I was diagnosed in Sept 2001. I was not symptomatic other than crazy cycles. Oh what I wouldn't give to be back there again!
I've been feeling so helpless. I can't find a doctor that is willing to treat the problem as a whole. I've been referred to dermatology for hair loss.....OB/GYN for PMS symptoms.....and my regular DR for depression.
I'm scared that this is going to be my future....pills & pills that do nothing. I want someone to give me a med that will do more than cover up the problem. Am I dreaming? I'm sick of going to dr after dr & being told.....we won't see results for atleast 3-6 months. I'm just tired & saddened.
My big problem at the moment.....HAIR LOSS. It's been devastating. It's a constant reminder in the shower every morning that I'm not ok. I'm on spiro for it, but not a high enough dosage. I have an appt next week with the derm & will hopefully up the dosage.
I'm sure the rest of you have felt this way at one point or another. I just wanted to post a message in hopes that someone has a miracle solution. LOL
Has anyone recommended an endocrinologist? I would try that. Since this is a hormone related disorder, an endo can suggest treatments to help get your hormones under control and hopefully reduce the symptoms instead of just masking them. Good luck and glad you found this site!
__________________ Starlite
Me-28, DH-29 DD 1, born Sept 17th, 2007 DD 2, born June 9th, 2009
Can't wait to start WW again and loose the other 15lbs I gained with the last pregnancy and the 30lbs I still needed to lose with the first one.
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I've asked about an Endo.....I'm probably get mixed answers, since I'm asking an OB/GYN! They think that an OB/GYN is more knowledgeable in that area because it's a "female" problem. I've asked 2 different OB/GYN doctors. They didn't discourage me, but they didn't feel it would be of real benefit. They can't tell me anything that an OB can't.
The tough part with the meds is that we may TTC in the next couple years. I can't be on anything I'm on now if I want to get PG.
It's so frustrating.
Thanks for your input. I'm gonna just have to see an Endo. My faith in Dr's has just been going down the tubes lately.
I don't mean to discourage you, but you might want to find a different doctor. The one who told you this was a 'female' problem and that an endo couldn't tell you anything they could doesn't seam to know about pcos. Yes, this happens to females and causes female problems, but it stems from the endocrine system. You would want to get your hormone levels checked out and possibly some other blood tests. When I was first told I may have this (same as you, Sept. 2001), I was told by my gyn to take bcps and I would be alright. But most the time bcp will just mask issues and not really get them under control. Long story short, I continued taking bcp, but still had the issues. I had a hard time getting my gyn to listen to me even after a lap that confirmed pcos. After finding this site, I referred myself to an endo and he actually explained pcos better than the 2 gyns. The gyns just told me about the 'string of pearl' cysts and possibly fertility probs. But the endo explained how I developed the cysts, excess hair, ect. and how to help get it under control. Basically, the hormone levels and how our bodies deal with them cause the pcos related problems. There are a lot of women on Met (myself included) to help with the symptoms of pcos. Met is also rx'd when ttc, so you would be alright with it when you're ready. Take a look around this site and I know you will find a lot of information that will be helpful!
__________________ Starlite
Me-28, DH-29 DD 1, born Sept 17th, 2007 DD 2, born June 9th, 2009
Can't wait to start WW again and loose the other 15lbs I gained with the last pregnancy and the 30lbs I still needed to lose with the first one.
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Why don't you post a question in the "find a doctor" section here and see if any members know a good doctor in your area. Having the right doctor who is PCOS friendly is a big step to finding the right treatment.
I also recommend trying a low carb diet. There are several different types, Atkins, South Beach, IR Diet, Sugar Busters, etc. Low carbing helps out many if not most women with PCOS. I credit going on Atkins for being able to have my son.
Good luck finding what works for you. Be sure and check out the hair loss forum to see what other ladies are doing.
I agree with Starlite 100%. PCOS is not a problem of the reproductive system, although it affects our reproductive system. That's the part that OB/Gyn's know the most about, so it's natural for those who haven't been educated about all of PCOS to focus on that part of it. At it's root it is an endocrine problem and because of that an endocrinologist will understand the "whole picture" better than other specialists.
And read as much info as you can on PCOS to educate yourself. Kat has tons of links to studies, articles etc..., as well as recommendations of good books to read. Visit all the forums here that are relevant to the problems you are experiencing. I can guarantee you'll find someone who can relate totally to what you are going through, and may have some good advice to offer.
