PCOS

I am 29 years old and have polycystic ovaries, (PCOS).  I also suffer from central obesity, have striae in abdominal area, hirsutism and slightly increased testosterone and low transferrin. The low transferrin worries me because I remember being 10 years old and having a depression on my thumb nail. I had no idea what is was and I now think it could of been koilonychia. I am also always cold and I went to donate blood at 23 yr. old, and a needle stick to test for iron was given to me. I was told I had low Fe and could not give blood at that time. It was also the last day of my menstruation, so I thought that maybe I lost Fe in my menstruation. I also suffer from angular chelitis which I think could also be a clue about low iron. My iron level was normal though when I went to the doctor one month ago exept for a low transferrin level.  I suffer from extreme migraines and take Imitrex, Zomig and meloxicam as an antinflammatory.  I was prescribed Loestrin but suffered with more frequest migraines.  My LH/FSH ratio is about 2.4  and I have borderline low estogen and slightly increased testosterone.  What do you think I should do about the Fe and regulating my hormones to normal. On loestrin I had bleeding every other day and now that I am not on it i havent had menstruation since August almost 6 months ago.

[Elaine Brown, MD]

Hi!
If you were my patient, the next thing I would try is Metformin.  I would be very careful to explain to you that there are some side effects with this medication, such as gassiness, bloating and diarrhea.  I would also start you at a low dosage and build up as tolerated.  
Another option would be to use natural progesterone monthly to induce your period.
This helps to give you a cycle, but doesn't treat the underlying disorder.
Low Iron usually responds to supplemental iron, so, the first thing I would try is a good multivitamin with iron.  That would also provided vitamin C and folate and B 12.
Yaz is a good birth control pill for PCOS, if you are interested in contraception too.
Good luck!
Dr B

[koolkurri]

Me and my husband have beeen married for 5 years. We have been trying for 3 years still no luck. My doctor priscribed (prescribed) me metformin 3 times daily 1500mg and clomid. Although, i never took it properly. This year i promised myself that i will start taking my pills regulary. Ever since Jan i have taking it regulary. My periods won't stop. They were continuous for a whole month. Stopped for a week and now i am back on my periods. I have really bad back cramps. My periods are very heavy. Please tell me what i can do about this.

Thanks,
kurri

[nessa1378]

Hi,
I am just throwing this out to you but have your doctors ever tested you for Celiac.  I have had atypical medical issues all my life, polycystic ovaries as one of them and I know a gluten allergy can cause anemia and vitamin deficiencies....just something to check out.  Good luck to you.