[shannon212]

I'm 21 years old. I have extremely unpredictable periods ranging from heavy bleeding for up to 6 months... Continuously! Then I may not have another period for 3-6 months.

I have been tested for PCOS to which I get told "it seems like PcOS". I have been to 4 doctors in Australia and the UK and all 4 do not have an answer.

I have been with my partner for 3 years, we want a family and I have not used any contraception for 3 years and have not fallen pregnant.

I am really confused and need help on what steps to take next.

I don't know if I have PCOS because the doctors say it could be but I am tall and slim, not under weight but no where near over weight.

The solution I was given to control the bleeding was "just go on the pill." Which I don't want to do if I am trying for a child.

I would really like some advice on what to do next. Where to go. What I should be trying to do to achieve a family.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks,

Shannon

[shannon212]

Can anyone help please?

[kira]

A variety of medications can help treat the symptoms of PCOS. metformin is normally used for diabetes problems especially with weight issues but some have used it to induce ovulation. Clomid can also induce ovulation and Provera can induce periods to regulate the cycle. These do not replace the hormones produced by the ovaries or shut them down like birth control pills do. They trigger the ovaries to function right. Sometimes fertility shots of other hormones used for a variety of fertility problems are used. Some accomplish pregnancy with just a strict diet change such as low carb, no sugary stuff like soda, no caffeine... You really need to see a fertility specialist to properly diagnose you, run hormone tests, and figure out what is missing or too high so they can make a specific treatment for you. There is a 40% chance of miscarriage if you do get pregnant. In the past at least Metformin was one of the main things they kept people on to lessen the risk of losing the pregnancy. Hormones like progesterone may be needed too. I'm not sure if they've come up with better medications lately but there definitely is some stuff out there. You just need to find the right specialist who will treat you. Do not even bother with general practitioners. Find a fertility specialist or gynecologist. General doctors are just going to keep putting you on birth control because few know what tests to run much less what methods to use to counter the test results.

[shannon212]

Very helpful advice. Thank you so much.

I haven't been to a specialist because i don't know how to go about it. Do I need a referral from a doctor?

Are the medications to help ovulation prescribed?

I believe this is the main problem, the doctors agree all my hormone levels are too high but not sure why. I gave up caffeine last year, I try and keep sugar out of diet so I hope this is helping.

I have done home ovulation tests for the past year or so and never once had a positive result so this is where my main concern is coming from.

Thank you and I will try and see a specialist.