BALCYST

I have just returned from the ultrasound that confirmed that I have PCOS. I have a doctors appointment tomorrow so that I can start treatment, whatever that may be.

So based on your experiences, what sort of things should I expect, research more, etc?

I keep reading about D-chiro-inositol on the main board. Is that or anything similar available in Oz yet?

A little about my symptoms:

Acne: It's been bad for about 9 mos and mostly located on my lower right jaw.

Hair loss: I've had problems in the past with this that were related to steroid (prednisone) use and to severe food poisoning. However, it's been terrible in recent months.

Hirsutism: I haven't grown a beard or anything particularly severe, but there are random little black hairs sprouting up in the same area as my acne. It has progressively got worse along with my acne. Also, my lower arms are rather, uh, manly.

Obesity: I've been overweight all my life. Though I am "morbidly obese" on the BMI scale, I actually have a fair deal of muscle bulk from exercising and doing weights regularly for five years. I've always found it easier to build muscle mass than lose weight. If you can't lose it, tone it!

Menstruation: Always on time... more so than I am! However, one month I have an extremely heavy flow, and the next it will be like a trickle.

Depression: In my opinion, I've had it since I was little, but I was diagnosed officially at 18. I currently take Zoloft and Xanax (when I have anxiety attacks).

I've been tested for diabetes a lot since I was a child, and the tests have always come back clean. I have low-normal blood pressure and normal cholesterol. I am a vegetarian and was diagnosed recently as anaemic.

I am absolutely NOT currently trying to get pregnant.

Besides my daily vitamin, I do take some supplements related to my various symptoms, including iron (anaemia), biotin (hair loss) and fish oil (just because it's supposed to be good for you). I also drink protein shakes (the girly kind, not the weight-lifter ones).

Btw, I live in Melbourne (inner north suburbs). I am currently getting treatment from my GP and have no idea if he is going to recommend a specialist. Regardless, can anyone recommend a good specialist just in case?