PCOS

SarahH2O

Hi ladies,
I have recently been dignosed with PCOS.However I need to see a specialist and would like to knowif people would recommend the endocrine or gynae route.Also would really appreciate any recommendations for good doctors in either of those specialties by PM of course if youhave any experience.Thanks so much, S

SarahC91

I was diagnosed with that recently too. I've been bleeding non stop for 4 months now and they can't get it to stop. They thought it was the PCOS at first but now they don't know. I'm waiting to see a gynae, they put me through as an urgent case, got an appointment for february! How ridiculous, Im expected to bleed to death for the next 3 months!!!

s.wall

hiya, my wife was diagnosed with pcos a few years back but only started getting treatment in the last year. we went throught docs to gynae, i must say they were great. rachel was 16st and was rare to get a period. she was put on metaphorman ( also used in diabeties) and is now 14st 3lbs. it brought back her periods now to within a 35 day cycle. the docs can prescribe you a tablet u take to stop the periods from lasting too long or being too heavy. we are now trying for a child and have been put on clomid to help ovulation. i found the gynae to be the best so far. hope this helped ladies. I hope you get what you need as seing my wife go through it is a heartbreak.

shane

marialouise

Hi, got diagnosed in 2010. My brother's a final year med student and told me no matter what specialist I go to, I'm going to hear the same three words from everyone:

Diet & exercise.

I had dark hair under my chin that mum used to always point out to me, and have always been chubby, especially around the middle. Have a very sweet tooth and despite exercising and being a sporty kid I was always bigger than others my age. Mum asked me one day if I was getting regular periods and I said no, I only started getting them around 16/17 and they were like 6 months apart, and were completely irregular for about 3 years. My friend told me it was probably PCOS, and (I went the endocrinologist route) and she told me diet and exercise. She did a general history, a few exams (nothing too invasive!), weighed me, asked about alcohol consumption (in front of my mother, mortified!), and a few other things. She did blood tests to rule out another couple of things and then gave me the diagnosis. I also had low iron levels and cholesterol levels starting to creep up.


I dieted and exercised and she said a 5% weight loss would bring results, so I needed to lose about 4-5kgs (8-10lbs) and as soon as I did, I got my period. And I got another 3 weeks later. And they've been regular ever since. I kept up iron levels and exercise and if I ever gain weight they go to about a 5 week cycle, and if it comes down again they return to 4 weeks.

She told me I could try Metformin which controls the insulin resistance (I'll explain later on), and can encourage weight loss, but I said I'd try naturally and come back in 6 months but it's been okay and I haven't been back since!

Insulin is the hormone that controls your blood sugar, basically it mops up any excess blood sugar. If you are insulin resistant basically your "mops" aren't working, you don't have enough mops or they're not getting rid of all the sugar, and the excess blood sugar is part of the problem. So cutting down on sugar really helps, there are a few symptoms similar to those of diabetes and Metformin controls some of those. I personally suffer from fatigue after eating (sounds crazy I know), but literally like yawn constantly after lunch and occasionally have to nap if I can. Exercise increases your muscle tone and when your muscle:fat ratio favours muscle, your insulin resistance is controlled. Also, as this ratio improves, your metabolism speeds up generally so work continues to be done outside the gym.... Exercise exercise exercise. It works.

As for the excess body hair, I think electrolysis is something she recommended, but hormonally there isn't a lot can be done for that. She has recommended I don't take the Pill. It can control a few symptoms as obviously our oestrogen/progesterone and testosterone levels are all muddled up and it can help with those, but it only masks the problem and won't solve any long term issues, once you come off the pill you're back to square one. For some people a side effect is weight gain which would be counter effective as weight loss will help control some symptoms.

Acne is another typical symptom, but one which I don't suffer from.

Maybe none of these apply to you, but my tips for general management (as there is no "cure") are exercise and reducing your sugar intake. Treat yourself like a diabetic, and exerciiiiiiiiise!!!!!! You are at risk of heart disease just because you have PCOS, so things like cholesterol, sugar, excess fat are all doubly dangerous for us. Maybe you're already on the pill and can ignore what I've said, but my endocrinologist was great, she asked me which problems I wanted to tackle and then prioritised those. I wanted periods to return to normal as I didn't want to be told at 20 I can't conceive, so we tackled the weight and now everything runs fairly smoothly. The hair is getting worse though so I'm going to go back to her (once I can afford it) and see what Metformin or any other help might be available can do for me.

