PetitePoisson

Hi everyone! I was wondering what some other Canadians thought about this. I talked to my doctor a few weeks ago at my annual physical and the books about PCOS that I have seem to recommend that women with it should really see an endocrinologist. I asked her if she agreed, and she asked if it was an American book recommending this (it is) and she said that because of the differences in the health care system, this is more applicable in the U.S. than in Canada. She offered to refer me to an endo if I wanted, which would be a longish wait - 3 months at least - but said that he/she would just tell me the same things.

Has anyone else had experience with this? Did you get a referral to an endo? If so, was it valuable for you? This may be more applicable for women who are TTC, which for the time being I am not. Thanks in advance for your experience!

~Sandra

I'm in BC and was not diagnosed until I saw an Endo. He was the one that did the right tests and started me on Met.

My sister though was diagnosed by her GP.

__________________
TTC #1 since 10/05.
February 2008: M/C - 8w1d (fetal bradycardia)
Out of options, out of hope.


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BeetleGirl

What is your goal and what are you trying to achieve?
If you are trying to get pregnant, your best bet would be a reproductive endocrinologist.
If you just want to temporarily resolve the issues, a gynocologist would be an option(their cure all is to put women on birth control and mask the issues until they are ready to conceive)
However, if you are wanting to take charge of PCOS and the symptoms, then an endocrinolgist is an optimal choice.
In fact Canada's only PCOS clinic is run by an endocrinologist.
When it comes to PCOS, it's always wise to get a second opinion and find out what all your treatment options are. If you think you need to see an endocrinologist, then see one. Don't let your family doctor hold you back from opportunities and treatments that they may noy be update on.

PetitePoisson

Thanks for your advice and experiences both of you. I feel kind of sheepish because at my doctor's appt I went ahead and asked for a referral and doctor seemed sort of put out/didn't understand why I wanted one. But she said she'd give me one anyway, except I was there having a mole biopsy and it was only after I left that I realized - she hadn't given me one after all! So I don't know what to make of that. She seemed put out that I was insisting. Anyway - next time I see her I guess I'll ask again. Thanks again.

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--Stacey


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canadianmutation

At one point I would have said-mhe.
Until yesterday I had an ok and a really bad time with endo's.
(if you're in Lethbridge- demand an endo from calgary!)

In anycase I got refered again (because I moved and the GP didn't know anything about PCOS- at least he was honest.) and I had the best experience ever. She's looking at my borderline low thyroid as well as the androgen levels which all my other docs tend to shrug off. I have a feeling that because of my referal I might be able to function even better and even start loosing the weight (that pops out of thin air)

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BreG

I was wondering the same thing. Every where here talks about seeing an endocrinologist. The doctor I went to said that I have PCOS and gave me a script for bc and thats it.

BeetleGirl

BreG
The easy way out for doctors is to prescribe b/c because it masks the symptoms. If your happy with a temporary fix, then proceed with the prescription. If you wish to be treated for long term effects, than see a specialist.
Good Luck!

BreG

di-chiro inositol? Just wondering what this was, and is it effective have a doc. appt. on the 5th and trying to gather as much information and question before then
thanks

Safyre

BreG - i see that you are in windsor, i'm not far away in Chatham here.
What is your goal with the PCOS? are you ttc currently? are you looking for help with the symptoms? at the VERY least I would say, if it was your GP that put you on BCP, then ask for a referral to a GYN. if it was a GYN, then ask for a referral to an endocriniologist. (sp)

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BreG

I first went to my schools doctor for help because I moved in with my BF and off the pill. She did blood work and ultrasound, when everythign was said and done she said I had PCOS and gave me b/c. Took 2 years to find a gp that was taking patients in windsor, did blood work again and more b/c. but now being here for the couple of days, there seems to be a lot more that I and my gp should be doing. dont want babies as yet, just want the body to function properly. got appt. on the 5th, going to ask for a referral to a GYN.

One this is for sure, coming here has been a godsend, having a big family was always my dream and now I know that I've got a shot.

Safyre

The GP situation is the same in Chatham unfortunately. I'd say definately ask to go to a GYN. If there are other symptoms, aside from pissing AF's, they can help get those under control. better to start treating early than to just ignore things.
my gp just ignored me for 8 years or so. but i wasn't TTC, so he never told me i had PCOS and i never though anything about it. i wish i had.

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Nantucket

So many GYN's will give you attitude when you ask for a referral to an RE. I have talked to so many women as well as myself that had that situation.

For myself, (I'm near Ottawa Ontario) I got tired of my GYN's attitude and went to a walk in clinic and asked for a referral. The doctor on call was very willing to do that for me. I have recommended doing that to numerous friends and people on line now and all have been surprised at how easy it was to do.

You will most likely have a waiting period depending on what the wait times in your area are and how busy the clinics are. When I started in 1999 I had a 6 month wait but I have been told that most RE's are getting patients in sooner now. Once you are in you are IN and there will never be a long wait time again. For the shortest wait make sure to tell the doctor referring you that you will travel to different parts of the city-whoever has the shortest waiting time.

If you want children you NEED to see an RE. Their scope of what they can offer you is so far beyond what even the best GYN's can offer. If you are interested only in treating your PCOS at the moment then ask for an Endocrinologist..the Reproductive Endocrinologists try to keep their spaces open to just those actively ttc.

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Nancy & Kevin January 21st 1995
Munchkin #1: Hannah Elizabeth Dec.2/00 (100mg Clomid)
Munchkin #2: Joshua John Lorne June 16/02 (100mg Clomid/1500mg Metformin-triplet pregnancy-twin miscarriage Nov.2/01@ 8 weeks)
Munchkin #3: Isabella Grace-January 27/04 (5mg Femara/1500 mg Metformin)

TTC Munchkin #4 with injectibles!
February...bust..AF showed ugly head on CD 28
March...have to skip cycle due to finances

BreG

I wish it was just a case of af taking a break lol. all the different symptoms that are possible, i could pretty much check them all off.