Understanding PCOS Symptoms and Treatment: How To Manage Your PCOS

Double board certified fertility doctor, Natalie Crawford MD talks about polycystic ovarian syndrome. In this video she reviews PCOS and the diagnosis, symptoms, and treatment options. Learn about the Rotterdam criteria for diagnosis and how to optimize your lifestyle and understand your PCOS to get pregnant.
Answered in this video:
What is PCOS?
What is polycystic ovarian syndrome, and how do you diagnose it?
How do you know if you have PCOS?
What do you need to do if you have PCOS?
What are warning signs for PCOS?
What are symptoms of PCOS?
What are risks of PCOS?
Can you exercise with PCOS?
What is the best PCOS diet?
What are treatment options for ovulation with PCOS?
Can you get pregnant with PCOS?
*This is medical education not medical advice, please ask your doctor for your own medical care and medical questions.
Join the Enhance Your Natural Fertility Program
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#pcos #fertility #nataliecrawfordmd
Resources:
Fritz and Speroff, Clinical Gynecology Endocrinology and Infertility, 8th edition, 2011 www.asrm.org/globalassets/asr...
Azziz R. Introduction: Determinants of polycystic ovary
syndrome. Fertil Steril. 2016Jul;106(1):4-5. doi: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2016.05.009. Epub 2016 May 26. PMID:27238627.
www.acog.org/womens-health/fa...
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Fertility doctor, Natalie Crawford, MD is a double board certified OBGYN and REI, and co-founder of Fora Fertility, a boutique fertility practice in Austin, Texas.
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Sharing fertility facts to educate women about trying to conceive, getting pregnant, ovulation, fertility treatments, IUI, IVF, becoming a doctor, life as a woman in medicine, and more.

[@rachelmace6189]

Thank you for sharing your advice on PCOS. I was diagnosed 18 months ago at the age of 35, but ‘knew’ I had it for much longer and was avoiding confronting it. My doctor was really helpful and my main concern was not having regular periods which isn’t good because not bleeding can lead to developing abnormal cells in your uterus. I was put on the progesterone only pill and persevered for 6 months until the headaches and constant spotting got too much. I decided to come off it and read some scientific research on supplements that help with PCOS. Here’s what I discovered (note: this is what I read in medical papers and it has worked to improve many of my symptoms. You should always follow proper medical advice and do your own research on reputable cites): - Cutting out (or majorly down) on dairy was one of the best things I’ve ever done. I did it before my diagnosis to help with migraine but it has also stopped some of my excessive hair growth and vastly improved the clarity of my skin. Dairy has been linked to ovarian cancer, but not enough research exists yet to fully determine how far this is true. - Taking Myo Inositol has been life changing in terms of my periods. I have a regular cycle for the first time in years, which also means my fertility has improved. Myself and my husband don’t want children, but if you read the testimonies of women who have taken this you will hear about some successes. It’s worth a try and can help alongside other prescribed medications. - Other supplements that improve the symptoms of PCOS are folic acid, zinc, vitamin b complex, N-acetyl cysteine, and L Carnitine. The first three help regulate periods and improve ovary/egg health and the last two help with insulin resistance. - Eat more protein and cut down on carbohydrates. This is good advice for most people, but anyone with PCOS should definitely consider doing this. Carbohydrates turn to sugar/insulin in the body and get stored more easily as fat. Upping my protein and actually eating more (just less carbs) helped me lose 9kg in five months. I wasn’t massively over weight but I was on the boundary according to BMI charts. I feel more like I’m in my own body now and have more confidence and energy. It was more about improving my self esteem than trying to get a ‘perfect’ body. - For hair loss, use rosemary oil on the scalp and leave on for a while before washing. Massage your scalp well and use Castor oil on the ends of your damp hair before drying. Also, sleep in a silk bun or equivalent to prevent breakage. I was shocked how much healthier my hair got overnight. - Other skin tips are to use jojoba oil at night. It’s not greasy and mimics the skins natural sebum. This means your getting moisture and softness, without risking a breakout. For spots, use salicylic acid and try to use a moisturiser that contains HA. Again, avoid dairy and eat plenty of leafy greens (spinach, kale etc). - For my mental health I take sertraline, as prescribed by my doctor, and I also take lions mane mushroom to improve my mood as well as making sure I get out for fresh air whenever I can. Sorry that this comment has gone on forever, but I really hope this advice might help someone : ) I didn’t do all of this overnight, I implemented things over a few years and slowly built up to my routine now. If you change or add one thing to your lifestyle once a month, think what you’ll achieve in a year. Be safe, be healthy and be happy with who you are ❤️

[@jayellen]

This is so helpful!

[@ericas2034]

Thank you so much

[@TaccaAameyri]

Thank you for sharing

[@TheRaike24]

I was going to mimic what the other ladies said before me, but that is insufficient. I think that with the amount of information you dropped on your comment ALONE is worth educating ourselves on and dig a little deeper to see what our individual bodies need to repair the damage this disease caused us. For dairy--> thank God I'm lactose intolerant and as soon as I started asserting myself within my family, I stopped drinking it. However, I LOVE Keifer (which I used to drink often, less than 1/3 of a cup) so I will have to research that. The other meds and things you listed are a gem to me, because I'm about to have my yearly physical after YEARS of not having one..(I have had BAD experiences with the medical department since childhood) so I will ask my doctor if he would recommend some of the vitamins you listed (for me & see what I'm deficient in)

[@LeeBeauty0711]

Thank you so much for this!!