I really dunno if this was any help for you but that's my story!!!

JackieBurke

I am waiting on a diagnosis on PCOS but have all the symptoms.

Only had 2 periods all last year. I can grow better beards than my husband at this stage. It is so depressing. Can't have babies.

pwurple

Of course you can have babies. Plenty of people with PCOS have babies.

marialouise

JackieBurke wrote: »

I am waiting on a diagnosis on PCOS but have all the symptoms.

Only had 2 periods all last year. I can grow better beards than my husband at this stage. It is so depressing. Can't have babies.

Are you doing anything about it? You need to tackle the periods definitely, you need a minimum of 6-8 a year, otherwise you're risking endometriosis and other issues, so even if you could get that sorted it would help. One of my blood tests had to be done between day 3-5 of a period but because I wasn't getting any she gave me a pill (some progesterone or something I suppose) to take for 5 days, then stop and I got my period. She said if I went more than 8 weeks without a period that it would be necessary to take that again to clear out the lining like, it's not good to go that long without one

Do you mind me asking if you're overweight? I'm not kidding, I went 3 years with about 10 periods and then lost 3kg and they've been regular since. There is medication available that helps some symptoms but I can't stress the importance of diet and exercise in controlling it. Any aerobic exercise and cutting down on sugar will reeeeeeeeeeeeeally help (from what I was told, and from what worked for me, I realise we're not all the same)

I asked the endocrinologist about PCOS and conception and she said if that was a priority for me, she could help. So I'm sure there's hope for you... I'm sorry to hear you've got it too!

Whispered

pwurple wrote: »

Of course you can have babies. Plenty of people with PCOS have babies.

And some people can't and have been told by their docs that they can't. Maybe she has been trying for years and has been told by her doctor that it is not likely to happen.

PucaMama

marialouise wrote: »

Are you doing anything about it? You need to tackle the periods definitely, you need a minimum of 6-8 a year, otherwise you're risking endometriosis and other issues, so even if you could get that sorted it would help. One of my blood tests had to be done between day 3-5 of a period but because I wasn't getting any she gave me a pill (some progesterone or something I suppose) to take for 5 days, then stop and I got my period. She said if I went more than 8 weeks without a period that it would be necessary to take that again to clear out the lining like, it's not good to go that long without one

Do you mind me asking if you're overweight? I'm not kidding, I went 3 years with about 10 periods and then lost 3kg and they've been regular since. There is medication available that helps some symptoms but I can't stress the importance of diet and exercise in controlling it. Any aerobic exercise and cutting down on sugar will reeeeeeeeeeeeeally help (from what I was told, and from what worked for me, I realise we're not all the same)

I asked the endocrinologist about PCOS and conception and she said if that was a priority for me, she could help. So I'm sure there's hope for you... I'm sorry to hear you've got it too!

i have been told the opposite by my doctor

edit: ive had none in 2.5 years

marialouise

What is the opposite of having 6-8 a year?


I'm not a doctor, you're not a doctor, my endocrinologist said 6-8 a year are necessary and there are health risks associated with less than that, your doctor said something else but the lining of your womb is 2.5 years old, and in non-pcos patients is not usually more than 35 days old. To me that's just not okay, what has your doctor said?

PucaMama

marialouise wrote: »

What is the opposite of having 6-8 a year?


I'm not a doctor, you're not a doctor, my endocrinologist said 6-8 a year are necessary and there are health risks associated with less than that, your doctor said something else but the lining of your womb is 2.5 years old, and in non-pcos patients is not usually more than 35 days old. To me that's just not okay, what has your doctor said?

She said if im not ovulatiing so the lining doesnt build up so its ok and most women taking for example the contraceptive injection wont have them

marialouise

Ahh this is more complicated than I'd thought! Hadn't realised you weren't ovulating, sorry. Is that part of the PCOS or a separate problem? I really dunno what to do next, it's about €200 for me to go back, and I'm worried I'll just be told "ya. keep going!" and that I'll have to fork out for electrolysis too. Are you doing laser or anything? What advice had your doc for you?

There's very little info out there so it's great hearing other people's experiences! (And ignore any questions if they're too personal!)

pwurple

Whispered wrote: »

And some people can't and have been told by their docs that they can't. Maybe she has been trying for years and has been told by her doctor that it is not likely to happen.

Seeing as she does not even have a diagnosis for PCOS yet, that is extremely unlikely. No need for this woman to assume the very worst right off the bat. I have PCOS myself, and a lovely daughter.

