Expert: Diane Cheryl - 1/11/2010

Question
I am a 26 year old female with PCOS (diagnosed aged 17).  I have been on Dianette, Yasmin, Metformin Hydrochloride, and HRT in the form of Oestrogel in the last 10 years to try and ease the symptoms of my PCOS and give some sort of a menstrual cycle.  Without HRT or birth-control medication I have a complete absence of periods.
My consultant changed my medication from Oestrogel 3 x daily (it stopped being effective) to a new birth control pill called Qlaira.  I have been taking Qlaira for 2 months now, and have bled  quite heavily on and off for about 5 of the 8 weeks I have been taking it for.  I have also put on about 10lbs in weight, had 1 migraine, and had continuous PMS since taking it.  I have also noticed a significant worsening of my (usually mild) acne.
My consultant assures me that my body is just adjusting to the new pill and once the hormones regulate things will settle down - however I feel worse than before and am wondering if I should persevere or stop taking it?
I understand Qlaira is still a black triangle medication so should I be concerned that the side-effects of this pill haven't been fully researched yet?
I would appreciate all information and advice you have to give.
Thanks so much,
Rebecca

Answer
Rebecca,

I don't recommend any kind of hormonal birth control methods. Yes, I think that the new birth control pills could cause these symptoms. I don't want to say anything about your doctor, but sometimes you have to make your health decisions according to your heart. Yes, I would be concerned about it not being fully researched if this is true.

Can you possibly find another alternative for your periods? Have you consulted another doctor?
Please email me at CHERYL51@aol.com because I would like to talk to you more about this.

Sincerely,
Diane Cheryl