[@MuratBeshtoev]

I am a father and this is horrible. I am upset with the doctor's community for their ignorance and denial of this frequent condition.

[@cathypiper9373]

Yes you’re absolutely right ! There have been several doctors ( even female gynecologists ) that have denied that pcos and endo even exist.

[@Rosee45]

Exactly... I've went to many doctors and they said it's nothing just a hormonal Problem, they said just drink water and exercise 🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️ , I've thick hair on my neck , and sideburns it's really a big problem for me

[@AdamSmith-qy2xh]

Hi Murat, I too am a father who is now facing this very difficult & frustrating journey of feeling helpless & annoyed with being completely unable to provide any help or answers to the many issues & questions my daughter is trying to deal with. We're just starting off down this bumpey road & already we are looking & asking for the simplest directions in order to STAY on the straight and narrow. Unfortunately though like so many others we're getting the feeling of being ignored & misguided. At this early stage I'm already beginning to feel that we may have more luck searching & scrolling these videos & comments than we will waiting & pleading with our doctor's & hospitals.

[@jenahildreth]

It's the same way for women when it comes to menopause as well.

[@VarshaaaBeauty]

I went to several doctors from 16-26 telling them I think I had PCOS but no one believed me. It was a PA dermatologist who diagnosed me ONLY after I insisted getting a hormonal panel because my hair was thinning. I will never get that decade back. I now am 30 and have periods under 35 days and I am ovulating monthly. I lead a healthy life. I just wish I had started when I was younger - my quality of life would have improved.

[@saramations]

I know it took too long, but I'm glad you got the help you needed and speaking up for yourself.

[@jayellen]

That’s such a long time! It’s taken over a year for my diagnosis and I thought that was a long time. Glad to hear you’re doing well now

[@alycat8953]

I feel like PCOS ruined my 20s and I'm almost 32 now. It has made me feel disgusting. I dreaded taking pics with friends, going, out, and won't even try dating, etc. I feel the same about never getting back that decade. I'm sorry =/

[@bridget1038]

I am having this similar experience now and am going to try to see a dermatologist. Thank you for sharing ❤

[@breenazee9901]

32 and just found out. Always suspected it as well but it was never taken seriously. On month two of treatment and already feeling better

[@_Randa_]

Thank you so much for this! I was completely lost as to what my next steps would be. I've seen 4 different doctors over the past 4 years and none of them mentioned anything whatsoever except either going on the pill or forgetting about it unless I want to get pregnant.

[@hopeyfull]

I am on the brink of tears, thank you so much for this video!! Instantly subscribed and forever grateful.

[@mirellathompson5562]

This gave me so much hope and clarity. Thank you

[@alisalaska1786]

I didn’t get diagnosed until I was 27 and I had symptoms since middle school. No doctor ever thought to test for it.

[@jadoonkhan8871]

Same my symptoms since in 9 year back

[@MaeveMcMullen-kz7xu]

I just got diagnosed at 24 after years and after 3 or 4 different ob/gyns not listening to me

[@jadoonkhan8871]

@@MaeveMcMullen-kz7xu gyno doctor give you hormone tablet cause your period even more worse next Tim and mood swings 😭

[@kennak.5253]

Videos like this mean so much to me as somebody who was overlooked by the medical system for so long. I'd had raging cystic acne since I was ten years old and they put me on Accutane when I was only 11. I did three rounds of it before they switched me to birth control because it wasn't working. Allergists, paediatricians, rheumatologists, all had different things to say but it wasn't until I accidentally ended up at a nurse practitioner that anyone even suggested it to me. My own doctor had blown off my sudden irregular periods (and prescribed me a cream for my acne), but the practitioner took one look at my previous bloodwork and sent me for hormone testing and an ultrasound. I felt so lost for so long and it is so difficult to navigate the information about PCOS online. Between peoples' real advice and supposed treatments being co-opted by the diet industry, it is so hard to find true information, especially one that can be conveyed so simply as this. Thank you for this.

[@NatalieCrawfordMD]

I'm so sorry you've had such a tough journey. So glad the video was helpful!

[@slimygumboxd7399]

As someone who's had hypothyroidism since I was 11 years old, and who was diagnosed with PCOS at 20, (but I'm 99% sure I've had it since I was 13, but no doctor wanted to listen) I appreciate videos like these immensely. I was never told how to manage PCOS or even what it was. I've tried since I was 18 to get pregnant with no luck. Thank you so much for sharing these videos.

[@ispapaya234]

Yes!! Me too!

[@ispapaya234]

I also have hypothyroidism, and I have not been fully diagnosed with pcos but my endocrinologist did some tests and the hormone pertaining to pcos was high. I felt I relief but I also felt frustrated from a lot of people disregarding my idea and problem that I voice about from wanting to get diagnosed bc I am trying to get diagnosed with autism as well. People are able to get by day by day with the condition they don’t know they have until it’s not possible anymore or sustainable to their life, that’s why I feel like no matter what it is a good thing to talk to a doctor, and figure things out, so they can learn techniques and processes that can make daily life better:) Sorry for the rant:)

[@ashockablack1670]

Trying to get pregnant at 18???? SMH 🙄!

