I was recently diagnosed with PCOS by my endocrinologist. He put me on a total of 1000 mg metformin daily.

However I am reluctant to go on birth control pills again. Although they did regulate my periods, I am concerned about the long term side effects of taking synthetic hormones. I never had any PMS symptoms when I was not on bcps (I was on Ortho Tri Cyclen Lo). When on the pill, I get emotional upsets, GI problems, and horrible cramps. I had a problem with debilitating depression that mysteriously went away after quitting the bcps.

My endo has told me that as little as a 10% weight reduction can regulate my hormones. However he continues to push the bcps. I think I may switch dr's because he is very condescending, especially about my bcp concerns. This is why I prefer female physicians. I feel like going to a male dr about pcos is like taking driving lessons from someone who has never driven a car.

I was just wondering, has anyone had any success with managing pcos without birth control pills? Also, I did try taking vitex before and I did get a period after only being on it 2 weeks. I am interested in any suggestions for herbal remedies

You know a few months ago i posted a similar thread. i was looking to control my pcos without pcos. now 2 months later im about to start my third pack of yasmin bcp. only in the first week i was a little bit moody and had some nausea after that i was fine.

some people have said just by changing their diet and exercise they were able to control their pcos. and when i was 195 my periods were regular and only became irregular when i hit 215lbs.

i think it depends on the person.

but i personally think while you are trying to lose weight and get healthy it's best to get on birth control pills. it will at least regulate your hormones until you can get to a lower weight and develop better eating habits. once i get to my goal weight i plan on stop taking yasmin.

with birth control pills you have to find the one that works for you. if one type of bcp doesn't work for you then try another. when my gyno prescribes me yasmin she only gave me 3 months because she wanted see how i tolerated it. if i didn't tolerated she was going to give me another type.

so i say if bcp another try.

I don't take BCP and I am regulating my hormones with other supplements (I'm not taking Metformin either).

In the past 12 months, I've gotten my period 10 times and I've lost 10 lbs. More than the weight loss, the diet (no refined carbs) and exercise have helped me keep my periods regular, my blood sugar controlled.

I also stopped taking BCP (yasmin) because I was getting terrible side-effects, including those GI problems too. I didn't want to live like that as "normal". I don't regret stopping!!! It was the BEST decision ever and now, I can't believe I suffered through that for many many many many many years.

I credit BCP with being able to lose weight. I went off of them a year ago. I haven't regained the weight and my hormones and bloodwork are in normal ranges. Unfortunately, I still have poly cystic ovaries, and BCP is the only non-surgical method I've found to control that. Weightloss, diet, and exercise control all my other symptoms, though

I go to women docs for the same reason.

If you decide to keep the pill... note that you were on a triphasic. I'm not ok on ANY triphasic pill. I have crazy bopping around hormones as it is. I do not need more bopping from a pill that is changing dose level each week too! I do better on monophasic and use Ortho-Cyclen where each pill is the same dose all the way across the weeks.

I hadn't seen that mentioned yet , so I thought I would.

I go with a low-gi diet and try to avoid simple carbs and sweets. I'm flexitarian and at different stages/needs in my life have take it to the vegan end to help further reduce hormone load from animal foods. (ex: when I was pregnant, feeling blah, etc)

I don't do a lot of supplements, but even not pregnant and with no desires to TTC, I take a prenatal multivitamin for the extra iron. My doc thinks all menstruating women could benefit from that and I agree so I try to keep up with that. I go with the Rainbow Light brand.

I do try to put cinnamon in my food, rather than take capsules.

But def the most successful thing for me was regular workouts. That's also my weak point though, so I'm trying to get back into it.

HTH!
A.

*HUGS* Don't stay with a doctor who talks to you like that. Some seem to get off on this 'complex' rather than getting that they are there to help the patients.

I completely understand not wanting to be on birth control. I don't want to be, either, but at this point... Well, I want to at least keep things going. I do take breaks from it, though. I've also found that the forms of the pill are like therapists - you have to try different ones to see what's right for you.

Right now I am on the lowest hormone dosage available. I don't get the benefits of slowed hair growth, but I don't have to deal with the mood swings anymore either.

But if you definite, in no way want to be on the pill, then by gosh, that is your choice. Explore your options with your doctor. That is, your new doctor.

Thanks everyone!