Finally Diagnosed!

EmilyT · 05-25-2009, 05:39 PM

Hi all,
I just found this forum and, oddly, I'm thrilled to say I've finally been diagnosed with something! I've been struggling with infertility for 2 years, have been growing facial hair (and my pubes have been migrating way outside the boundaries for some time now). I quit smoking when I was 20 years old and gained a ton of weight immediately. I used to be 5'6" and 125-130lbs (effortlessly and ate whatever, whenever). I had a few stray chin hairs at the time, but nothing remarkable. I think the weight gain kicked my PCOS into high gear - I'm now 31 and about 170lbs. I started going to the gym a few months ago. I did 3 times a week for 3 months with no weight loss whatsoever! So, of course I quit.
I saw a gyno about a year ago, and she did a testosterone level, which was normal and an intravaginal ultrasound which showed $a few cysts, but also nothing too remarkable. Nothing more was really done except order a dye contrast ultrasound to check my tubes. I have put it off for ages because it's not supposed to be a very pleasant procedure and chose to see a new gyno. I gave her my lab work and my history, she took one look at me physically (back zits, facial acne, and the inner tube of fat around my belly) and said "you have PCOS."
I still get pretty regular periods - they vary by a few days and very occasionally by a week or two. I ovulate really late in my cycle, so my luteal phase is too short to allow for implantation (if I even squeeze an egg out.) I'm about to go on clomid - any advise or stories, ladies?
Also, any luck with losing the facial hair/mad pubes when on BC or being pregnant. I really want that gone and losing weight, having energy and easing depression would be great too! Are there any treatments that seem to help? I used to be cute, but now I feel like a dude! (Also, any treatments that help with sex drive? Trying to get preg when you aren't too interested in the act doesn't help much.) I guess what I'm asking is: what is the best way to be who I used to be? Any advice and stories would be greatly appreciated! Anyone else out there with all the PCOS symptoms and fairly regular periods?

charisse** · 06-22-2009, 07:42 PM

Welcome Emily, I do have fairly regular AF, usually about 30-32 days. I didnt think anything of my symptoms either being I have a 7 Yo DS. I kept telling my GP that we have not been exactly trying but not preventing for a year and I have not got an BFP. I had miscarried in 12/05 and that was it. (Didnt know I was even prego) So I then started getting the awsome hair where it was not supposed to be and gaining weight like crazy and couldnt seem to lose any either. It happened to be while at my Dermo. I asked if my acne meds would cause weight gain and she said , ( I will never forget these words) Oh, honey no one has ever told you what you have.... I dont have to even test you, you clearly have PCOS. I just cried. It was more that all these years I kept being told you are just overweight, and to know it is for a reason and now someone will listen to me. Sure enough I have been on Met for 4 months and lost 32lbs, I still have to stay on BCP for another month or so being I finished Accutane a month ago, but we will see what no BCP's bring in a couple months.

I know the relief of OMG... I am not crazy there is something wrong, feels...LOL I am so happy for you and I hope you find a good doc to listen to you and help. Good Luck with everything !!

punkylovesjohn · 07-21-2009, 04:00 PM

I know it seems strange to be excited about being dx with PCOS, but it's nice to know that you're not just going crazy and gives you kind of a light at the end of the tunnel to know that there is at least something you can do about it.