[@ITSjpBitch1]

I’m going to follow up on your other videos on this topic, I really appreciate the dialect.

[@uac9613]

This was so helpful!!! I’ve gone to 2 docs (including my actual ob/gyn) and headed to my third. No one has answers, but this is the most accurate of description related to what I deal with every single day!!!

[@NatalieCrawfordMD]

I'm so glad!

[@moo_moon128]

I knew something was wrong with me. I kept telling my family that something was wrong with me. I’m glad i followed my gut feeling and performed a checkup. I can work on it now.

[@Soliloquy1972]

Thank you SO MUCH. My 20 year-old was just diagnosed with PCOS and was given BCPs to regulate her cycle but given no other advice. I knew insulin resistance could be an issue but wasn't sure if we needed to try and see an endo or what. Now we have something to go on and i will make sure she gets her thyroid, cholesterol, and A1C checked. Hopefully providers will be better about to educate their patients in years to come.

[@NatalieCrawfordMD]

So glad this helped!

[@rockyourlife264]

That was such useful compact information! Thank you so much for this!

[@NatalieCrawfordMD]

Glad it was helpful!

[@MelissaFranquii]

I was diagnosed by my endocrinologist. He was the only doctor that listened to me instead of blaming everything on my weight and thyroid. My ob/gyn doesn’t agree with said diagnosis. She insisted in me loosing weight( i have) and symptoms have not resolved. I’m currently seeking a second opinion.

[@Finnyfishygirl]

This helped so much I’m 10 years old (my mom showed me this video to help me understand) I was diagnosed at 7 years old what has really helped me is not eating as much red meat.

[@elliseselken7176]

@natalie crawford md What are your thoughts on ovasitol? Was taking this from an influencer that stated it was best for PCOS. It does help with my cravings but often makes me bleed for prolonged periods of time. Also thoughts on low carb/high protein claims to lose weight and manage PCOS?

[@lainem8199]

I went off BC and quickly was diagnosed with PCOS. I was off the pill for 9 months prior to positive pregnancy test and then miscarried around 11 weeks. I have yet to get pregnant again (4 months since miscarriage). What do we know about PCOS and miscarriage and what next steps should I be taking?

[@krystinmroldan6559]

Thank you for making this. It is so difficult to find info on PCOS that is updated.

[@NatalieCrawfordMD]

You are so welcome!

[@SweetCidatsme]

I self-diagnosed my PCOS and non of my doctors would listen to me until I met my current OB/GYN in June. My weight was always the excuse for my irregular periods, infertility and hirsutism. I'm now 39 and I have never been pregnant. I'm on Metformin and Femara and my infertility panel indicates these steps could potentially help me conceive. My cycle is now under 35 days and I can pinpoint my ovulation with OPKS around CD17 for the last 3 cycles (cycle one on Clomid and cycle 2-3 on Femara). I do have a blocked left tube and a tiny polyp but my right tube is patent. At this point, I am continuing to supplement, weight train and take my meds. I know 39 is older but I am still hoping my miracle baby is on the way.

[@heidiheidi0]

I am 40 y/o, have PCOS, and got pregnant. It is possible! AMH in PCOS is usually high. Dont let people tell you it is not possible.

[@Miss.Krystle]

@CiCi BeMe your story is almost identical to mine . I'd love to keep in touch with you if that's ok

[@SweetCidatsme]

@@Miss.Krystle I would love that.

[@SweetCidatsme]

@@heidiheidi0 Yes my AMH is 2.84 which my doc says is high for my age. I'm hoping this new combo of drugs helps.

[@amandacook8298]

Good luck! It took my 3rd cycle on letrozole after trying other things gs for many years!

[@sassybritt1]

Hi Dr. Natalie! Love your videos 🥰! I was recently diagnosed with PCOS earlier this year and am currently trying to get pregnant. I have tried four rounds of OI with Letrozole and trigger shot and one IUI, but have still been unsuccessful. At what point would you recommend taking more aggressive measures, such as IVF?

[@Antonio01989]

Thanks for the video, you might want to increase the audio slightly in following videos as it is a bit quiet compared to other YT videos and I struggled to hear

[@victoriasmith9209]

Thank you thank you thank you

[@amberlynfloyd1073]

I got diagnosed with PCOS today at 34 years old. Thank you for sharing this info!!!

[@NatalieCrawfordMD]

Glad it was helpful!

[@kwelikaley]

Omg! I knew there was a reason I always felt better when I chose to eat mostly vegetables!!!

[@Anyka337]

Q&A Does PCOS cause blood inflammation? Because sometimes when I have periods the blood that comes out does not have the red color. What is the main reason for having dark or brown periods? and can that me managed?

[@NiaJD]

It wasn't until I was 28 and TTC that I was finally diagnosed with PCOS. My 'cycle' has been consistently inconsistent my whole life whenever I wasn't taking the combined oral contraceptive pill. I am a naturally thin person, but when I wasn't taking the pill, I experienced hair loss around the crown of my head, thicker peach fuzz on my face, cystic acne on my cheeks, jaw, and chin, and hair growth between my navel and pubic area. Without knowing the difference, I now know that I was experiencing overflow bleeding every 30-60 days (as my flow was never the same each time and I was experiencing spotting), and I may have never known that I maybe have never experienced a true period without my current specialist's help. I'm now starting letrozole, and am very excited. If you're still reading this, keep looking for a health practitioner that takes your concerns seriously and genuinely wants the best for you!

