I've been lurking for a while but never knew what to say so I guess its time to introduce myself. I'm 27, from NYC. When I was about 18 yrs old I began having extreme pain in my abdomen and was told (by several docs) it was simply cysts that would just get reabsorbed in my body, no big deal. I took birth control which seemed to help. Since puberty I've had to struggle with excess hair but always figured my Armenian heritage was to blame. Also struggle with acne but blamed that on hormones. Jump to years later, I started to think maybe I had hypothyroidism because I have been overweight for almost all of my life. It seems like no matter what I do, I gain 20 lbs every year. I went to the endocrinologist who eventually told me I have PCOS.
I am mixed with emotions, it is a relief to finally be told yes there's a reason you don't feel quite "right". At the same time I am completely baffled and overwhelmed. In the last month, I've been taking Metformin, dieting, and exercising and weight loss is minimal at best. Tonight I went to visit the forum for tips which are wonderful - it is so nice to know that I'm not alone. For some reason I can't stop crying tho......... Anyways, I guess you'll be seeing more of me as we all battle this together...
welcome to sc yes, it is upsetting to get dx with pcos. Thats how i felt, anyway. But this board has been great- ive learnt sooo much here, and made some really good friends too.
there is a link to the newbie roadmap in my siggie for you
eva
Please don't believe your doctor. Doctors don't know it all, ESPECIALLY about Cushings!!! Did you have blood tests for cortisol and ACTH taken at 8am, 4pm and midnight to show if your diurnal rhythm was off? Did you take at LEAST 4 urine tests throughout one month to see if you got highs in any of them? Did you do any salivary tests?!!
Cushings can cause a LOT of damage to your body and will be harder to fix - even if the cushings is taken care of. Doctors don't know about this disease and think it's too "rare" but it is NOT. Don't give up. Please check out the links below in my siggy for more info.
I tried to PM you but since I'm new I can't do that and I can't read signatures!!!! BOOO
Yes I was diagnosed with PCOS after a simple fasting blood test. Doc said she thought it may be Cushings but my Cortisol levels were low (which surprised me bc I am under lots of stress and have had some horrible stretch marks appear only on my waist line but I assumed that was due to gaining about 20 lbs in a year).
I am researching Cushings and it seems as though symptoms are identical. What made you think I'd have Cushings rather than PCOS? I am so new to this and I feel clueless! Thanks so much for your help.
Diagnosed last month... 
yes, it is upsetting to get dx with pcos. Thats how i felt, anyway. But this board has been great- ive learnt sooo much here, and made some really good friends too.
