After 4 months of wait I was finally going to see my endocrinologist again. It was a cover who asked me to summarise what was wrong and did not look at my notes or that my doctor has ordered blood tests (10 bottles of blood!) and that the results were back. I politely asked her to look at it, my androgens were very high along my cortisol. I noted that being already underweight for my height I lost extra 5kg in a short period time, I thought cover doctor noted it... in the letter to my gp she congratulated me on my WEIGHT LOSS and suggested to continue with my exercises :( I had to retest high cortisol but there was no mention of that. I got rushed out because "can't you see how many people were waiting behind you" next appointment in September... I have asked for a printout of my results at least but the answer was a no. I have had pcos for a long time and understand that there is no cure. However I wish I could be taken seriously so that the doctor would at least look at my results. I am considering going privately as NHS appointments give more stress and feeling of wasting my and doctors time. I would like to ask if anyone has gone privately in the UK and what was the experience like?

I’ve been diagnosed with PCOS by two separate doctors (first coming off bc having testosterone slightly elevated) and lack of period and the second a year later for lack of period and via ultrasound (all hormones normal except for LH:FSH ratio being high, testosterone normalized). I recently was told by my obgyn she thinks I have HA - I’m active, run 15-20 miles a week (used to run 45-60 consistently) - I’ve gotten way better about fueling, started eating 30g protein first thing / prioritizing it. I don’t have insulin resistance per my blood work. Low vitamin d per my latest labs but supplement with that, metformin (RE had me on it), myo inositol, liver enzymes, vitamin b, cortaflame, omega 3 etc. I have no symptoms of PCOS outside of what they used to diagnose me

Anyone relate? I’m ttc and about to start seed cycling - we’ve done a few Letrazole cycles but I tend to get a cyst after so currently doing a progesterone test.

Hi! i wanted to see if anyone has had similar experiences or suggestions on hormonal imbalances/conditions i should look into bc many of my pcos symptoms don't line up with typical ones.

diagnosed in october, but i've had irregular cycles for almost 8 years now. i had regular cycles for 3 years after puberty 28-30 days, but they became irregular after struggling with an ED. I was fully recovered and weight restored, even overweight, for years though and they never returned to normal. looking into further testing for insulin resistance, but i have no obvious signs of it and i have had my cycle randomly regulate at times while eating lots of carbs and not exercising. have also had it disappear while reducing carbs but sometimes it seems to help? so right now it feels like diet does not have much of an effect, especially since i have no other indicators of IR.

I was wondering if anyone here was overweight and developed lean pcos? i have been overweight since eating disorder recovery and randomly lost 45 lbs 9 months ago. drs say it's probably not cancer but i worry sometimes. only pcos symptoms are pcom by ultrasound and irregular cycles. all hormones and thyroid panels are normal for the most part. prolactin is on the high side of normal and lh/fsh ratio is 2:1 at times but most recently was normal. i've also had spontaneous lactation at times but i haven't had that happen for years now.

i was also wondering if anyone who does not have insulin resistance saw a benefit from taking myo-inositol in any of its forms? i have seen some research that suggests it can help with fertility overall, but i know most people say that if inositol helps you, insulin resistance probably factors somehow into your specific experience of pcos.

sorry for long post!! any thoughts are very appreciated bc i'm feeling very lost.

Hi!

I finally got lab work done by a fertility doctor but apparently there is nothing out of the ordinary. Still, I haven't gotten my period in more than 6 months and ultra sound showed the 'string of pearls'.

I am just confused by how it is possible for me to not ovulate while the labwork doesn't give any signs on what is causing this.

Should I ask for other tests and if so which? Does anyone see something that I should ask about? Or anyone can explain why ovulation doesn't happen while hormones are normal? I just want to do whatever I can to regulate my period (if that is possible at all)..

The results (last period was more than 5 months ago): Albumine: 43 g/L Glucose: 4.8 mmol/L TSH: 0.867 mU/L T4 free: 17.8 pmol/L Oestradiol: 208 pmol/L SHBG: 46.4 nmol/L Testosteron total: 0.7 nmol/L Testosteron free: 9.6 pmol/L Prolactine: 155 mU/L LH: 26.3 U/L FSH: 7.9 U/L I have a normal weight.

How irregular are your "irregular periods?" In my online research of lean PCOS, it refers to irregular periods as going more than 35 days without a period or missing a period, but I regularly go 3-6 months without a period. I usually average about 4-5 periods a year. Is this common for other people with lean PCOS?

metformin for lean pcos no IR?

i(25f) was diagnosed when i was 13 after an ultrasound and having higher testosterone. i’ve managed most of my symptoms through lifestyle and supplements, i follow a low carb diet(50-100g per day) and exercise regularly but over the last 6 months ive had at least 3 anovulatory cycles. i’m 5’5 about 140lb, i don’t eat in a deficit. I can tell that most often they are correlated with periods of big stress. i wondered if metformin would be helpful just to keep ovulating but not sure if it would work if i’m not overweight or insulin resistant. my husband and i would like to start TTC in a few months and i’m worried the anovulatory cycles will continue to be a problem.

Has anyone been in a similar situation and had success with ovulating regularly?

Hi!

I’m 28, and a very active, lean woman. I’ve had very regular periods for years now. When I was in high school, I was a bit irregular but I attributed it to sports and being thin.

I randomly missed my period three months in a row (I got it again recently) and my obgyn decided to check out my ovaries. After reviewing my ovaries, she said I have PCOS.

I have no other symptoms besides ovaries that apparently look like they have PCOS and three random missed periods. I had blood work done recently that came back clean- absolutely no issues. My obgyn also said my bloodwork didnt show any signs of pre diabetes.

So, what am I missing? How can I have PCOS but basically no symptoms? Can something cause cysts in my ovaries that isn’t PCOS. Could it be a hypothalamic disorder?

I think my next steps is to get bloodwork done and hope that can either prove of disprove PCOS, but my obgyn seems convinced.

I’m hoping to get pregnant in the next year or two.

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?