[@emmaline4342]

Have you managed to find anything to help acne? It's my worst symptom ~

[@NiaJD]

@emmaline4342 I think the letrozole has probably helped me the most to get my ovaries to stop focussing on producing androgens that caused my acne, but I also use a 20% solution of azelaic acid (which is TTC and pregnancy safe) to help with the bacteria at the end of my skincare routine. I also use products from Cera Ve (hyaluronic acid serum and their moisturiser) as they are non comedogenic (and also affordable!). If you have PCOS, I have heard that starting spironolactone medication through a dermatologist can help, but you need to be actively preventing pregnancy as it can affect the development of a male fetus. Personally the contraceptive pill managed all of my issues and I can't wait to get back on it after starting a family.

[@guadalupemonge6922]

Hi Dr. Crawford , what is your take on using both letrozole and Chlomid together for PCOS?

[@09amlenz]

I have PCOS and did two cycles of letrozole but then developed large ovarian cysts. My OBGYN said this was caused by the letrozole and to stop taking it. Can you talk about that? What are some possible next steps for people like me who aren't good candidates for letrozole?

[@CzarPix]

Good info

[@michellealmadro1412]

Oh my god. Thank you so much. I gor diagnosed with pcos and my doctor just prescribed me birth control pills without even letting me understand what this is and why this happens.

[@cjdp238]

Diagnosed when I was 14! I’ve had 3 miscarriages. For anyone out there struggling with fertility- try going on birth control and missing a pill or two. That’s the only way I’ve gotten pregnant as the birth control regulated my periods. I have a boy and a girl. Best of luck out there Cysters!

[@sangeenalbulushi806]

Please explain more on which days u miss the pill

[@AmakweJoyI.B-nq8tx]

What birth control did you use

[@rekamorvai]

Q&A Is it possible that an OB/GYN doesn’t notice the typical PCOS “cysts” via an ultrasound or they are obviously recognizable by a specialist? They were there 11 years ago and since then my blood work was always normal, including the testosterone level and never had any symptoms related to high androgen. I’ve been recently checked via an ultrasound and as per the doctor, everything looked normal and I don’t have PCOS despite of having lengthy cycles (55-70 days). Thank you so much in advance. ❤

[@amandacook8298]

I have a large garden, & I eat a lot of home grown foods (not sprayed with any pesticides) but I cant do a strictly plant based diet. My husband does a lot of hunting & I'm curious if things like deer & home raised chickens are good to eat since they're not pumped with hormones & antibiotics like most chickens, cows, etc. Do you know about this?

[@krisna94]

I just want to say i am so grateful to see your video doctor

[@Mojo_Taco]

I have high levels of DHEA Sulfate and mild hirsutism. My periods are regular. Is it worth seeing an endocrinologist rather than my obgyn in case it's an issue with my adrenal gland? I've been prescribed Spironolactone, but I feel this just mask the issue and is not going to resolve anything once I get off it. Since this is a hormone imbalance, would getting laser hair removal just result in the hair eventually growing back...

[@rebekacraig7013]

I have regular periods but I do have acne and hair growth on my face. I had a miscarriage back in April and we’ve been trying to conceive since may but haven’t had any luck. I track my lh levels every month and baby dance when we have a lh surge. I don’t know if I should schedule an appointment with my doctor since we haven’t been trying for a full year. Any advice on what steps I should take?

[@alisalaska1786]

The most frustrating misconception I see is that you can’t get pregnant with pcos. Sooo many people accidentally get pregnant because of this. I did need help getting pregnant but thd first round of treatment (Letrozole) worked and I have a baby girl on the way 💕. We tried for 11 months.

[@mariscamaria1048]

美丽的➕234 8159917817⏯⏯눈‸눈❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@VarietyD]

Blessings upon Blessings to you 💕🙌🤗

[@LeahKoahal]

This is helpful, thank you.

[@NatalieCrawfordMD]

Glad it was helpful!

[@abigailegeronimo]

That nail color is so nice on you!

[@Krystalwatchesvideos]

Omg. I've had hormonal cystic acne since I was 20. I was on Accutane in my teens & Spironolactone for 7 years. I've been dealing w/fast-growing hair on my face, but fall out on my scalp. I've always had tummy weight gain & depressive bouts for no reason (I deal w/anxiety as well). When I started my first round of egg freezing, guess what? Over the counter ovulation tests NEVER picked up that I was ovulating. Had to do a blood test. Additionally, ended up with 23 follicles & 7 viable eggs. Dealt w/OHSS afterwards. I friggin knew I might have PCOS....based on what you're saying, I'm almost positive.

[@june29378]

did the egg freezing process go well for u? like were they viable? if you don't mind me asking (asking cause I'm also considering it).

