I have PCOS. What do I need to do aside from taking meds?

Dear Ask The Doctor: I am 24 year female having irregular periods from since 8yrs...i got my periods in the age 0f 11 and it was fine till 16yrs after that my periods become irregular .. 1st time it went 5days late after that 15days then 1month like that then i consulted doctor he told this due to harmonal imbalance and i am having small cysts due ti this...nd i ws continusoly in treatment for 6-6month course using diffrent pills like yasmin birth control ..before my testosterone and DHEA level was high..but now Dhea is high bt testosterone become normal... last week i visited specialist endocrinologist because i am getting married in this november and i want my periods get regular... he told to do some blood test and my reports are as followes DHEA 547.40 its high normal is134.2-407.4 prolactin 15.13 normal TSH 1.52 normal he have given tablets to take at 11pm T.Dexamethasone 0.5mg after that i have to give blood at 8 a.m for the following blood test that was cortisol(7-9a.m) 1.05is my report testosterone is 0.56 after seaing this reports he told not to worry and told to take tablet Diane35 for 3 months.... i want to know from you is that is it normal can i will have regular periods after that??.. can i concieve as my fiance told will plan for baby after 4yrs...?? and m gaining weight i am 5.3height and 67kg..having hirusitam problem,acne and lose of hair from scalp.. wil this problem wil get cure??.. i am realy upset tel me the solution for this please.....

Dear Anju: 

It seems to me you have Polycsytic Ovarian syndrome. This involves a complex cascade of hormonal imbalances and long-term consequences are high blood cholesterol, insulin resistance (which can lead to diabetes), obesity, etc. Infertility is one of the problems that can arise in this condition but some women can still conceive even with PCOS. Diane35 is one of the contraceptive pills commonly used for PCOS. It is not an assurance you will have regular periods after 3 months but at least, it can somehow correct the hormonal imbalances in PCOS. The hirsutism, acne and hair loss are all symptoms of hormonal imbalance in PCOS. If this is really bothering you, you should also do something on your part. Having a daily moderate exercise regimen will not only help decrease insulin resistance and reduce weight but will also help correct the hormonal imbalance and improve cycle control. Brisk walking or treadmill exercises for 30 minutes-1 hour everyday is enough. It can be frustrating at times but it is possible to conceive, even with PCOS although it will take lots of discipline, time and effort. As the hormonal imbalances gets corrected, you will gradually see some improvements on your other symptoms. I do hope I have appeased your concern and take care always.