I do not personally have PCOS, but I have a good friend that has it. She has had to undergo a lot of treatments and surgeries, but things are getting better for her.

I also have PCOS but can't use birth control as a form of treatment. Been there, done that, was in the E.R. because I nearly had a stroke. I'm on other medication to try and help my body out but I've found it's not doing much good so another doctor visit is in my near future.

My biggest suggestion to anyone who thinks they might have PCOS or was recently diagnosed - do your research! Don't just let one doctor be the source of all your information. And knowledge is power and only YOU know your body.

I have PCOS, it was managed with birth control pills and it turned into insulin resistance and that is managed with metformin that help me lose weight and the more weight i lose the better my pcos got

Having more acne then is "normal" for you body is a sign of PCOS. High testosterone levels are a sign as well. But the only true way to tell is to get an ultrasound to see if you have testosterone around your ovaries OR to see if you have actual cysts on your ovaries.

I get sharp pains in my ovaries sometimes but my doctor didn't seem to be concerned about that at all. She just tested my hormone levels and glucose. I kind of want to see a specialist about it, but I doubt she would refer me.

I would say you should either go to another doctor that you are able to go to without issues money wise or insist on a referral. This isn't a beat around the bush type of problem. If you do have it, it needs to be taken care of as soon as possible.

YAY!!!

I have PCOS, but I am allergic to Estrodile...nice huh? Totally explains the PCOS. My best friend was diagnosed 2 months before I was. I am amazed how drastically different our symptoms are.

A good GYN diagnosed her easily, but I had to go to an Endo to get help because I had NO outward symptoms.

Yeah, that's what makes PCOS so difficult! The fact that it's an umbrella term for general female reproductive issues basically. Women can have such a huge range of symptoms and some barely have any at all! PCOS is a beast!

Unfortunately it is pretty common and since it's a women's issue and doesn't pose a death risk, the medical community hardly cares. Women are generally put on a back burner, which of course is just plain wrong.

But it's an umbrella term for general reproductive issues that are characterized by any (or all) of the following:

- Formation of cysts on the ovaries
- Higher levels of testosterone
- Absence of (or few) menstrual periods
- Absence of (or few) ovulation
- Difficulty (or impossibility) of becoming pregnant
- Increased skin problems
- Increase or appearance of facial hair
- Weight gain
- And, unfortunately, much more

It's really different for every woman what she experiences, how it started, and how it's treated. Some can 'beat' the syndrome and find their way out of it, others can't. I have to say that I'm currently showing signs of kicking PCOS ass though and had two periods in the span of half a year that weren't induced with medications which is VERY exciting for me! Plus I've lost weight so I'm on the right track.

I have not been diagnosed with it, I have however had cysts in my ovaries. The last (and only time) that I had an ultrasound was when a cyst ruptured, there were 2 still there. but so far no rupture... Being on Depo helped the others from rupturing - or maybe they went away.. Not sure b/c I havent been checked again.. Really dont wanna be, it hurt the last time.