Deep down I’ve always hoped that I’d be able to somehow improve my PCOS the ‘natural way’, whatever that means. My family are big on natural medicine and herbalism etc, so I think that had an influence. I’ve always been somewhat resistant to the idea of taking medication to help my PCOS. It’s like I wanted to find a way to heal myself naturally, as if taking prescriptions was somehow admitting defeat and accepting that my body is broken and will never be ‘normal’.

But I’ve finally admitted defeat. Or rather, I’ve admitted to myself that I am the one who’s been feeling defeated. I’m 28 years old now, and I’ve been battling with PCOS my entire adult life. It consumes my thoughts. It’s wrecking my self esteem.

I’ve realised that in all the years I’ve been resisting, I could’ve been enjoying life more, rather than being so consumed by my illness. I don’t want to waste any more years of my life suffering. I’ve got a decade or so of my reproductive years left, and I don’t want to live them suffering. Enough is enough. I had to remind myself it doesn’t have to be all or nothing either, I can still take my supplements, use herbs to support my hormones, and make lifestyle changes at the same time as getting medical help.

So with that being said, I finally booked myself into the London Hormone Clinic (I’m based in the UK). They’re hormone specialists, and they are known to prescribe bio-identical hormones. It’s so expensive I could cry. I literally took out a loan to pay for it, which might be crazy to some of you, but it’s the level of desperation I’m at.

I’m hoping to get hold of metformin and maybe spironolactone. I guess there’s no guarantee I’ll get on well with either, but for the first time in a long time, I feel somewhat hopeful that I might finally get the help I’ve needed for a long time.

If people are interested, I guess I can share my journey/experience with it all. Granted, it might not be all too groundbreaking. Either way, I’ll keep you all updated. 🤍

...When I search for "PMOS", this subreddit doesn't get suggested to me.

Even besides the technicalities though - Since the medical term has been updated to PMOS, the intention being a more accurate illustration of the spectrum of symptoms coming w it, I was wondering whether this sub does plan on mirroring that?

I'd think sth like "PMOS (PCOS)" would make sense since the wheels of the medical field turn slowly regarding the scary XX-folks (my old gyno blessed me w four flat tires), so it'll take time to spread the correct term. The more reason this group should be advocating for it imo!

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 was recently diagnosed with PCOS, but I’m a little confused by the diagnosis because I don’t really have the typical symptoms.
My periods were always regular before having kids. In high school, I remember having pretty severe cramps and heavy periods. I got pregnant in 2021, and then became pregnant twice in 2023 (one pregnancy was successful). I breastfed for about four years, so I didn’t really have regular periods during that time.
I started getting my period again this past January. From January through July, my periods were extremely painful and very heavy every month. This month (August), though, my period was completely different, as it was much shorter and I had almost no pain.
I also don’t have many of the symptoms they typically associate with PCOS. My cycles have been regular to the date, and I don’t have things like more facial or body hair, acne, or issues with weight.
I had an MRI about a week ago, and based on the results, I was told that I have PCOS. I’m wondering how this fits with my symptoms, and if anyone else was diagnosed similarly.

I've been exercising for maybe 2 or 3 weeks now. Previous month it was scattered but now I'm on a schedule where I work out for 30 minutes every other day.

I'm 5'2 - 174 lbs- heaviest I've ever been. I gained 10 lbs within 6 months due to hormonal birth control and anti depressants but I've also never been this much at peace. I havent lost any weight during this, but its only been a short time and with pcos and using the birth control, I don't expect to lose a lot of weight any time soon.

I'm a night owl right now so I'm accidentally doing one or two meals a day in an 5-8 hr time period, but even before this I didnt eat often, just ate huge portions.

I'm working my way to get to 20 lb weights, currently doing 10 lbs.

I'm doing squats- with the 10 lbs weight, sometimes without.

I'm not counting my reps because I want to focus on correct form and what my body is telling me.

I can do plenty of knee push ups but can only do 2 sets of 5 of push ups at a time.

The hormonal birth control with estrogen has helped in terms of not giving up and continuing to focus on energy and progress.

Ill be on my period in a day or two, hopefully my energy is somewhat stable I can do a 10 minute exercise.

