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I was diagnosed with PCOS last year after noticing an increase in the severity of my acne when I got into my early twenties. I now almost exclusively only get spots on my chin which can vary to a few whiteheads to cysts. When I first went to the doctor about my skin I was put on Yasmin and was on this for one year. I noticed that my skin became less oily all over but also noticed an increase in the number of cysts. When I came off Yasmin the cysts disappeared. I was put on dianette 6 months later (I became resistant to antibiotics) and had a big breakout for cysts almost straightaway but persevered for 1.5 months and gave up when it didn't improve (skin cleared a lot when me I stopped I think it). A few months later tried cilest which broke me out in more whiteheads and I feel made my skin more oily (also felt more hairy!) I'm at my wits end because the pills that should work for someone with PCOS are not working for me. My gyny told me to try dianette again but it gave me scars which lasted for three months and my mental state can't take that. Just wondering if anyone could give me some advice? I feel that maybe I should try a progesterone pill since the combined pills have had the opposite effect on me... thanks
Progesterone might not be a bad idea...however, make sure it's actually progesterone and not Premarin or progestin (both synthetic). Synthetics are REALLY bad for you, whereas the progesterone is good and is reportedly an effective treatment for pcos.
Also, I've heard a lot of women with pcos say they've had improvement in acne and excess hair growth with Inositol, or Saw Palmetto Extract supplements.
Hugs, I can completely relate. I believe I have adrenal-based PCOS at this point, and may have something wrong with ovarian function too [getting that tested soon]...PCOS is really hard when it comes to finding the right treatment, since we're already imbalanced adding more hormones to the problem can make it worse, not better. At this point based on my research I actually believe I have inflammation and BCP-induced PCOS, both of which are entirely possible so I regret letting the doctor persuade me to try Ortho cyclen back in Dec '16 since it made my entire face explode with scarring whiteheads on my cheeks and cystic acne on my chin and forehead. I am still battling the scars and forehead bumps to this day which has led me to pursue accutane.
So yes, it's very possible that all these crappy drugs can make your acne worse. A lot of women with PCOS already have estrogen overload in comparison to progesterone which the pill probably made much worse. I also agree with TheBean, synthetics in general are just plain bad for your system and mess with your liver function and gut, too. I have no idea why doctors are sooo dense...for ex, I went to an endo this week and she was like 'well you could try Spiro again if you want' even though two minutes prior I told her it made me get comedonal acne [literally acne from hell that never leaves] and necke for the first time, as well as worse bacne - it's like it went in one ear and out the other. If it didn't work for you the first time, it's not going to work for you again IMO unless we're talking accutane.
Inositol is funny. A lot of women online have had success but an equal number have seemed to experience increased hair growth from the supplement. Proceed with caution. Same with Vitex, it works great for some but worse for others, it seems Vitex is iffy if you have thyroid abnormalities at all. I've been taking 450mg/Licorice for almost 14 days with three cups of white peony TCM tea and I've noticed my hormonal acne isn't quite as severe around my chin/mouth and my hair growth is a lot finer in certain areas, like my stomach. You have to give herbs at least three period cycles to kick in so these results are promising and make me hopeful. I have normal BP and Licorice thankfully doesn't raise it.