My experience with stopping the pill (I went back after two months) was acne, acne, acne and no period. I also take Spiro but no Metformin. I don't recall having any weight gain.

I took my last pill in the first week of July, and I'm currently in my 4th cycle since then.

Before I went off the pill, I started seeing a naturopath as I was concerned about the potential side effects of my testosterone going up, and also because I'd never gotten my period with any regularity without being on the pill (like, maybe came once a year on it's own, just randomly).

The naturopath started me on a no-added sugar, low natural sugar, low(ish) carb, gluten free, high protein diet. She also started me on milk thistle - took this for about 3 months prior to coming off the pill, to be sure my liver was up to function, as with PCOS our livers have to do a lot of extra work to get the excess estrogen and testosterone out of our systems.

I'm not taking that anymore but I am taking Glucoplex (for blood sugar), Estro adapt (for estrogens), Tribulus (days 5-14, for ovulation), Vitex (general hormones and ovulation) and Progesterone cream (days 14-28 or post ovulation to period depending on cycle length, for low progesterone).

I am cycling regularly now, but so far no ovulation. But every month it seems like there are more and more signs and symptoms that it is trying to happen, so I'm cautiously optimistic that this is working.

The only side effect I've had so far since coming off the pill, is that the hair on my head is falling out
This is more than a little distressing, but I think (since I have no other symptoms of high testosterone - so far no increase in facial hair, no acne, no high sex drive, or any of the things I had before I knew I had PCOS and was not on the pill) that my genetics (bald men on both sides of my family) just make my hair especially sensitive to any increase in testosterone, even if very slight. I'm hoping it levels off soon, or if I'm able to get pregnant (the goal) it should stop. It's definitely something I will focus on stopping once I'm done having kids, but I can't take anything for it while TTC.

The other annoying thing that I have noticed is that my weight loss has stalled since coming off the pill. Luckily I lost 30 pounds before, and am fairly happy with where I am, being within 10-15 pounds of goal weight, depending on the day, so I'm trying to focus on fertility and not weight loss now. I don't know if it's related to coming off the pill, or because I've become a bit relaxed about the amount of food I eat (though not the content) - it's hard to be as committed to it when my focus is elsewhere and I'm feeling pretty good about how I look now.


So I don't really know what to tell you as far as how long the symptoms will last; you are on metformin so that should really help settle things down soon... the progesterone will help you cycle properly if that is an issue, or if you are TTC, definitely use it because low progesterone can cause miscarriages. But it will make you hungrier (only while actually taking it, not all month) so if you don't need it, maybe clarify with your doctor why she wants you to take it and if it's really necessary.

Not sure what you are doing with your diet, but at the VERY least, try to cut down (or cut out!) sugar. Sugar is the absolute biggest enemy for PCOS women, as far as hormones go and for weight loss as well (and will make you hungrier!). If you've already cut down or cut out sugar, then work on carbs, especially white carbs.

Good luck! Lots of peeps here in the same or similar positions so hopefully we can all help and encourage each other

(Sorry for the ridiculous long reply!)

^^^ I had a lot of PMS/period like symptoms when I went off the pill, right up until I got pregnant, which was a year and a half later. It was very frustrating - every month I would have ovulation and PMS symptoms and then a lot of times even pregnancy symptoms (second pregnancy so I was aware what it feels like). I would have the one-sided cramping too but then not get a period. The only thing I could think of was that maybe the early process of ovulation (IE the egg getting ready to break out of the ovary) had occurred but not the final result?

After reading all the opinions I have a question and it is can pcos people reduce weight without any medicines?

My doctor took me off the pill in june because I want a baby. It sucks. I was constantly bloated, crave salt and sugar. I am 26 and having to get my moustache waxed off. I have permanent acne. I haven't had a period since, I have no cycle. The OB/GYN I see hasn't seen one this bad in a long time. The progesterone pills he gave me caused a blood clot, so I can't have them any more.

My hormones are so out of whack and I have suck bad insulin resistance. All because PCOS went untreated for almost 10 years, my last doctor didn't investigate my lack of periods until it was too late. I have never had a period without the pill, but have had several surgeries to remove cysts. Doctor figures I don't ovulate since I grow cyst almost monthly.

Things have gotten a lot better with my new diet. the low carb and low salt is really helping. Bloating is better and all the water is helping my skin. Not much that can be done for the facial hair growth. And I am losing weight with eating right. 17lbs since beginning of december. If I can get enough weight off my doctor has better hopes for me.