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Alternatives to birth control/how to help hormones

I've had PCOS since I was around 17 - I began getting a hair growth on my face and then irregular periods, and was eventually diagnosed at 19. They immediately put me on birth control - the low dose one which did manage my periods but I'd rather not be on the pill if so. Its made me put on weight, I struggle with my emotions and a bit of a weird one but its messed with my alcohol intolerance? I'm 22 and ever since taking birth control, its messed with my digestion - i have like 2 alcoholic drinks and feel sick and my stomach makes some awful noises.

Anyway, I went for my pill review the other day and asked if there were any alternatives to combat the symptoms, but they said other than the coil/injection, there wasn't and it would mess with my body if I came off the pill.

I wondered if anyone had suggestions on how to improve my hormone levels and try and get natural periods again?
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Avatar universal
If you are overweight, losing some weight can help normalize your cycle. This site says loss of 5-10% is all that's needed - https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/pcos/irregular-periods-management-treatment#:~:text=Evidence%20shows%20that%20women%20with,weight%20can%20improve%20menstrual%20regularity. Even less loss was somewhat effective in this study - https://www.healio.com/news/endocrinology/20181228/lifestyle-changes-may-restore-menstrual-regularity-in-pcos.

Have you had your thyroid checked? Thyroid problems can cause an irregular cycle.

If you aren't overweight or weight loss isn't helpful, a different birth control pill might suit you better. There are so many options.
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