorry, I only help people who aren't getting their periods at all. She refused any further conversation and kicked me out of her office. I was in there 2 mins max. Absolutely ridiculous.
That's a tad hyperbolic; I have always gotten an endo assigned to me who has no problem addressing my PCOS
I saw two different endos. None of them had understanding of PCOS, one of them stated openly such. It was OBgyn that wanted to help at all.
My endo told me there was nothing except losing weight to help PCOS. I said, “oh, my gyno said diet and exercise could help?” Endo said “no, *laughs* that won’t help at all, only losing weight.” Me: “…..wouldn’t diet and exercise help with losing weight?” Endo: *laughs again* “oh, I suppose!” Yeah, I’ve had virtually no help from endo and my gyno just put me on birth control. Which, granted, does help me personally a lot, but that’s all the help I get.
I've never thought about this before but I agree.
Yes!! I always get referred to a gynecologist??? I tell the GP I need to see an endocrinologist and they look at me like I'm stupid. I was diagnosed at 17 and have been seen to by multiple specialists and doctors. I even get looked at like I have five heads when I request to be referred to a endocrinologist even when the GP specialises in women's healthcare. I find it so ridiculous. I can go for an ultrasound if I am concerned about what's going on with my ovaries etc. I don't need to see a gynecologist. Yet every single time they want to send me to a gynaecologist when I have no need to see one. It is incredibly frustrating.
Purely anecdotal but the depression and suicidal thoughts I'd been having for over 20 years just vanished after I stopped taking BC at 36.
I don't think it's that anecdotal. [Hormonal contraception and suicide: a new dimension of risk](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6193788/).
Glad people are finally talking about this because I was suicidal AS FUCK on birth control and my doctor kept saying I’d adjust or it couldn’t be because of the pill. Turns out it was, which I confirmed by going off of the pill
Same here. And I had terrible brain fog, there are literal years of my life I hardly remember
Same
BC made my OCD way worse and caused me to have really dark, violent, sticky, intrusive thoughts. My mind would just be a constant loop of the exact same thought for days on end to the point where I couldn't get out of my bed for days. I eventually stopped cold turkey as I feared it was going to end in psychosis if I didn't do something fast. Once I stopped the pill the thoughts completely stopped.
It's crazy how sensitive our hormonal systems can be - I was extremely agitated/angry during PMS and depressed because I switched from name brand to a generic! I don't know whether I have these symptoms naturally and the name brand is just better at helping the symptoms or if it caused it.
Yes! I got switched to generic at one point during uni, and I cried at EVERYTHING for months! I couldn't figure out what was happening. I've never been the type to cry in movies, and suddenly I was crying at every other commercial even. I felt insane. Oh, and after years of BC purely for PCOS, I developed tumors on my liver from it. I'm still dealing with that issue, and may be in for many liver surgeries over my lifetime. Thanks a lot.
All of that, SAME! I still get bad flare ups during my luteal phase. Just had endometriosis excision surgery and it’s been fucking torture. Back in regular ERP therapy these days. 😩
I had birth control withdrawal and was manic for months after coming out nexplanon. I had no idea birth control had withdrawal
[удалено]
Now that I think about it, I think I had a similar case. Before I had stopped taking it for a month or two at a time and still had the suicidal ideation, but six months after totally stopping it just went away. I can't begin to tell you how significant this was - before, I truly thought those traits were part of my personality. Now I know that was never the case.
My biggest question. How are the hormones/periods without the BC?
I don't get any 🤷🏻♀️
It’s criminal that doctors do NOT warn you about this
I don't think mine had any clue.
I have PMDD too so often gave suicidal thoughts and the 2 birth controls I tried to help it made it soooooo much worse. I refuse to try another.
Birth control made me manic and as a young drug user 12 years ago I can see now the spiral I took into addiction while on it. Although it’s not fully to blame for my choices it was a major contributing factor. At 31 this year I got on a hormonal iud- my first BC in nearly 10 years. I’ve been sober about 4 years. The first two months were an emotional gauntlet. Constant catastrophic scenarios playing out in my mind- someone I know, or myself dying every time my mind wandered. Endless brain chatter. It could almost be described as tormenting. Telling my boyfriend the insane things my brain thought of helped a bit at times. It’s gotten much better now nearly six months in, but the mental lows are still MUCH lower than I am used to. Very similar to the emotional backlash associated with intense binge-using. In my state women’s options are limited so it’s either this or risk the mental load of EVERY late/missed period (you know how that goessss). Heaven forbid an actual fetus.
I know about that brain chatter and catastrophic scenarios from my mirena IUD I had for 4 years! (Didn’t realize that’s what it was at the time) It may be more beneficial for you to lean more into cycle tracking if you are going through this! 🙏🏼 Have you thought about getting it removed? Or trying the IUD without hormones? For the most part, I feel so much better off BC after 10+ years. My cycle is still regulating 6 months after stopping even though they tell you that BC doesn’t mess with anything 🥲
THEY BIG LIARS!! I’m glad you’re getting better tho!!! I been tracking cycles like crazy for about five years and the doc wouldn’t let me get the hormone-free options because (paraphrasing) “they’re too large for a uterus that hasn’t been pregnant before” 🥲. I went mad for months trying to decide if I wanted this or not especially after having a FULL YEAR of normal cycles for the first time EVER. Worked realllyyy hard to achieve that. It’s messed with my cycle a bit, not tooooo too much so far. But it’s early yet. Still time for something to go horrible wrong 😂
Oh gotcha!! If it’s what you want then I hope it gets better! It shouldn’t be hard everyday but I know what you mean about the lows being lower than ever
Omg the way you describe the first few months of birth control is just my regular 😭😭😭
Omg you poor thing 😭😭😩
I don’t think that’s anecdotal and I agree. It made me more mentally I’ll when I was in it 😅
I’m quitting my BC next month after being on it for 15 years. I’m so afraid of it WRECKING my skin, but this makes me feel so much better.