[@nburre2]

I was diagnosed with PCOS/endometriosis when I was 22 after having multiple "chocolate cysts" burst. At the time, I was not on birth control. So I was in and out of the ER (almost bled to death) leading up to that. Finally, I was put on BC and that helped a bit. At the time, I was also borderline obese and eating lots of crap/processed foods. It wasn't until I was in my late 20s until I decided to clean up my diet and lose weight. I had to lose 15 lbs - 20 lbs to be a good candidate to donate my kidney. They really wanted me to lose a bit more, but that was the minimum required. I think that seeing my uncle go through dialysis (diet was not good either) and (me) not ever feeling good, made me reevaluate my health. I am not perfect and I still eat processed foods, but I have reduced/eliminated a lot of crap food. It has helped immensely with how I feel, increased my energy-level, and boosted my immune system. Not to mention, I have minimal PCOS/endometrial symptoms. When a specialist tells you that food intake makes a huge difference, please listen. I swear it does. Lay off the fats, fried foods, processed foods, and red meats. Also add more fiber to your diet. It helps absorb cholesterol and other toxins that might elevate your blood panel. To optimize this, I would recommend working out 4 times a week (which I do). You will feel so much better, not to mention, you will also reduce your chance of being diagnosed with other diseases.

[@m3l0nL3M0N]

Thank you

[@22gloriamoore]

I was told by a doctor in 2006 that I have pcos and he just looked at me and my hirsutism and told me to go home and look up what pcos meant and what to do about it. I was 18 and now I am 35 and no one is listening to me and telling me what I should do or if I have it. These nurse practitioners tell me to lose weight and I keep telling them when I was 135 pounds and in my twenties I still never got pregnant and now that I want to it still isn’t happening and I am getting no answers everyone just wants to keep scheduling appointments to run bloodwork and tell me to lose weight and it seems very difficult to see an actual doctor these days, everyone is a nurse practitioner making diagnoses. It is very frustrating that those in the medical aren’t knowledgeable and plenty of them you ask if they know about pcos they say yes and tell you to make an appointment but don’t really have a clue.

[@chelseysmith3485]

Can you discuss hormonal therapy? Is that a good treatment option?

[@chloesuzanne9003]

My doctor has put me on Amitriptyline for adominal pain which is a Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. Would this affect my hormones? I am concerned if i should take them. Advice would be welcome

[@katecluff3160]

Thank you for doing another PCOS video! So helpful for people like me trying to to conceive with this tricky disease. My question: How often do follicles hang out on the ovary with PCOS (since we release eggs from the vault but there’s never or rarely just the one that grows and ovulates)? Do more come out over time and consistently keep ovaries polycystic or do you only release eggs from the vault in conjunction with a period? Wondering if ovulation induction causes one of these semi mature follicles to finally grow and ovulate and whether there is an increased risk for genetic abnormalities should that egg be fertilized?

[@Ausgar-yc1yl]

PCOS is NOT a disease, it is a syndrome. A syndrome is NOT a disease.

[@Ellie-mf3uh]

I am of normal weight, stopped the pill and never got my period back. 7 months later I was diagnosed with pcos. I have been doing 2 rounds of letrozole without any luck. On ultrasound everything looks like I'm ovulating. How long would you recommend trying with letrozole before ivf?

[@BasicallyLauralol]

I was diagnosed by a radiologist, because my GYN would only take ultrasound as a diagnosis. 😂. But then he only gave me two options for treatment: get pregnant, or go on the pill. What if I don’t want the pill but still need help with all the symptoms? Are those really my only options?

[@chrissyhopkins271]

Fantastic video. Thank you!

[@NatalieCrawfordMD]

Glad you liked it!

[@mrsdavies1984]

I think doctors need to understand that this condition effects differently I know women who have this condition but they don’t have facial hair or acne or thinning hair on their head so it went unnoticed

[@pinkJellybean7]

Thank you for your video Doctor, if I have regular periods normally and missed it just once and went back to normal is that a worry? I never have issues but I’m waiting for my next period and it’s 3 days late and I am so scared what this means. I missed it last December, had it in January and normal in February and now in March it’s late again.

[@emmacatherine777]

I’m so confused about pcos. I was diagnosed when I was 14 by blood work, irregular cycles, and by ultrasound. Now 26 struggling with infertility, but all my blood work and ultrasounds are normal. My doctor said pcos can go away?

[@Hisdreamm]

I was 16 when i was diagnosed… the doctor had no heart he literally said “u will not have kids your infertile”

[@vanessaaguirre7979]

I have irregular periods, facial hair, and acne. My obgyn diagnosed me with pcos. My primary doctor ran hormone tests and the pcos test. Everything came out normal. Nonetheless I took provera. It’s been about 5 months since I’ve taken it. I been shedding the lining every month. Can provera cause a false positive ovulation test?

[@PilotCristina]

Will diet and exercise forever cure it?

[@proQuran]

Does having a somewhat regular period with PCOS always confirm ovulation occurred? How can one with PCOS tell if they’re having anovulatory periods? Also, is Letrozole only given to women with PCOS who don’t have a menstrual cycle or it’s also given if one’s cycle is normal? What confirms ovulation occurred? (There’s an OPK called Proov that supposedly tests progesterone 7 days after a (+) ovulation test to determine if ovulation really occurred. Confused bc isn’t progesterone incredibly hard to measure?)

[@heidiheidi0]

What are some problems in ivf that you feel should be studied?

[@anitablue9605]

Is exercising also as good for underweight women with pcos? i’ve been doing strength exercises, no cardio and trying to gain muscle mass for a few months now. It does make me feel better, but gaining weight has still been super hard

[@CourtneyHuval-ne5kr]

I’d love to hear your specific recommendations on inositol! Myo-inositol alone or with D-Chiro? And what doses?

