The more I read this board, the more I realize that my PCO has affected my life much more than having to undergo fertility treaments to conceive.
Ever since I was young I have had bad mood swings. I would go periods of time when I was absolutely fine and all of a sudden I couldn't handle anything. I used to chalk it up to PMS when I was younger, then delayed postpartum mood disorder when my son was around six months old. I went on Zoloft and felt great. During my moodswings, however, I've ruined a couple of relationships with some dear friends. Fortunately, my husband has always put up with me and just let's things roll off when I'm in a mood.
My dd is now eight months old and two weeks ago I suffered the worst moodswing - really depressed, anxious, lasted about four days. I was going to start zoloft again, but this time I want to treat the cause, not simply mask the problem. I just called a doc that specializes in PCO and I'm hoping to finally get my hormones balanced and end the moodswings. Have any of you ladies had problems with your relationships because of PCO?
Thanks for listening, Kim
Early on, DH and I did. He was (still is?) a very sensitive person, and even if I asked him to help me pick up the living room, what he usually heard in his head was something to the effect of "you're a lazy slob, why don't you do something to clean this up?!" So we had our moments, until he realized that I wasn't mistreating him like so many people had before, and that I really did think he was a nice, sweet, helpful, smart guy. So, for a while, we really fed off each other. Once he decided I was being mean to him (even when I wasn't) he would push all my buttons and I would either start throwing things around, or lock myself in the bathroom with sharp objects, because I just couldn't get him to listen to me. Our last big blowup was last year, while he was planning my birthday party. He decided to wait until the very last minute to invite people, so only family showed up - which really upset me, because I wanted, and needed friends over more than anything. I had a hard time getting him to understand that, he kicked me out of the house that evening, and then called the cops on me cos I was wandering the neighborhood so late, and he was scared of what I would do to myself. Needless to say, I got to visit the mental ward for the night. Fun. Things have gotten much better since then, though. I've been trying to tell him for years that when I get in one of those "moods", I warn him, and he needs to understand to give me space. He has come to understand that I'm not pushing him away like he always thought I was, that I don't love him any less, and it's actually become easier to talk about problems, rather than having a huge blow-up. It's taken seven years to get this far, but we made it, thank goodness. It was just made a bit more, um, interesting? by his issues, too.
Hi, kimbermommy, are you taking any medications at all? Starting from the top down would be a good idea. DD noticed a big difference once she started Gluc XR, but she still goes in tangents sometimes. Usually, when she overcarbs. So, getting your hormones would be a really good place to start. But, don't stop there. There could be other causes as well. Nutritional imbalances, hypothyroidism etc. Depression is caused by a chemical imbalance. Sound familiar. Another side effect of PCOS. So, please don't discount the use of anti-depressants if the time comes when you feel you need them. Depression is an awful thing to live with. It can even be perpetuated by diseases like PCOS. You feel lousy, life is throwing you a lot of strike outs, you tense up, you misunderstand something, makes you feel lousy and it begins again. Hang in there. It sounds as though you have half the battle won. You want to find out what is happening to your body. Good luck. Keep us posted on what you find out. Hugs, Lendi
__________________ It's ok to cry if you're sad. Tears are God's little safety valve.
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Lendi,
Thanks for your reply. I found a clinic that specialized in pcos and I spoke to the coordinator friday. I'm so excited to finally be on the road to treating this, not just masking the symptoms.
kim
That's great, Kim!! I hope you have a terrific appt. and they can get down to the root of the problem. Let us know how it goes. Any good tips would be appreciated I didn't realize there were clinics that specialized in PCOS.
__________________ It's ok to cry if you're sad. Tears are God's little safety valve.
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Lendi,
Yes, I'm very fortunate to have found a clinic that specializes in pcos, and it's only 30 minutes from me! I live near Philadelphia. I called today to set up an appointment and I'm waiting to hear back from them. I talked to the clinic's coordinator (who has pco herself) and this doctor sound wonderful. She does a very, very thorough initial exam and bloodwork. I'll let you know how I make out.
Kim
has moodiness affected your life/relationships? 
I didn't realize there were clinics that specialized in PCOS.
