How do you cope with your PCOS and how has it changed/affected your life

I was diagnosed at age 27 (I am now 50). I started gaining weight when I was 10 and that was probably the start of it. When my periods started, I got them every month for about three months. After that it was always a magical mystery. Some times it was several months at one time it was three years. I went to several doctors and Gynacologists, and then endocrinologists who told me my problems were all in my head. Thing is PCOS was first described back in the 1950s - so it wasn't anything new. I had three years of fertility treatments before I had my friest son. The twins were conceived after two cycles! Metformin wasn't used for PCOS in those days, but I am now on it as I have late onset diabetes. I have struggled with my eight all my life (since aged 10) though I lost two dress sizes on a controlled carbohydrate diet and never gained it back though I went off it. Of course now I'm more careful with what I eat because of the diabetes but haven't lost any more weight. I was extremely hairy and take Aldactone (Spironolactone) for that. I would never give it up because it makes me feel *normal* not to be so hairy (face, back, upper arms, belly, everywhere) I also have high cholesterol which is also related to PCOS rather than diet. I had gallstones - also common in PCOS. I have hormone dark patches on my neck, under arms and inner thighs (something Nigrans). Also have high blood pressure which I had from age 15 - it got better after I had my babies and only went back on meds three years ago. Good luck! I hope the Metformin helps you.

I was diagnosed about 6 months ago. I have gained a bunch of weight in the last 2 years and I always have some type of pelvic pain. My hair on my head is thinning and falling out :( But there's plenty of hair everywhere else. I hope to try Vaniqa Soon but its $60 a tube so I have to wait until I can afford that. My fingers and toes go numb sometimes. Lately I have noticed skin tags popping up. I feel like I'm 21 going on 70!

well, i was diagnosed when i was 16.. but i had this since i'm 13.. and until now i had this pcos. it really made me a moody person and i become big and big.. so everything have to be planned.. my exercise, my diet and ofcourse my sleeping habits.. it is so hard.. you have to limit yourself always.. i take different medicines and consult in five different doctors.. but now i'm trying this doctor of my cousin.. i hope we will be successful in this treatment.. the main key is patience and understanding...

I found out in October of 2001, unfortunately the doctor I had wasn't well informed in the subject and I missed out on early controlling of it. I was on Yasmin * birth control * for 3 months but due to finances I couldn't afford to buy it anymore . I plan on going to planned parenthood to get help from them, I'm also trying to get back to going to the gym when I can. ( paying for it, might as well use it. ) I'm not trying to have babies but I want to be in the best of health when I do try. :)