I am 23 years old with some of the symptoms of PCOS: acne, excessive facial and stomach hair, some long cycles, heavy bleeding with large clots. I began menstruating when I was 14, almost 15, but did not have regular cycles until I was 18 and they still are sometimes irregular.
I was about 20 when the excessive hair became noticeable and asked my nurse practitioner about the possibility of PCOS. She said because my cycles were fairly regular, I did not have it and did not do any testing. She only offered me the pill which I am not a fan of so I did not go on it.
However, the hairiness has gotten progressively worse and my acne is not going away. I asked my relative who is a nurse if it was possible to have PCOS and still have regular cycles. She said yes, her sister has the condition but has normal cycles.
I am on a waiting list to see a new N.P. to get my antidepressant renewed. I want to get tested to make sure these symptoms do not indicate PCOS or other medical issues.
What testing should I request and what questions should I ask? If it is PCOS, are there alternative treatments other than the pill?