How do you control your PCOS?

United States
June 9, 2011 10:33am CST
I have been trying to find ways to control the PCOS symptoms like acne, dandruff, and weight gain. What do you all use to help control the inevitable symptoms that you get from having PCOS?
1 person likes this
1 response
@AmbiePam (93952)
• United States
10 Jun 11
Do you have the kind of PCOS that made you grow more hair? Or do you have the kind that made your hair fall out? As for me, I have the kind that made my hair fall out. I don't have dandruff, just a sore scalp. I lost about half of my hair. It won't grow back, but I am on a low dose birth control to keep the rest from falling out. I am also on Metformin to control weight gain. I am not diabetic, which is what Metformin is usually used for. Of course eating right and exercise is key in keeping the weight gain down. However, as PCOS patients, you and I know you can eat right and exercise and still have 10 times as much trouble losing weight as other people. My sister has the kind of PCOS that caused extra hair. While I had the clear skin, she had a lot of trouble with acne. I really can't tell you much about that. Looking back, my parents wish they had just taken her to the dermatologist. But back then, they didn't know either of us had PCOS. They thought she had normal, teenage acne. Right now, I know she uses oil free moisturizer after she cleanses her face at night. She says the Clean and Clear works best for her. I was 22 when diagnosed with PCOS (I'm 30 now). She was 26 when she was diagnosed (she's 32 now). So we're still feeling our way through it. Right now my sister is trying to have a baby with her husband, and is finding the PCOS to be keeping her from conceiving. So it's definitely trouble. I hope some of this info helped. : )
• United States
10 Jun 11
I have the kind where my hair falls out, but I still have disgustingly thick hair. Ever since I was 16 I have shed large amounts of hair through the day, but my hair never gets any thinner for some reason (which trust me I don't mind). I am no longer able to conceive due to a different reason (blood clots while on the Nuvaring) and now have to monitor my hormones very intensely. If I get too much estrogen, I could get more clots. No pregnancy for me. Which is fine, I do not want more children anyway, but the regulation of the hormones drives me crazy. I can only be on the mini pill which the doctor put me on to regulate my cycles and everything, but it has to be the birth control with no hormones in it. I think the most significant side effect I have had from this whole thing is the pain. The cysts burst all the time and it feels like I am being shot in the stomach. But after a few minutes the pain goes away and I am fine. It is crazy to me how many different systems and body functions the hormone imbalance really causes. Thanks for the info btw! There is a site called soulcysters.com that has been really helpful as well.
1 person likes this
@AmbiePam (93952)
• United States
10 Jun 11
Thank you for the tip. I miss my hair more than anything. It was long and naturally curly. Now, the entire top of my head is bald. I alternate between wearing hats, and a wig. More than anything I want my hair back.