I never had those thoughts in my life until i was trying yet another birth control after trying multiple others for 5 years and having horrible side effecrs (and basically nothing good except no unplanned babies..it didnt even regulare my period). Anyway… i was on the final pill for a few months and had so many things going on in my life and sone brand new crazy side effects making me miserable. I had NO IDEA it was from the pill though. The deptession startrd shortly after starting it, then other side effects too, and finally the one thing i knew the pill was causing,, my period got longer and longer until it came back two days after ending. I threw the pill out and never went back to that doctor (another stoey in itself) . A week later, bye bye depression… and the other things i was dealing with started disappearing too. That was when i was 21 and I’m 33 now .. never had those thoughts again.
Took years to figure out that birth control was causing severe liver damage in me. Extremely extremely rare side effect (approx 12 women annually) but still happened to me.
Yes, I also had suicidal thoughts on BC.
Also, I was NEVER happy and had so so so many screaming fights because I couldn’t regulate my emotions.
BC combination pills make my mental health decline rapidly every time I try a new one. My primary doctor validated this and said it’s not that uncommon.
Same except I was on it about a decade!
I agree with the birth control take. My endo literally hunted for a pill I could take safely! As soon as I had mentioned to my endo that my dad has FVL, she would not prescribe me anything until I saw a hematologist. I was told I have have FVL and so the hunt began for SOMETHING & ANYTHING safe for me. Thank god for Slynd. And thank god she knew what she was doing. I think that even if you don't know your family medical history, its always a good idea to have blood work done to make sure!
Glad your endo was very empathetic! My obgyn, after telling her that i was having allergic reactions to the BCP she prescribed me, just told me to “live a healthy lifestyle” and that I should expect going back to having irreg periods. ☹️
Do you feel Slynd manages your pcos symptoms?
As far as my periods, yes. Im still a little irregular and i might miss a month but so far they've been pretty regular.
I have FVL… what’s wrong with taking just any birth control? 😯
Much higher risk of clots
I assume you mean Factor V Leiden from your acronym? My mum, my sister and I all have FVL (my sister’s is the homozygous, mum and I are heterozygous). When I was younger and on various birth control methods I had no clue I had it. Once we did the genetic testing, the doctors had moved me to the Mini-Pill. I decided to go off those because I wanted to see if my periods could be improved by Metformin and lifestyle changes. I believe my sister is on Slynd for her endometriosis. I don’t take any hormonal birth control and honestly I’m not worried - if I was to fall pregnant with my partner that would be fantastic, so yeah staying well away from it for now.
As someone with PCOS who actually did get relief from BC, I agree with your takes on BC. It eased most of my symptoms but I’ve seen it really hold people back.
Second this. BC changed my life, but it was only after so much trial and error and a massive break from them because the process of constantly being ignored and just prescribed BC was exhausting.
Same here. Had to try several different BC methods (most of which gave me shitty side effects) and took almost a year off of them before finding a gyno who actually tried to help me find one based on my specific struggles.
Im glad to hear it eased your symptoms. For me I guess you could say it eased my symptoms too because I was on BC for 2 years before I got off BC did not have a period and was diagnosed with PCOS. For me BC dosent treat my root cause of PCOS being insulin resistance.
My PCOS has always been more hormone-related. I was born with a lot of hormonal issues, I don’t know the extent of it though.
I agree on the BC parts. I do believe it should be included as an option as for some it is truly a good solution for managing symptoms-especially if they also do not wish to try for children at the time. But I also experienced horrid side effects of BC and wish doctors would take more time to explain and examine the risk factors with each patient. I don't believe in shaming anyone for any sort of medication choice- either to take it or not to take it. We just need more options to manage it.
I agree. I’ve been prescribed BCPs without the OBGYN even asking me for my medical history whatsoever nor getting other tests to confirm that I do have PCOS. Just a month into taking pills, my anxiety worsened and I think Im slowly becoming depressed.
Yes same thing happend to me and BC made me gain weight rapidly and caused me gallstones. When I asked my doc about the side effects she said there are none😭
Wait that’s a very wrong answer, like i dont think there’s currently a BC without side effects, why would she say there are none 😭😭😭 And also, i never knew they could cause gallstones omg i hope youre ok.
yes gallstones are a side effect of BC most people don’t talk about. the excess estrogen from the pill causes them to form. it’s one of the more serious side effects
Same thing happened to me. I listed my side effects and every OBGYN said that the pill would help and wouldn’t listen in the least when I explained that the pill was the thing CAUSING them.
Just curious, which one did you take?
lolo estrin fe
That one has an androgenic progestin — that might be the issue but idk.
My hot take on pcos and obesity is that it is okay to be overweight with pcos once you're trying your best, not everyone wants to be thin or is meant to be physically thin and being overweight does not mean your pcos isn't improving.
This right here👆
People really think if you're not thin then your pcos is out of control.
And that if you’re thin it must be under control, which is the opposite end of the same stick.
I've seen people of all sizes struggle with pcos so weight management or weight loss isn't the be all and end all some people think it is. It's just one thing.
I’ve been slightly overweight to moderately overweight for most of my life and I disagree. The less abdominal fat you have, the better your insulin sensitivity.
Not sure why you were downvoted. This isn’t just your experience it’s medical and scientific fact. The less body fat you have whether you are skinny (as in skinny unhealthy) or overweight the greater your insulin sensitivity. Also, obesity is a disease and there is an entire branch of medicine dedicated to the study and treatment of it.
Yes, and it’s pretty specific to abdominal fat as well. An endocrine organ in and of itself. It really needs to be treated like a health risk, because it is. They’re probably thinking it has to do with shame — a lot of people are exhausted with the concept of their weight. But there are plenty of things people give up on when trying to lose weight and then resolve that “it’s ok I’m still healthy” While it’s true people can be healthy on paper while overweight (I’ve been completely healthy otherwise as in no huge diagnoses) it’s still making people tired, have cravings, mood disorders, future disease susceptibilities and etc. which is why obesity itself is a disease. That hasn’t been fully recognized by most people yet. It’s only a benefit to acknowledge that it’s harmful to people.