[@GrapeApe66]

Yes !!!! I was wondering this also

[@sallychip9867]

How does strength training help with pcos?

[@thegeminiclub]

I’ve been exercising like 4 or 5 times a week and I haven’t bled for months I just get a couple of drops and I can feel these cysts throbbing. What’s happening to our bodies if we don’t get our period?

[@nickyjones8319]

I was diagnosed last week and start medication in the next few days. My last cycle was 65 days. So frustrating. My platelet levels in my bloods were also off. So also getting referred to haematology.

[@AccordingtoAshlee]

I just got diagnosed with PCOS but I have itp which was diagnosed when I was 18

[@thamirisoliveiramachado589]

What about something to help with insulin resistance?

[@Vitalis30]

Ok my question has to do with red meat aka protein. I already had 3 operations starting from age 17 one doctor told me endo and another doctor told me fibroids. for the past year I have been eating 80% home cooked food which includes protein with every meal and exercising 15-20min 3 times a week and I have never felt better and lost weight. I stopped having regular cycles over 6 years now and when I do get a cycle it comes maybe twice a year. so, what I am asking is why no red meat what makes it bad? and does organic make a difference.

[@shreyasohan]

After pcos diagnosis, if my periods become regular with exercise and diet, does that mean I've started ovulating ?

[@floatingspongebob53]

I'm just thinking about how much time this requires. How do u contine with other demanding things like degrees n careers whilst focusing on this

[@mafasantana]

What should I do if I suspect I have oestrogen dominance?

[@xLatinaBbyCakesx]

Can you make a video on POC not PCOS?

[@zainabb2880]

I am pretty sure I have PCOS because I have very irregular periods (sometimes even miss 2 to 3 months of periods) very oily face etc. I am also pretty sure I have endometriosis but when I bring my symptoms up with doctor or ob-gyn they just tell me to go on pills and I don't want to do that. Its really frustrating

[@user-qh7po2ve7d]

Chala baga heparu sis

[@7012317]

What do you think about ovasitol?

[@joannelhansandroid]

Could PCOS also cause non-stop periods? In my mid 20's I suffered with having a non-stop period for about 2 years before I was able to see a doctor through medicaid at the time, they couldn't figure out what was wrong and since I was on public aid for a short time I wasn't able to keep having follow up checks, and any visit I had I felt very dismissed. I'm also obese, have acne and hirsutism. In the end they only treated the period symptoms by putting me on nuvaring and then finally Mirena, and I'm on my last year stretch now after 6 years to need my Mirena replaced and I'm not in a financial situation to be able to get it again, and I'm scared that when it's effectiveness wears off those periods will come back.

[@Anyka337]

Q&A Dear Natali, just got diagnosed with PCOS at age 26, have smaller symptoms, not overweight, but I am still worried about my body. My periods have been irregular since day one, when I moved to the US in 2015 my periods got worse. I’m married now and trying to change my eating habits, I really want to get pregnant in natural way. 🌸 Have you seen any patient in your career to get pregnant naturally with PCOS? Or have you seen any patient in your career who brought their Ovulation back with PSOC? My cycle is usually 55 days, and I get periods every 2-3 months, do you think I can manage to bring them back naturally and ovulation naturally? 🙏🏻

[@saramations]

I got my regular periods/ovulation back with PCOS and I got pregnant naturally/ without any medications. It's definitely possible, and it definitely does happen, it's just a b*tch to deal with.

[@Anyka337]

@@saramations thank you for support! 🙏🏻❤️

[@iluvpanda14]

I am exactly as you described, just got diagnosed today. I am also wondering the same.

[@rachelmace6189]

Take the supplements myo inositol, folic acid and zinc. This will improve your ovary and egg health

[@sl-vu1tu]

What is the LH/FSH ratio that will diagnose pco.. 1:1? Or should LH be higher? Should LH be twice the level of FSH to indicate pco? And also don't synthetic progestagens have androgenic actions ,isn't this bad for pco. Can't natural progesterone be used instead?

[@LadybugMeghan]

I accidentally deleted my comment when I was trying to edit it. I wasn't diagnosed with PCOS til I was 30 and had been trying to get pregnant for 2yrs. I had been telling my primary dr for years I thought I had it based on my list of symptoms. She just kept saying if I lost weight my symptoms would go away. Fast forward 2yrs, 60lbs down, still fighting with infertility, and still have the symptoms.

[@angelahull9064]

Not every doctor knows everything. Weight loss can only do so much but if your body is resisting weight loss, then there are other problems going on that need to be addressed first.

[@sarahojoma1182]

I have a period that last months i went to see a doc and he put me on a birth control pill for 3month, but no improvement till having periods dat won't stop, adding belly weight, more facial hair, hair on my breast and chest sometimes i feel very depressed..

[@GinnyDragon54]

What is the difference between ACNE and pimples? Cuz everyone gets a pimple sometimes, but at what point does it become acne? Cuz I feel like shortly before or after my period starts, I get a pimple, but I never really felt like that was ACNE. I'm 36 and this still happens.

[@Ibhazeblessing]

I have PCOS and I remember how l felt when the doctor toid me it would be hard for me to conceive I now have 4 children very successful pregnancies God blessed me with use of herbs!..

[@monicadelarosa583]

which herbs 😭😭😭

[@jemimahorake6185]

Can you please share what herbs helped you?

