PCOS

[bestmum]

My 18 yr old daughter has been diagnosed with this. Could anyone suggest any help for moods swings and depression. She is reluctant to go on the pill and was wondering if there was anything to help her feel on a more even keel. TIA

[anneasquith]

hi mum, why not give the diagnosis, rather than the letters, may get a better response

[mrs_overall]

Polycystic ovary syndrome I think.

Either that, or she is one of those plastic police people (or is that PCSO?)

[rowanwitch]

most important thing is to stop the development of further cysts... so by switching off ovulation the pill helps...not sure about the mood swings/depression know a few people with PCOs and none are especially moody just depressed about the impact on fertility as they were all late diagnoses

[China Doll]

Well a bit of self control wouldn't go amiss... I have PCOS, I've never found it made me feel particularly depressed or moody (I'm naturally moody!) but around the time my period is due I feel a bit subdued and grumpy but I generally try and keep it to myself, I think if you know you're going to feel a certain way then it's best to exercise a little bit of control and just remember it's only a moment in time, I also try and make sure that my reactions to things that annoy during that time of the month are appropriate (as opposed to all other times when I'm just mardy!). However in my experience, excercise helps a lot for both depression and mood swings and it would be worth her trying that out.

I think there's some information that says people with PCOS should try and watch their carb in-take as well (which is annoying as it's my favourite food group) and certainly I can feel a bit sleepy if I eat too many carbs (suspect everybody does though) so if eating too many carbs and then feeling very sleepy then it won't help her mood much. A good diet will help your daughter, especially as PCOS can mean you might be more inclined to put weight on.

Also, when I was diagnosed with it I took dianette which is a very mild pill and I can endorse it. The only reason I came off it was because I wasn't in a relationship and since my PCOS can be controlled with diet and exercise, I didn't feel the need to be on it.

[Eve]

The "pill" helped me a lot will general pain and such. I'm on a break at the moment to give my body a rest (was on the injection so didn't have any periods at all) and have definitely noticed the difference.

I have to say I've not looked into anything else really, just tend to get on with it. Drs said they they wouldn't do anything about it unless it was particuarly troublesome (which it isn't) or I've beeing trying to concieve for over 18 months without success and that might be a cause (which I'm not).

Do you mean depression and mood swings as in more pmt related or all the time? If all the time then has she thought about speaking to someone about it.

If more pmt related then the pill might help, maybe even herbal remedies she could try. I find trying to rationalise helps me, when I realise it's just pmt I seem to be able to pull myself out of it better.

[bestmum]

Thank u for your advice.Sorry anneasquith i did mean polystic ovarian syndrome. She hasn't had a period for nearly a year and isn't in a sexual relationship and thinks that taking the pill is not worth it yet. She is very confrontational and argumentive especially with her younger sister and storm off and goes in her room. Wish i could wave a magic wand and make everything right for her. I will try some of the things suggested i.e. herbal tablets and hopefully find a support group for her. thanku all for your help.

[China Doll]

I wouldn't have thought PCOS is linked to her temper tantrums I'm afraid bestmum, perhaps something else is bothering her? I was put on dianette at 15 (I think), my two sisters were on it from about 14 onwards (again 'I think'), perhaps have a GP present her withof the facts properly but if she still doesn't want to take them, then she needs to consider, diet, exercise and a bit of self control with her temper.

[jno]

that sounds a bit like Teenage Daughter Syndrome, actually (non-gender specific). It may not really be a medical problem.

[wolf63]

Try looking at this website to see if they can offer any help or advice.

http://www.verity-pcos.org.uk/

[bestmum]

Thank u all for your wonderful help and advice bestmum x

[masma]

My daughter has this and swears by Evening Primrose oil.

[society]

What does she do with the evening primrose oil? Does she take it in pill form or apply it topically?

[masma]

Sorry I've only just seen that I needed to reply... She takes it in capsual form, 1000mgs a day.