208: Listener Question: Struggling with the PCOS vs HA Diagnosis

Listener question: Hi Dani!

I wasn't sure where to ask this question, but honestly, I'm so desperate for any kind of guidance on what to do, I figured, why not!

I am a 21 year old female from New Zealand. I was diagnosed with PCOS at 15 when anorexic after having also gone through a traumatic surgery, as I presented with high testosterone symptoms such as mild hirsutism, severe acne and no period (but always within normal ranges in lab tests). I was put on the pill, gained weight, and saw some improvements but still experienced the same issues. I went off the pill 2 years ago and had the worst PCOS symptoms and never got my period back, yet I was still small and highly stressed. I was put on spiro (an anti androgen) and also gained some weight and this helped everything but still no period. I was referred to an endocrinologist which was literally all my savings as a student. I did the progesterone test with no withdrawal bleed, and he has referred me through the public system for more testing which will take up to 6 months. In the meantime, I found resources such as your own and figured I may as well try them. I eat a very nutrient-dense balanced diet, I am slim but not underweight anymore at all; however, I have the worst anxiety and high stress which I've tried everything to manage. I don't really know what to do as I feel like I'm doing everything right with no results, and maybe I'm kidding myself that it may be HA instead of PCOS despite the high androgen symptoms? All of this is so highly distressing and upsetting to me, I have no idea what to do. All the PCOS advice tells me to take heaps of supplements and eat super clean but I just feel this is not the right advice for me considering my history. Perhaps it could be both HA and PCOS, in this case what advice am I supposed to follow?

I would really appreciate some advice on what to do as I am feeling very lost.

Thank you so much- Maddy :)

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