My cycles had always been irregular. When I was 16 I went on the birth control pill for the soul purpose of getting my cycles. I stopped taking the pill about 4 years later. My cycles pretty much came a few times a year.
I was diagnosed with PCOS in 2008. I only got my cycles twice that year (once on my honeymoon of course
) One of the main things I noticed when I read information was how important it is to make sure your insulin levels are ok/in normal range. PCOS is
often linked to insulin resistance. I do not have Diabetes (only my grandmother has it, and she was diagnosed in 2009), am a healthy weight, and I exercise.. but the more I eat foods which spike the insulin, the less frequently my cycles would come. I do admit I had a big sweet tooth, and loved to eat bread! When I was first diagnosed (at 22) my FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) and LH (lutenizing hormone) were out about at a ratio of 5-1 (they should be even or only off by 1).
In January of 2009 I resolved to cut out sugar and cut down on bread consumption. I also started drinking red raspberry leaf tea. It took a couple months, but my cycles became more regular.. not every 28 days, but they average around 35-45 days. I went to the doctor in early February of this year, and she told my that my FSH and LH are in the normal/healthy range now.
My husband and I got pregnant late February. (Unfortunately we found out today the pregnancy is not viable
, but it's a step in the right direction!)
PCOS can have so many different faces: acne, insulin resistance, cysts (which I do not have), excess weight, excess hair, lack or irregular periods...
I enjoyed these books: (For me, the doctors linked insulin resistance to the cause/reaction of my PCOS and these books had great information!)
Fertility Foods: Optimize Ovulation And Conception Through Food Choices
By Jeremy Groll, Lorie Groll
Hormonal Balance: Understanding Hormones, Weight, and Your Metabolism
Author: Scott Isaacs
Inconceivable: A Woman's Triumph over Despair and Statistics
Author: Julia Indichova
(I enjoyed reading this because it gave me hope, if I remember correctly her hormone levels were out by 30-1!)
http://www.obgyn.net/displayarticle....evels_sterling
Hope that helps! An internal ultrasound can confirm if your friend has cysts, as well as if she has any follicles at the time when she does get her period. I would also encourage her to have her FSH and LH hormones checked somewhat regularly to see if they improve. I am a firm believer that diet plays a role! I wish her all the best