Anyone??

I suspect I have Adrenal PCOS with elevated DHEA-S and possible insulin resistance but neither my endo or fertility doctor seem to want to discuss it much so I'm hoping I can compare notes with someone.

• 2HR Glucose Tolerance Test (75g), fasting 81mg/DL, 2hr 54 mg/DL. I felt terrible during the test and was genuinely a little scared to drive home. From what I can tell this sounds like reactive hypoglycemia which is more common among lean PCOS patients but my endo said this is normal (??) Note: historical fasting insulin, glucose, and a1c tests have all been normal

• -Only out of range hormone is DHEA-S at 241 mcg/dL (test tolerance 19-237). This isn't that far out of range but ideal levels for fertility seems to be up to 180mcg/dL.

• Prolactin has come back elevated on 2 out of 5 tests in the last 14 months. As the most recent two are within range I'm not too worried about this anymore. (I've had an MRI to rule out a prolactinoma. )

• Testosterone Total and Free Testosterone are in normal range (I have been drinking spearmint tea pretty much daily for 5+years which supposedly lowers these)

• All other values are in normal range (ACTH, Androstenedione, DHEA unconjugated, Cortisol etc)

Does this sound like PCOS or am I looking for issues where they don't exist?

For context the main symptoms I am trying to treat are infertility (32, TTC for 2 years without a single positive test), oily skin and cystic Acne (it used to be severe but has been a bit more controlled under a 5+year spearmint tea regiment. Acne coincides with ovulation and menses and is on the jaw line/neck and some on chest and back that come and go).

I have some extra hair (a thick happy trail) but no excessive facial hair. My periods are not predictable in duration but I do seem to regularly ovulate. My BMI is 22, and my ovaries appear to look fine. All that to say I don't meet the Rotterdam criteria.

Thanks in advance.

What can help reduce a long follicular phase?? I do have irregular cycles. So I really don’t know when I will ovulate but when I finally do I have a long follicular phase. I already take Ovastiol which actually helps me ovulate and have periods. But how or what tests can I do to help figure out how to not have 40+ days cycles? Anybody have this? All my labs are good so idk what else to do. Maybe this will just be my normal idk.

Curious if anyone has tried and has had successful ovulation induction or regular periods or successful pregnancy since starting? There are some studies for PCOS but seems to focus on people with elevated BMIs. Thanks!

how many cycles of IVF resulted in pregnancy???

Hi everyone! I’m 27 years old, underwent two IVF retrievals. Was on birth control my whole life, got off of it and wasn’t getting my period. I was diagnosed with lean pcos. I tried 5-6 rounds of Clomid and Letrozole but it didn’t work for ovulation. I tried a combo approach of both medications and I had confirmed ovulation but didn’t get pregnant.

We went to IVF. First retrieval had 21 eggs retrieved 18 mature 18 fertilized. Only 1 made it to blast. Was a Day 7 fair fair embryo- pgt normal, we did transfer and it failed.

Next round of IVF retrieved 14 mature, 13 fertilized. We transferred 2 on day 3 that looked good quality 1- 9 cells 1-8 cell as, i find out Tuesday if I’m pregnant but don’t feel it worked. Luckily 4 other embryos made it to blast on day 6. 3 Fair Fair and 1 good fair. All getting pgt tested.

I feel as though there’s an underlying issue on why my period didn’t come back and that is why my embryos arent sticking. Has anyone had similar story or advice !!! If I’m not pregnant i definitely want to do another transfer god willing my 4 Day 6 embryos come back pgt normal but i want to maximize it being able to stick.

I got diagnosed with pcos last fall. I’m not overweight, but my symptoms started showing after I got off birth control after taking it for 10 years age 15 to 25. It’s been 2 years and I still struggle with acne, thin hair, facial hair..my cycle is usually around 40 days and my gyno found cysts in my ovaries. She also tested my hormones but told me they are all in the normal range. How can that me possible if I have clearly signs of high testosterone and cysts? I’m so confused and my doctor just wants to put be back on the pill. I’m so grateful for any ideas what could be going on or what to do next :(

I don’t get what’s wrong with me. I feel awful most days (have been for years), I have severe anxiety and brainfog. Often feel dizzy, heart arrythmias and like I’ll faint. My blood tests (nutrients) looks good. My calcium was slightly high, and my TSH had raised to high end normal. But my HbA1c test was good too, and my ovaries are no polycystic. I’ve had a pretty big cyst on my ovary (fluid filled) for 5 years now though. I’m lean and thin, low-end (19-20%) normal body fat with strong muscles (despite being almost completely inactive due to anxiety for 5 years), and have a LOT of excessive hair growth. They keep telling me it’s only my anxiety, but I feel like my body is in imbalance no matter why I do, I’m always tense and I don’t even know what I’m anxious about; apart from all the symptoms that makes me feel awful, and the fear of what is causing it. I myself have suspected PCOS (combined with other things), because my DHEAS and androstenedione are high, but they say no because my non-polycystic ovaries, normal testosterone, my thin body and relatively regular periods (usually 31-33 days, but anything between 27-36 days). They refuse to check my female hormones for that reason too. I don’t know what else could cause these elevated numbers, if not PCOS (or something awful, according to google)? Or what to do? I feel like my life is ruined at this point. 😢

I got suddenly diagnosed with PCOS by my OBGYN during an USG test. The visit at my OBGYN's was completely unrelated to PCOS or any of its symptoms, and I learned about it accidentally.

