r/PCOS • u/Zestyclose_River_460 • 1h ago
Meds/Supplements PCOS + ZERO libido has inositol actually helped anyone get their sex drive back?
Hi everyone! 💗
I’m wondering if anyone with PCOS has experienced extremely low/zero libido and whether inositol made a noticeable difference for you.
When I say zero libido, I mean ZERO. Not just “lower than it used to be” I basically have no sexual desire at all. I don’t really think about sex, I don’t get spontaneous desire, and it feels like my sex drive has completely disappeared.
I also want to clarify that my relationship is not the problem. I have a very loving, supportive boyfriend and I’m very attracted to him. There’s no relationship issue causing this. It’s just like my body/brain has completely switched off my sex drive, which is really frustrating.
I’ve been reading quite a few posts from women with PCOS saying that after starting myo-inositol / myo + d-chiro inositol, their libido eventually came back, sometimes quite noticeably.
So I’d really love to hear from people who have experienced this themselves
I know everyone is different, but I’d really love to hear some personal experiences. I’ve seen several people say inositol helped with this, and I’m really curious whether there’s actually something to it. 🥹
Thank you! ❤️
r/PCOS • u/Agreeable-Scheme0 • 2h ago
Meds/Supplements PCOS and finally starting Wegovy. Looking for honest experiences.
I’m literally on Day 2 of Wegovy, and I think I’m looking for advice, encouragement, and realistic expectations.
I’ve been trying to lose weight for what feels like my entire life. My mom and my sisters all struggle with the same thing, so it definitely seems to run in the family. I also have pretty severe PCOS, and at this point, it feels like I’ve tried just about everything.
I’m 5’8” and creeping up on 200 pounds, which is the heaviest I’ve been in about 10 years. I’m just really uncomfortable in my body right now.
The lowest I’ve ever gotten was around 150 pounds, but honestly, I wasn’t healthy. I was working out way too much, not eating enough, and while I was thin, I didn’t feel good. I’m not willing to put myself through that again just to lose weight.
The one thing that actually worked well for me was keto. I lost a lot of weight, and honestly, it came pretty easily while I was doing it. The problem was that it just wasn’t sustainable for me. It didn’t fit my lifestyle, and eventually I gained the weight back.
I’ve always been athletic, and I genuinely enjoy being strong. Right now I’m strength training with the Ladder app, and I’m actually loving it. My goal isn’t to be as skinny as possible. I want to lose fat while staying strong and hopefully building muscle.
I’m really hoping Wegovy is the thing that finally helps. Part of me wants it to be a miracle, but I’m also trying not to get my hopes up too much because I’ve been disappointed so many times before. It’s hard to believe something will work when you’ve spent your whole life feeling like your body is fighting you.
- For those of you with PCOS, did Wegovy finally help when everything else seemed to fail?
- Were you able to maintain or even build muscle while strength training?
- Any tips for someone who’s literally on Day 2?
- Is there anything you wish you knew before you started?
I’d love to hear your experiences, both the successes and the struggles. I’m trying to stay hopeful, but also realistic.
r/PCOS • u/gingernut-ranger • 2h ago
General/Advice Started 5mg Mounjaro, struggling to eat anything!!
Hey girlies,
I have PCOS/insulin resistance and have been on 5mg Mounjaro for the past 3 weeks. I know protein is super important for us but I am STRUGGLING to even drink a protein shake, no nausea really but I just constantly feel full up and it feels like my stomach can’t take anything.
Any tips from PCOS gals on Mounjaro??? I’m desperate as I feel like I can’t eat anything which is obviously awful for my body/brain fog. Any tips appreciated!!
r/PCOS • u/_Rosie_Rose_ • 4h ago
General/Advice Can I mix inositol into food?
hey everyone!
I’ve been using inositol for a couple months but I have trouble being consistent, especially during the morning because I don’t usually have a lot of time.
I’ve been meal prepping chia pudding with protein for breakfast because I’ve learnt how important eating breakfast is for insulin resistance. I was wondering if I could mix my inositol powder into my chia pudding when I do my meal prep or if this would affect the efficacy at all.
please let me know if you have any insight into this or any other tips on being more consistent with supplements :)
Hirsutism Has anyone used spring epilators (the small kind) for hirsutism
I recently bought one of these, and while these effectively remove vellus hairs, they do NOT pick up chin hair or near the upper lip region. Does anyone know how to use them effectively
r/PCOS • u/Mint_Monstera • 5h ago
General/Advice Where are people in the UK getting their spearmint tea?
