WOMENS-HEALTH Messages for April, 2007: GENERAL: Hornonal Imbalance? PCOS? Premature Ovarian Failure?

GENERAL: Hornonal Imbalance? PCOS? Premature Ovarian Failure?

From: Kat17 (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Mon, 16 Apr 2007 12:24:13 -0500 (CDT)

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Since puberty, I have had PCOS tendencies (light layer of dark hair all over my body as well as cyclic acne). However, I was never overweight, always had extremely regular menstrual cycles and my glucose levels were always normal. Hence, I never had a workup for the disorder and lived with the cosmetic issues. Fastforward to my 30s. At the age of 31 (practically overnight), my menstrual cycles went from 28 days clockwork down to 25-26 days. The flow also reduced significantly (I suspect many months I don't ovulate--occasionally I'll even have 24-day cycles where I get a bout of flooding/clotting and not much else). My typcial period is now every 26 days and goes like this: 2 days brown spotting, 2-3 days of actual bleeding (usually not very heavy) and 2-3 days of additional brown spotting. I never had the brown spotting in my regular days, which consisted of 4 days of bleeding. Although still not overweight, I now find losing weight almost impossible. (The depression has done a major hit to my appetite yet I've lost no weight.)

That cycle shift at 31 also marked my first bout with severe anxiety. Over time, I adjusted to that change, which is where I still remain today at almost 37 years of age. However, I'm now struggling with severe anxiety and depression issues again, which I am convinced have a hormonal relationship. The acne issues are still pretty bad in the week leading up to my period and the hair is still everywhere. I also have decreased libido, vaginal dryness and minor hair loss problems. Since I don't have children but would still like the option, it's the prospect that my ovaries may be failing, however, that worries me the most. (Early menopause does not run in my family.) Six months back, my bloodwork for thyroid and glucose were normal, so I know they're not the culprits. I have not had hormonal testing done, however. My question is, do these symptoms sound like they could be stemming from PCOS or should I be bracing myself for early menopause? Significant or not, I don't know, but I have never skipped periods as is typical in PCOS. I've also never taken birth control pills and always swore I wouldn't. But if the hormonal balance they provide would help with the unbearable emotional symptoms (and as a bonus help with the acne and hair and other problems), I would seriously consider them. I know, however, that birth control pills can CAUSE depression and that terrifies me. If the doctor responds to this message, would birth control be your recommendation in my case? And if so, which one(s)? I've heard the new Yaz is supposed to even out moods and be anti-androgenic (hence good for PCOS problems). Yes?

Sorry so long, but any advice appreciated.

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