Whispered

pwurple wrote: »

Seeing as she does not even have a diagnosis for PCOS yet, that is extremely unlikely. No need for this woman to assume the very worst right off the bat. I have PCOS myself, and a lovely daughter.

Thankfully you have your daughter. I have 2 friends with PCOS, both with kids. Another friend with it, who never conceived.

I know when I was first diagnosed, before we even had a full diagnoses, I was told I most likely wouldn't have kids. This was at 18 years old and before seeing any expert. Thankfully I don't want kids anyway, but it is not beyond all likelihood that in speaking to her doctor, she was advised she may not have kids, and came on here for a bit of sympathy. So apologies if I read something into your post that wasn't here, but it seemed very dismissive.

I was semi-diagnosed with this but when I went to a specialist, she seemed determined for me not to have it, even though my tests were abnormal. She pretty much shooed me out of the room saying I was grand and not offering any sort of help or treatment.

A lot of people seem to think being overweight causes the other symptoms. I keep hearing the diet and exercise thing, but I'm already a size 8-10 and exercise every day. I still have excess hair and bad acne so I'm not sure what I'm supposed to do. The acne is definitely hormonal, so creams are very little help. I have to wax or thread my face every week but it seems the doctors aren't interested because I'm not overweight!

marialouise

Bruno Crooked Sunburn wrote: »

I was semi-diagnosed with this but when I went to a specialist, she seemed determined for me not to have it, even though my tests were abnormal. She pretty much shooed me out of the room saying I was grand and not offering any sort of help or treatment.

A lot of people seem to think being overweight causes the other symptoms. I keep hearing the diet and exercise thing, but I'm already a size 8-10 and exercise every day. I still have excess hair and bad acne so I'm not sure what I'm supposed to do. The acne is definitely hormonal, so creams are very little help. I have to wax or thread my face every week but it seems the doctors aren't interested because I'm not overweight!

I can totally understand that. Like I said my main concern was regulating menstruation so I wouldn't be told in my early 20s I can't conceive, so losing the weight helped with that. Thankfully I didn't have acne, but my main problem now is the hair. It's getting worse, no matter what I do, and it's not just on my chin now. So I'm going to go for electrolysis or something and try and treat it permanently that way, but need to look in to that. Are you on the pill??

xLexie

Kind of worried I have it to be honest. My doctor has booked me in to have an ultrasound done, which ill have done next Monday. She's also recommended I have a smear done and is writing to the cervical smear place that does it for free at 25, to see if I can have it done a year early, at 24. She said if they won't do it early that she wants me to have it done privately. Am trying not to freak out until we see what the ultrasound says. My blood has been normal, low in iron but rest is good.

pwurple

Bruno Crooked Sunburn wrote: »

I was semi-diagnosed with this but when I went to a specialist, she seemed determined for me not to have it, even though my tests were abnormal. She pretty much shooed me out of the room saying I was grand and not offering any sort of help or treatment.

A lot of people seem to think being overweight causes the other symptoms. I keep hearing the diet and exercise thing, but I'm already a size 8-10 and exercise every day. I still have excess hair and bad acne so I'm not sure what I'm supposed to do. The acne is definitely hormonal, so creams are very little help. I have to wax or thread my face every week but it seems the doctors aren't interested because I'm not overweight!

It's not just overweight. I am not /was not overweight and still had it. My exercise at the time i was diagnosed though was mainly yoga... I switched to jogging and in conjunction with everything else I think it helped. At last scan my ovaries are looking 'normal'. No string of pearls, no big cysts. I still have the excess hair, but i can manage that with waxing and creams and shaving. No-one can tell except for me. I had never had a normal cycle in my life until after treatment.

Whispered, my post was to offer encouragement, not to be dismissive. There is loads they can do for PCOS. If you are overweight, try to get it down. If not, try a cardiac exercise. i am half-convinced giving everything a good shake with the jogging helped. Then there is taking the pill for a few cycles to reset. And other medication if that doesn't work. Metaformin, chlomid.

Whispered

pwurple wrote: »

Whispered, my post was to offer encouragement, not to be dismissive. There is loads they can do for PCOS.

I understand that, my response was my first reaction when I read your post, so again apologies, I read it as being dismissive when that wasn't your intention.

marialouise

What's clomid for?

pwurple

marialouise wrote: »

What's clomid for?

