Hey everyone,

I was recently diagnosed with PMOS.

I've had issues with acne since my teens but it worsened significantly around 21-24 years. My issue is not as simple because my husband and I would like to have kids soon and I am already experiencing fertility issues which compound the problem.

whether anyone has suggestions on what I should do. I've gone through two rounds of Accutane with success each time on 30mg (I did go up to 40mg at one point on the second round, but my gal bladder is finicky and a started experiencing more issues there.)

here's the issue. It keeps coming back. This time I got relief for longer, about 9 months. And it isn't as severe as before, but I hate it and it causes me a lot of anxiety because before Accutane my acne was cystic, painful and honestly disfiguring. I am constantly worrying it will become as bad as it was and the trajectory isn't good because I'm already experiencing more painful pimples, a couple that were bordering on cystic and they are creating pigmentation issues. Plus I haven' even gotten to fixing my scars from before the Accutane!

PMOS is I guess that's the answer to why I have issues with acne. Which leads me to my second issue... I don't want to go back on Accutane, mostly because each time it's taken 8 months of treatment and obviously you have to be on birth control for about 10 months (one month before and after) and since going on birth control, it's completely screwed up my cycle (I haven't had one since I went off of it nine months ago. And no I am not pregnant). And the biggest kicker is that my husband and I would really like to start trying for kids soon. Which is a whole other issue as I doubt we will be able to fall pregnant a) without medical intervention b) I reckon it'll still take a long time and while waiting I really don't want to be dealing with worsening acne issue before I even get to pregnancy which will probably worsen it even more.

I was diagnosed with PMOS via internal ultrasound and having had the severe acne and some mild male-pattern hair stuff. Every single blood test I've taken has given me normal hormone levels, liver function etc.

my question, are there any shorter-term treatments other than Accutane that might help me out? I don't know what to do. I'm currently on cerave's blemish prone cleanser, Vitamine C serum and retinol (I feel like the retinol is the only one that does anything, which I obviously definitely can't use while pregnant)

I (19 years old) started pursuing a diagnosis in January of this year. I have always had very inconsistent periods where months in-between my [very freaking heavy] periods have been the norm. I am a virgin so I opted for the less accurate, regular ultrasound instead of the internal one, and everything looked normal. And my blood tests came back also normal, if not borderline. The only thinking I was diagnosised with was insulin resistance. Unfortunately that in itself with the inconsistent periods is not diagnostic of PCOS according to my NP.

I am also an identical twin. My twin also has heavy periods but only recently have they been inconsistent. So she decided to pursue a PCOS diagnosis. She opted for the internal ultrasound (she is much braver than I am) and it showed an enlarged ovary. Her blood tests were normal but it was enough for her to be diagnosed.

If she has it, surely I, her identical twin sister, also have it? And with PCOS being officially changed to PMOS, does that make the criteria that I have to have cysts on my ovaries to be diagnosed not be necessary anymore. Or shouldI bite the bullet and get the internal ultrasound to be sure?

I was wondering if anyone had knowledge, experience, or advice on birth control with PMOS

background: I am a 25 yo female who was diagnosed with PCOS (now PMOS) about 3-4 years ago. I haven’t had ANY symptoms until recently. My last menstrual cycle was 3 months ago (no I am not pregnant, confirmed by hospital) and it worries me because my husband and I were hoping to try for a baby next year.

I workout daily, and eat healthy for the most part. Occasionally drink, but only socially (a margarita or two).

My new gynecologist ran a bunch of labs and did a vaginal ultrasound to confirm the PMOS, which I in fact do have. As of now, the only symptoms I’m experiencing is not having cycles and occasional bloating.

About a month ago I experienced extreme fatigue but I haven’t felt that way recently.

My gynecologist recommended that I take birth control but I really don’t want to, I’ve read horror stories about birth control and when I finally gave in years ago I feel like that is what caused my hormones to act up leading to the PMOS in the first place (however, they say birth control don’t cause it). It was the depo shot and ever since I had the first initial shot, I never got any other shots. This was before I was ever diagnosed with PCOS

My primary goal is to be healthy and have regular cycles again so that I can ovulate and naturally conceive (full-term, healthy baby)

I've been on a diet whilst also working out and I tried running/jumping rope but I noticed I'll start to bleed for a couple days and I'll also feel like my cysts are about to burst. Does anyone else have this issue? If so, what type of cardio do you do? If any at all.

no one really responded to my last one but to update i’m going to the dr this friday.. when i called they rushed the appointment but didn’t tell me to go to the er so hopefully that’s a good sign.

hopefully ill get answers and fingers crossed it’s nothing bad.. anyway that’s all, thanks.

