Hi,
Although it is not nice to have PCOS, being diagnosed does help to make what you're going through make sense! Have you read this sticky from the first page?
Rather than repeat myself lots, here are a couple of links about how the pill works:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/health/physical_he ... pill.shtml
http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/sex_relation ... epills.htm
The aim of PCOS management with the pill is to suppress ovulation (stop an egg being released) which in turn decreases ovarian cysts. You might not even have cysts, which is fine (I didn't) but your hormone levels show raised LH levels (luteinising hormone, which affects the ovaries), plus your other physical symptoms suggest PCOS. By suppressing ovulation with the pill, you are controlling the hormonal side of PCOS. Then there's the matter of periods. With PCOS, many women have infrequent periods or none at all for some time, which is not good for you (you need to have at least 3 a year for the womb to be healthy). Taking the pill and having the 7 day breaks at the end of a pack (though you can take 2-3 packs back-to-back and then have a weeks' break) enables you to control your cycle.
In additon to ovaries and periods, the combined pill will help issues such as acne, excess hair, hair thinning on the scalp, painful periods and moods. You must allow at least 3 pill cycles for you to settle on the new pill in order to see positive results.
I have written in earlier posts about the pills that are suitable for PCOS. Generally, doctors like to prescribe Dianette or Yasmin as the main PCOS pills, particularly if acne and hair are problems. If not, they may prefer to give another anti-androgenic pill such as Marvelon or Cilest (both are good).
I have at times been unsure about the pill, but I must say it has made my life so much easier and reduced my discomfort and symptoms greatly. You need to be patient for a few months at first but it is usually worth it.
Finally, if your GP doesn't seem to know very much, go armed with information from this site!
Hope this helps. If you have any other questions, just ask! xx