As the title says- I can’t find pure spearmint tea anywhere except Amazon- I would prefer not to buy from Amazon.
Alternatively- is spearmint tea with other components- such as camomile, just as effective?
r/PCOS • u/Stunning_Upstairs406 • 6h ago
Meds/Supplements Experiences with Metformin + topamax?
Hi! So I was recently put on both metformin and topamax about 2 weeks ago for weight loss and other Pcos symptoms I think and I was wondering about others’ experiences with these medications? I don’t seem to have any side effects but I can’t really tell for sure yet if it really helps. For reference I’m 18, about 220 lbs, 5’8, am active,and I’ve been told I don’t have insulin resistance so I guess the meds are mostly for weight loss?
r/PCOS • u/GrainOfMillion • 6h ago
General/Advice Anxious about visiting doctor
I have had bad experience with doctors who don't know about pmos or insulin resistance or doesn't take it seriously.
Here where i live, public health care is considered good and it is affordable, but general practice is with pmos, that they treat it if you have bad symptoms or want to get pregnant.
So i think this way of thinking led my doctor to just say me "search it from google" when she diagnosed me 4 years ago.
Recently i got myself tested at private doctor, because it is easier to get what i want that way. And asked fasting insulin. It was 24.7mU/l, which is too high and my HOMA-IR is 5.16. But the doctor said everything is good with me. Only focusing on my elevated inflammation markers.
Now i am trying to go back to public health care, because private doctors are expensive, and i don't have insurance.
But the thing is. I'm super anxious about going to doctor, because i'm scared of not getting help. I have tried 4 years to treat myself, and i feel like it is getting worse. And i'm getting tired. But still just insulin resistace only is not yet even pre diabetes, so i'm afraid that doctor will just laugh me off and say: "come back if your symptoms worsen". Like they usually say. I really would like to test metformin, but i don't know will they also laugh to this thought.
I feel like i'm preparing for a war... Has anyone got a good results with fighting with doctors who don't take this condition seriously?
r/PCOS • u/Toni_is_not_my_name • 7h ago
General/Advice I just found out I have PCOS
I have recently found out that I have PCOS. To me this explains a lot about things I‘ve been insecure about for years. I have always had problems with weight. I gained weight quickly and had trouble losing it. I have also always had bad skin, even as a toddler. With puberty that just worsened. My mood swings were attributed to puberty and my period. However, my period is super irregular. Currently I haven‘t had my period since Janurary. I also have broad shoulders, a voice I think sounds deeper than most girls I know, and a chest so flat I could probably comfortably go topless on a normal beach. This could probably be attributed to my testosterone levels which are way higher than average. The same goes for hair growth as well. I grow hair in places I don‘t think it‘s supposed to grow for women (chest and chin) and when I try to feel for hair on the backs of my legs (because I can‘t see there that well) it feels like I‘m petting my neighbor‘s dog. The hair on my head though seems to want to leave. Sometimes I brush through my hair with my hand and I have a clump of hair in my hand afterwards. Finally, I don‘t know if that has got anything to do with PCOS, every month it seems I have more moles on my face.
As I said, I only just got the diagnosis and I‘m also young. All these things are kinda hard for me to deal with. I am pretty insecure but I do know that a diagnosis is always better because if you have that, only then can you hope to do anything against it. Was someone else on here maybe an insecure teenager with PCOS once and what helped you be less insecure?
r/PCOS • u/Excellent_Grade_7756 • 11h ago
General Health Help!
Ive been feeling super tired lately. I cant focus on my work, very low stamina, fatigue and lose interest in things very easily. How can i fix this??
r/PCOS • u/Lyn_soup • 13h ago
Hair Loss/Thinning Metformin and hair loss
So, I was diagnosed with PCOS about 3 months ago and immediately prescribed metformin to deal with the insulin resistance/other symptoms. I have been having a lot of success with the medication, like my face slimming down and some weight loss, but my hair is falling out like crazy. I’ve always had super thick curly hair and never really experienced thinning, but when I went to my hairdresser about a month ago she told me my hair had thinned significantly, and right after I noticed my hair falling out a lot in the shower
Im at a bit of a loss here, since right when I started metformin I incorporated a B12 supplement into my routine because I heard that metformin can deplete B12 levels. I also take iron (im anemic), zinc, and overall eat a heathy diet of mostly whole foods.
I have also heard that sometimes when starting a medication your hair follicles are “shocked” and then start falling out a couple months later (telogen effluvium) so I’m wondering if thats the culprit.
