PCOS

I find it odd that he put you on BC pills when you are having regular periods. My understanding is that the first-line treatment for PCOS is metfomin. But you might not far along yet with insulin resistance. (Which is a good thing).

I suppose it IS possible to just have polycystic ovaries and not PCOS as the whole package.

I do 2nd the advice to consider endometriosis.

However, I do have the same symptoms of PCOS that you do when I'm off the Pill. I will say that even though weight loss may be more difficult, push through. It won't always be this way. You will reach a point where you feel like a normal person. Let your doctor know that you're trying to lose weight. The weight loss will drastically reduce the discomfort and symptoms. Be very open to changing your lifestyle. The extra weight does exacerbate the situation tremendously. Staying overweight was just not worth the food I claimed to love so much. I love running and walking and kayaking and camping and not feeling the way I used to feel a lot more.

metformin is not just used for insulin resistance, in pcos it is also used to preserve fertility (I'm not saying it helps pregnancies) PCOS is usually treated with metformin + BC, but it sounds like your doc knows what hes doing, a step wise approach to get you assimilated to one drug instead of throwing multiple ones on board at once, just keep in mind you want metformin to come up in the conversation next visit

I have PCOS as well, although I have more of the typical symptoms, just no IR and I can lose weight relatively easy. I have been on BCP's to try and clear out the cysts before. It isn't too uncommon of a treatment. Basically, it isn't to regulate your period, it is to cause the ovaries to go "dormant" and let the cysts be reabsorbed. Also the reason for the follow-up ultrasound in a few months. Metformin is mostly prescribed if you do have an insulin resistance. I was on it when I was trying to conceive, but because I wasn't IR, it really was just an add on to get something to work. PCOS is tricky in that not everyone will have a set list of symptoms and you can have just one, the polycystic ovaries, or a long list of other things with them.

Good Luck with it all and I hope you get things figured out soon!

I have polycystic ovaries without having PCOS. I have severe endometriosis instead. In many cases, BC pills are indeed part of the treatment/maintenance of polycystic ovaries. If in two months you don't feel as if you are getting satisfactory answers, definitely get a second oponion. I would recommend a specialist who deals with this issue on a daily basis rather than your OB. Best of luck.

He never said that I had PCOS, just polycystic ovaries. He put me on the BC to regulate my hormones to stop more from forming and see if they go away. He said we would discuss other things when I come back in 2 months.

Eta: I just had labs done at my PCP 2 weeks ago so I know my insulin levels and all that is completely normal.

Make sure someone also checks LH (luteinizing hormone), FSH (follicle stimulating hormone), androgen and progesterone.

Poly cystic ovaries means that you do have PCOS. Not everyone will have the same symptoms but you said you had pain, trouble losing weight etc which are some of the symptoms. I never had any irregular periods and never struggled too much to lose weight etc. However 4 years ago I had a horrid pain in my stomach and was rushed to hospital...I had a very large cyst that had wrapped around my tube and I needed emergency surgery to remove the ovary and tube on my one side.

They did scans on my remaining ovary and told me it was cystic..... they suspected I had had PCOS for a number of years. I was never put in metformin....this is a very popular med to put people on right away in North America. However, I was living in the UK at the time and they do focus on weight loss and nutrition before medication unless you are totally insulin resistant or trying to have a child. I began eating a lot better, lost some weight (about 10lbs at the time), began swimming 3 times a week and when I returned in 3 months my remaining ovary no longer had cysts. However, I have had scans since that have shown small cysts so it wasn't a miracle and I still have PCOS but I believe it can be helped but getting your weight down and watching your carb and sugar levels.

Just one bit of advice....keep going back to see the Dr..see if the BC is working..ask for scans if it is possible to monitor progress. I was very stupid and had not had a physical in 3 years and basically thought I was healthy. I ended up needing very major surgery.....a horrible scar and was off work for over a month so keep researching on your own and if you feel comfy with your Dr take his/her advice.

I have all the symptoms of PCOS outside of the cystic ovaries. I was put on BC to regulate my period..and also..not trying to get pregnant.

Best advice...go see a reproductive endocrinologist. PCOS is a condition often found in women who also have hypothyroidism and insulin resistance...

I completly agree with dotamy. I was told I had PCOS about 8 years ago when trying get pregnant with my 1st child after having many miscarriages, I was placed on metformin and was able to have two healthy pregnancy. My Dr. always told me weight loss was the key to this illness and the more weight you loss the more the symptoms will disappear. Good Luck to you on your journey!