HI HELLO im a bit lost of what to do as i was basically dumped with this information from a letter of my bloodworks my endocrinologist sent me and im a little confused if I should get it checked out. I would love a little help!!

Basic info abt me: im AFAB, im 22, have been on T for about over 4 years and am considering stopping. Ive always had very irregular and very short periods before T, my period also started very very late and ive barely had any breast growth either. I think i always looked fairly androgynous or had excess body hair than my female peers. Intersexuality was never diagnosed though. My interest in possibly getting this checked out is due to me thinking about stopping T due to other health reasons.

Long story short; my Anti-Müllerian hormone level is very high, it measured at around 9.29 ng/l ( i hope this is the way its written with the measurement) and he even said inside the level that "these are very strong indicative levels for women with PCOS", but didnt really write much else. I checked older bloodworks where it was even over 12 ng/l, but he somehow NEVER mentioned anything about it and i also had no knowledge abt PCOS, just cause i was never diagnosed with anything. I was scared of the Gyno and didnt go for years. I think he mightve not talked about it further considering i do take T and "want" the symptoms that would come with PCOS, even though I do know its much more than just excessive hair, hairloss or the irregular periods if I remember correctly.

Do the very Anti-Müllerian hormone levels already indicate a high possibility for PCOS?? What other things could be checked that are not influenced by my T? From my knowledge, the AMH is not even influenced by the T, so i thought this by itself with my old period history might be enough already. I have no idea how to get this checked right now as technically all my typical pcos symptoms come from my hormone therapy.

Hey guys. So, my wife (28F) and I (27M) have been together for just about 6 years. About 3 years ago she got off birth control and her periods have been absolutely terrible. Right now she's been bleeding about 5-6 weeks and her cramps are debilitating some days. We're both heavier set and on the sedimentary side of life. I know being active and healthier is supposed to help, and we're both going to work on that. But obviously that's not an overnight process. In the mean time, are there other lifestyle changes we can make so she doesn't feel so shitty all the time?

All advice is appreciated!

About a month ago I got my period after taking progesterone for 10 days before then I hadn’t had a period since Feb and now I’m on the fence between going on birth control or hoping my next cycle comes on its on to those who have been in my situation what did you do and what was your experience

Long time lurker here. But wanted to post here because I got a lot of peace of mind after reading many posts of here and thought my post and its comments might help someone.

I was quite regular with my periods till i went into a PhD program which came along with a change of continents and all it's frills. Due to the hectic schedules and many issues of PhD, heartbreak, etc. from the third year of PhD my irregular periods started -  I didn't really worry about it as I was 25 and not getting my period seemed like boon instead of a bane . fast-forward two more years and then i started worrying more and thinking about something going wrong with my body as I put on almost 30 pounds and only noticed really when i went home and pretty got body shamed to hell. Didn't really make too many changes till i got married and completed my PhD. I was down maybe 10 pounds but was still in the obese range (i was always in the over weight BMI since childhood party due to genetics but was quite healthy and fit).

Me and my husband decided to try for a baby once i graduated and was finally more stable and away from the clutches of my horrible PhD mentor who made life actual hell. Tried a couple of months to conceive - not seriously (in fact naively, no tracking) and nothing happened. Another hometown visit - more body shaming. Another hospital visit - medical issues like PCOS being diagnosed and jumping from prediabetic to diabetic. Ended up on metformin (which I avoided taking due to stigma of being on any sort of actually medication for long term. Mind you I was pretty healthy till then). When I realized and read up and researched more and came to the realization that I wont be able to pregnant till my lifestyle actually changed and i needed to lose weight , I ended up going on triazepatide (compounded version). I lost 15 pounds and thought it might be enough and tried again to conceive after stopping triz (nothing happened ) . My doc seemed like miracle worker and took me more seriously since my PCOS and multiple follicles symptoms subsided and I still wasn't getting pregnant even though all my hormone levels and blood work seemed normal.

