I have PCOS and getting period only if I take OCP. Why?

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern and would help you for sure. Please do not be stressed out, as this is a pretty common lifestyle disorder these days. And it is a lifelong condition and there is no cure to get rid of this condition. But, yes, this problem could be very well balanced if the lifestyle is regulated properly with proper diet, exercises and weight management. So as I said, it is a lifestyle-related problem, the problems crop up when a lady puts on weight, has a sedentary lifestyle or does not have a proper diet. Weight gain does not happen per se because of PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome), but happens because of the lifestyle changes. So diet regulation and exercises form an important part of the management of weight and thus in turn the balance of PCOS related hormonal disturbances.

As you mentioned, your weight is 132 lbs, your BMI (body mass index) comes out to be 22, which is in the normal range. A normal BMI is considered to be between (19-25). If there has been a recent weight gain, a weight reduction of couple of pounds would definitely help you to get rid of her symptoms including your acne, which is caused due to elevated testosterone levels in PCOS. Further, it is said that the insulin resistance development in the body due to inactivity and weight gain leads to all the hormonal changes which disturb the ovulatory function of woman and lead to disturbed menstrual cycles and patterns of bleeding.

The hormonal treatment given in PCOS is mostly directed towards the symptoms management, and does not address the core problem, for which one has to modify their lifestyle. So until the time you are on hormonal pills, you will definitely get periods on time as it is regulated by those pills, but once stopped, if the lifestyle is not corrected, the symptoms are likely to occur again. I have seen the reports attached by you (attachment removed to protect patient identity), but it is advisable to check certain hormonal levels as your periods have still not regularized. So it is important to determine the hormonal analysis so as to correct them if required. So please get the tests whenever possible and get back to me with the reports. If you have any signs or evidence of insulin resistance, you can be started on medications for the same. Meanwhile, you can focus on your weight reduction, lifestyle, and diet modifications. Also, you should understand the future implications of this condition, which is important. A person with PCOS is at risk of developing diabetes, cholesterol problems, hypertension and heart problems, and they can appear little early in life if the lifestyle is not regulated.

I hope this helps.