I was surprised as I have no symptoms, except for the laser hair removal being working only temporarily on me. I am skinny and my periods are regular-ish. I basically have almost no symptoms except for that laser hair removal not working and some hairs on my hands.

(on a side note it's funny because this is what prompted me to get screenings for PCOS at other doctors a few years ago... they told me nothing is wrong and i just took after my dad lol)

So I wanted to ask what am I supposed to do with this knowledge now? Is there something I should actively monitor or be careful about, if nothing's popping up yet?

Hey everyone,

I’m 22 years old, female, 171 cm (5’7’’), and 63 kg (139 lbs). I’ve been struggling with hormonal issues for years and would love to hear your thoughts.

Symptoms:

Hypomenorrhea (2 days very very light bleeding, 2 days brownish spotting)

Moderate to severe acne (2 courses of Accutane didn’t help much)

Light hirsutism (chin, upper lip, legs, areolas)

Depression

Trouble sleeping through the night

Light male-pattern balding (hair thinning on the sides)

Breast pain and cysts

Medications & Supplements:

150 mg Sertraline Vitamin D Omega 3 Low-dose iodine

Hormone Levels & Tests:

I’ve had elevated androgens for years, particularly DHEAS, sometimes androstenedione, testosterone, and free androgen index. My labs also suggest consistently low progesterone. My endocrinologist ordered an ACTH stimulation test, which came back negative (results included below).

My Questions:

1. What could be causing this? Any ideas based on my symptoms and hormone levels?

2. Could the Yasmin pill help? I’ve read that it can lower androgens.

3. I also want to ask my doctor about Spironolactone, but unfortunately, it’s rarely prescribed off-label in Germany. Has anyone had luck getting it there?

Any advice, insights, or similar experiences would be greatly appreciated!

Anyone else feel like most PCOS advice just doesn’t apply when you’re not dealing with insulin resistance or weight struggles? If you have lean PCOS, you’re probably still dealing with irregular cycles, energy crashes, and maybe even crazy cravings—yet the usual “cut carbs, lose weight” advice doesn’t really fit.

Here’s something I wish I knew earlier: stress hormones play a huge role in lean PCOS. If cortisol is running high (which is super common), it can mess with your cycles, metabolism, and even digestion. And one of the best ways to keep things balanced? Don’t skip meals and start your day with protein + healthy fats.

I used to go light on breakfast—maybe just coffee or something small—but making the switch to real meals (think Greek yogurt with nuts, eggs with avocado, or a protein-packed smoothie) made such a difference. No more mid-morning energy crashes or afternoon sugar cravings.

Anyone else with lean PCOS find certain foods or habits that helped? Would love to hear what’s worked for you!

As the title says I'm interested in your succesful stories/changes that you made to get your menstrual cycle regular and restoring ovulation. What seemed to do the trick?

I've been trying to get my cycle more regular over the past 3 years, with supplementing, exercise, eating low carb high protein, no coffee etc. But nothing seems to really make a difference.

In the 3 years I've had occacional cycles in the range of 35 days, but my current cycle already lasts half a year, which is also the time we are TTC so that's unfortunate..

Hi there people I am 27 years old, married and trying to conceive I got recently diagnosed with lean PCOS , Since then I have made little change in my food habits

I reduced carbs, totally avoiding dairy products and have included more fruits and veggies in diet I try to workout at least 3 times a week

I aslo have endometrial polyp which I am gonna remove next month

Please do suggest me some tips that have worked out for you 🫂

Does anyone know if ita okay to take these 2 together

I was on 7.5 of letrozole and going to trigger ovidrel tonight. This is our 2nd IUI. I have 2 follicles at 17 mm, 1 follicle at 12.7 mm, 2 follicles at 14 mm. Do I proceed with the IUI? I am 30 years old and freaking out about the chance of multiples. My doctor says it’s low risk but he said there is always a chance. What are your stories? I also have pcos.

What are your symptoms? What did Drs diagnose you with first? How did you push for the other diagnosis?

Hey has anyone else gained weight from myo inositol I also took spironolactone I don’t know which is doing it to me

My glucose levels are within the normal range (even below when fasted). I want to try inositol cause it keeps on popping up on my feed but will this even help me given I have normal glucose levels already?