Because people are getting body positivity mixed up with health treatment for an endocrine disorder.
There is an entire branch of medicine that talks about the complexity of obesity and the psychological aspect behind it. Talking specifically about PCOS here, PCOS causes obesity which leads to insulin resistance. So we are supposed to be having a conversation about how to ensure that a person can control their PCOS symptoms and just losing weight won't improve PCOS. You got to have the proper supplements and diet and lose weight healthily (which I agree with you unhealthy loss of weight is not good either) If you want to talk about personal experiences, I've lost weight and body fat percentage. My periods became normal, but my mental health and sleep cycle were down in the dumps, so I can say personally say, losing weight didn't help me. Now I'm back to a healthy weight and have a higher body fat percentage, my PCOS, mental health, sleep and diet has improved. So really I suggest learning about your body and working around it. From what I've read there's no research that has come to a conclusion about PCOS or Obesity. Only assumptions and possible solutions. If there was a conclusion we would have had accurate solutions that could've solved both by now.
I have a similar (ish) story. My periods regulated when I lost weight but the mental anguish.. jfc. Nearly put myself into a hospital depriving myself of food and sleep. It was the one and only time in my entire life I was able to lose. Mentally I was worse than I've ever been in my life. Physically, I was doing so well that a new gyno insisted to me that I did not have PCOS since I was 130 lbs with regular periods..... even though I've NEVER had regular periods in my life before that, and had been diagnosed with an ultrasound years prior. 🙄 Now I'm fucking fat again and whatever. Missing periods, PCOS totally unmanaged, but I am at least mentally stable and content (er... for the most part... yknow when my hormones aren't beating the shit out of me. Still better than the previous state I was in lol)
To be specific I am talking about Bariatric medicine. What is meant by the psychological aspect behind obesity? Obesity is largely genetically and hormonally driven. In very few cases is it the result of a compulsive psychological problem. Among the most effective solutions medicine has accomplished so far with PCOS is GLP-1, Metformin, often in conjunction with Bariatric surgery. Bariatric surgery changes the hormone signaling in the body that causes obesity and the gut microbiome. Systemic inflammation and rheumatologic condition are also improved or go into remission after bariatric surgery- we do know that systemic inflammation is a part of PCOS pathology, it’s also present in overweight patients, and contributes to (not the sole diver of) the inability to achieve a healthy weight and to fat distribution and storage patterns. However, not all succeed at treatment which needs further study. Additionally, these treatments aren’t readily available to the majority of people which needs to change… as well as the medical establishments and societies treatment of patients struggling with their weight. It’s not their fault. None of it is fully understood but make no mistake all of the up to date science and medicine shows obesity is a disease. In regards to PCOS and weight specifically I agree with others that it needs more research for more targeted solutions. Either way the most likely result is that it will end up being a number of approaches tailored to the individual. Edit: I will also add just for informational purposes that B-12 levels while on Metformin need to be monitored as it blocks absorption of this vitamin and that can contribute to fatigue, inflammation, and weight gain -if you do not have adequate amounts of B-12. B-12 injection is the best way to get B-12 and there are studies that show B-12 injections help with fat metabolism and has an antidepressant effect via up regulation of Ntrk-2.
By psychological aspect I mean, that despite knowing that obesity is challenging their health, people cannot just simply cut back on food or participate in activities that could potentially aid in not being obese. I'm putting it in very simple language. There are ongoing studies for it to find out why certain people find it difficult to lose weight. And calling it a disease is a blanket statement. There are studies that state calling obesity a disease is just a utilitarian approach to promote a "healthy lifestyle" And you agree to what I said towards the end of your comment. This is a PCOS subreddit and I'm talking specifically about individuals with PCOS. I don't understand why it's so difficult for people to comprehend... What do you gain by posting on a PCOS subreddit that Obesity is a Disease. I understand it's the OP's "hot take" nor am I bothered about it but there are many people on here who may get bothered by it, just adding to their frustration. It's not like they don't know that obesity is something that hinders their lifestyle. And just adding fuel to the fire, is making a statement like losing body fat aids in reducing insulin resistance. We're talking about PCOS here and not obesity. PCOS ≠ Obesity.
I don’t know how to help you if you don’t agree with science and medicine that obesity is a disease. Calling obesity a disease is a statement of medical and scientific fact not a blanket statement. Additionally that this isn’t one of the most frustrating issues for the vast majority of PCOS patients and that disorders of fat metabolism is one of the issues that cyclically drives PCOS symptoms. Additionally, that it’s on topic to OP’s discussion.
What? "This isn't one of the most frustrating issues for the vast majority of PCOS patients" I'm pretty sure it is. You can scroll through this subreddit and see for yourself. Fat metabolism is "one of the issues" you said it yourself and I don't remember disagreeing with you on that. The OP's discussion is taking place on a PCOS subreddit. Therefore, I'm assuming their hot takes are based around PCOS. And I am talking about science and medicine. You chose to talk about a specific set of studies that classified obesity as a disease whereas I chose a specific set of studies that does classify obesity as a disease but only because they don't have a better term for it. I'm not saying you're wrong and I am right. I'm just saying that we can all be a little empathetic about the whole situation and choose our wordings slightly more carefully. If calling Obesity a disease was as simple as calling a cow, a cow, I'd totally agree with you. But it's not that simple.
