Side effects of Diane 35

Dear Doc,

I am 28 years and married since last 2 years. 3 years back i was diagnosed with PCOS due to irregular periods. To cure this I was put on Diane 35 for almost 2 years. Oct 2009 I stopped taking these pills in order to plan the family. But after I got off Diane 35 my periods were again irregular and I my TSH level was 12.9 (T3 and T4) were normal. I have a doubt that my TSH level got disturbed due to diane 35. Is it possible. Also, I am taking eltroxin 50 and 75 MG (alternate days) and my weight is in control till now. What are the chances of weight gain in Thyroid and how can I prevent from gaining weight.

Thank for your time

Aditi

[Elaine Brown, MD]

Hi!
I really doubt that Diane caused your thyroid problems, but your thyroid problems very well may have caused your irregular periods.  If you don't want children at this time, continuing with the Diane, is one of the very best ways to regulate your cycles and protect your reproductive organs from future problems.  If you DO want children, it will be very important to regulate your thyroid, and eltroxin is a good medication to help you with that.  It should not cause you to gain weight--in fact it might help you to stay slim.
Diet and exercise are the very best ways to keep the weight off--it really comes down to burning off more calories than you take in--the bottom line.

For PCOS patients who want to conceive, a combination of Metformin and Clomid or Femara can work wonders to regulate the cycles.

Hope this helps!

Dr B