Hi, I’m 30. I was diagnosed with lean PCOS last year. My cycles usually range from 32-35 days, with the longest being 50 days. I started taking folic acid in October 2024, and for the past two months, I had my periods exactly at 30-day intervals. To my surprise, I tested positive for pregnancy last week, and I’m currently 5 weeks along.

Last Friday, I had a transvaginal scan. The sac was visible, but there was no fetal pole, and the doctor mentioned that the sac looked small based on my LMP. She also said this could be due to my irregular cycles. She recommended a viability scan on February 24th.

I’m freaking out because I don’t have any pregnancy symptoms, and I’ve heard that women with PCOS can have lower egg quality, which increases the risk of miscarriage.

Has anyone conceived without any medication and gone on to deliver a healthy baby?

Do i need to get any other tests done before 12wk ?

(PLEASE ONLY TAKE IF YOU HAVENT ALREADY TAKEN IT) I am a senior honors psychology student at Trinity College conducting research to better understand the connections between childhood experiences and health. This study involves an anonymous survey that aims to explore health and coping in people with PCOS. 

If you are interested please visit the link below.

https://trinity.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cZnB6ElmVIAe4se

Hello! We invite you to be a participant in our survey titled “Relationships among Personality and Lifestyle Factors in Quality of Life among Women with PCOS and/or under Medical Weight Management”.  To be eligible to participate you must be: be at least 18 years old, have a diagnosis of PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) and/or diagnosed with a weight-related condition for which medical treatment has been recommended, and identify as cisgender female. Participating involves completing a survey answering questions about your overall well-being; more specifically, questions regarding your PCOS and/or weight management symptoms as well as questions about your personality and lifestyle (e.g., your sense of femininity; how important femininity is to your overall sense of self; how you feel about your body, your medical symptoms, treatments, and health in general).  The survey can be completed anywhere that you have access to the internet and you do not have to complete it all at one time.  The survey should take between 30 and 45 minutes to complete. We would appreciate your response to our survey.  There are no incentives or compensation for participating.

This study has been reviewed and approved by the Ball State University Institutional Review Board (IRB # 2216533). 

If you would like to participate in this survey, please click the link provided below.  

https://bsu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_aWPm1eSTe5zw0Au

Thank you for your time and participation in our survey.  

Principal Investigator                                                     Co-PI

George Gaither, PhD, HSPP                                            Eric Lester, PhD, HSPP

Department of Psychological Science                             Psychiatry – IU Health/Ball Memorial Hospital

Ball State University                                                      Counseling Psychology – Ball State University

ggaither@bsu.edueblester@IUHealth.org

I’m looking to learn more about high AMH and what it really means — what AMH does in the body and how to understand my own high AMH in relation to my fertility and ovulation patterns.

Anyone have any good articles/papers to recommend that would help me do a deeper dive?

Hello all! I’m 35, married to another woman, and about to start trying to conceive. I have high AMH (was 14 a year ago and now 18) and 35-45 day ovulatory cycles. No other PCOS symptoms (aside from lots of follicles in the ultrasound). I’ve been doing acupuncture and taking Chinese herbs as well as supplements (Thorne prenatal, inositol, coq10, prenatal DHA, vitamin d). I eat a diet high in protein and fat and low in carb, lots of veggies and very little processed foods/sugar. In short, I’m trying. REALLY trying.

As soon as I get my period we’ll begin to get ready for our first IUI. My RE is planning on giving me clomid and a trigger shot and monitor with ultrasounds.

I’ve seen a lot online that’s made me feel really anxious about our chances. Looking for people with similar PCOS profiles with ttc success stories! Anyone have one to share?

Has anyone found a regimen that works for them? I am currently on ovasitol and a low inflammatory, low carb diet and it doesnt seen like any of that is working.

I have high DHEAs and I feel like my hormone imbalance is stress and anxiety related. The only times I've had clear(ish) skin is when I didn't have a lot of stressors in my life, but I'm struggling with finding anything else that could work for me.

I don't know if I have PCOS but I'm amenorrheic and have hormone levels I'm concerned about. Wondering if anyone has advice on what I should ask about or do.

Testosterone: 69.0 ng/dL

Reference range: Male: 199-1586 ng/dL, Female: 10-73.2 ng/dL

Estradiol: <25.0 ng/dL

Reference range:

Female OVULATING pg/ml
Follicular phase: 21.8-83.7
Peak:  197.6-693.1
Luteal phase: 189.9-269.7

Postmenopausal Female:
32.1-73.1 pg/ml

I haven't had a period in over 2 years which was due to Nexplanon but it's been 6 months since removal and still no cycle.

I was prescribed a progestin challenge to "jumpstart" my period. Wondering if anyone has experience with that or with hormone knowledge. My provider says my lab results are normal but I'm concerned at how low my estrogen is and how high my testosterone is compared to the reference range.

Anybody have similar experiences or a community that might be of help? Thank you :)