Search PCOS experiences

Was being investigated by the NHS for chronic fatigue. After being inconclusive after over a year of investigations I got a hormone test with Superdrug which showed high levels of testosterone. I then went to an endocrinologist privately with my hormone results and hirsutism. They gave me an ultrasound and diagnosed me with PCOS. I've been treated for two months on metformin and spironolactone. Tiredness has improved... but many other symptoms remain unchanged. It feels frustrating. I feel like I am trying hard to live my life perfectly - trying to not spike my insulin, spending thousands on laser which doesn't help, endlessly exercising. One day of indulgence sets me back to zero. 3 weeks into my cycle my fatigue comes back in force. However I am hopeful that eventually I will find a way to manage.

Went from clear skin to terrible acne from age 12-28. Hairy face, boobs, bloating and problems focussing or having energy to do anything affecting job, relationship and holidays. Doctor said “yes sounds like PCOS, try being healthier” (never been obese). Eventually found Yasmin without breaks has finally fixed my skin and reduced body hair. Energy a little better but not great. 3 other women in my family have these problems + migraines.

I went to the doctors when I was 15 because of acne, excess hair and irregular periods and was put on Dianette with out any investigations. I took this for 15 years and whilst it did control the acne to some extent I wanted to come off the pill as I felt it was affecting my mental health. My symptoms then came back even worse than before. I went back to the doctors and they just said to go back on the pill unless I was trying to get pregnant. I didn’t want to keep masking my symptoms so decided to do some functional testing with a company called Future Woman as they test androgen and stress hormones as well as the usual sex hormones. I’m now awaiting my results and they will provide diet/lifestyle/supplement advice so I can hopefully get the root cause of my symptoms.

I was diagnosed when I went to University in my second year. I had had symptoms since I was 15. My family assumed I was pregnant when my periods would not show up for months. It feels awful to be honest, I envy women who do not suffer with PCOS.

I was diagnosed with PCOS after coming off the combined pill (Gedarel) which I had been on for roughly 3 years. I came off it in August 2023 and had not had a period by Christmas, which was when I contacted the GP because I felt that something wasn't quite right. I knew it would take a while for my periods to regulate again after coming off the pill (I didn't have irregular periods before going on the pill) but something wasn't right. The GP did blood tests which flagged up elevated testosterone levels and then she did a TV ultrasound which showed that I had multiple ovarian cysts (this was not picked up on a regular ultrasound which had been done the previous year). She diagnosed PCOS there and then on account of my high testosterone levels but referred me to a gynaecologist. I saw the consultant today for the first time - he wasn't very helpful at all and didn't seem to have a clue about my medical history but he has referred me to an endocrinologist and has requested a hormone blood panel to be done on day 2 or 3 of my next period (I assume this is to get a definitive diagnosis). I was quite surprised to learn that I had PCOS as I never thought I fitted the symptoms. I would have excessive hair growth but have had 10 rounds of laser for my bikini and underarms which has helped a lot, but I do have significant hair growth on my lower belly, lower back, arms and thighs which are apparently predominantly male areas of hair growth. I also experience frequent bloating and have lower belly fat which I'm quite self conscious about as I am quite petite and slim everywhere else.

I feel really confused about how much this will impact my fertility or not.

I was diagnosed after being to the doctors a couple of times over the years due to hirsutism since my late teens. I was originally told it wasn't PCOS and then went back to the doctor when I was about 22/23 as I was struggling to regulate my weight and was experiencing excessive male patterned hair growth. At the time they finally did diagnosed me with PCOS but said it was 'partial' as I didn't have enough symptoms - my symptoms were mostly hirsutism and weight gain, but I had regular periods. I find it incredibly difficult to live with the excess hair growth and have to keep on top of it on almost a daily basis & it has impacted my self confidence. Similarly experiencing difficulties maintaining my weight has been a struggle over the past few years - I've tried low carb diets to manage insulin resistance but it's been a balancing game of this and not falling into disordered eating.

Found out I had PCOS after a routine appointment about my injection contraception as I’d been bleeding the entire time and they were concerned. Was advised that my symptoms were all PCOS related and I’d likely never had a ‘regular’ real period in the last year I had been transitioning between the pill to the injection as my cycle was ranging from 19 days up to 35. I had been given advice on the excessive weight I’d started rapidly gaining too along with the facial hair I’ve struggled with since I was a teenager. Unfortunately my symptoms have only worsened and I have become pre-diabetic too.

I was diagnosed by my dr at 16. The hardest physical thing for me is probably the hair growth and weight. I have to be very strict with my eating and exercise. I’ve found i have to limit calories right down to under 1,500 and exercise with strength based activities to keep my weight maintained. The hair is a constant battle but i recently found sugaring and it’s much more effective for me than waxing

I was diagnosed late as I started having heavy and irregular periods at 11 and was put on the pill without any real conversation. I had terrible acne and fatigue until I was 17 with multiple pcos symptoms but my old doctor refused to test me as I didn't have diabetes,wasn't overweight and had good blood pressure. Luckily my family doctor had experience with pcos and got me an internal scan that showed pcos instantly. I've managed my symptoms for years through diet and exercise. Since I got married 2 years ago after 18 years on the pill, I have undertaken fertility tests and although discouraged from coming off the pill after being told I'd need internal scrapings etc and petrifying me (again male gp). I made the decision to come off the pill 12 weeks ago and although i can't say it was the best decision yet but I do feel more in control of my body and the choices I'm making. I wish there was more funding and understanding of pcos because it isn't one size fits all and simply putting girls on the pill from young ages without actually informing them of their choices can be extremely harmful to their mental health and self worth later on. I think women should be able to feel more empowered about their medical choices and it shouldn't be a taboo