PCOS and irregular periods - what is normal?

[nicki h]

Hi Lara, I am wondering whether there is a norm at all re irregular periods. I am 48 and in peri and recently found out i have pcos (high androgens, skin tags, hair loss, excess hair in other places, not overweight, but carry weight around my middle)not sure which type but i seem to have adrenal related issues in general but also insulin. I also have estrogen excess. I am taking inositol, which has been helping crashing fatigue and anxiety somewhat. I do work with a naturopath but he is not a hormones specialist.

I've 2 questions, first is - Although i used to be extremely regular, my periods follow this sort of pattern, 29 days, 24 days, 31 days, 16 days, 29 days etc. I have had a few mid cycle periods (not one after the other as yet) but they seem to appear about every 3rd or 4th cycle. Since i am also in peri, should this be cause for concern, since in the Period Repair Manual you say to go to the Drs if less than 15 days.

I have a myriad of symptoms, including heart palps, anxiety, fatigue, sometimes nausea and a fuzzy head feeling sometimes (which comes after stress like a burnout feeling) and i have slept poorly for years, although now that i am sleeping better, it's like my body feels drunk/groggy when i wake up. My cortisol was low during the day and higher at night (on my dutch test) but that was taken start of the year and rhodiola has been helping.

Second question - is it best to be referred to an endocrinologist for pcos? If so, will i need to take Western Medicine, I am fearful that all of the natural herbs i take to calm my nervous system I will be told to stop if dealing with the hospital.

Thanks, Nicki Hall