Hormone Imbalance & OBC

[tenchikoi-76.livejournal.com]

I got to thinking about something lately. I'm pretty sure I have PCOS, though I haven't been professionally diagnosed. I'm considerably overweight (height is 5'8" and I weigh around 248). I also have excess hair growth where it shouldn't be (sideburns, chin, chest). I can't recall the last time, or year, that I had a real period. My doctor thought putting me on OBC would help, but it hasn't. I didn't ovulate before the OBC and I haven't after. I've been on it for over a year now. What I was wondering was...is having a severe hormone imbalance considered another form of birth control since I don't ovulate? It made me curious since the OBC did nothing for me and I don't know why I continue using it. I'm worried because I've met this great guy and there's a big potential for a family one day. But I fear that my hormone imbalance will cause fertility issues. But is losing weight a guarentee of increased fertility anyway? I'm a bit confused about it really. Could use some input. Thanks.

Comments

[spinsterkitten.livejournal.com]

Losing weight will most likely help to increase fertility. But I am in the process of finding out if I have PCOS, and one of my issues is the fact that I cannot seem to lose weight no matter if I count calories and workout.

The best thing would be to get back to the doctor and tell them about your PCOS thoughts and see if they could start testing you. Sadly I have no health insurance so I'm having to work through a clinic, which means a lot of run around and no diagnosis just yet.

I'm sure your doctor could get you on the right track to lifting your fertility chances.

[tornattheelbo.livejournal.com]

are you following a low-carb diet? You may need to 'induct' yourself Atkins-style.

[spinsterkitten.livejournal.com]

I'm actually putting myself back on the Insulin Resistance Diet to see if combined with going back on Ortho it will help me. Working in a bagel shop is horrible for me, but I'm trying.

I tried the IRD diet before I started birth control again and it didn't have any effect. But maybe combined they will help. I'm also supposed to go back later in the month to get my fasting bloodwork done.

[queensugar.livejournal.com]

By "OBC," what exactly are you referring to? The only thing I can think of is "oral birth control," and I can't imagine why you would ovulate on it considering that it's designed ot prevent ovulation, so I'm thinking I must be missing something.

[queensugar.livejournal.com]

One thing I do want to add quickly -- while PCOS may be very likely for you, and while excess hair growth is a symptom of PCOS, it's not that hair "shouldn't be" on your chin, sideburns and chest -- I get tons of dark hair in all those places, and my hormones are just fine. :)

I just wanted to clear that up because I was reminded of how often I used to think that women shouldn't have hair there, when in reality it's pretty normal for some women to get a fair bit of hair in those places. It can be a symptom of other things, and sometimes it isn't. :)

To expand on some of your other questions -- PCOS is one of the leading causes of infertility in women. That said, it doesn't necessarily mean that women with PCOS don't need to use contraception; it's definitely possible to conceive with PCOS, so if you do not want to become pregnant now it would be advisable to use additional contraception.

I think a good place to start would be to go about getting a professional diagnosis of PCOS if that is the case. That way you can start a treatment regimen, and also start investigating what kind of fertility assistance you might need to look into should you decide to start trying to conceive.

[tornattheelbo.livejournal.com]

Nooo. having PCOS isn't contraception of any kind, you really should be just as careful, if not moreso because your cycles are unpredictable.

Losing weight certainly -helps- matters, but is not a cure-all for the syndrome, it's a lifelong deal that must be managed through dietary changes and medications.

ya -really- got to get off the over processed foods and on to a low-carb/high-protien diet. If you go to any of the pcos communities there are lots of great ideas for eating this way, plus support for questions about doctors and pursuing treatment.

[ms-babygirl.livejournal.com]

You know Jon and Kate plus 8?

Well anyway, it's on TLC and the reason they ended up having 6 kids at once was because she has PCOS and needed fertility treatments and she's skinny! Like, size 6? So, at least not always.

But it can't hurt it at all.