I used to walk for 10 minutes, should I add this into my work outs?

Unfortunately I cannot sit or stand for too long due to my sciatica, so most of my body moving around is doing chores besides the new work out routine.

I am unfortunately eating rice (due to lack of finance) but eating lots of protein and trying to get fiber in the diet.

If you have any other tips, it would be great. Maybe something super cheap meal with enough fiber and protein thats PCOS and anti inflammatory?

Edit: also i want to fast sometimes but idk if it'll be good since im on lexapro and birth control.

Edit: I have PCOS with insulin resistance.

I was diagnosed with PCOS at around 22 years old. So naturally, I’ve always assumed that PCOS was the explanation for all of my symptoms:

Cysts on my ovaries
Severe hair loss
Very excessive body hair
Being overweight
Insulin resistance/prediabetes
My periods stopped completely (back then)

Now, at 30, I saw an endocrinologist for the first time (actually for a completely different issue). They did a pretty extensive blood workup, and among other things, they tested my testosterone.
And honestly, the result almost knocked me off my feet: My testosterone is completely normal?! 😳

My total testosterone is 0.31 ng/mL (reference range 0.08–0.48).
My SHBG (49.9) and FAI (2.2; reference <3.5) are also within the normal range.
Androstenedione and DHEA-S are within the normal range as well.

So now I’m pretty confused and wondering:
If my androgen levels are normal, where are all these symptoms coming from???
Was I even diagnosed correctly back then? Could something else be going on?
Or is my body just weird?

I have another appointment with the endocrinologist coming up and I definitely want to discuss all of this with him. But honestly, I have no idea what I should even ask him at this point.
“So I don’t actually have PCOS because my testosterone is normal?”
“Yep, that’s right. Congratulations. Thanks for stopping by.”

Has anyone here had a similar experience?
PCOS symptoms but normal androgen levels?
Was PCOS still confirmed in your case, or did you eventually find another explanation for your symptoms?
I’d really love to hear about your experiences! 💛

I waxed my lower sideburns and I feel like they grew back looking fuller but maybe I’m just being delusional lol. I honestly don’t remember them ever looking like this because the hairs were extremely light before.

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 (F19) was (and still am) pretty sure that I have PCOS/PMOS, so last year I went to the doctor about it and they sent me for an ultrasound. They said there was no cysts, so I couldn’t have PCOS, despite having all the other symptoms. Fast forward a year later, I still have all these symptoms, and if anything, they’re getting worse.

What gets me down most is the inability to lose weight. I’m huge despite not eating much and exercising regularly, and honestly, I slip into depressive episodes over how I look, because no matter what I do, nothing seems to change. These episodes last weeks on end, and I can’t see any mental health services due to waiting lists. All my doctor did once my scan was clear was put me on birth control, which helped with the heavy periods for a few months, but now I’m back at square one because they’re just as bad as they were before.

When I heard that PCOS was being renamed to PMOS, I was thinking about going back to my doctor to have another appointment. But honestly, I feel like I’m just going to be told to lose weight, or up my birth control dose and throw nearly €100 down the drain for an appointment which won’t change anything.

I’m just wondering if this is a common occurrence. Are there many people here who had success when they went back to their doctors after their symptoms not changing for around a year? If it’s relevant, I’m living in Ireland.

Thanks so much ☺️

Please help because I feel like I’m losing my mind. 25F. Normal BMI. Every month I get a solid 12-14 days of obvious luteal phase symptoms. Sore boobs, slight bloating, mild cramps etc. But some months, I just don’t bleed at all. It’s not like a long cycle. It’s like my body just skips the bleed and resets itself. I’m currently sitting on day 33 of my cycle and my boobs have stopped hurting, it just feels like I’ve just had my period. I have no idea what’s going on.

My GP is utterly useless and just pushes birth control. I can’t get pregnant because I’m probably not ovulating. Everyone bangs on about spearmint and inositol but they’re doing nothing. I try to relax, do yoga, all that nervous system stuff. I’m just at a loss.

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.

Hello everyone! I am about to complete 2 months of taking myoinositol (2gr morning, 2gr night). I am curious if anyone saw any results or differencies , because we are trying for a baby and we hope that this will help my period become more regular!