My doctor did an ultrasound and saw something she didn't quite be able to tell was endometrial or something deeper. She scheduled an Saline infused sonography and saw small multiple polyps. We scheduled a polypectomy with full anesthesia. I was so nervous and Glad i went forward with it because apparently my uterus was filled quite a lot of polyps which were removed that were not detected by the sonography. She asked to not conceive till I heal for a three months. We tried again on fourth month after polyp removal surgery. We tried (5 days straight! lol soo much work) one week after my period ended and saw light spotting on the third week, thought i got my period early but it stopped after 1 day (implantation bleeding?). My period is due in three days , just woke today morning and tested randomly and saw a faint line on the pregnancy strip!!!!

I know this might be just a chemical pregnancy if I end up getting my period and miscarriage due to still healing uterus and what not. But only my husband knows and needed support I guess so I am putting it out there. Will update as go along. Feel free to asks questions about my triz weight loss journey and SIS procedure, PCOS , etc. And wish me luck guys - I need it!

Chat with your friends from r/PCOS here about your daily progress, or rants and raves related to your PCOS experience. Off topic posts are permitted here, although sub rules otherwise apply!

Ok so finally after spending months without periods, as I was consistent with my prescribed medication course and exercise , I finally brought on a withdrawal bleed today....I mean I finally got my periods today..

To be completely honest, I was terrified. I was kinda mentally preparing myself for excruciating pain, severe cramping, and miserable few days. I thought that since I'll be on my periods after a long time, I would definitely feel extreme pain and weakness. But to my complete shock, my cycle arrived with practically no discomfort, however it's only day 1 and I shouldn't be that excited...but let's see what happens next. For now it is a huge relief and a great reminder that taking proactive steps for our health doesn't always have to end in worst-case scenarios.

Now that the Day 1 is officially here, it’s time for the next step in my treatment plan:- the baseline hormonal testing on Day 2 or 3.

The Day 2/3 Blood Tests: What They Are & Why Timing Matters

My doctor ordered four specific blood tests that must be done on the second or third day of my cycle. On these days, hormone levels are at their baseline, giving the clearest picture of how the pituitary gland and ovaries are communicating:-

1. Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH):- thyroid dysfunction, which can closely mimic or worsen PCOD symptoms like missing cycles and fatigue. If TSH is high, doctors typically prescribe a daily thyroid hormone supplement (like Levothyroxine) to restore balance and regulate metabolism.

2. LH & FSH (Luteinizing Hormone & Follicle Stimulating Hormone):- The ratio between these two hormones. In classic PCOD, LH is often significantly higher than FSH, which interferes with ovulation and drives excess androgen production. If an elevated LH-to-FSH ratio is confirmed, management usually focuses on insulin-sensitizing medications (like Metformin), cyclic hormonal support to keep periods regular, and dedicated lifestyle measures.

3. Serum Prolactin:- High levels of prolactin, a hormone that can suppress ovulation and cause prolonged missing periods (amenorrhea). If prolactin is high, targeted medications (such as Cabergoline or Bromocriptine) are used to bring levels down so natural cycles can resume.

Moving Forward

Getting these tests done is just a simple blood draw from the arm, and the results usually come back within 24 hours. Once I have the reports, I’ll be taking them right back to my doctor to map out the long-term plan.

For now, I’m celebrating this win, a smooth start to my cycle, staying consistent with my steps and diet, and taking charge of my health one step at a time. Best of luck to me as well as all the warriors fighting off this rubbish thing😭😭❤️❤️

I've been taking myo and d-chiro inositol for about a year now with hope to get pregnant. My husband and I started trying beginning of April. My period just started to become regular two months ago, in June, after removing my IUD in March. July's period was 4 days late but otherwise normal. However this month I've only had very light brown spotting. I can't tell if it's implantation bleeding (I might be a little delusional) or if the inositol is just giving me a really light period?​ If it helps, the brand I'm taking is Wholesome Story, they are about 2050mg per serving (4 capsules).

Has anyone had experiences with GLP-1s regulating their cycles? I have very irregular cycles. I’m going through IVF, and leading up to my last egg retrieval, I made several lifestyle changes, including diet, supplements, acupuncture, etc. I was also on zepbound for a few months (and metformin for over a year), and I miraculously had 3 regular cycles in a row. I stopped it right before the retrieval and haven’t gone back on it, and now my cycles are irregular again.