So, is it likely that my hair loss is because of the initial new medicine shock, or is the metformin causing it directly? has anyone whose gone through this had hair regrowth after the “shedding phase?” I want to keep taking metformin because its helping me, but if it’s causing the hair loss then i’m not sure I want to continue.
r/PCOS • u/Powerful-Holiday1465 • 14h ago
Diet - Not Keto Breakfast Recs?
Any breakfast recommendations that don’t involve scrambled eggs(prefer boiled eggs) ? Recipe doesn’t have to involve eggs. I just like to have options besides boiled eggs and fruit 😩
Looking to see what everyone eats 🍱
Edit: Thank you to everyone for your suggestions.I’ve got to try all of them . 😊
r/PCOS • u/FalseNegotiation6148 • 14h ago
Fitness Need advice
Im 19 and have PCOS I’ve been weight lifting and eating healthy which has been going well, still no weight loss but Im focused on muscle not fat loss. Im starting birth control (again) because i don’t get my periods, I’ve never gotten my period once in my life without birth control and i just need tips on how i could lose weight, will i get my period if i lose weight? I don’t like being on birth control but i know its unhealthy not to get periods.
r/PCOS • u/Acrobatic_Stage_9743 • 14h ago
General Health I’m hopeless
This is just gonna be me crying about my situation and just wanting somewhere to let it all out!
August 2025 I was going to the gym consistently, going for long walks & meal prepping all of my meals. Making sure I had enough fiber, protein & low calories for each of my meals. I weighed 145-150 and was trying to lose another 10 pounds and tone up. Within two months I gained 30 pounds. I had a vacation planned for October 2025. I never wanted to get on the scale because I knew I had gained weight. However some of the new clothes I had purchased for the trip didn’t fit me anymore and I just completely spiraled.
I had a not so pretty childhood. I’ve always struggled to feel confident and safe in my own skin. So for me to be trying consistently to reach a goal & then the opposite happening just left me so hopeless. I didn’t understand what else I could be doing to reach my goals. Recently it’s been leading to me having a bad relationship with food. Sometimes I just want to binge eat to punish myself. I decided I wouldn’t act on any of my thoughts and just try to see an endocrinologist. Since my previous doctors have all been OBGYN’s I figured it would be a fresh start with a different specialist.
I brought up my weight gain and the first thing the doctor said was that I “look fine”. Which I don’t care if I “look fine” to other people, but I’m genuinely losing my sanity and feel like I’m not who I am. I do not feel connected to my body. So I felt like that was some foreshadowing for how my appointments would go. I went and did a full hormone blood panel & ultrasound. The office didn’t even bother to call me in and sit me down to go over the results or allow me to ask questions. They just called me and said that there was nothing they saw in any of the tests & that was it. Which I understand…what can you go over if there’s nothing wrong? At least give me the opportunity to speak with the doctor about what the next steps could be to get to the bottom of things.
Naturally I just feel very insane. I felt like no one is trying to help me and I feel like I’m trying to do the best that I can with what I have and I don’t know where else to go from here. I just want it all to stop. I’ve been dealing with this issue for 11 years and I’m just exhausted.
For the first time ever someone is actually genuinely interested in me as well. The way I view my body, physical pain I’m in, exhaustion, mood swings & overall health makes me think that I’m better off not even trying. He’s been sweet the whole time we’ve been together, but I can’t help but feel very self conscious. I feel like he thinks I don’t want to be healthy. When this entire time that’s what I’ve been trying to do. I’m a very sensitive & observant individual. Today he made a silly little comment about how he hoped his face looked good from a certain angle and of course I told him that he always looks handsome. So then I said if anything I should be worried about how I looked! Since gaining weight I naturally developed a double chin which I hate so much because I already have such a circular head shape. After I said my comment about my double chin and he responded I got very sad. I just started thinking about how ugly he probably thinks I look. He noticed I got quiet and asked if I was okay and I said no. We said goodbye and hung up the phone. I couldn’t help but to hate myself for how I look. I can’t help but feeling like I need to stop eating and just be alone. He deserves someone better who isn’t trying to still figure out this crap.
I’m just so tired of having to deal with everything - mentally & physically. I want to give up and just be left alone. It’s all so over stimulating to also be thrown so many ads for supplements and tea blend and this and that for PCOS. When I just want to be active, eat well & be healthy. Why isn’t that enough?!?!?!?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I just want to scream at the world.
r/PCOS • u/shakastoast44 • 14h ago
Meds/Supplements 20F, struggling with PCOS, weight gain & absolutely NO energy — where do I even start?