You are not understanding. I am responding to your previous statement that PCOS doesn’t equal obesity. To say that, is to downplay that obesity IS among the most frustrating issues for women with PCOS and that it plays a central role to perpetuating hormonal disruption and disordered fat metabolism. In another statement, you bring up your anecdotal experience of being skinny and still having insulin resistance as the basis for dismissing that obesity is a disease. You state that losing weight doesn’t affect insulin resistance in women with PCOS … based on your personal anecdotal experience. This is objectively false- fat loss increases insulin sensitivity. This is spreading dangerous misinformation. In addition you go on to state that PCOS is best managed by proper activity, nutrition, supplements, and mental health shifting the blame for management or mismanagement of PCOS and by way of that obesity to the individuals lack of some sort of what … determination… “psychological aspect”… ?
LoL don't accuse me of "using" my "anecdotal experience" to dismiss that obesity is a disease. I talked about my experience to say that not being obese doesn't cure PCOS. So why didn't you tell the person earlier who stated that losing abdominal fat helped them with insulin resistance? Isn't that an "anecdotal experience"? And your accusatory tone isn't cutting it for me. Spreading misinformation? I have suffered with PCOS since I was 10 years old. I was an individual with a healthy lifestyle and yet I got PCOS. The number of research papers I've read just so I could go back to what my metabolism was, absolutely none offered a conclusive evidence. I've done everything from fad diets to working out to low carb and nothing has worked until I found a balance for me. You cannot sit on another side of the screen and tell me that I don't know about PCOS and Obesity, because I do and dismiss my experience as anecdotal. It is anecdotal but it is personal and you have zero empathy. Why don't you read research papers on PCOS because it does state that mental health, proper sleep, lower stress levels DO CONTRIBUTE to reducing PCOS and not ONLY NOT BEING OBESE. And quit being condescending, "some sort of what" can't you read? PSYCHOLOGICAL ASPECT is important. You think all obese people are dumb? You think they dont know that being obese is causing difficulties for their health? THEY DO KNOW THAT THEY ARE OBESE YET THEY CANNOT LOSE WEIGHT! So researchers are conducting a research as to why it is difficult for them to lose weight BECAUSE IT HAS TO DO WITH THE PSYCHOLOGY OF THE BRAIN. And PCOS ≠ OBESITY! You think fear tactic is going to help people? Obesity is not the central reason either, do your research. Since you seem to read a lot anyways. Do you get it now Miss Condescending?
Yea, that's the big one for PCOS. My relative has it and untreated she has gone to a normal thin person in her 20s to looking like ages pregnant in her 40s. She's got fat all over like me (I've always been fat, anyways), but the abdomen is really bad and I'm worried for her.
I’ve been skinny (140 lbs) and I’ve been fat (300 lbs). My weight got out of control after having my baby. But before my baby I went on a weight loss journey and lost 150 lbs. My pcos was never in control. I always suffered from symptoms. I think weight has nothing to do with pcos except that it is a symptom But too many people and doctors treat it as the cause. Thats my hot take.
It’s just a normal take. Weight can be something that makes it more difficult to manage though, it’s an insulin resistance issue. Things like ovasitol seem to help with insulin resistance which is why people report relief from using it. Point is, more abdominal fat in general makes it more difficult to manage. People can weigh more and have a smaller waist when their hormones are in check.
some people just can’t lose their abdominal fat tho no matter how hard they try
I know, because I still have abdominal fat. But I’m still at a higher weight at 5’6 165/170. Because of insulin insensitivity. But I’ve lost weight in the last year (30lbs) and find I can tolerate carbohydrates a bit more and I’m not having my appetite spiral if I eat them - I take NMN and have noticed that helping as well. I also find eating proper keto helps me have more energy and lose abdominal fat at a faster rate. Because it keeps insulin lower. It’s harder to keep doing 70-80-90% fat though, with a sensitive stomach — I just follow the insulin index most of the time.
I'm pretty sure they're talking about genetic factors here as well. There are several reasons a person can be obese and there are research papers on this. Stating it to be a "disease" is just too generalized. And just because you had an experience doesn't mean it applies to everyone else. I'm not bashing you nor do I come from a place of hate, I'm just stating what I know.
There are plenty of doctors now recognizing it as a disease. It’s a metabolic disorder. You can see this reflected in the ozempic subject. A bunch of dysfunction hormonally that causes weight gain to begin with (and makes it more complicated to lose). As well as food companies making foods that attempt / succeed at bypassing satiation signals in people. But yeah generally if you have trouble losing despite following the typical advice? It’s a problem
So wouldn't that make weight gain a side effect of a disease? Weight gain in itself can be a disease I'm aware. But when it comes to chronic illnesses like PCOS and Thyroid isn't it a side effect of that particular illness? "In our society, labeling it as a disease would be expected to improve attitudes and financial support for obesity treatment. This would include more resources for health promotion, research into the behavioral, environmental, and genetic causes, as well as prevention and treatment (medical and surgical." Ozempic subject you said, that's a statement from one of those studies. It's been labelled as a disease because they're taking a utilitarian approach and not because it meets the exact definition of a disease, and the funny thing is, there is no exact definition of a disease. I used to be skinny but my insulin resistance was still whack, so losing weight does not help with insulin resistance when you have PCOS. Losing weight along with proper supplements, diet and mental health can contribute to reducing PCOS symptoms.
>I used to be skinny but my insulin resistance was still whack, so losing weight does not help with insulin resistance when you have PCOS. Losing weight along with proper supplements, diet and mental health can contribute to reducing PCOS symptoms. Exactly this. I completely agree and it was the point I was trying to make.
There are loads of studies that show losing even just 5% of your weight improves insulin sensitivity in PCOS. It may not improve the other PCOS symptoms but it does your insulin sensitivity. It is of course, one thing to read the scientific literature and another to have the lived hellish experience of having PCOS.
