Thank you. I was on the pill but my doctor moved me onto the implant for it being more reliable, as I can't forget to take it that way.

I'm lucky to have one once a year, and even then its only a day or two. My doctor seems to think there is nothing wrong.

I have just booked to get a second opinion, and I'll have to ask about metformin and see if it is fit for me. Just taking the symptoms away will make me feel amazing.

Thank you ever so much!

Definitely get a second opinion and maybe ask them to do a blood test to see if you are insulin resistant. My PCOS wasn't even picked up until I switched GPs and I was in a very similar boat to you. I eventually got referred to a gynaecologist who just happens to also specialise in fertility treatment and she put me on metformin and the pill. Even though I really do have a love/hate relationship with her, I am glad I was referred in the end as she knows quite a bit about PCOS and was able to push me in the right direction send me to a dietician and a sports therapist to get me started. I her approach good I just hated the whole dietician thing (a lot of stupid suggestions on how to cook certain foods which were never really unhealthy to begin with but that is another story in itself) but the sports therapist was great as well. The rest was really up to me but once that weight shifted I really felt much better

In terms of what to do in the meantime - I know you said it hasn't worked for you but many women on here have commented how low carbs and high protein has helped them lose weight. Also incorporating strength training into your workout. As for the acne, I've found natural products have been great for me. I have quite sensitive, combination type skin and so I'm quite picky about what I use. I really love the Burt's Bees Radiance range for my face as for my hair I love their pomegranate shampoo and conditioner - but I know these products won't work the same for everyone. But once you find something that works for you stick with it if you can. The hair growth I know that some doctors may prescribe medication depending on how bad it is. I only have it on my face so I've found electrolysis and waxing to be helpful of reducing its appearance.

This is just a thought but the stabbing and shooting pains could also be a build up in your body because you haven't had a cycle for a long time. Have you tried medications available over the counter at the pharmacy to treat menstral cramps?

I know this seems like information overload and I do apologise for that, but if I can be of any help feel free to add me. I know it can feel like you're in a rut, I've been there and I sometimes still feel it but don't give up. Good luck with everything

The best success I've had dieting was when I completely cut sugar out of my diet 2 years ago and lost 50 lbs in 5 months without exercising at all, just simply cut out the sugar. Its well documented that PCOSers do better on low carb or low GI diets, give it a try. The good news is that you're young and have time to right things before its too late to have kids. I'm 46 now and am still figuring it out. Good Luck!

GI = Glycemic Index

As for the sugar, you can do that right here on MFP. On your food page, go to Settings> Goals> Customize. You can set sugar as one of the things you track. Carbs, Fat, and Protein are automatic, but you can choose two more. Sodium and sugar are good choices to track. It defaults to 2500 sodium, so you should definitely drop that to about 1000 or 1500. You will have to decide for yourself how much sugar you need.

Then start pre-logging your meals. Fill out your food diary in the morning, and look at how much sugar you are getting. Then make adjustments to slowly cut the sugary foods out. You will see which of your favorite foods have less sugar, and eat more of them. Keep in mind, not all sugar is necessarily bad. For example, most fruits tend to have quite a bit, but they are still good for you!