I am 33 yrs old and as a result of a 69 day period 2 yrs ago I was diagnosed with PCOS. After multiple blood test and ultrasounds my hormone levels all came back normal as did my blood sugar test but I did have several cyst on my ovaries. I also have many of the other outwardly observable symptoms. Even with "normal" hormone levels I struggle daily with
excessive facial hair. I will not leave my house each day until I am able to take care of that big problem by shaving. I never go anywhere without a razor or stay anywhere I can't bath in the morning. I am
horribly embarrassed by the facial hair which started in high school. The only treatment my GYN has offered for my PCOS is birth control pills which have regulated my cycle and I have lost 35 lbs in the 2 yrs with no effort on my part (although I don't know if that was the BC pills or the start of my RA). Nothing concerning my PCOS has been evaluated since the initial diagnosis. Because I am not and have never been sexually active (personal moral decision) my GYN will not do a pap exam except every 2 - 3 yrs and as a result has not followed up on the PCOS.
I have also recently been diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis and I am taking multiple medications and seeing a Rheumatologist every 6 weeks for that.
I have tried Vaniqua (sp?) in the past but after nearly a year I had nothing to show for the effort but a thinner checkbook.
Does anyone have any suggestions that will not cost a fortune or interact with my RA treatment? I have so many medical bills from the RA and my insurance will not cover anything cosmetic. If I had to I can live with the irregular periods and and weight gain but my self esteem suffers severely from the 5 o'clock shadow. I am a prisoner to my own chin. PLEASE HELP!!!!!