Liver and ovarian health issues

I recently found out I have PCOS, but at the same time, I’ve got some liver issues that mean I’m supposed to stay away from pills. The problem is, I need them to manage my ovaries. What now? Does anyone know of a solution where I don't have to choose between one or the other?

Do you think those hormone patches would actually work? Are they even strong enough to make a difference?
I’d suggest having a real conversation with your gynecologist first.

ironsurfer8 said:Would hormone patches be an option? Like, are they strong enough to actually work?
Talk it over with your OB-GYN.

I'm worried those might not be the right move either. From what I understand, they basically manipulate how the ovaries function, and when you're dealing with PCOS, the whole goal is to let the ovaries just rest and stay quiet.
That said, there are plenty of low-dose pills out there now, something like Yasmin, but you'd have to stay under constant medical supervision.
I know both paths are doable because I have a friend dealing with Hepatitis B and significant liver damage who still takes birth control to manage a messy cycle caused by other health issues. She’s constantly in and out of the doctor's office for checkups, but she manages to push through it somehow.

I'll follow up regarding Yasmin and have a word with the doctor... this really matters to me.

Angela Wright said:I am concerned that this might not be a viable solution either, given that my understanding is that these methods manipulate ovarian function, whereas managing polycystic ovary syndrome requires bringing the ovaries into a state of complete dormancy.
That being said, there are many low-dose options available today, such as Yasmin, though you would need to remain under constant medical supervision.
I know both approaches can work because I have a friend dealing with Hepatitis B and significant liver damage who still uses oral contraceptives to manage an irregular cycle caused by other underlying health issues. She has to undergo frequent checkups, but she manages to push through.

The patch functions similarly to the pill, but since the patch delivers medication directly into the bloodstream, there is a lower risk of blood clots.

Amy Fowler85 said:Look, a patch does essentially the same thing as a pill, except the patch delivers it straight into the bloodstream... which actually makes it more reliable than just swallowing pills.

I deal with endometriosis myself, and for me, that wasn't even an option. I was prescribed Yasmin because it basically forces the ovaries into complete dormancy.

I had my follow-up appointment with the OBGYN yesterday. She gave me Yasmin and told me to come back in a few months to redo my blood work to see how it’s affecting my liver. I’m just hoping there are no lasting side effects.

Angela Wright said:I have endometriosis, so that wasn't even an option for me. I was prescribed Yasmin because it essentially puts my ovaries into a state of rest.

Is endometriosis just another way of saying PCOS? I hope that doesn't sound stupid, but I'm definitely not an expert on this stuff.
What do you know about it? I want to have kids someday.

neonmoose17 said:Is endometriosis basically just another word for PCOS? I hope this doesn't sound stupid, I’m really not an expert on any of this.
What do you know about it? I want to have kids someday.

No, endometriosis is a completely different condition. The similarity is that both involve cysts that can mess with your reproductive system. You can definitely still have children, you'll just likely need to be on birth control until you're ready to try for a pregnancy.🙂
Regarding all those questions and worries you have, people have already covered this topic extensively here, so take a look at 👍