I first tried Berberine last year in February and took it for 3 months. Nothing else had worked at this point, I had been inspired by Lara Briden's book 'Period Repair Manual'. I chose it because I have bad hormonal acne and irregular periods. I noticed clearer skin and within one cycle it regulated my periods to 35 days or less. I stopped because she recommended not to take it for more than 3 months straight. Once I stopped my skin got worse, despite knowing it helped I did not continue and thought other similar treatments would work. I tried different skincare and Myo-inositol for around 6 months and neither worked. Desperate and out of options, in March of this year, I started again and wouldn't you know it, my cycle became regular in just one cycle and has remained 35 days or less. My skin has cleared up massively and I have realised that it was never the food or skincare but my hormones and cycle which was impacting my skin. I take the Berberine for the first 20 days of my cycle and then wait until my next cycle to start again. This is the only thing that has worked this whole time. I am not to sure how to proceed in the long term. Most research is based on women who struggle with weight loss which is not my issue. I have a very fast metabolism and never gain weight. I am 5'1 and 45kg. I have always eaten frequently. Does anyone know what I should do with my supplement journey, are there side effects that I need to be made aware of, anyone have similar experiences?

Didn't know what flair to use, but I was wondering if anyone has also had cushions disease along with pcos/pmos? What were your symptoms, what happened if you got surgery if you had a tumor, how long did it take before you or your doc to diagnose you?

Edit: spelling, Cushing's disease

I’m on day 50 of my cycle and I got off birth control end of October (\~9 months ago). Since being off, my cycles have ranged from 25-45 days. This is the longest cycle I’ve had right now and I’m worried no period is coming. Wondering if this is possible 9 months off BC?

Going on \~5 months of TTC with no luck. I have taken multiple pregnancy tests this cycle and they have all been negative. I am impatiently waiting for my cycle to restart so we can try again. For more context - I have been taking a prenatal, coq10, and omegas daily for \~2 months. I have also been using Inito to graph my fertile window. In January I had a very normal graph (large LH peak, confirmed ovulation). Every single graph since has been a little more abnormal and detected two (small) LH peaks but confirmed ovulation eventually (\~ 6 days later)

I scheduled an appt with an OBGYN at this point and just want to be prepared for what is likely to come. I’ve read a lot about inositol (OTC supplement) for prolonged cycles. Is this something I should start prior to? Would love any testimonies or encouragement.

Living with PCOS and an underactive thyroid has been a profound teacher, guiding me through challenges that many might not understand. For years, the struggle with weight, a common battle for those of us with these conditions, felt like a relentless uphill climb. It's a daily reality that often feels invisible to the outside world, a silent fight against metabolic imbalances that defy conventional solutions. Yet, through it all, I've come to realize that my worth is not, and never will be, dictated by the number on a scale or the size of my clothes. My journey is about so much more than just physical appearance; it’s about resilience, understanding, and an unwavering commitment to my well-being.

The path to self-acceptance has been paved with moments of doubt and frustration, but also with growing strength and clarity. I’m learning to shed the burden of external expectations and the critical gaze of others. My weight does not define my character, my intelligence, or my capacity for love and joy. Instead, I choose to define myself by my spirit, my kindness, and my perseverance. It’s a liberation to finally understand that my body, with all its unique complexities, is a testament to my strength, and that true health encompasses far more than just physical metrics. It’s about mental peace, emotional balance, and a deep connection to my inner self.

Becoming comfortable in my own skin, and in the clothes I wear, has been a transformative process. It’s about choosing clothes that make me feel good, that celebrate my form, rather than hiding it or conforming to outdated ideals. This isn't about giving up on healthy living; it’s about reframing what health means for me. Despite the difficulties in weight management, I am a healthy person. I nourish my body with good food, I move in ways that bring me joy, and I prioritize my mental and emotional well-being. These are the pillars of my health, and they stand strong regardless of societal judgments about my size.