Ovulation control

Satine82

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marialouise

Hi Satine

I visited my GP and described symptoms, got an ultrasound that week and was referred to Endocrinologist. Ultrasound findings were consistent with PCOS, and I did 3 blood tests to rule out a few other things, and when they were ruled out I was diagnosed.

If you've no cysts on your scan and bloods are normal then it's probably something else... Try and keep your iron levels up as even when pcos isn't interfering, mine go haywire with anaemic tendencies... You can get iron supplements easily, they're great for short term and then for long term you can try something like Boots Multivitamins & Iron that has 100% RDA of Iron, or something similar to that. (Iron can lead to constipation so I wouldn't recommend long term iron tablets).

I think the trip to the gynae could be handy, your bloods are normal so it's probably more of a systematic problem, maybe? I really don't know, but I think it sounds like you're doing the right thing! Best of luck with it!!!!!

loveisdivine

I'm beginning to think I may have PCOS. I've already made an appointment at the docs for Friday, but I just wanted to list down my symptoms and see what you think.

I stopped taking the BCP at the end of December 2012 (after being on them since I was 15) because of optical migraines which are a contra-indication to the BCP, since then the below has happened -

First 4 cycles were fairly regular, longer than when on the pill but regular none the less. However my last period was in April and I've not had a hint of one since.

I've gained weight rapidly, mostly around my stomach and bra line(<<hate that!). I'm not obese, but I have tipped over into overweight.

I have spells of dizzyness, nausea and fatigue/brain fog.

I'm getting a lot of spots on my face and particularly around my hair line.

I'm getting pimples on my scalp, the hair on my crown is thinning a little and I've got LOADS of excess sebum on my scalp. But also my hair seems to be growing quicker too, which is odd. Like the overall length is growing quick, but the top seems to be thinning.

Neither my partner nor I want children so I'm not concerned about infertility issues. My main concern is the weight gain and the hair thinning. I'm a long hair enthusiast and have been growing for a while now (I'm almost at hip length) it would make me very upset to lose my hair!

marialouise

That's strange that you'd get headaches after being on the pill for 10+ years, so that combined with your PCOS-like symptoms might mean Cushings disease.... You'll see in my previous posts there's no definitive test for PCOS so the two other things I was tested for were Cushings and Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia. These came back negative so by elimination I was diagnosed with with PCOS, but following your own blood tests the diagnosis might be different. It's just a simple blood test to test for it (you take a tablet the night before) and will separate the issues for you.

Also coincidentally today I was back with my endocrinologist so for anyone who was looking for info I did decide today to go with Metformin. I lost 7 kgs (15lb) since last appointment and it's helped some things but not others so I got my prescription today and have to get some more blood tests done before I go on it but if anyone wants more info about how I'm getting on with it just PM!

loveisdivine

marialouise wrote: »

That's strange that you'd get headaches after being on the pill for 10+ years, so that combined with your PCOS-like symptoms might mean Cushings disease.... You'll see in my previous posts there's no definitive test for PCOS so the two other things I was tested for were Cushings and Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia. These came back negative so by elimination I was diagnosed with with PCOS, but following your own blood tests the diagnosis might be different. It's just a simple blood test to test for it (you take a tablet the night before) and will separate the issues for you.

Yeah my migraines are an odd one alright. They have left me with some fairly major, permanent, visual disturbances. I've actually had an MRI just the other week and all was clear.

Hopefully I'll get some answers on Friday. I'm a bit fed up of having things wrong with me and nobody knowing the cause or how to treat it!

Wibbs

marialouise while your support for others with this is welcome and laudable, please can we dial back a bit on the online diagnosis parts. Thanks

loveisdivine

Well I went to the docs. At the minute he just thinks its hormonal from coming off the pill, even though I've been off for 7 months now.
I'm having a blood test tomorrow just to check for any abnormalities.

It was the first time I've seen this doctor and I wasn't thrilled with him to be honest. I found it odd that at no point during the appointment did he ask if I could be pregnant. Surely that would be pretty standard when someone says they are no longer on the BCP and have missed periods?! He didn't even mention it!

Anyway, I'm glad were doing the blood test

marialouise

Well there's no definitive blood test for PCOS so see what this one reveals and it might lead to further ones then to rule out other causes (eg Cushings) so don't get too excited about the first one! And ya pretty weird you were never asked about pregnancy or plans to become pregnant... But not to worry! Good luck with it all

loveisdivine

Well my bloods came back normal. I would imagine all I can do now is go back to the doctors again in a few months if nothing has changed.

