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Hello, I just found this site today and am overwhelmed by the
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information here.
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I had my first period when I was 16 and it was very irregular until a
doctor put me on the pill about 4 1/2 years ago. I was also started out
at 100 mg Aldactone to help with hirsuitism (I had hair on my lip, chin,
chest... etc.) Once I started the pill, I went up 2 cup sizes, and
gained about 20 lbs. in the first few months. Initially I would feel
very tired ( fell asleep at the wheel once!) and was then referred to
another doctor in NYC.
Since then, I changed several pills, and all along have been having big
problems with water retention. I was taking 200 mg of Aldactone for the
past year. It didn't really solve the problem. My hair has thinned out
and become finer and limper in texture. The only real positive is that
my facial hair has been dramtically been reduced by the medicine and
electrolysis.
>From last May to this February I was on Demulen. I lost about 10- 15
lbs. without changing anything in my lifestyle. I didn't feel as tired
with this , but the water retention was only a bit better, and my moods
were miserable. In a last attempt, I was switched to Mircette. Within
weeks I put on about 18-20 lbs. and was feeling miserable. My
eyelashes starting dropping off !I have had NO sex drive for the past 2
years. I am 29.
I finally quit all my medication on May 20, with the approval of my
doctor. They don't really know what the cause of my PCO is and want to
'start over' in a few months once my body resets itself.
In the past 4 weeks since I have quit the pills my hair and skin have
become oily ( I have always had good skin even before the pill so this
is weird); I have a LOT more energy; my temperament is finally getting
back to normal. I think I can already see the unwanted hair start to
make a come back. The hair on my head isn't really improving yet.
Lastly, I still wake up looking like a water balloon.
1. After reading through several postings, I notice that many of the
women are taking diabetes medicines. How can I learn more about this?
2. My doctor told me that she does not have any idea about the water
retention. Does anyone know anything about this ? I am wondering if I
need to see a different doctor about this ( not PCO related ?)
3. Is this sudden change in my hair/skin since being of the meds normal
?
4. Is there anyone else out there whose hair has suffered with the pill
?
5. I would like to find a doctor who in NJ is involved with the latest
treatments and who would be able to explain the specifics of my
condition in technical terms. Is there a doctor that anyone would
recommend in New Jersey who specializes in PCO?
6. I have also been poking around this and read that it is "... other
disorders of the ovary, pituitary gland and adrenal gland can mimic the
symptoms and appearance of PCOS, these disorders should be excluded
before an accurate diagnosis of PCOS can be made" How can I as a pateint
ensure this happens?
7. Lastly, is it possible to CURE PCOS , or can it only be controlled?
I apologize for making such a long posting. I sincerely thank all of
you for taking the time to read this. I hope that I can return the
favor some day. Thanks. Kathy
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