Headed to the Dr. in August

Hannah'sPrayer · 06-16-2009, 01:03 PM

I've really appreciated the forum over the last few weeks. I'm self dx-ing right now. I never realized that there might be a real cause to my weirdo facial hair, enormous cysts, stubborn tummy, and "I really don't feel like giving you a period anytime soon" uterus. Blech. But, I have an appointment with a gyno who is supposed to be good.

Also, some happy news. Since reading a bit about the IR diet, I cut out my favorite sugary things and lost 7 pounds! Which for me is HUGE. My husband and I have been TTC for a year. I've never been on BCP, and we haven't used anything to prevent pregnancy.

So, I have a good record of my periods for the last 2 years (only 8-9 a year), a strong suspicion that I've had two chem pregnancies, and a little distrust of my thyroid. What questions should I ask, and what tests can I expect? Is there anything they don't normally look at that I should ask for?
Thanks for any input!

KatCarney · 06-16-2009, 01:19 PM

Congratulations on being so proactive about tracking your cycles and reading up prior to your appointment.

Here are various articles and commentary on getting a pcos diagnosis. There's a LOT here, but my advice? Load up your printer with paper, and print out all of it. As you'll see, there's quite a division among doctors as to how to diagnose pcos. The more you know the more empowered you'll feel:

Guide to understanding Lab Results for PCOS...what if they're "normal'?

PCOS: Get a Diagnosis

PCOS: : the controversy of diagnosis by ultrasound

Current PCOS diagnostic strategies are too vague to ascertain that women have PCOS

The Importance of Diagnosing the Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Ultrasound alone does not diagnose PCOS - Patient Oriented Evidence that Matters

Visualize at least 30 follicles: ultrasound criteria for PCOS said to be too loose

Diagnosing PCOS in women who menstruate regularly

PCOS and normal menses: another point of view

Myth - There Is A Test For Poly-cystic Ovary Syndrome

Diagnosis of hirsutism and PCOS alarmingly subjective

Signs of PCOS but doctor won't diagnose?

Understanding Tests and Hormone Levels for PCOS

Insulin sensitivity is not mandatory in PCOS

Physicians now have a specific test for PCOS

PCOS: Marked Differences Between Endos and OBGYN'S in Diagnosis and Management

Article: It's difficult to predict which PCOS cases will follow the classic patterns

PCOS doctor favors a cholesterol test as screening tool for PCOS

Total testosterone may not sensitive marker for detection of androgen excess in PCOS

Small study reveals physicians often miss PCOS

ACOG releases guidelines on diagnosis and management of polycystic ovary syndrome

PCOS, acne link: presence of polycystic ovaries not required for diagnosis

ACOG releases guidelines on diagnosis and management of polycystic ovary syndrome

Don't Be Too Quick to Diagnose Teens With PCOS

crafty_mama · 06-16-2009, 03:15 PM

Congratulations on the weight loss! I just got the confirmation yesterday that I do have PCOS. I have started eating healthier and exercising. I ususally just eat what I want and have a very sedentary lifestyle. So this is a bi step for me. When I went to the dr. last week, I told her about the acne(as if she couldn't see it) and the missed periods. I didn't even mention the excess hair(I like to pretend that it doesn't exist). She said that it sounded like PCOS and she sent me for some bloodwork to be done. When they called yesterday they told me that my thyroid levels were fine but that the other levels were consistent with PCOS. Good luck with your visit!

Hannah'sPrayer · 06-22-2009, 05:36 PM

Thanks for the help! I am plowing through articles a bit at a time. I read through the "Metformin Success Stories" and got some encouragement. I also figured out that Met is on Walmart's list of cheap $4 prescriptions.