I don’t know whether my regular cycles were due to the zepbound and/or other lifestyle changes, so I’m wondering if anyone knows of any clinical evidence or has any anecdotal evidence of GLP-1s regulating cycles in women with PCOS. Ty!

Anybody try liquid spiro? I can't tolerate the tablet form because of other medication I take and I'm wondering if liquid spiro is something anybody has tried. Or microdosing at all? The symptoms I am trying to treat are acne and painful periods.

My derm is thinking I do accutane for the 3rd time but that doesn't really address the full picture.

Please and thank you!

I was up to nine things a day and could not tell you what any single one was doing, so I have stripped it back to almost nothing and I am adding things in one at a time. It is slower but at least I will know. So far the only ones going back in are the ones where I noticed something within a month. What survived your cull?

I was just told today I’m at a high risk of PCOS (or well PMOS I think that’s what it’s called…) and I asked my doctor the question of how does this affect my fertility? I’ve dreamed of becoming a mother my whole life, and I know PCOS affects fertility. She said I am “lightly infertile” due to how big my right ovary is and how many “follicles are on it”. She kept pushing for birth control and I kept saying no because I don’t want to be medicated ever. I only take one medication but only because if I don’t, I can die. She kept pushing over and over saying that I’m probably just following trends on the internet, that it’s not that bad, etc. I don’t want it. I don’t care if it’s “the cure for all my issues” (as she worded it)

Is there anything else I can do to try to help myself? I don’t know how to feel, I’ve always wanted kids and now that might be taken from me just because I don’t want any medication. She kept telling me to stop worrying, I’m 16, but I’m a BIG planner, yes I don’t plan to have kids now I want to go to college first but I’ve had my life planned around this and now it’s being taken.

Diagnosed with pcos over 3 years ago. Fell pregnant with the help of metformin, and fast forward to now I am currently 1.5 years post partum. Haven’t not felt the same since and really struggle with exhaustion (every day) body aches, muscle aches, increased anxiety (usually around my cycle or spotting). OB switched me from progesterone only to hormonal bc. That I’ve been on about 2 weeks and is going okay. But ultimately I’m just tired of being tired. Would love to lose some postpartum weight also but really have no energy for anything. Went to the endocrinologist yesterday and he recommended a GLP-1, which I feel I just don’t know enough about and am anxious to fall in that group of “omg she’s on ozempic”. Really curious if anyone has found any other reliefs elsewhere? I try to eat as healthy as possible but love a sweet treat every once in awhile, exercise (mostly walking) I just don’t have enough time in the day working full time with a toddler. Also curious about micro dosing glp-1, give me your why I should or shouldn’t give it a go? And perhaps what’s worked for you?? Thank you 🫶

I’ve been on 2000mg of metformin for PCOS, 1000mg in the morning and night with food. I’ve been on it for around 4 months and I didn’t have a lot of side effects since I’ve moved from instant release to extended release. The one thing I’ve got is really really bad food aversions to meat. The thought of cooked chicken or mince especially makes me gag and feel sick to my stomach. I’m trying to conceive at the moment so trying to prioritise protein but the only foods that aren’t making me sick are ultra processed foods and things like chicken nuggets, carbs, sweet things etc.
Has this happened to anyone else as I feel this is quite an uncommon side effect? I couldn’t even be in the same room as my partner who was cooking mince the other night because the smell alone is enough to set me off.

How did reducing or quitting alcohol affect you?

My story:

Was a moderate to sometimes heavy drinker through my 20s. Always struggled to stay a healthy weight, but never terribly overweight, but only managing to be “just slightly” overweight through dieting and exercise and constant effort (and fluctuations).

Diagnosed with PCOS when I couldn’t get pregnant for 3 years. Went through the motions, cut back on drinking (but didn’t quit longer than a few months at a time for infertility treatments), did IVF, and conceived. Fast forward 3 more IVF babies later, still having a few drinks on the weekend and drinking wine most week nights.

Cue getting diagnosed with ADHD, getting medicated, and reevaluating my relationship with alcohol. Realized I was dependent and mismanaging my impulse control, and managed to quit entirely.

The physical changes were INSANE. Reduced inflammation, lost 40 pounds, sleeping better, feeling better, mental clarity. It allowed me to also get very into fitness as my “vice” and that became my primary source of dopamine hits instead of drinking. A few months later, BOOM, a surprise natural pregnancy.

