Kerrie- Let me just say I'm not an expert or anything, but have been dealing with pcos for a number of years now. I am experiencing some really depressing issues with it currently, so can understand your frustration. I am a lurker on this forum, but haven't commented (note above about being an in-expert, lol). Really wanted to post to yours though since I have the same problems. Last year I went off bc (yasmin) because of the same thing- experiencing a migraine after my period that would be so bad I would spend the day vomiting. I do rather regret going off of it, due to worsening symptoms from the sudden upset in hormones from stopping it. I resumed taking them again in Nov, but this time starting the new pack after having my period for only four days, instead of seven. I suspected (and was confirmed by a specialist I go to) that the migraines were a result of my estrogen tanking from the whole week off of it (period week). It's worked wonderfully- not even the whisper of a migraine since. Have you thought of maybe going on a different low-androgen bcp? Were you wanting to go fully natural, or are you open to Western medicine too? --- Many doctors now agree that pcos is the symptom of a greater cause, insulin resistance, which is essentially the beginnings of pre-diabetes. Have you had a glucose test done before? You might consider having a 1hr/fasting glucose test to see where you are at with that. Even if the tests DO come back within the normal range one can still have insulin resistance- your just not bad off enough to have it show on the test. That was my case. I've since changed my diet (no sugar, hardly any grains and few starches) to help it from worsening. I'm also taking NAC (N-Acetyl Cysteine) which is supposed to help with insulin resistance/pcos symptoms. It's the same with hormone tests. Even if your tests do come back "within the normal range" it still may not be right for you- this was also my case. To reduce the androgens I went on the drug Aldactone (generic Spironolactone). My total T dropped from 95 in Nov. to 10 in late Jan. For a natural alternative you might try saw palmetto (which I also take, lol), as it is an anti-androgen. -- Ps. not positive, but I believe one may have BOTH high estrogen and androgen levels. My doctor said in Nov that my progesterone was a bit low and that my male hormones might be high for me (although in the "normal" range for most women. I've always thought that "estrogen dominance" is in relation to the estrogen:progesterone ratio, where there is a decrease in progesterone, thus making your estrogen the dominant one in that relationship. DIM (Diindolylmethane) is also good for general regulating of hormones. It's made from cruciferous vegetables, so is very safe. I've been taking it awhile too. I've got several pages collected of natural alternatives for pcos that I have come across, but I will refrain from posting more since I've likely been overly longwinded yet again, LOL. Again, I am not an expert. Just sharing some of my thoughts on it... ;-) CMK

Hi Qinz, I'm very happy for you! I was forced on HRT about 5 years ago, when I had a horrible vaginal bleed, and needed a D&C. The doc had me on lots of estrogen to keep from repeat bleeding. When I tried to come off it, my Fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue got soooooo much worse, so back on I went. 2 years later I tried to come off my combi-patch, and the same thing happened. I gave it 2 months, and I kept getting sicker and sicker. I don't get hot flashes. I have, in the past few years, lost alot of faith in the medical community. Money is at the root of all the decisions made, and not the best thing for us......... So, now I'm rethinking this combipatch. But.....I'm not as lucky as you.........I appear to get sooooooo much sicker with the Fibromyalgia when I try to come off it. I truly believe that our bodies get "addicted" to extra hormones, and it becomes almost like going through detox to get off them. I will start to think about trying it again. Good luck to you!

So I am 27 y/o female. I have no kids and had a bi lateral slingo-oopharectomy (removal of both olveries, still have my uterus) when i was 17 years old. I am 10 years post menopausal. I recently started hormone therapy. My Dr would put me on BC but i would never take it cause of the weight gain. I recently start Bi-cream .5 mg every night. What side effects should i see if any. I have been married for only a year now and it seems like since I've started the HT i can not seems to control my crying. Mind you i already take medication for Depression Anxiety and PTSD so i do now know if these are new symptoms .... basically what I'm asking is if anyone knows what kind of side effects should i or would i expect with the Bi-est cream??

Jan, I admit I haven't read every single post but most of them. I've read enough to see myself in some of your postings. Have you looked up the symptoms of progesterone overload/overdose? Has your dr checked your progesterone level? You probably have multiple issues going on that need addressed...WHERE TO START? I hope you can find a Dr or naturopath(sp?) that has all the answers. Bless your heart. Hormones rule! Srsly, they rule our bodies! I just have two little pieces of advice. Your anxiety level and depression aren't helping. They're exacerbating your symptoms and your ability to focus and heal and to even find someone to help. Have you considered having your dr prescribe something like Celexa to help with your anxiety and depression? Just till you can find some help and get some relief. My daughter rarely sees a traditional Dr for herself, her husband or the children. They all go to an iridoligist. I have been utterly amazed at what she has done for them and issues she has alleviated. I have to share this even tho it isn't related to your issues. DD was having gallstone, liver and kidney stone symptoms. She already knew her system took a hit with all the paint, stain and polyurethane fumes she inhaled while they were building their house (she did all the paint, stain and poly in their all wood floor 2600sq ft house). A couple of weeks ago, she started a gallbladder and liver cleanse which was to include passing of the gallstones. I kept my mouth shut and waited till she couldn't see my face before rolling my eyes (g) The protocol included apple cider vinegar and EVOO. Other products but that's what I remember. After one week of treatment the instructions were to NOT leave the house for that day as the elimination of gallstones will begin! I will spare you the pictures but she started passing gallstones by the 1/2 cup full and it lasted over half the day. They looked like crumbled, cooked hamburger meat :o She said she's never felt better! She's now working on her kidneys but I don't know if that includes passing of stones. Her iridologist told her these areas were in distress and offered plans/products to help. I'm sure not all iridologist are created equal (as all Drs aren't) but perhaps if you could find a highly reputable one, he/she could help. Good luck!