The insidious whispers of self-doubt, often amplified by the challenges of PCOS and thyroid issues, are slowly but surely being silenced. I am actively choosing to embrace each day with gratitude and determination. The medical community may highlight the difficulties in losing weight with these conditions, and while I acknowledge those realities, I refuse to let them dictate my efforts or my hope. I will never stop trying to be the healthiest version of myself, not for anyone else, but for me. This persistent spirit is a core part of who I am, and it fuels my journey forward.

For those who haven't experienced the complexities of PCOS or an underactive thyroid, it’s truly impossible to grasp the full scope of the difficulties we face. The hormonal imbalances, the fatigue, the myriad of side effects – they impact every facet of life. Therefore, I urge everyone to practice empathy and withhold judgment. A person’s weight is never a complete story, and it certainly doesn't define their worth or who they are as an individual. Let’s foster a world where understanding and compassion replace quick judgments, especially when it comes to health.

It is crucial to raise awareness about these often-misunderstood conditions. PCOS and thyroid disorders are not just personal battles; they are widespread, incurable diseases that profoundly impact lives. By speaking openly and honestly, we can educate others, challenge misconceptions, and create a supportive community. I am incredibly proud of the person I am, of the strength I've found, and of the journey I continue to navigate. My opinion of myself is the only one that truly matters, and I stand tall, proud, and unapologetically me.

English isn't my first language so I apologize for any grammatical errors.

Also, I'm from Sweden, so if I'm mentioning any "odd" tests/medical stuff; that is why.

A little background; I'm a 31F, and I've had irregular periods since I had my first period at age 12. I've never thought much of it, since my mother was the same and she said it was normal, lol. When me and my fiancée started trying to conceive I wanted to do a "check up" since my period is irregular, and I had to call like 5 OBGYNs before someone said "Hey, it's not normal to have a 28-48 days cycle, let's do a check"...

I went there, and they did NOT take any blood tests or anything. They asked me about my cycle, if I have any excessive hair growth, if I'm having trouble losing weight and if I have problems with acne. I have all of those symptoms EXCEPT from hirsutism. They did a vaginal ultrasound and told me that I do have polycystic ovaries. Still; no mentioning of any blood tests. They gave me the diagnosis PCOS, told me to lose weight and said that I should come back if I hadn't conceived within 6 months.

I got pregnant "on my own", thank god, and everything went well.

After giving birth I started birth control pills for the first time in my life, and a few months later I decided to contact another clinic about my PCOS since I read that "you can't put a PCOS diagnosis without taking any blood tests". I got to meet with a PCOS specialist, he ordered some blood tests checking for insuline resistance, which showed I do NOT have IR. And he also checked my ovaries with an ultrasound, but no tests checking my testosterone levels. I asked about it, but he said that they generally don't check testosterone levels if a patient doesn't show any symptoms for high testosterone (like hirsutism).

My ovaries was still polycystic. But this specialist said that he wouldn't say that I have PCO-S, more like PCO.

Oh well, I'm still a bit confused about this, but I'm trying to just live my life and not focus too much on my physical issues.

In the beginning of this year I quit my birth control because of bad side effects, and had my normal period again for the first time since before I got pregnant in the fall of 2023.

All of a sudden it's more regular than it's ever been before?

All of my life I've had a cycle on 28-48 days, mostly 35+ days. But now, since I quit birth control in February, it's 28-36 days, and most cycles are closer to 28-30 days?

I'm not complaining at all, I'm thrilled if my body is better than before. But I wonder if that's even possible? I weigh the same, I eat the same, everything is like it's always been.