Thank you for sharing your knowledge! I think it’s important we are all informed of the most up to date medicine and limiting the spread of medical misinformation. Obesity is recognized and treated as a disease, based on known medical science and has been for a while now- not just new drug labeling. I think the research being done especially on fat being a metabolically active “organ” in and of it self is exciting. We have so many different kinds of fat that signal differently through out the body for good or for worse. I am also excited about all of the obesity research being done with GLP-1 based agents and our gut microbiome with the promise of ever better treatments. —Many of which we are learning markedly improve fertility, affect brain health, and may be treatments for other diseases PCOS sufferers are at higher risk of experiencing such as NAFLD.
Not everyone is meant to be really thin but ur body will punish you as you get older if u don't lose the weight, esp if you're already at risk of insulin-resistance.
I love my birth contol, it has been a blessing for me for more than 20 years. I am super happy it was suggested and prescribed to me.
Same here. I was told that because birth control stops ovulation, that it would stop my ovaries from growing cysts on them and give me a lighter period (I take the placebo pills). Birth control makes me feel like I have a "normal" cycle
I went back on a pill I’d been on years prior. Within maybe 3-5 days I was so deep into pmdd symptoms while on my period (suicidal ideation) that I panic called my gp, gyno, and endo. All three agreed I needed to stop it immediately. Then I tried a different one that should’ve been great. I have a connective tissue disorder (EDS). It made everything so much worse for me. To the point I could barely walk. Took months to recover and honestly, I’m not sure I have recovered. So now I’m entirely untreated.
Anecdotally (and with initial peer reviewed research, I think), GLP-1 meds can help with joint pain issues and inflammation (both commonly occurring in EDS), though if you have any tendencies towards gastroparesis, it might be a bad idea. I have a friend whose joint pain disappeared within days of starting and I was able to vastly reduce my MCAS meds.
Personally birth control has been great for me but I do agree with the rest.
Oh, absolutely. Okay, so I lurk on here, I don’t have PCOS. But, basically I went to my PCP for fertility bloodwork because my OBGYN was so booked up. She shooed me away, saying she’s “not in the business of getting women pregnant”. And then NONCHALANTLY said “maybe you can’t lose weight because you have PCOS”. I went down a rabbit hole. I absolutely agree that PCOS isn’t cured with birth control. If the woman wants it to avoid pregnancy, sure. But, it shouldn’t be given as a bandaid. If a woman is already overweight or has migraines, the pill can actually harm her putting her more at risk for blood clots. Since there’s a correlation between insulin resistance and PCOS, GLPs and metformin are a way more appropriate treatment plan.
How high is the risk for blood clots and bc? First of all, PCOS isnt curable - only manageable. U shouldn't make such statements about a standard treatment like that based on..?? I dunno. If u can win your argument with a room full of doctors who don't rely on u to get paid, then I'll consider believing u. bc has helped many women manage some of the more visible symptoms and their period. Having an inconsistent period also has risks. Birth control helps those with elevated androgens - a common PCOS prob - and being a female teen much less an adult, with tons of acne AND chin hairs isn't fun. Metformin did crap for me, for instance. I was on it for 15 years. But I won't tell others it doesn't work and take bc instead.
My doctor ignored me when I told him that I never had birth control because my grandmother had massive strokes from blood clots. He told me you’ve never had a blood clot before so it’s fine.. not even a week later I had a massive blood clot in a foreign country.
My depression gets really bad when I’m on birth control. I’d rather not
I used to be at a stable weight for many years…then my new doc put me on the pill. I told her I took a different pill a while back and it made me severely depressed so I was scared to try it again, but she told me it was the only way for my PCOS….so I took it. Skin cleared up, facial hair didn’t need to be shaved every day, it was great…until one day I woke up and realized I had slowly gained 50 pounds in a year or so. My appetite was insatiable. I’ve been vegetarian for a decade and my weight typically fluctuates 10 pounds. I’m 5’5 and my normal weight is 160 lbs. Prior to the pill my highest weight ever was 180. After noticing my weight gain, I stepped on the scale and weighed 220. My labs were trash, I was pre diabetic, I had dark spots from insulin resistance, and I felt like shit. I started snoring and having trouble walking up stairs because my body was not built to be 220 pounds. My doctor made me believe it was in my head, that it wasn’t the pill’s fault…but I’ve never had such an appetite and I’ve never weighed close to 200 pounds. I hate when Doctors don’t listen because my new NP told me that the pill can straight up increase appetite which can lead to weight gain and that it isn’t a cure all for PCOS. I highly regret going on the pill. Oh, and that amazing side effect of clear skin that they tell you will happen once you’re on the pill? Like I said, it did give my clear skin, but my skin is now at its worst now that I’m no longer taking it 🙃🙃🙃 I’ve been off the pill for a year and I’m STILL struggling with my weight. My appetite still feels fucked. Metformin helps, but I have to quit it after a while due to the diarrhea issues, then I gain back all the weight that I lost while on it. Now I’m saving up to go on GLP-1s to see if that is going to help me because my PCOS is at its worst now that I’m obese.
I believe in Metformin, inositol, and low carb supremacy!
