PCOS question

picklesx

I have seen PCOS mentioned numerous times on this board but never really read up on it until recently. After googling it, I have found that one symptom of PCOS is having irregular periods, or missing periods altogether. I'm wondering if this is something that can develop suddenly or if it's something that is just maintained from the time of your first period. For example, if someone had regular monthly periods for several years, and then started BCP, is there a possibility that this condition could have developed during the years that they were on BCP having hormone induced periods, and could cause them not to have periods after stopping the pill?

ShannonSky

I've always had PCOS, but it can definitely develop over time. 

msjcordova

It depends. For me before I went on Dep Provera ( the birth control shot) I was pretty normal as far as AF goes. When I started the Depo I both gained weight and the BC was doing damage. My RE told me that I have likely had PCOS my whole life but the Depo and weight gain caused by it were like a 1,2 punch.

I dont think that BC can cause PCOS, if that were the case I dont think anyone in their right mind would take it. If I would have known that Depo would cause these problems, I would NOT have taken it. 

I am Marla Singer

Although I was just recently diagnosed, I think that I have always had it. I remember about 9 years ago- when I started dating my now DH, I went in to get on Depo Provera, and of course one of their questions was when was your LMP. I had no idea. Since I was not sexually active- I had no reason to really think that is was a problem. I remember telling them it had been about 6 months since my LMP. I also had some mild acne as a teenager too. 

 

cantalopes24

I have never had regular periods and got my first period at 10. I have heard early puberty is a sign. From what I have read its something you always have but symptoms can worsen over time. I don't think birth control causes PCOS but it may make symptoms more pronounced when stopping. Your brain is programmed to maintain status quo and if something else is coming in telling it not to O and when your period should start and stop, its going to take awhile for your brain to figure out what to do once its not being told anymore. Depending on how long you took the bc, how strong it was and how long you've been off it irregular periods might or might not be cause for concern.

cookiecrumbmomx3

I was told I had PCOS after i had my 2nd child. I had retained palcental fragments and was having all kinds of trouble. Months later I was told I had PCOS. It's really confusing to me because I've had all the typical symptoms of PCOS my whole life, yet I was able to have two kids no problem. We are just now trying for #3 and are just going to see what happens as I don't feel completely convinced We shall see what happens!

Heather & Nayt

I have always had signs of it, but it didn't get bad until I had my son. It really depends. If you are really wondering about it, check out soul cysters.com.

HTH 

Mrs.Slick

The way my obgyn explained it to me is that most women with PCOS probably have had it forever but most aren't diagnosed until they are ttc since that's when it 'matters' what's going on with your cycles.  She said most women not ttc are thrilled to not have a regular period OR if they are sexually active, they are usually on bcp.

When I was in high school and wasn't worried about getting pregnant b/c I wasn't sexually active, I LOVED not having my period more than 3 or 4 times per year and my dr at the time just figured my hormones were still just regulating. Little did we know that I would never have a "regular" cycle...