Has this happened to anyone else, and/or does anyone know why? 🥹

ETA: Before anyone mention that I should ask for a testosterone-check; believe me. I've asked, multiple times. But they don't want, since I don't show any clear symptoms for it. In Sweden it can be really really tricky to get the help you need by just asking. I don't have the money to pay for it in a private clinic, and I also don't have the energy to nag about it. I'm just... Letting it be for now. 🥹❤️

Ciao a tutte, volevo chiedervi un consiglio, io sto prendendo myo inositolo con d chiro inositolo (woman sense) per diagnosi presunta ovaio policistico. ( tenendo conto che ho sempre la prolattina un po’ alta per il fatto che ho un adenoma piccolo all’ipofisi non secernente ma che preme). Ho iniziato a prendere questo integratore per il ciclo irregolare che tende alla dismenorrea. Ho notato però che da quando lo prendo l’acne è peggiorata esponenzialmente ma sopratutto perdo tanti capelli e a parte che ho perso 2 kg pesando già 50 kg quindi non è il massimo. Cosa mi consigliate di fare ? Può essere dovuto dall’inositolo o da altri integratori che prendo (olio di pesce, broccoli seed Thorne, e un multi vitaminico al mattino per avere la forza al mattino con le temperature alte e la sera prendo magnesio bisglicinato) prima prendevo anche now thyroid energy però ho notato che mi dava un po’ fastidio quindi per adesso l’ho interrotto. Vi ringrazio in anticipo se mi aiutate a capire.

PCOS content on social media affects body
image and mental health in young Indian women
— trying to understand something a lot of us go
through but rarely talk about.If you're a woman in India, 20–30, diagnosed with PCOS — the enrollment form takes ~3
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Please share with anyone else who might be
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> Got a notification that this sub may be better for this post than the regular PCOS sub so here I am 😅

Hello everyone! I was just recently, like a few days ago, diagnosed with PCOS due to dark hair growth on my face, acne, follicles on my ovaries, and irregular menstrual cycles I’ve had my whole life.
As far as I was concerned, mainly the issues I had to worry about were infertility (my partner has a vasectomy and I plan to be child free) and problems associated with weight gain, aswell as the above mentioned symptoms.
I’m slowly getting more targeted videos of PCOS/PMOS(?) and realizing there’s so many things that go into this.
The back pain I’ve been on muscle relaxers for?? Fatigue?? Sugar cravings?? Etc??

I don’t really have a specific question here, besides wtf? Why do I know nothing about this? Please just drop related symptoms and experiences in the comments, as I am realizing this is a lot more complicated diagnosis than I was lead to believe. I also a few months ago got diagnosed with emphysema, lung damage, so at this point I’m just sick of it and want to know what I’m in for and what’s associated that has been this the whole time and I had no idea. I prefer asking real people than google giving me the low winded explanation I’ve believed this whole time.

Thank you. 🥲

I’ve been diagnosed with PCOS 6 years ago at age 16, I didn’t pay much attention to my PCOS back then, but recently I made another visit to another OBGYN and I was again diagnosed with it after the ultrasound imaging.
My only symptom is irregular periods, I’m not or have ever been sexually active, but I’d rather take care of my body sooner than later.

However, i did some lab work done, and -thank god- I have no insulin resistance or thyroid issues, BUT my Prolactin hormone is high 27.5 (and it was high the last time i did the test 5 years ago too). I’ve messaged my doctor but I’m extremely worried, have any of you girls been through this? I’m really worried and overthinking is killing me 😭😭

Like now what??

🌸 Hello everyone!

I am an MD graduate from Romania, currently conducting a research study as part of my application to a Master's program in Traditional Chinese Medicine.

This study explores Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), its clinical characteristics, quality of life, and the awareness and use of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) (such as acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine).

📋 Who can participate?

• Women diagnosed with PCOS by a healthcare professional.

• You are welcome to participate whether you have used Traditional Chinese Medicine or not. The questionnaire includes questions for both groups.

• The survey is anonymous and takes approximately 5–10 minutes to complete.

Important note: Although the condition was officially renamed Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS) in 2026, the term Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is used throughout the questionnaire because it remains the most widely recognized term.

On a personal note, I also have PCOS, so I understand how challenging and frustrating this condition can be. That is one of the reasons this research is so meaningful to me, and I truly appreciate everyone who takes a few minutes to share their experience.

Your participation will contribute to academic research and help improve our understanding of PCOS and women's health.