[@lizzylizzy9526]

I developed pcos cause of antipsychotics for bipolar. They raised my prolactin, caused weight gain, and made my period disappear for over a year it also caused my breasts to sometimes leak. I decided to quit and my periods are normal again. I lost all the medicine induced weight without even trying, but I ended up developing acne, excess hair, tachycardia with premature ventricular contractions, blood pressure that raises and goes down randomly, frequent headaches, and hairloss as well as my left ovary becoming polycystic after a few months of quitting the med. My hormones come out normal so my gyno said my body probably stayed sensitive to androgens even if they are at normal level sometimes even on the lower end. Although sometimes I wonder if I may be misdiagnosed and actually have another health problem from having the prolactin to high for a long time during those years of being on those meds 2020- I quit taking them on Oct of 2022.

[@teshaainsley9897]

Can a person get pregnant if they have endometrial polyps?

[@oliviaandreatta4006]

Can you still have a PCOS with a regular cycles? I have all the other symptoms but a regular period

[@bisishah5726]

I was diagnosed with pcos, but unlike lack of period, mine does not seem to want to stop. Could this be something else?

[@sistercloud8277]

I have been fighting with PCOS and I am no longer sure what to do about it. I met the diagnostic criteria with acne and irregular periods. My blood was checked and my testosterone was high. My thyroid was normal. My blood sugars were normal. My ovaries were checked and I had the ring of pearls. I was put on birth control as a fix-it solution that has fixed nothing. I am very overweight for my height and I typically have a distended belly that is hard when I poke it. My weight has been unmanageable and keeps growing no matter what I do. I am on an exercise plan developed with my doctor and I go on walks, go on my electric bike, and do Aquafit classes. I eat about 1800 calories a day according to my meal tracker. My weight keeps increasing and I don't know what to do now. As of last week, my cholesterol was really high and I was referred to an endocrinologist. I really hope they can help me.

[@rachelny5209]

Do you have recommendations for someone with (possible) immune issues? I have pcos, and am on yaz and a low level of spiro and have been adjusting the spiro because of inflammation reactions (but stopping also has an inflammatory response). It's already been establishing that I'd need ivf, but I worry about how I may respond to the hormones

[@TammyCondren]

PLEEEEASE CHECK OUT THE MEDICAL MEDIUM-HE IS A GODSEND! Just give him a shot & you’ll be so happy u did! He has answers🙏🏻😇Good luck!

[@venessacreary]

I’m reading comments trying to find someone like me . I have bigger symptoms and don’t know what to do . I found out a few months ago I have a 9cm dermoid cyst . I’m bleeding majority of the month. I have been put on met Formin but i stopped because it made me really sick. I have very bad periods. Lots of pain

[@Eamon597]

Hi Doc! I'm curious; do you have involuntary eye movement syndrome? I noticed that your eyes were going all over the place 😅 I have it but i really don't know what it looks like.

[@jchansen222]

If you don't want to take birth control what are the treatment options. Is metformin a good option if you've tried lifestyle changes already?

[@angelahull9064]

Some practitioners of natural family planning with NaPro technology also specialize in endocrinology and can prescribe biocompatible hormones at specific times in one's menstrual cycle to mitigate the symptoms of PCOS, manage thyroid disorders and insulin resistance.

[@davidodusanya4703]

Is there a way to permanently get rid of the 5 o’clock shadow on a woman’s face? Can a beard be permanently removed? How do we with PCOS prevent hair loss

[@Vang4299]

What are your thoughts on Modern Fertility tests?

[@kogeronet1234]

Please reply me doctor I just noticed I’m 5 weeks pregnant and was diagnosed with PCOS How do I treat this PCOS Should I go for needle aspiration to remove them or what I’m scared it can affect my un born baby

[@lchicks86]

My doctor diagnosed me with PCOS even though my testosterone, other hormones and cortisol are low. Just seems odd to me.

[@ruedecrisse]

My ob/gyn put me on Metformin for 3 months. I feel like I need a 2nd opinion.

[@jer.nicole]

I am currently in the middle of diagnosis and have had an ultrasound that showed the follicles in my ovaries, but my testosterone levels were actually low. 😕 I’m so confused. Like do I have it or not?

[@mariak9871]

Thanks for the information I just found you and I have been watching your videos can stop. Will you also talk about andenomyosis and endometriosis trying to get pregnant at 43 and my husband 55. I have 2 kids 10 and 5. Thanks

[@mariscamaria1048]

ɪ ʀᴇᴄᴏᴍᴍᴇɴᴅ ʏᴏᴜ ᴛᴏ ᴀ ᴍᴀɴ ᴡʜᴏ ʜᴇʟᴘᴇᴅ ᴍʏ sɪs ᴄᴏɴᴄᴇɪᴠᴇ, ɴᴏᴡ sʜᴇ ᴀ ᴍᴏᴛʜᴇʀ ᴏғ ᴛᴡɪɴs 👬 ᴀғᴛᴇʀ 6 ʏᴇᴀʀs ᴏғ ʟᴏᴏᴋɪɴɢ ғᴏʀ ᴀ ᴄʜɪʟᴅ 👪 ᴛᴇxᴛ ʜɪᴍ ɴᴏᴡ ᴏɴ ᴡʜᴀᴛsᴀᴘᴘ ғᴏʀ ᴀ ғᴀsᴛ ᴘʀᴇɢɴᴀɴᴄʏ sᴘᴇʟʟ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ᴡᴏʀᴋs ғᴀsᴛ ʜᴇ ᴄᴀɴ ʜᴇʟᴘ ʏᴏᴜ ɢᴇᴛ ᴘʀᴇɢɴᴀɴᴛ ɪɴ ʟᴇss ᴛʜᴀɴ 3 ᴡᴇᴇᴋs 💯💯