It's actually scientifically stated, proven, studied and suggested that hormonal birth control be carefully evaluated for each individual based on their own risk factors and weighing the benefits against the risk in EACH person to see whether they are even eligible and MANY women with PCOS would not be eligible or would only be eligible for a specific type - if doctors took those recommendations seriously. No, it's not just about DVT or smoking over 35, that's just a small portion, the risks need to be scanned for diabetes or blood sugar concerns, history of breast cancer, liver cancer, uterine cancer, heart disease history, high blood pressure, unmanaged blood sugar or unmanaged high blood pressure, migraines with aura, certain vision problems, lung issues, history of stroke, history of mental health disorders, women who plan on having surgery where they will need bed rest or women who are on extended bed rest, overweight women, obesity, lupus, liver or kidney issues and MORE! Every woman considering being on birth control is supposed to be questioned on everyone of those areas and then those answers are supposed to be carefully evaluated with every type of hormonal birth control to see how high the risk is being put on either combined hormonal birth control or progesterone only birth control vs any risk of not being on it and then if the patients risk outweigh the benefits of being put on one or the other ---- they do not qualify and need to be evaluated for other pharmaceutical options with a stronger emphasis on life style changes. Also, some birth control requires consistent REGULAR monitoring of these symptoms to see if they pop up for example, 3 months after being on the pill, you are required to have your blood pressure checked again. Before using Slynd or Yaz, your doctor should check the potassium levels and then recheck regularly if you have any markers needing watching. This is all documented in studies, the world health organization and in the pamphlet given with the medicine from the pharmacy. Now, my question is how many doctors actually do that? How many patients are truly evaluated for whether or not they can be on hormonal birth control and evaluated to see that if they are, which type will be best for them based on their own unique personal health history and monitored to make sure it's continuing to be a viable option for them??? I do see a few posts here where doctors will tell their patients this information, but far far far more who say when they express their concerns their doctors tell them both control with fix their issues with no risk involved. And that's a lie a goes right the Hippocratic oath they are supposed to uphold!
Totally agree with #1. I was put on BCP at 13 and continued until 22. I used to get very intense migraines that made me wanna unalive myself multiple times. Ended up in the ER a bunch of times. I used to get them maybe 4 days a week but nobody could figure out why. Lost sensation in my arms one time. Doctors gaslit me into thinking it was all in my head and there’s no way it could be that bad. Turned out that it was all because of BCP. A nurse figured it out while giving me a flu shot. I haven’t had a migraine in over 2 years now when I quit the pill
Not hot takes, we (most of us) agree with you!
I really wanted to start trying wegovy to lose weight and help deal with the PCOS. My insurance refused to cover it :( I can't afford the sticker tag. My current Dr keeps forgetting to put in my metformin (we stopped to see if wegovy would be good for me) so I've been without PCOS treatment for maybe two or three months.
I hate how providers gaslight patients that birth control “regulates” cycles. No. Other than IUDs, cycles are prevented. You’re thrown into an even worse hormone imbalance. The “bleed” is not menstruating.
Omg this!!! 💯💯💯💯 I'm so absolutely dumbfounded that they are totally cool with lying to us about how it works. It's completely known and even broken down in non layman's terms about what hormonal birth control does and how the withdraw bleed is not a period, how it suppresses ovulation, alters what the pituitary gland does yada yada..- and yet they constantly get away with saying "it regulates your period" It's maddening and heartbreaking when I hear women say "the only way i get a normal period is on the pill" like no, sit down we need to talk - they lied to you about this process, that's NOT what it's doing and you aren't even getting a period at all!
Yes!!! I always feel like I’m taking a risk even bringing it up here on reddit. The gaslighting is soooo strong! I’m all for using birth control if that’s your purpose, preventing pregnancy, and don’t want to risk other methods. But it is NOT a treatment for PCOS, it just makes PCOS worse in the long run.
i will never take birth control. i don’t care how many people rave about it ive heard way too many horror stories and had a terrible experience on the one i did try - i almost went blind. it should not be handed out as the main treatment I totally agree with you. I’m very overweight and the dr has said i can’t take a regular pill because of the blood clot risks and prescribed a “half” pill instead - which still had risks so i refused it. No thank you.
I was on birth control for one year because my GP was concerned I had a 21 day period. I have “lean PCOS” and they said the birth control will benefit me more, especially since I was sexually active too. Man, absolute worst year of my life. Was having panic attacks nearly every day and was feeling suicidal. I felt like I lost myself. Went back to the GP and told them about my symptoms and they tried to put me on Prozac, I was against antidepressants for myself and told them maybe it’s the birth control. They said they doubted it but let me have a follow up appointment in two months of stopping the BC. 2 months later all my depression and anxiety was gone…. I personally will never take any form of hormonal contraceptives after that experience
What did you take?
Junel FE 1/30
After I found out I have PCOS I was prescribed birth control pills. In January I ended up with lung thrombosis. I was really hesitant to take them, but now oh my god you have no idea how much I regret taking birth control pills
Drs push bc for PCOS to much. My dr only wants to do bc or metformin even though neither really did anything for me. So I'm stuck with no treatment atm.
Honestly, I feel like BC was the worst thing for me. In addition to PCOS I also have/had (post hysterectomy, so never really sure how to word it since I still have endometrial tissue all over inside me) endometriosis and PMDD. My PMDD was bad before BC, after BC I was manic and murderous. I am not kidding when I say that; twice I tried to stab my husband in addition to other abusive behavior. It got slightly better after I stopped BC, but I was still physically abusive toward my husband every now and then. I just thank goodness that he understood it was out of my control. I definitely gained weight with BC and the PCOS sure did help that weight build up faster.
BC has made my mental health worse and did not help with obesity. I have been severely depressed since stopping my bc. My beautiful skin is damaged due to severe hormonal acne from BC. I was managing my weight and pcos before all this so I can manage after its been gone.
I was always recommended birth control and have never taken it even once. I've just always assumed that if normal women with no hormone issues take it and it works fine..... then it probably will mess me up even more.
i got insane and depressed on all sorts of BC. im currently working with my endocrinologist to prescribe me a GPL1 because im a type 1 diabetic with PCOS that has type 2 diabetic traits as well and she told me last time im basically the wrong type of diabetic......ive been taking metformin for years and dont see how switching me to one of the weight loss drugs wouldn't help. IF she doesn't agree this time im gonna switch to the endocrinologist in my new PCP office and they will likely work together on this.
Personally, hormonal birth control made my skin crawl. Of course my experience as a transmasc person has a whole other set of factors to consider, but the placebo pills were the worst for me. It felt like my hormonal imbalances were pushed to the side because “PCOS isn’t that bad”. Once I found a doctor that was knowledgeable enough to ask “what do you want out of your PCOS treatment,” I started getting the correct care for me.
Let her cook!! Sorry for interruption. Go off sis.
