QuestionHi,
I only get periods a few times a year. Usually they only last about 4 days and come at all different times of the month. I've always been that way and so has my sister and my grandmother. My sister is in her thirties and during the past few years she has gained a lot of weight and started getting horrible, untreatable acne on her neck and back that wouldn't go away no matter what. She was diagnosed with PCOS and her doctor put her on birth control pills and glucophage.
Well, I'm in my twenties and about 2 years ago I started getting the same kind of bad, recurring acne on my jawline and neck (I'd never broken out there before). I also noticed my hair thinning slightly and getting more noticable facial hair.
Basically, I'm pretty sure I have what my sister has. My concern is the birth control pills. I've been on them before and felt miserable. I gained weight, felt bloated, hungry, depressed and highly emotional and sensitive. Several years ago, I tried Ortho-tricyclen, the Nuvo ring and Yasmin. I was told Yasmin would be better for me and I gave it about a year, but I still had the same old side effects.
I've been putting off going to the doctor about the PCOS problem because I don't want to go on the pill again. Can it be treated without the pill?
Also, is there any correlation between ADD and a hormonal imbalance? I ask because I've had ADD since childhood but I'm only now starting to get it treated. I've noticed that 1) when I am PMSing or on birth control pills, my ADD symptoms become so much worse. And 2) since taking Strattera and Ritalin, I've noticed the neck acne has gotten a lot better.
Just curious.
Thanks!
Cait
AnswerHI Cait,
I would for sure go see the gyn to find out what is going on, since the time you were on the pill last, there may be other meds or pills out on the market that you may be able to tolerate. Get it checked before you experience other symtoms.