[@VarietyD]

Blessings upon Blessings 💕🙌🤗

[@ivethreyes366]

Please help me!! I just found out i have this! I had it since my first period when i was 15 though, i knew something was wrong Went to so many doctors looking for help and no one knew what a had. I was bleeding for 20-30 days when i had my period, it was never regular. That led to very bad anemia. Now i am trying to have a baby and i would love your help. I am sleeping better, eating better and exercising. I would just really love some help. Thanks Dr you are awesome! ❤️

[@JanviPatel-xd5ww]

Hey can u suggest me best gynaecologist in Atlanta Georgia

[@sloopysnoopy43]

Q&A I have Hashimoto's Disease, which has resulted in hypothyroidism. My TSH is now being controlled by thyroid medication. In addition, I also have PCOS, which has been confirmed by ultrasound and lack of periods by doctors. Can PCOS be a side effect of Hypothyroidism, or is it just a case of if you have one you are more likely to have another? Side note, since my thyroid is now under control my periods still have not returned. If the thyroid was the issue, would the periods return right away? Thanks, love your channel, so much good information that has been so hard to learn on my own.

[@saramations]

Hi there! I was in a similar situation but I was hyperthyroid with PCOS. I had normal thyroid levels, I went thru several trials of progestin, no luck. We were at a dead end (I wasn't TTC, I just wanted to be normal and healthy after 10 years of absent periods). Turns out my issue was Celiac Disease, which was only diagnosed becuse I was having bad GI issues. After a month or two of being gluten free, my periods returned to normal with about a 32ish day cycle. This is what I've been told: if you have one autoimmune diese, you often have more. While PCOSisn't AI, it very often overlaps with AI dieses. That's why people with Diabetes often have PCOS; AI dieses are extremely stressful on the body, especially the female bits. From my understanding, PCOS isn't really a stand alone diagnosis, it's more like a cluster of symptoms for a deeper issue. That's also why people who are TTC are put on diabetic meds, it regulates their insulin resistance which is linked to PCOS (but they aren't necessarily aren't diabetic). And that's also why you see "fix your fertility" diets exclude dairy and gluten-- they trigger inflammation and your buddy hates that. You're experience will be different from mine, but I wanted to share my experience. Good luck 💫

[@astrudkatebravotolero1721]

@@saramations I also have hyperthyroidism and just recently got diagnosed with PCOS but my Ob gyn didn’t really explained to me if they’re connected or what and what am I not allowed to do or eat. She just gave me 2 different antibiotics that I have to take 3x a day but it made me feel worse like intense abdominal and pelvic cramps and vomiting 😢 If it’s okay with you, can you share with me about your situation too? That would really help me a lot

[@VK-ll5fn]

Diagnosed with pcos since I was 17. Off birth control at age 21. Then had about 3 miscarriages from age 23-24 been trying, then here I am with my miracle baby at age 25. Now I’m 27, for the past two years my periods did regulate. But now that my daughter is 2 1/2 my period have been irregular again, is there any situation of this? I believe my pcos is back. 🥺

[@aminajay335]

Hello dear, please help me out with some advice please I’m 23 years old and 3 miscarriages.I really want to be pregnant

[@marinaperanovic4440]

Question: What are your thoughts on Ovasitol supplement for PCOS? I've heard great things about it, I would love to hear your thoughts!

[@zainabmohammed4877]

I’ve been taking inositol recently for my PCOS and I can see that it’s helping regulate my periods

[@heythere12]

It is phenomenal, I've been taking it for almost 1 year now (an alternative). I tried to see what happens when I don't take it and I noticed I was ALOT more anxious, moody, grumpy, had alot more cravings and sleep was worse.

[@sangeenalbulushi806]

@@heythere12are u taking BC pill? I ordered the supplements bc I don’t wanna use BC pill

[@brittanyburtraw8123]

I have always had irregular periods and recently my doc did a panel and it indicated I have elevated testosterone levels. It also indicated my LH:FSH ratio is off. My doc said because my insulin level was normal (fasting insulin was a 10) he does not think I have PCOS. Any reason he'd only use insulin resistance (or lack thereof) as a determining factor? Also, I am TTC and clomid did not work. I've gotten pregnant twice on letrozoloe however miscarried at 6 and 6.5 weeks both times. We are now doing bloodwork to look for clotting disorders and other things. What should I do if the blood work comes back normal? Should I revisit the PCOS diagnosis and elevated testosterone and abnormal LH:FSH levels?

[@aliiiiiiiful]

I have had a similar experience to you. 2 recurrent losses, only symptom of PCOS is polycystic ovaries but my blood work is normal.. I have had irregular cycles at points in my life but could be explained by other things. Long story short my dr. Did say I have PCOS.. I’m not 100% convinced but 🤷‍♀️ we’re doing IVF w. ICSI to give us the best shot at success.