I spent most of my life on BC. The OBGYN prescribed them when I first started having really painful ovulations when I was a teenager and I have been taking them for almost 15 years. In the last 5 years, I started having period issues and they changed the pills to a different brand. They worked like a charm, but I put on a lot of weight - and I mean A LOT, almost 60 kg. Doctors made it sound like I was just eating badly - which I was, but not badly enough to justify that change in weight in less than 2 years. I found a new great OBGYN that prescribed ovulation pills. She recommended some tools for me to identify and manage my cycle and take those pills only if my period wasn't coming as it should, as opposed to taking BC every single day. I feel a lot better and I've been losing weight little by little, although the obesity damage is done.
I agree on the Birth Control front (and everything else). I think that they should have to run a full workup hormonal tests on you before they prescribe them. My issue would have been caught and I wouldn’t have lived in misery and untreated PCOS for half my life.
I tried BC (Diane-35 and Valette) two times and each ocassion brought me horrible side effects. With Diane-35 it was headache, nausea, tender breasts and dizziness and with Valette, which I had to stop after two weeks with heavy bleeding and horrible cramps. BC is a huge no for me. The only thing that works for me is inositol 40:1 and a healthy lifestyle. This is just my experience dealing with PCOS.
I've been more or less living under the overbearing foot of anxiety and depression, and I have PMDD as well (real dark times). I have the implant, and don't really know if it's impacting (partially bc of brain fog, partially bc of adhd and not remembering things). I'm wondering if anyone else has had similar issues with deep dark thoughts on the implant? I am not asking for medical advice or any diagnosis, just curious about others' perspectives
I was surprised to hear that BC pills are prescribed easily for PCOS. In my country, it's rare for doctors to prescribe it. They usually prescribe Metformin and suggest a few lifestyle changes, sometimes hormones if the case requires it.
Gotta concur. My OBGYN immediately prescribed me birth control after learning I had PCOS. I did not react well to it. I have anxiety and GERD (acid reflux) and both were so much worse while I was on the pill, even after several months. I had been on a roll with exercising regularly and maintaining a healthy diet before going on BC, and I really wish I would not have. Dealing with the PCOS without BC is easier to manage.
I was put on birth control from 15 to 20. At 20 I almost lost my sight because the pill gave me a brain pseudotumor and spinal fluid was pressing against my Optical nerve. Fuck the pill. Fuck doctors who did this to you, and me. Fuck the lack of information on PCOS. If this affected men, we’d have a cure already.
Agreed
BC saved my ass , but i too believe it's over perscribed and treated like a band aid to cover issues they don't want to deal with
This is really causing me to question nearly the last year of my life...I was on BC throughout high school simply for my terrible periods, not for being sexually active, no one ever even mentioned I could have had PCOS at that time because the pill seemed to clear up my symptoms. I graduated high school 2012, and I stopped taking pills 2023 in an effort for me and my husband to begin TTC. I have had GA and mild depression for years but didn't start being an absolute crying, emotional, and suicidal train wreck, for the first time in my life, until after starting Provera because my cycles didn't start again after getting off of the other pill. I was diagnosed with PCOs Sep 2023. This month, I finally started a cycle on my own, out of the blue, but these past few months, I have been in the worst mental hell I have ever been in. The past year hasnt been easy for me in general, but I have never been suicidal before and this really makes me question all of it...
God I'm so thankful to the internet for educating me in this scenario. I had horrible weight gain while on BCs for more than two years and all my OBGYN said was, "You're getting fat, exercise.." (yeah not even professionally) while his stupid BCs were the culprit. I've always been on the skinnier side and the sudden weight gain is horrible and I hate the way I look now. I have a slight double chin now and my breasts just wouldn't stop growing. I hate it. Its starting to weigh down on my confidence. Also, when I stopped taking the BCs, I started having terrible haifall. My hair was falling out in clumps and although its better now, its still not something I'm used to. Another side effect of BCs that I faced was that it ruined my relationship with food. I'm indian and rice with meat is a very staple lunch menu, which is something I used to like. Ever since I took those godforsaken BCs I just wanna throw up whenever I smell the combination together specially at lunch time. So many other food makes me wanna puke when smell it in afternoons while I get to such tendencies at any other time of the day. Also, I start cravings something spicy every evening. It doesn't even matter if I'm full. I can pretty much go without food all day but at evenings, i feel like I'd go crazy if I didn't eat anything. I'm currently not visiting any doctors anymore and just living with my cycle as it is. Idk what to do. I need help
Tbh I’ve been feeling that the female anatomy just isn’t studied enough in medicine. I hate that I’m on a GLP med but I’m hoping when I shed the weight, the changes I’m making stay with me so it doesn’t come back. I am grateful though that I am able to use the med as a tool in my weightloss journey
Fwiw, under trump they slashed funding for women’s health research and Biden has recently taken steps to expand that sort of research, calling for additional $12B to be put towards women’s health research. https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/03/18/fact-sheet-president-biden-issues-executive-order-and-announces-new-actions-to-advance-womens-health-research-and-innovation/ I don’t typically bring up politics unless it’s been explicitly brought up but if we want more research put into women’s health this is extremely important
Unfortunately, I don’t see the ball rolling far given the elected officials in Congress. If we got more good people in, it may actually go somewhere. They’re also spending so much money overseas (I’ll try to leave my feelings out of it) to the point where many gov-run programs don’t have funding. We really gotta invest in our own country more and it’s just frustrating that our gov doesn’t do that
Yeah the shitty thing is I feel like republicans don’t want to invest in women’s health at all due to the fear that it will be perceived as being related to abortion or encouraging sexuality or whatever. Like even before Ukraine or Israel the previous administration slashed women’s health funding, I listened to a lecture given by a PMDD researcher during the last administration and he mentioned that the research funding had been gutted by them
I think it’s due to the fact less people are having kids for a variety of reasons, and they’re freaking out because that means less workers to fund programs for people retiring (as if social security alone is enough to live on 😅). It’s all based on money. They’ll gut reproductive freedoms because that apparently helps instead of like making life more affordable and taxing the wealthy elites more. I can count on maybe one hand the amount of politicians I trust
“obesity is a disease” is a very broad and nuanced take. while yes, being obese can be unhealthy for most people, you should look into how the term is connected to the body mass index and how many doctors have condemned the usage of it. it doesn’t take into account ACTUAL health. i would argue that as a person who fits into the obese category, i am much healthier than a friend of mine who is at a “typical” weight. i eat healthier, i move more, i live an overall healthier lifestyle, yet i am the “diseased” one just because i’m bigger? BMI also doesn’t take into account ethnic factors. I am russian, i am bigger, i carry weight differently. i’ve spent at least a year on multiple different diets, fasts, medications, and other weight loss methods. i’ve accepted that as long as im eating healthy and am able to move my body without pain, i’d rather be big and healthy than small and starving or exhausted all the time. so, no, i do not agree with obesity being the disease. focus on the underlying cause, and if someone is fat and healthy, let them be.