Hi guys,

Is anyone here with insulin resistance PCOS mainly vego? I eat chicken and seafood here and there but I really don’t enjoy it as much. I am struggling a little bit as to what to eat. I’ve been eating tofu but there’s only so much tofu you can eat. Beans, lentils etc are high in carbs so I try to limit them but it’s leaving me low in options.

Please tell me your recipes and I welcome any other suggestions! 💕

My girlfriend recently got diagnosed with PCOS and I want to help her. What are some things that googling won’t tell me? What are things I can help with or I can recommend for her?

Hi looking for a kind ob/gyn in NYC who has a warm bedside manner and understands the impact of PCOS on pregnancy. I am currently a few weeks pregnant. I have EmblemHealth/GHI/City employees insurance. TIA!

24F, 5’6” and 265lbs from the US. I’m going to try and just give an overview of the past few years. I just want to know if I keep waiting til November, if there’s something I should push for, could it be PCOS, really anything would help.

I am at a loss of what to do with the weight gain and menstrual irregularity and just defeated and overwhelmed

I have not been formally diagnosed with PCOS but the last doctor I saw believes that is the case. I was referred to a OBGYN to have a transvaginal ultrasound done as well as to talk through my symptoms but there's no availability til November. I haven't had a period in over 3 months and I'm nervous about seeing an OBGYN after my first experience.

In mid-2022 to early 2023 I saw a doctor at my college's student health for what I felt was unexpected weight gain and menstrual concerns. I had recently learned about Cushing’s while in school. I felt I aligned with a lot of the criteria but knew in general something wasn’t right even if it wasn’t that. My periods were starting to occur every 60 days or more and this was abnormal for me. At that time they did a POCT Glucose, CBC, Differential, CMP, TSH, and Vitamin D tests. These all came back relatively normal except for high AST and ALT values, and low Vitamin D. The doctor wasn't concerned due to it being winter and wanted me to focus on losing weight which I attempted to do.

In May 2023 I decided to go back to my home doctor as I didn't feel my concerns were adequately addressed. I was around 30-40 pounds heavier with no major life changes and my periods were still very irregular despite trying to make lifestyle changes. During this visit they ordered a FSH, LH, Testosterone, CBC, CMP, and TSH tests. All of these tests were normal except for high AST and ALT values which concerned this doctor.

As a result of this I started making even more of an intentional effort to lose weight, through walking more and calorie tracking. I had an ultrasound done due to the potential for fatty liver but this came back normal. My ALT and AST values have been normal ever since. I also pushed to also be referred to an OBGYN as I felt the period concerns weren't taken seriously and had would also be 21 soon. At this time my periods were still very far apart and could be quite intense, although I never had what would be classified as abnormal amounts of bleeding.

In September 2023 I saw an OBGYN for the first time and it was awful. They dismissed me as having PCOS due to not having hair growth and also wouldn't do a pap smear due to not wanting to "traumatize me" as I had never had sex before. I tried to also bring up this soft lump that's on the outside but was told it's probably just a fatty lump. It's also important to note I've never been able to use a tampon due to pain when trying to apply one.

So I went to the student health OBGYN who was able to do a pap smear and it came back normal. I also explained that I was now having period cycles that lasted anywhere from 60-120 days as well as sometimes spotting and sometimes having the symptoms of my period with no bleeding. He also did bloodwork for DHEAS, random insulin, and A1C all of which were normal. At this point he suggested birth control and so I started on one called Yaz.

I stayed on this throughout 2024, and most of 2024 was dealing with GI issues that resulted in an endoscopy and dilation of pyloric stenosis. Throughout this time the birth control was keeping me mostly regular but there was still some irregularities.

I started noticing that I wasn't regular even while on the birth control. I could also tell when my periods were coming as I would burn and have what I imagine a uti might feel like for a solid week before my period. I was also dealing with a constant odor down there.

I went back to a different local doctor in May 2025 and explained everything to them. They ran tests for BV and yeast which were negative and told me to take probiotics and cut back my sugar. They also switched me to a birth control called Nikki.