I haven't been feeling quite as nauseous and dizzy the last week or so, so thats something

marialouise

That's good I suppose that your blood test was normal! Sometimes you'd nearly hope it wasn't so you can figure out what's going on but post-OCP it's gonna take months for your body to recover, so even though some things are fine, others will take a while to balance out, that's good you're not feeling so sick!

Started my Metformin today, no side effects tonight, have to stay on this dosage for 2 weeks and then increase...

loveisdivine

marialouise wrote: »

That's good I suppose that your blood test was normal! Sometimes you'd nearly hope it wasn't so you can figure out what's going on but post-OCP it's gonna take months for your body to recover, so even though some things are fine, others will take a while to balance out, that's good you're not feeling so sick!

Started my Metformin today, no side effects tonight, have to stay on this dosage for 2 weeks and then increase...

Yeah I guess so. Its weird that my cycle was fine for the first 4 months though. But, I can only wait and see!

Good luck with the Metformin.

Mozzeltoff

I have PCOS for years and nothing has being done about it! I've being to a few doctors and they have all confirmed I have it but all they seem to want me to do is go on the pill which I can't as I am over weight and there's a family history of blood clots and strokes Last year I ended up in hospital over the damn thing and had an ultra sound. Again it was confirmed but I am just left hanging I was told I'd be referred to a specialist but nothing. It's well over a year now and no word. I don't really know what to do!

marialouise

The pill isn't the only medication you can try so they should be more open minded than that You can't go to an endocrinologist without your referral so you'll have to start again with your GP and just say I HAVE PCOS AND WANT A REFERRAL LETTER PLEASE! What do you mean you ended up in hospital over it? And what measures are you taking yourself to do anything about it?

Mozzeltoff

I was in pain, I thought it was appendicitis but according to the doctor in the hospital some sort of cyst on my ovary had ruptured and that's when they decided to refer me to a gyno and I am still waiting to see one I have being back and forth to my own doctor about this but look I am just sick of it this stage..I was told I had PCOS when I was 17, I was lumped onto dianette and when I moved I had to change doctors. They done a mountain of bloodwork and they said that I had PCOS but they were more concerned about my weight and took me off dianette and sent me off to a dietician to work on the weight and that's a disaster unto itself I have a B12 deficiency as well as anaemia and that's their main focus And I can't really do a lot about it because my worries and concerns are falling on deaf ears!! :mad:

I am not trying to say there is no hope for me, all I am doing here is just voicing my frustration. I reckon I should just switch doctors and start all over again

chips13

Hi, I was wondering if anyone has experience with/could recommend a good GP in the Midlands area for PCOS? I've had PCOS for the past ten years and have tried a few of different GPs to no avail. I'm just finding the whole thing very frustrating at the minute.

I don't present with a lot of the "typical" PCOS sympoms.....I'm not overweight, don't have the acne/excess hair. My only symptoms are irregular periods and hair loss. I was put on the pill (Dianette) when I was diagnosed and the hair loss seemed to settle down a lot but I was changed to Yasmin a couple of years ago. The hair loss has begun to get worse lately to the point where I can notice that it has thinned out a lot, and have some very light patches. My hairdresser has also noticed. I went back to my GP and asked if it could be to do with changing the pill but she said that that wouldn't have made a difference. She ran the usual iron and thyroid tests and they came back clear so as far as she's concerned that's it, I just have to put up with the hair loss.

I'm just wondering if anyone here has similar symptoms and found anything that was particularly helpful or like I said if anyone could recommend a good GP that actually seems to know something about the condition.....if I hear one more time from a GP "You don't look like someone with PCOS" or "Most people with PCOS don't tend to lose their hair, they tend to have excess hair"....I know this is the case a lot of the time but it's just so frustrating when that's all the GPs I've attended have to say.

Any help/advice greatly appreciated!!

(Sorry for the rant! :-D)

Satine82

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chips13

Hi Satine82! Thanks for that, even to know that I'm not the only one that is completely frustrated with the situation makes me feel a bit better! Going back to the GP this week so will definitely ask for a referral to an endocrinologist and hopefully will get more concrete answers/treatment plan that way....fingers crossed! Will also give the UDOs oil a go....anything is worth a try!!

Thanks again

Digs

Massive plus 1 on the endocrinologist! I have had irregular periods since I was about 16 and lots of pain, excess facial hair. I was lucky I had a mother who pushed and pushed my GP to refer me to an endocrinolist who I've been seeing since I was 18 and he has been an absolute godsend. I'm 28 and was back with him two weeks ago for my first check up 4 months after having my first baby

GPS in my opinion are not specialised enough to deal with pcos.

