Can Patients with PCOS Use an IUD? (IUD FAST FACT #13, @dr_dervaitis)

[@TheMusesOrg]

Thank you so much for taking the time to produce these videos! I had an appointment with a gynecologist a few weeks ago and she explained none of this. She told me I had adenomyosis (previously diagnosed with PCOS also), said I needed a hysteroscope and Mirena inserted under general anesthetic (I also later found out I was having a 'D&C'), mentioned a risk of perforation/bleeding, and then sent me into the waiting room to fill out medical history and consent forms. I cried all the way home on the bus. I hadn't even thought to ask about how my PCOS might be affected.

[@mMeFlora]

these fast fact videos are really helfpul!

[@mirellathompson5562]

I am 16 years old and I was diagnosed with PCOS because I have irregular periods (I actually still haven’t had one in the last 6 months) and I have cysts in my ovaries. My doctor prescribed hormonal birth control, but I’m not too keen on that. Since I haven’t gone back to the doctor since the diagnosis I haven’t had the chance to ask about any risks I may be at if I just don’t do anything about it. I know you said I can get cancer but is that it? I have done lots of research and the benefits of hormonal birth, based on what I have found are those that I just don’t need (other than increased progesterone). So for me based on what I have researched the cons outweigh the pros when it comes to hormonal birth control. Basically what I’m trying to say is I am fine not having a period and I’m not trying to mess with my hormones going on hormonal birth control.

[@dr.kristinadervaitis789]

Not having a period (anovulation) means an imbalance of too much estrogen and not enough progesterone. LONG TERM, this leads to a significantly increased risk of uterine cancer. Most patients find that risk alone as motivation enough to seek treatment. I should also note that irregular or infrequent periods in the teen years is not uncommon and may normalize over time in some patients. Please know that there has been a tremendous increase in the amount of anti-hormone fear mongering in social media, the majority of which is not based on any science or evidence and not presented by trained health care professionals. Decision making about hormone treatment can be generalized- it needs to be individualized based on each patient’s clinical situation. Talk to your doctor!!! -Dr. Dervaitis

[@angierandazzo9309]

Do you have any videos on hormonal hair-loss?

[@dr.kristinadervaitis789]

There is no scientific evidence to support a causal link between hormonal IUD use and hair loss. Although each patient is unique, and there are anecdotal reports of patients who feel their hair loss is due to hormonal contraception, this has not been consistently proven in large clinical trials. -Dr. Dervaitis

[@angierandazzo9309]

@@dr.kristinadervaitis789 thank you