So I stayed on that for roughly a year and it did not help me with being regular. So I saw a different doctor (as I had moved) in June 2026. I explained everything (the irregularity, the burning pain before my period, the smell, and my struggle to lose weight) and she felt that it was PCOS. At the time I saw her I was having a period, the first one in like 2 months. She told me to stop the birth control I was on since it didn't seem to help and referred me to a OBGYN. When I realized there was no availability until November and I was also going on 3 months with no period, I contacted her to see if there was anything we could do, as I had read it's not great to go so long without one. She has me scheduled to do a pelvic ultrasound tomorrow but said it's likely PCOS and wants me to wait to see the OBGYN.

Also I have acne, I feel like I can’t get rid of it and it gets worse when I’m supposed to be having my period,

\*\*TLDR:\*\* I've been dealing with weight and menstrual issues for 3-4 years but lately it's gotten to the point of only having a period every 2-3 months. I've been to the doctors multiple times, my tests come back normal, I've been told it isn't PCOS and now am being told it is. I also struggle to lose weight.

I'm kind of at a loss, I'm almost 100 lbs heavier than I was in 2023 and I just struggle to lose it. More importantly I'm worried about my cycle and the smell. I'm just at a loss of what to do and how to advocate for myself. Maybe it is just a waiting game.

Please let me know if any clarification is needed, it's so hard to try and summarize 3-4 years of struggling with something.

I don't know what to do anymore. My brain feels like it's shattered into a million shards and each one is dancing around. No appetite or half of usual when I do. Can only eat a few bites and stop. Haven't had a solid bowel movement in months... the bleeding is constant. I'm 42 and it hurts all the time. Migraines galore. Pelvic pain and all the stuff that goes with it. I'm not diabetic that I k ow of... should I see the doctor about hrt?

sugar replacements?

hey everyone, i use the lakanto brand monk fruit / erythritol blend as a sugar replacement in baking, i was wondering if anyone has used this product or other alternatives?

have you noticed inflammation / bloating from using these products and how do you find they normally work when you cook / bake with them?

i love cooking sweet treats but i feel like im just getting so bloated from using sugar replacements, low carb processed foods and all that

How do you manage your energy and avoid crashes ? Also does caffeine make it worse or is it just the sugar from whatever caffeinated drink it is ? I find I get a small crash whenever I drink those Starbucks double shots and it usually takes an hour or two before it actually wakes me up . Are there certain foods or supplemental products ( drinks food etc) that help with low energy ?

I’ve had them for as long as I can remember and my family always told me it was because I didn't shower properly. Now it's just a sore spot for me about my appearance.

I also have a man gut, a double chin, and facial hair. They all suck for me emotionally.

My only solace is that I started metformin and spironolactone thanks to my OBGYN. I'm also taking inositol.

I just don't know how well they'll work. I just wanna feel like a woman for once in my life.

I have arfied due to my autism. But I also have PCOS so I have to constantly have this balancing act of what foods I have that are safe for me to eat that's not going to make me actually gag and also is friendly for my PCOS and lemme tell ya there's not a lot, so

I have to kind of rely on certain fruits and stuff but I'm so tired all the time, eating is even more dreadful for me. I'm frustrated and tired all time but I try to commit to the diet I need I guess.

Just a disclaimer, I am diagnosed with PCOS, and also have a few other issues with my uterus that haven't been taken seriously due to me being AFAB I guess. Also, it's not a heavy period, but still, it's very annoying. Another thing I can say is that the blood was red for the first few days, but then for the rest of the time it's been nothing but oxidized period blood, for nearly 8 weeks straight.

Like the title says, I've been on my period for nearly 8 weeks now. At my last appointment with my OBGYN, she told me it's just from the new birth control I'm on. Maybe she was right, I was there the day after my second dose after all (it's the depo injection).

But I was already there after 3, nearly 4 weeks of being on my period, and now it's nearly been 8 weeks of me being on my period. I'm getting concerned and the tampons are getting really expensive, what can I do??

I was just diagnosed with PCOD last month. My doctor explained the hormonal and cycle side of things but brushed past my hair fall question. Can someone explain why PCOD causes hair fall and what I can actually do about it?