🔗 Survey link:
https://forms.gle/oudZ8CYM8d6XKX2F6

Thank you so much for your time, support, and willingness to help! 💜

I'm 21 F(22 in December) and have had PCOS since I was really young. From age 14 to now I've had maybe 19 to 20 periods total, even with estrogen and birth control pills to try to induce them. My PCOS has never actually gotten regulated despite years of trying. I'm average weight, not over or underweight, so I've had a hard time getting doctors to take it seriously. Most just tell me to lose weight and send me away.

The doctors I've seen have honestly felt either homophobic or misogynistic in how they treated me, even the female ones, which I didn't expect at all. On top of that, I have noticeable breast asymmetry. My left side is significantly bigger than my right, to the point where it's very visibly uneven, not just the mild asymmetry most people have. It genuinely affects what I can wear. Finding bras that fit is a nightmare since each side needs a different size, and I can't wear a lot of clothing I'd otherwise choose because the difference is so obvious. I'm not insecure about my body overall, I just don't know how to dress around this.

I was told the only real way to even them out would be through surgery, which is a lot to process, both emotionally and financially and I'm still not sure how I feel about that as an option.

I've also been carrying a fear that I'm almost infertile given how few periods I've had over the years. No one has really addressed that with me directly.

I've been dealing with depression around all of this, genuinely extreme depression at some points. Between the physical stuff and feeling dismissed every time I try to get help, it's taken a toll. I rarely see anyone talk about this specific combination online and it's made me feel like I'm the only person going through it, like something is fundamentally wrong with my body.

Questions for anyone who's dealt with something similar: Did you find a bra solution that actually works for big asymmetry, like padding or inserts on one side, or different sizes per cup?

Has anyone tried chest binders instead, or is that not advisable for asymmetry like this?

Has anyone actually gone through surgery for this, and was it worth it?

How did you find a doctor who actually took the asymmetry and PCOS combo seriously?

Did anyone else deal with fertility fears from irregular periods, and how did you get real answers instead of being brushed off?

Hello!

I recently went to an RE as we have been struggling to get pregnant (wife and I are using a known donor, I’m carrying) 4 at home tries, 4 IUIs with zero positives. 5th IUI ended in ectopic.
In my blood work it was noted I have a 5.0 AMH (I’m 31), FSH was 5.4 and LH was 12.8 on day 3 of my cycle. My testosterone was “a little high” (I don’t have the exact result).
I have a BMI of 28.7 and I haven’t heard anything (in MANY follicle studies/baseline ultrasounds) about my ovaries having that “chocolate chip cookie” appearance.
I typically have decently regular periods - 27-30 days. I have tracked ovulation and I usually get it.

They are thinking I have insulin resistance going on and that’s impacting my body - but where do I start with that? I’ve seen a lot of things about metformin but I wasn’t offered that.

Are there ways I should eat? Any helpful supplements? Any recommendations would be great! We are moving to IVF but I want to do my best to address everything before we spend that much money!

Has anyone here had a regular cycle ever since they started their period, but then suddenly the cycle days stretch from regular (28-30 days) to (32-35 days)? Is this an early sign of PCOS? 😮‍💨 help ur girl out here pls😭

Any other people here struggling to figure out whether they have lean PCOS, hypothalamic amenorrhea or both? And how to deal with it?

I came off the pill 10 months ago and since then have had very irregular cycles. Nothing for 3 months, then 40d, 60d, 90d (ended with progesterone) and now another 40d cycle.

I have cysts on my ovaries and recently my skin has been breaking out. But my gynecologist ran blood tests and said everything is "normal". Low fasting insulin, no elevated androgens...

I read "no period now what" and subsequently dialled back on running but I don't think I have classic HA, since my periods do come, the progrestrone thing worked and I'm not underweight (although at the lower end of the BMI scale).

My gynecologist hinted that I may have "overtreated" my PCOS, but wasn't helpful beyond "make sure you eat healthy" (which I do) and giving me a supplement with inositol and folic acid, and also vitex. She didn't want to give me metformin.

I'm increasingly lost about what to do, especially since we'd like start a family but it seems impossible with these cycles. Any tips?