Re: Confused about medication
From: Jen (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Wed, 3 Oct 2001 18:13:04 -0500 (CDT)
At Wed, 3 Oct 2001, Leona wrote:
>
The gynaecologist has tried to put me on Depo-Provera (to
>induce a period) followed by Dianette (a combination oral
>contraceptive). I am not happy to take this as I am borderline
>hypertensive and about 18lbs overweight.
<snip>
>Anyway, when I asked the gynaecologist about alternative options to the
>pill he just said "Oh, you have to take it, it reduces the risks
>associated with PCO like female cancers and stuff...the risks from blood
>pressure are far outweighed by the risks from PCO in your case".
<snip>
I'm assuming, from your spelling and the brand name of the BCP that you
are from the UK, and I know it's hard to deal with the medical system
over there, but are you allowed to seek a second opinion? If so, I'd
seek it out, even if you have to go to a private physician. While it's
true that PCOS is associated with a high risk for uterine cancer and
heart disease, the birth control pill is no longer the only option.
Insulin sensitzers, like metformin (Glucophage) can help, and have fewer
heart-related side effects. In fact, if you can get your insulin
resistance under control, you may find that your blood pressure is lower
as well.
Metformin use isn't as popular in the UK as in the US, but it's
definitely out there, particularly for women who are trying to conceive.
Also, there are complementary therapies that can help, such as
acupuncture, herbs, etc., along with dietary changes (low carb diets)
and exercise. You would need to seek out an alternative practitioner to
get the most use out of these, since PCOS is so different for different
women.
Let us know how things go.
--
Jen R.
email welcome at: jennyred@nospam.ivillage.com
(note: to send me an email, take out the "nospam." I put in
my email address. That's in there for the spam-bots.)
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