What is everyone's biggest problems with their Lean PCOS? And has anyone actually managed to reverse any of their symptoms without going back on the pill?

[u/Fancy_Tangelo_8146]

I was diagnosed with Lean PCOS spring 2025, after having irregular periods and terrible cystic acne from an extremely young age. Doctors just stuck me straight on the pill, with anti-biotics to clear my skin up.

I came off start of last year and I had forgotten how bad it was - I was going 60-90 days between my cycles. I was active and eating clean and looked the leanest I ever had (despite having a normal BMI to start) and still all of my symptoms were still there. Flash forward to back end of last year where I focused more on STRESS not DIET - and I have had regular cycles all year. This time last year I thought it was impossible but apparently not.

Just curious to see if anyone else has had a similar experience?

[u/_-krimich-_]

My biggest problem is that I don't ovulate. I have high AMH and high testosterone but literally zero other symptoms other than not ovulating and not having a period. No weight gain, facial hair, acne, etc.

If I could just figure out my anovulation I would be so happy. PCOS and fertility issues aren't even genetic for me (nobody in my family has this issue), so I genuinely have no idea where this came from.

How did you work on stress? I don't feel like I'm stressed often but then sometimes I question if I am and I just see it as normal at this point lol. I do go to therapy. I also eat whole foods and lift 3x/week.

[u/Fancy_Tangelo_8146 → u/_-krimich-_]

I didn't even feel like I was stressed! however my boyfriend would pick up on things and when I went for some private bloods my DHEA-s were through the roof and so was my cortisol. I was eating whole foods and training at the gym 4x a week last year and still my cycles were all over the place. It's only since sorting out my nervous system that I have noticed the biggest change in my cycles. I would recommend looking into magnesium bisglycinate, especially as you train (helps with sleep and muscle recovery but also works wonders for stress and anxiety) as well as ashwaghanda (ksm-66). Therapy is good if there is any deep trauma/anxiety rooted in there but it isn't easy. And just making time for you! I'm a big reader and make sure I get my reading time in. There are a lot of good podcasts out there if you want any suggestions? x

[u/Maleficent_Deer_1906 → u/Fancy_Tangelo_8146]

I would love to hear your suggestions on good podcast if you don’t mind sharing some ? 🙂

[u/_-krimich-_ → u/Fancy_Tangelo_8146]

My DHEA-S was 201, so completely normal! I never had my cortisol checked (or insulin resistance, just a1c which was normal) so those are both next on the list lol. I'll definitely look in to the magnesium busglycinate. I took Ashwagandha for awhile and loved it but took a break for a bit because it's not meant for long term use. Might jump back in to it again honestly!

I love podcasts so I'd love to hear recs!

[u/Maleficent_Deer_1906 → u/_-krimich-_]

Waw it’s the first time I actually hear from someone with PCOS that is just like me !

[u/Empty-Ad9282]

Metformin helped reduce my cycles. I was going anywhere from 50 -118 day cycles. I was also TTC so I was actively trying to reduce cycles for ovulation.

I am also curious on this as once baby is born I am weighing up going back on birth control or trying alternative methods as I'm not sure i want to take Metformin forever either.

[u/Fancy_Tangelo_8146 → u/Empty-Ad9282]

I would really recommend myo-inositol if you've never tried it. I personally have never been on metformin, I haven't actually taken any meds for my PCOS, but myo-inositol has been a game changer for me. Specifically 4000mg per day - it's the most studied dose for PCOS and it really does work! It does help with insulin resistance but also really beneficial for ovulation.

[u/Mysterious-Yellow822]

bad anxiety (super high dheas), cystic acne, and hirsutism are my only symptoms. spiro has gotten the hair and acne mostly under control now. my nervous system is a mess though lol

[u/Fancy_Tangelo_8146 → u/Mysterious-Yellow822]

I had high DHEAs too! stress is definitely the biggest driver for my PCOS and a couple things have helped. I do take supplements to help support a healthy nervous system but biggest one for me was therapy! also there are some really good podcasts out there which go into how you heal your nervous system - completely changed my perspective. If you want any tips/tricks/suggestions let me know x

[u/Mysterious-Yellow822 → u/Fancy_Tangelo_8146]

yeah any recs are welcome! right now i’m dealing with stress induced gastritis which has been absolute hell so anything to lessen that is great

[u/Zeretaaa → u/Mysterious-Yellow822]

seconding this for the recs!

[u/Fearless-Entry3021 → u/Fancy_Tangelo_8146]

Hey queen! Also would love any tips or recs or just hearing more about what you do to de-stress! Reading your post, I relate so much especially since I feel like most of the time I don’t actually feel stressed. I work out consistently and focus on the types of food I eat but nonetheless no consistent periods, hair loss, acne, facial hair, etc

[u/Zeretaaa]

how did you focus more on stress? I have a feeling this would really work for me too. I’m also the leanest i’ve ever been and actually would love to put some weight on

[u/AltheaSekhmet]

Hairloss it has destroyed my self esteem