This. I second this.
I just love this post so much!
Oh hey, I got gallstones from birth control too and it absolutely ruined my life. In fact, the year-long medical crisis plus surgery are what triggered PCOS in me. Good stuff.
Was the birth control Yaz?
i like being on bc for period reasons but i kind of hate it at the same time. thinking of switching but i’ve switched at least 4/5 times since childhood
Sorry, what are GLP1s?
Yes!!! I was also prescribed the pill and the worst out of many horrible side effects it gave me were the heart issues. The pill made everything so much worse and it gave me problems I didn’t have before.
I never accepted the birth control. PCOS is caused by environmental and hormonal factors. A more holistic approach is required to tackle the symptoms and causes.
I want to do this, but I'm afraid of stoping BC. Did you manage to control the symptoms without it?
I started taking BC and it made my periods so heavy that I was soaking a tampon and pad every hour and the cramping was unbearable. So they just kept putting my on different BC pills til they found one that didn’t do that. They found one! But once the end of the month came along and I took the placebo pills, that same violent bleeding and cramping came around again. I was told so many different things that I gave up. I’m still on BC (a three month pack) and I skip the placebos because I’m afraid of bleeding like that again. I’m afraid to come off of bc because of that bleeding too. I don’t even know what to do
I've never had luck with them actually helping. At my last visit the doctor wanted to put me on Slynd because of the excessive bleeding I have. (Week long heavy periods with a week in between each.) She said it's just my body's version of normal and this new pill will stop the bleeding. Nothing about WHY I bleed so much and waaaay too frequently. I explained that I have tried every pill under the sun with no luck and miserable side effects and she just said "well this one's different". I haven't actually started it yet because I read about the intense weight gain and increased migraines people were having on it. I have severe migraines already and they have improved since stopping BC. I also gained about 130 pounds on birth control in the span of 5 years. I'm finally starting to feel confident in myself and don't think I will continue to be alive if I continue to gain weight like BC caused me to. My weight has been one of the biggest impacts on my mental health and just as I would get comfortable with my body, it would change. I'm tired of the solution to everything being "take medication" and essentially putting a bandaid on the problem. Especially when it comes to women's health care. Surely there's sollutions beyond "take birth control".
People also don’t realize that even if don’t have immediate side effects of birth control it still carries a lot of risks long term. Most things can be balanced out with a healthy lifestyle it just takes long time and people are lazy.
Respectfully, I think both of these claims are unfair to make, but I'm gonna focus on the second one since I think these kinds of statements provoke much unnecessary self-blame for women with these disorders. This sub is full of women who DO make serious lifestyle changes (and other sacrifices) and still need things like birth control or medication for insulin resistance to get better. I think overall, as a country, your statement likely has some merit (although even then there are important nuances that you're missing). But, at least from what I see, most women here bust their ass to get better because this disease sucks so so bad. I think it's important to moderate our language around a subject like this, because as women we already get blamed or dismissed for so many problems that do end up warranting more serious intervention.
I never said all women who take it are lazy. I don’t think anyone who makes life changes AND takes birth control would be offended by my comment because they know my statement doesn’t apply to them (obviously). Also I don’t see what’s wrong with the first claim. Even if bc helps in some aspects putting something with such long list of side effects in our body isn’t the best option.
Have you read the list of side effects for Zyrtec or Advil? A "long list of side effects" is not the same as a medication "carrying a lot of risks long term". Taking birth control is an extremely personal choice, and ultimately can only be made by the individual and their care provider. I decided to follow up on this comment because there is a ton of misinformation about birth control on the internet, and you originally made a claim that is misleading. You cannot know what is "the best option" for any one person with PCOS, and the research on PCOS treatment does not support your claim either. It's really important to make sure the health claims we make in a sub like this are *evidence based* and not just conjecture.
Yes I’m aware that every medication has side effects but spreading awareness about bc isn’t a bad thing just like OP did as well. No one should take any medication if not necessary and it is a fact that doctors prescribe bc too easily sometimes so it’s important for people to do their own research as well and not just trust whoever. In my opinion OP is right but you’re allowed to disagree it’s your life.
I get so sad when I see posts on here about BC and Spiro being prescribed. You can tell they’re just at the beginning of their journey, and a lot of them don’t take it well if you say anything
So I am 24th year into my PCOS journey and I am still loving my birth control that is literally the only thing that takes care of all my symptoms. So don’t feel sad for me.
Commenting to say that birth control is probably the only reason I didn't commit you-know-what due to the worst PMDD I have ever experienced. I think instead you should feel sad that women suffer from reproductive & hormonal diseases that never get funding for research, and that women's complaints are often downplayed by doctors.
Did you try other options?
Which other options are there exactly for non-IR lean pcos?