[K2TOG]

Hi, I have PCOS and have been taking birth control pills since my 20's. A few times I have tried not taking bcp and my emotions were all over the place, my periods were heavy and had cramps. The last time I stopped taking bcp I was mainly bothered by how emotional I became so I started taking them again.

I am thinking about stopping again but mostly because I am premenopausal. Well at least I think I am because I have a lot of symptoms that started last summer and I am 44. So I want to take an FSH test and I need to be off bcp for at least two months before taking the test. I want peace of mind that my symptoms are premenopause and this test will determine that.

I do take spironolactone in addition to bcp and have for many years. I sure would appreciate any advice. Thank you.

[Travelinglady]

Hi, K2TOG, and welcome to Psych Central! I suggest that whatever you do, you get feedback from a gynecologist first.

[K2TOG]

Actually I did talk to my doctor first. I asked her if it would be better to stay on bcp since I have PCOS and just go with the flow with the premenopausal symptoms. She did not say to stay on bcp. She ordered the FSH test and told me I need to be off bcp for at least two months to get an accurate result.

I don't actually see an obgyn anymore since my current doctor does everything I need. Now if I started having bigger problems I would see an obgyn.

[Travelinglady]

Okay.

[growlycat]

I'm 42 have PCOS and I can't take the pill because of clotting and bruising caused by progestins. For me, there is a correlation between by blood sugar levels and extreme symptoms. I'm fairly recently type 2 diabetic. If my blood sugars are normal, I have normal periods and no extreme symptoms.

Have you been checked for any metabolic concerns--pre-diabetes etc? Just a thought

[K2TOG]

Growlycat, that is interesting that your blood sugars affect your period. No I am not diabetic but my doctor tests my A1C every year. My symptoms seem more like premenopaise than diabetes.

So I'm wondering from the ladies that are premenopausal or have going through menopause if and when you stopped taking birth control and how did it go.