Best of luck! It can be so frustrating getting a diagnoses but once you do it really can be so easy to manage.

chips13

Yeah an endocrinologist seems to be the way to go. Do you know if you have to be referred by your GP even if you are going private? Are there any endocrinologists who run private practices that you could just ring to make an appointment with directly?

Digs

chips13 wrote: »

Yeah an endocrinologist seems to be the way to go. Do you know if you have to be referred by your GP even if you are going private? Are there any endocrinologists who run private practices that you could just ring to make an appointment with directly?

I see my endo privately in Beaumont but still needed the referral. Seems to be the way unfortunately.

marialouise

chips13 wrote: »

Yeah an endocrinologist seems to be the way to go. Do you know if you have to be referred by your GP even if you are going private? Are there any endocrinologists who run private practices that you could just ring to make an appointment with directly?

You always have to be referred by your GP. They can refer you to private care but you'll always have to see the GP first!

Any key?

Girls this thread is so scary. I was diagnosed with PCOS back when I was 16 (27 now). I had a really bad eating disorder then, well anorexia and my mam was still in denial and brought me to a doctor to figure our why I hadn't had a period in years but to be honest I never ever followed up on it(couldn't have cared less at the time). As a grown up I am an 8-10 so I figured maybe it was all just hearsay. What should be my main concerns and what should I do? Should I tell my GP?

Mozzeltoff

Defintiely..go back and get some form of check up anyway! You're better off getting it looked after!

Any key?

Any key? wrote: »

Girls this thread is so scary. I was diagnosed with PCOS back when I was 16 (27 now). I had a really bad eating disorder then, well anorexia and my mam was still in denial and brought me to a doctor to figure our why I hadn't had a period in years but to be honest I never ever followed up on it(couldn't have cared less at the time). As a grown up I am an 8-10 so I figured maybe it was all just hearsay. What should be my main concerns and what should I do? Should I tell my GP?

Tell your GP everything, take it from there. Get it sorted now so you can put your own mind at rest and don't waste any more time being scared.

loveisdivine

Well I went back to the docs last week as its now been 4 months since my last period and all the other symptoms I'm having are still in full swing!
I saw a different doctor this time who was much nicer and more understanding, she has referred me for a pelvic ultrasound. So at least thats something.

She wants to rule out cysts before considering putting me back on the pill.

However I don't think I want to go on the pill at all to be honest. If I can get the weight and hairloss issues under control without BC then I would be happy. I dont care about fertility and I really dont want to continue using BC pills as I dont think its good for my system anymore.

Satine82

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L.Jenkins

Any advice on what I can do to assist my Fiancée emotionally. She is waiting to see gynaecology, in the next 2 weeks. It's been put out there that she has PCOS and is waiting to be diagnosed. I understand specialists can take care of things, but she is afraid she will never be a mother.

I'm not sure whether to reassure her that things will work out or support her. What scares her the most is that I will resent and leave her if she can't bare children. This is not the case and I have no intention of walking out the door. How do I help her through her incredibly rough patches as it seems that even seeing children or pregnant women upset her?

LoonyLovegood

Itzy, it's just being supportive and making sure she realises you're there.

I've an endo appointment next week, not looking forward to it at all.

Satine82

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Mozzeltoff

I know I am resurrecting an old thread BUT I need a bit of feed back. (Apologies Mods, I didn't feel like re starting a new one when I knew there was all ready an existing thread!!)

I know I have posted in this thread before but I'll give you guys a bit of my back story. Basically the short version is that I was diagnosed with PCOS when I was 16/17 and was thrown onto a contraceptive called Dianette and was told that it should regulate everything. I was on and off that until I was 24. I then moved counties and of course switched doctors. She pulled me off Dianette as it turned out I would be prone to clots and strokes, especially since there's a family history of them there.

Anyway, come last Christmas I decided to switch doctors as the one I was with didn't seem to bothered in helping me. I had bloods taken, was referred to an endocrinologist, who recommended I be put on metformin. I visited my doctor today who printed me a prescription. She's explained what to expect side effect wise and explained my dosage for the next six weeks. Apparently there will be some weight loss and everything should work out.

Now my question is to those who have being taking it, is it really as great as the doctor and endocrinologist are making it out to be? I am just a little reserved and I don't want to be getting all my hopes up.