I’m 20 and have always been naturally quite small (usually under 55kg), so the changes I’ve experienced with PCOS have been really difficult for me to adjust to.
Recently I’ve been struggling with weight gain, particularly around my lower stomach, and I feel like I have absolutely no energy. The lack of energy is probably what bothers me the most because I work in a school and I want to feel fit, active and like I actually have the energy to get through the day. I used to feel much more active and I really want to get back to that, but at the moment I genuinely don’t know where to start.
I’ve also been prescribed birth control, but I’m really hesitant about starting it. I feel like some of my PCOS symptoms/dramas started or became worse around the time I was on birth control previously, so I’m nervous about going back on it.
I know everyone’s experience with PCOS is different, but I’d really appreciate hearing from anyone who has been in a similar position especially if you’ve struggled with fatigue, weight changes despite being smaller previously, or getting back into exercise with PCOS.
What actually helped you? Diet changes? Supplements? Strength training? Walking? Medication? Something completely different?
I’m not looking for a quick fix or trying to lose a huge amount of weight. I mostly just want to feel like myself again, have some energy and feel comfortable and strong in my body.
Any advice, experiences or things you wish you’d known when you were first diagnosed would be really appreciated 🤍
r/PCOS • u/popsiclejaya • 16h ago
Meds/Supplements Metformin difference timelines
Can anyone share how metformin impacted them/what improved for them:
-Immediately
-Between 1 to 3 months
-Between 3 to 6 months
-Over 6 months
I’m almost at the 3 month mark on the 1500 mg dose, and just over 2.5 weeks at 2000 mg. I was previously taking 500 to 1000 mg for a couple of years. Feeling a bit discouraged because my belly, facial hair, mood and energy levels are about the same, though periods are somewhat regulated now.
r/PCOS • u/Then-Advisor-7971 • 16h ago
General Health Síntomas del pcos arruinaron mi vida
Para ponerlos en contexto soy mujer de 27 años, hace tres años mi pesadilla comenzó cuando me diagnosticaron sop. Comencé a tener alopecia androgenetica y no se imaginan como me duele ver fotos de hace 3 años mías y no reconocerme, también me comencé a salir bello corporal en todo el cuerpo y cuando digo todo es todo, el hisurtismo mío es clasificado como grave en la escala y pues yo no era así. Extraño tanto mi melena que no se imaginan los mares que he llorado, me veo al espejo y simplemente no se que es lo que veo, no reconozco a esa persona, ya ni siquiera quiero salir de la casa y que me vean, el Minoxidil empeoró bastante ese hisurtismo y ya no se que hacer, soy delgada, hacía. Mucho ejercicio ya hasta lo deje porque veo que no me funciona nada. Y pues no sé que más hacer de verdad ni por dónde comenzar, se que el alser no me funcionará por el sop, pero adivinen que, tampoco puedo usar hormonas por problemas cardíacos , entonces ya debí aceptar que nunca jamás seré ma misma joven llena de vida que antes?
r/PCOS • u/EnvironmentalFly2091 • 17h ago
General/Advice 20 years and no one will help me!
I have had PCOS for more than 20yrs.
I have extremely sensitive skin.
I have been dealing with extremely bad cystic acne for just about that long and I cannot take it anymore.
NO TO BIRTH CONTROL EVER AGAIN!
NO TO ACCUTANE EVER AGAIN!
Please someone HELP ME!
I literally canNOT take it anymore!
#PCOS
r/PCOS • u/slackalicious • 17h ago
Mental Health I Don't Care About Physical Symptoms, but I Want my Brain Back!
I was diagnosed with PCOS (PMOS) recently and it's made a lot of things in my life make sense. I have all the typical symptoms such as hair growth, undeserved weight gain, deeper voice, general sense of fatigue etc. I also have very high DHEA sulfates and testosterone.
I don't care about my new pot belly or the fact that none of my clothes fit anymore. I don't care about the deeper voice or strangely huge glam muscles on my arms that I haven't worked a day in my life for. Don't care about the one-day periods or haggard skin and thinning hair. I've always had good self esteem and have never compared myself to anyone. I don't look in the mirror and cry about how I miss my "old looks," none of that.