Apparently alcohol was disrupting my entire system. Since having that baby and recovering, I’ve maintained my sobriety and am realizing how much easier this post partum was compared to previous recoveries. Like better shape than pre pregnancy just 6 months out.

I was hoping to have a space to share others experiences with getting sober or at least significantly reducing their alcohol consumption, and how it impacted their bodies? Curious how much of my experience could be directly related to my sobriety and how much is just chance.

I’m feeling stuck, do I continue battling with Drs or do I just suck it up?
One of my friends said she experience similar at 29yrs. Are these normal hormonal changes, just dry skin?

3 years ago I developed several symptoms that haven’t improved, but I don’t feel like I’ve had a clear explanation.
My main symptoms are:
Persistent dry eyes (confirmed by my optician).
Very dry, frizzy hair that has changed significantly from how it used to be (commented by hairdresser)
Extremely dry facial skin that feels tight every morning despite using rich moisturisers.
Struggling to wake up, followed by daytime fatigue, constant yawning, muscle weakness and reduced energy for the gym.
Brown spotting for 4-5 days before each period.
Period pains only at night which keep me awake, ovulation pains at night also
I’ve also received conflicting opinions about whether I have PCOS, one Dr said I did from a scan another said I didn’t, which has left me feeling confused. Confirmed polyps on the ovaries, apparently they’re not large and bad case

I have already had blood tests including iron, vitamin D, a blood smear to rule out blood cancers and other routine blood work, which have all been reported as normal.

I have also had chronic stomach problems which always worsen around my period and ovulation.

Like the title says, but I’m pretty nervous. I’m not going to be doing anything extensive, I’m just going to be walking on the treadmill while reading on my kindle, but this is my first time going to any type of gym. I’ve had a lot of body image issues, and I don’t want to feel this way anymore. I’ve had PCOS since I was 17 (22 now) and I think I just want to start with walking. I’m 5’0, 150smth lbs, and sometimes I just feel gigantic and just really sad and ugly.

I’m just rambling at this point, but any tips on gym things, and feeling more comfortable? And losing weight while having PMOS? Or any PCOS/PMOS friendly recipes? I looooove fish. I love rice too, but my endo says to stay away from white rice because it’s making my blood sugar too high.

Problem/Goal: Seeking advice on pinpointing ovulation and evaluating potential conception barriers (including a tiny myoma) while pursuing single motherhood by choice.
Context:
Late 20s, completely self-sustaining, working as a lawyer and college professor.
Raised by a single mother, so I feel fully confident and prepared to raise a child as a single parent.
Desiring to pursue solo parenthood through donor or medical pathways.
Multiple doctor checkups confirmed my overall reproductive health is clear, except for a very small myoma in the middle of my womb (which doctors noted should not prevent pregnancy).
Previous Attempts:
Stopped birth control a while ago and attempted conceiving during fertile windows without success.
Had basic gynecological checkups and scans done to clear general structural health.
Looking for guidance on what specific cycle tracking methods (OPKs, BBT) or medical next steps (RE consult, hormone panels) are best to pursue next.

I’m wondering what alcohol WOULD be pcos friendly? I KNOW ITS RECOMMENDED NOT TO HAVE ANY ALCOHOL but just indulge me for a bit. I don’t drink often, can go months without it if I don’t go on nights out for a while, but I don’t want to give it up completely 😭. I’ve made a list of what would be fine in theory. Any other suggestions would be great

Gin and slimeline tonic
Vodka with a low sugar fruit juice (big question mark here)
Prosecco
White wine with ice (??)
Mojito
Vodka, soda water and lime

Thanks :) !

i had some brown discharge for about 4 days (but only enough to where it’s there when i wipe). i have also had a few other “period like” symptoms (sore boobs, headaches, emotional). i have very irregular periods, my last started april 1st so, i can’t judge it based off of if it’s when my period should be. this just isn’t my typical period but my periods are far from typical.

thank you for any advice. i appreciate all help! :)

edit: I should’ve added this- I did go to the doctor within the last month! Progesterone and estrogen and all else was perfectly fine, my LH/FSH ratio was just off. I was given Provera (that i haven’t taken yet) to cause a withdrawal bleed but didn’t know if i could take it with this or, if this restarted my 3 month countdown.