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What causes diarrhea, gas, and burping with PCOS/PMOS?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I am 21 years old, and I have polycystic ovary syndrome or polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome. I took Ethinyl estradiol and Cyproterone acetate for two and a half years, and then I stopped. Now I have started it again, and I am on my next pack. However, I am experiencing gas, burping after every meal, and occasional diarrhea.

I am worried about many side effects. Sometimes I also experience a fast heartbeat, around 120 to 110 beats per minute, while my normal heart rate is above 80. I now feel scared that I might get a heart attack, but I am not sure if it is just anxiety. It feels real to me. This is my fourth day on the new pack, and I am wondering if I should stop taking it right away or finish the full pack.

Kindly help.

Thank you.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

You are 21 years old and living with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), now known as polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS), which is already a condition that can bring hormonal, metabolic, and emotional challenges. Ethinyl estradiol and Cyproterone acetate are often prescribed for PCOS/PMOS because they help control acne and unwanted hair growth and regulate periods. It helped you quite a bit in the past. However, it does come with important risks and side effects, especially when used for a long time or started and stopped inconsistently.

What you are experiencing now, gas, burping, occasional diarrhea, and episodes of a fast heartbeat (tachycardia), could be caused by several factors, including hormone changes, anxiety, or sensitivity to the pill itself. Ethinyl estradiol and Cyproterone acetate can increase the risk of blood clots, especially in women who have other risk factors such as being overweight, having a family history of heart or blood vessel problems, or smoking. A heart rate of 110 to 120 beats per minute could be due to anxiety, but it should not be ignored, especially if it comes with chest tightness, trouble breathing, or dizziness. It is unlikely that you will have a heart attack at 21 years, but your concern is understandable.

Since you have just restarted Ethinylestradiol and Cyproterone acetate and are already feeling unwell physically and emotionally, it may be a good time to re-evaluate whether this is the right treatment for you. Stopping the medication in the middle of the pack may cause spotting or irregular bleeding, but if you are feeling anxious, unwell, or unsafe, it is completely fine to stop now and talk to your doctor instead of waiting to finish the whole pack. Your health and peace of mind are more important than completing the cycle.

There are other ways to manage PCOS/PMOS. These include milder hormonal pills, lifestyle changes (which you have already done successfully before), and medications like Metformin or Spironolactone for unwanted hair growth and acne. A good gynecologist or hormone specialist (endocrinologist) can help you build a treatment plan that is more personalized, one that focuses not only on your appearance but on your overall health.

If you are unsure, it is a good idea to have your heart checked with tests such as an electrocardiogram or blood work to make sure everything is normal. Sometimes, knowing that you are physically fine can also help reduce anxiety. You are not alone in this. Many women with PCOS or PMOS go through a trial-and-error process to find what truly works best for their long-term health.

I hope you are satisfied with my answer.

For further queries, you can consult me at iCliniq.

Thank you.

Medically reviewed byiCliniq medical review team

Published At September 20, 2025
Reviewed AtMay 26, 2026

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