{{{HUGS}}}
Debbie
__________________
Debbie (40), Mike (43) DD- Mary Elizabeth 5 DS-William Landers 2 1/2
4 angel babies - 3 m/c's, 1 vanishing twin
I also agree with starlite. When i first noticed the symptoms of PCOS, i went to my ob/gyn and she just told me i needed to lose weight and everything would go back to normal, she also gave me some bcp. A few yrs later, my symptoms were just getting worse and i kept gaining weight. Until i changed doctors and my new ob/gyn referred me to an endocrinologist. My RE is so helpful, she knew exactly what i was going through and how to help me. She explained what PCOS is and the effects it has on my body, it was nice that someone actually understood.
by the way, WELCOME and take care..
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Welcome! I'm so sorry that you've had to go through all of this... unfortunately it sounds like you have one of the many doctors who are ignorant about pcos. The good news is that there are many doctors out there who do know what they're talking about (most of the time) and who really will be able to help. Finding the right doctor can make all the difference. Also make sure to learn as much as possible about pcos so you can be an informed participant in your care. Welcome again,
Amber
__________________ Unofficially TTC for 7 years.
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Ladies....you are all so supportive. What a great bunch of women who were all dealt a bum deal!
I'm so nervous & hesitant to go to ANOTHER doctor. I will, from your advice, however I am reluctant. I just want to be better. According to the BMI, I'm barely overweight....if I lost 5 lbs, I'd be in the "normal" range. So, part of me thinks that I don't have all the symptoms such as IR, weight issues, infertility....so, is anything really going to help me? I'm not as "bad off" as others....so should I just quit complaining?
I've always been so strong minded & independent. Boy, has this put me in my place! I've never felt so weak, helpless & scared. Each month is a different symptom lately. I was diagnosed with depression a few months ago & that was the final knife in the heart! Am I going crazy?
I'm also a newbie (but not new to pcos) and i can really relate to some of your problems, (especially the hairloss)!! I've got pcos, ir, alopecia (hairloss) and had depression for 2 years.
i agree with starlite and deblynnc that pcos is not a reproductive problem, it's your hormones and as such you really need to see an endo (my endo specializes in diabetes, thiroids and pcos). But, because pcos is not a disease but a collection of symptoms you will really need to see different doc - so your ob/gyn for the reproductive probl's of pcos, your endo for the hormonal imbalance and your normal doc for check-ups and monitoring your insulin levels, and for the hairloss a derm can help.
I'm with all 4 and i made sure that they are all knowledgeable on pcos - else you get dr's that tell you nothing is wrong simply because they don't want to admit that they don't know.
I'd also get a 2nd opinion on the hairloss - my GP and 1st derm told met it was androgenic alopecia (male pattern baldness) and incurable ; i was (needless to say v v upset) but the 2nd derm checked my iron levels in more detail and saw that my iron stores in my blood were almost depleted and THAT was the reason my hair was falling out (at an alarming rate!). So now i drink a supplement and the hairloss is minimal + new hairs are growing.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mommy Mae
I'm so nervous & hesitant to go to ANOTHER doctor. ...
I've never felt so weak, helpless & scared. Each month is a different symptom lately. I was diagnosed with depression a few months ago & that was the final knife in the heart! Am I going crazy? .
No - you are not going crazy! And i also feel that it would be GREAT if i could go to ONE doctor and have him/her treat me holistically for ALL my problems ... (martyr sigh)... but unfortunately i know that i need specialists to help me deal with each problem and that i am the one who should be holistic in my treatment.
sorry this is soo long - all i wanted to say was hang in there mommy mae!!!
sophie
__________________ Sophie
Age: 30
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~I try to take one day at a time, but sometimes several days attack me at once~
Sophie - It's reassuring to hear that someone else is sick of the doctor shuffle too. I'm going to my derm today. I'm anxious, in hopes that she will increase my spiro to a level that may help. I'm just afraid that since there is thinning hair in my family that the dr's don't just label it as hereditary & tell me there's no help.
Unfortunately, I'm in a fairly rural area & good doctors are limited. I'm not gonna give up....even though I want to just stop doctoring all together!
Welcome to SC! I would recommend a Reproductive Endocrinologist. That type of take is usually able to help with PCOS!!
Take a look around the board, there is a ton of great info here!!
Feeling helpless....no answers/solutions 
and take care..
; i was (needless to say v v upset) but the 2nd derm checked my iron levels in more detail and saw that my iron stores in my blood were almost depleted and THAT was the reason my hair was falling out (at an alarming rate!). So now i drink a supplement and the hairloss is minimal + new hairs are growing.
