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I complained to the go for 4 years that my constant severe sweating (changing sheets three times a night), hair growth on my face and other places i had to shave every two days, sharp stabbing pains in my ovaries every month were not normal, amongst heavy periods when i did bleed (i was very irregular). I was sleepinga lot and constantly exhausted and just couldnt lose weight. It wasnt until i had an MRI last month due to back pain, that follicles on my ovaries and fluid was found, so the doctors actually now agree to go through pcos diagnosis. During this time, my anxiety and low mood was horrific as i felt disgusted in my body and confused. But, having that diagnosis pathway makes things make more sense. Lesson learnt: ALWAYS FIGHT TO BE LISTENED TO🤍

I was diagnosed in 2024 after at least a year of only having periods every other month, then nothing for 3 months at which point I went to the GP. It was the first thing they considered, and it was just bloods then a diagnosis - quick and easy. Problem was the doctor just kind of sent me away with the combined pill and said there’s nothing they could do, and I just needed to manage it. Manage what? No idea. I’d been on the combined pill for two years, and it was fantastic. I’m autistic, so I loved the consistency, having a structured break meant I didn’t need to think about it every single day, and the fact that it’s forgiving if I forget to take a dose. Then, in June, the dreaded UKMEC 3 decided to plague me. I’m overweight (BMI ~41), so obviously the risk of stroke was too high to keep me on COCP. The only alternative they offered me was the mini pill, which is notoriously unforgiving and can lead to spotting. I was so distraught because this completely ruined my consistent routine. I took it for a week before I came down with a stomach bug and couldn’t take it, and in that time I’d had the heaviest and most painful period in years. My acne flared up for the first time in years. I was completely miserable. Now, I’m really having to advocate for myself to get the right treatments. I spent the time between appointments searching for alternatives, and I found out about cyclic progesterone, which is 14 days on, 14 days off. Never at any point previously was this recommended to me. In two appointments prior I was in such distress and no one considered it, likely because it’s not a contraceptive. I don’t need, and have never needed, contraception. I have it on prescription now, but I had to tell a different doctor about it, and she had to go research it to then prescribe it. I’m now also fighting for weight loss. That same doctor who prescribed me cyclic progesterone referred me to a weight loss specialist to discuss orlistat. Orlistat would genuinely do me more harm than good. It’s a fat blocker, when I’m dealing with insulin resistance, which is carbs. Why would I cut fat for a carbs problem? Because the medication physically restricts you from eating fat with threat of gastro problems, I’d have to go fat-free, and the vast majority of fat-free foods are high in sweeteners. Plus I’m a vegetarian and I’d be restricted to like, egg whites. Therefore, terrible for the insulin problem. I haven’t had this appointment yet but I will riot if I’m prescribed orlistat. I want metformin. So overall, I’m just coasting by at the minute. I hate that I have to advocate for everything because there just isn’t standardised treatment for PMOS.

I was diagnosed in April 2025 after being on the pill for 9 years (which they put me on for heavy periods). They confirmed this with ultrasound and blood tests. I cannot actually fault my GP, they were incredible amd I got a diagnosis in 4 months. However, my periods are horrendous. They vary from 7 days to 30+ days. Its effecting my greatly, my mental health is down, my body is fat and my skin isn't what it was like. They put me on metformin to help with the cravings and my blood sugar levels, which did help. But I didnt want to be on medication, so i did some research and found Shreddy- which is a women's powder you put in a drink and tastes delicious! This has helped. But recently ive got married and been on honeymoon, and the stress from all that has sent my body into a frenzy. Im currently now on day 18 of my period amd I just dont feel like myself. Low mood, constant fatigue, and even when I wasnt on my period I was spotting! Ive been to the GP and they haven't helped me really, i just dont know what else to do.

have irregular periods, and my recent blood test showed that my LH (luteinizing hormone) level is high. I’m trying to understand what this means.

While I've always experienced certain symptoms of PCOS for the past 8 years, I had never heard of the condition before and it wasn't too obvious at first since I exercised regularly, ate healthily and managed my weight. The only symptoms I had were irregular periods (once every 45 days) and tendency to eat insane amounts of sugar. Last year I was under heavy stress and severely depressed and my periods stopped completely for 7 months. I was trying to figure out what could have gone wrong during this period as many changes started happening - excessive hair growth, painful acne that left permanent scars, receding hairline, and more. I underwent a ultrasound that found cysts and was diagnosed with PCOS.

Diagnosed a few years ago by specialist professor. Main symtoms were extreme overheating and sweating, feeling constantly like i need to eat food- leading to weight gain and irregular periods- approx 45 day cycles. Started taking metformin and increased the dose to quite high. It has transformed my life. My overheating and overeating have gone away and I can now think about food in a normal way- also periods became very regular 30 days. Other possible changes - so much happier and clearer skin. After taking metformin of approx 6 months, I started developing severe mood swings in my luteal phase, consistent with PMDD. I felt like i was going crazy. I spoke to the professor again and he suggested i take the mini pill (desogestrel). Ive been taking it for over 6 months now and It almost immediately stopped my PMDD symptoms. Now im not overheating, overeating or having moodswings. The only downside is very frequent and light periods! approx 11 day cycles.

Had symptoms for many years and was told it’s just hormones, finally 6/7 years later was diagnosed and since then had no help and just been shoved on a contraceptive pill (Slynd) that’s making my issues much worse. I have tried metformin and combined pills which were no help. I have been told to go to a private clinic for hair removal as not given on the NHS this also goes for Mounjaro which is the only thing that has helped reduce symptoms and aid weight loss and part from that I have to just “deal with it”

I went to the GP first when i was 19 due to excessive hair thinning, increased facial hair growth and hair fall and weight gain. I also had irregular periods. I was sent for an ultrasound scan but apparently nothing was visible- but it was only a lower abdomen scan. and the doctor said i might have pcos so he prescibed oral contraceptive- combined pill. the pill made periods more regular but i couldn't continue as weight gain was still excessive. no other treatment was given. I have since gone to the GP may times but apart from a blood test nothing more is being done. and blood always comes back as 'normal' they say.

I wanted to add my experience because I couldn't see anyone else who said they had regular periods and a PCOS diagnosis and that was my biggest anxiety over trying to get a diagnosis. I told myself I wouldn't be believed because I didn't have the biggest indicator. I got lucky with an incredible doctor but I just want to reassure anyone who also has regular periods but other symptoms they believe means they have PCOS, trust yourself, only you know your body and if something doesn't feel right then persue it. I'm so new to this and don't know what the diagnosis means for me and my life but I think it's important to recognise you don't need every single symptom to have a condition.