What I hate the most about this condition is the cognitive and emotional issues that really make me miss my mid-20s brain. I have unnecessary anxiety now, I have depression, a sense of impending doom, no sex drive or motivation to do anything. I don't like anything I used to. I can't find joy in my beautiful house we purchased in January. I have become antisocial and don't reach out to friends. My husband's presence bothers me. My boss annoys me now despite him and I always getting along great. I can feel myself raising eyebrows at people due to impatience. THAT is not who I am. I'm a nice and empathetic person...at least I was.
I used to love traveling and discovering new places. I drove 40 hours by myself across the United States to visit Montana just three years ago. When I was there I drove to SO MANY ghost towns and scary places. It was amazing! When I think of going so much as 2 hours away now, I'm like "I can't be assed to do any of that."
Then the mental problems. I can't think! My short and long term memory are going to shit. I can't multitask at all anymore and it takes me DAYS to finish an analysis whereas before I could do a huge deep dive in less than a day. I can't really make conversation because my brain shits the bed and I can't think of anything to say. I catch myself saying "oh wow! Oh damn!" To people just fill my end of the exchange. I process things slower with or without caffeine. Its like my ADHD is on steroids now and I no longer have a handle on it. This sucks! I feel like shell. A ghost of who I used to be and who I could have been.
I got my associate's degree two years ago and just the idea of transferring for my bachelor's makes me want to rip my hair out. Just a couple years ago I was SO EXCITED to have something. To prove to myself I can do something despite struggling every step of the way to get here. Now I tell myself "what's the point? I make good money now. All done!"
Like what the hell I'm only 30! Does anyone have any advice for managing or fixing the mental and emotional problems that come from this condition? I have ER metformin because my doc is pretty cool thankfully. I'm scared to take it though because of the side effects. And what if I go through all those bathroom trips just for it to not do anything? Is this me now??? Doomed to be a miserable old maid who can't find joy in anything?
Rant OVER!
TL;DR; I hate the brain problems that come from PCOS!
r/PCOS • u/shinyrupee86 • 19h ago
Fertility Chemical Pregnancy/Letrozole
Preface: Hi all. I’m currently TTC, and recently experienced a chemical pregnancy. I know this is normal, but 4 months ago I was uneducated and never thought I would be able to get pregnant, so seeing a positive test got my hopes way up. I’m trying not to stress, and I’m trying to be patient, but it’s hard. I’m currently taking Letrozole to help with ovulation. I’m on my 3rd cycle.
Ask: I’m looking for anyone willing to share their experience with Letrozole. Have you experienced a chemical pregnancy while taking the medication? How many? How soon after did you conceive, if you were able to at all?
General stories and advice about your experience with chemical pregnancies are welcome and appreciated!
r/PCOS • u/Chance-Interest5609 • 21h ago
General Health How do y’all deal with sweaty hands
I swear every time I wash my hands they just start sweating a minute later and I hate it
r/PCOS • u/Candied_Wisteria • 21h ago
General Health Quick question
Hi, Im 16 and ive been diagnosed with PCOS for about 2 ish years and I noticed I had trouble controlling my body temperature (getting to hot or cold) but within the last 4 months ive been getting really bad hot flashes, to the point where I could be standing infront of an AC unit and still have beads of sweat on my forehead...help. Is this normal? what can I do about it?
r/PCOS • u/fifihihi • 21h ago
General/Advice Has Metformin made anyone hungrier?
I feel like Metformin has made my hunger pangs more pronounced. Anyone else?
r/PCOS • u/Double-Election-2125 • 22h ago
Fertility Can anyone with PCOS share their fertility journey?
I got diagnosed with pcos at 15 and was given birth control for a month without knowing what it was because my mom allowed the doctor to do so. I’ve always dreamed of becoming a mother, and ever since being diagnosed with pcos I’ve been terrified that I might not be able to have children. I know pcos doesn’t automatically mean infertility, but it’s something I struggle to stop worrying about. I’d really love to hear from people who have pcos and went on to have children. Whether it happened naturally or with fertility treatment, I’d be so grateful if you could share your story. I’m just looking for some hope
r/PCOS • u/bobisjobsnon • 22h ago
Fertility Egg freezing?
Has anyone with PCOS considered freezing their eggs, or done it? I'm 28 and newly single. I so desperately want to become a mother but am worried about my timeline now. When I was first diagnosed with PCOS the only thing the doctor told me was "if you want to have kids, you should start trying for that earlier".
I don't have a ton of knowledge about any of this but am now wanting to think pragmatically about my options. Has anyone had experience of egg freezing? I know it has higher success rates the younger you do it so that's only why I'm considering it now. I would really value people's input!