Hidradenitis suppurativa (boil/cyst in armpit or groin)

PBLayzod · 10-18-2006, 11:42 PM

This is a strange PCOS symptom I have. It's not mentioned in most books, so I thought I would bring it up here. Dr. Thatcher in PCOS: The Hidden Epidemic describes it in this way:

Hidradenitis suppurativa is severe chronic inflammation of the aporine glands of the armipt (axilla) and groin region. Mild cases of hidradenitis are relatively common and appear much like several small "boils" that are reddened, hardened and contain pus. They may appear much like an infected hair follicle, which in reality is close to the truth. Applications of warm wet compresses can offer some relief. Because this disorder is hormone-related, oral contraceptives and anti-androgens may be used with some success. The severe infections, which sometimes occur, are very difficult to treat and surgical excision may be necessary.

I've haven't gotten any since I started taking Metformin (knock on wood). I just thought I would share the information.

-Lucy- · 10-20-2006, 08:22 PM

ooooh! This could be what I'm getting!
I get these painfull little lumps in my armpits, kind of like when you get a spot deep under the skin. Sometimes they can be further down my armpit almost in my breast. They get really uncomfortable and hurt when you squeeze or poke them. They last for a few days then go away on their own.. I've never bothered seeing a doctor about them though. They'd be gone before I got an appointment.
Never had them in the groin though..

butterflydreams · 10-20-2006, 08:36 PM

Yep they are quite painful.

DollFin511 · 10-20-2006, 11:33 PM

I guess that would explain why I've stopped getting them since I've started taking hormone balancing products!

-Lucy- · 10-21-2006, 06:10 PM

After reading some more stuff on this online.. I definatly have a very mild case.. going by some of those icky pictures!

Gezza · 10-22-2006, 06:05 AM

I have had those. Never thought it could be related to pcos or even a hormone problem. I went on antibiotics for them recently and have not had any since. They seemed to take along time to clear up.
Hopefully now that i am on met i might not get them again - there has to be some benefits for met

OpalNera · 10-22-2006, 10:35 AM

My mum and I have been getting them for years (as well as the rest of the women in her family). Mum's had several surgically removed. They are really awful. She has not had a single one since she had a hysterectomy. If that's not a sure sign that its hormone related I don't know what is.

Eva37 · 10-22-2006, 08:57 PM

hi

ive got this, too. Had lots removed surgically, too.

eva

HOLLAND · 10-22-2006, 09:26 PM

I get them DOWN THERE. Man do they hurt!!!

NicMarc1213 · 10-22-2006, 09:28 PM

I get them the week before AF is coming. I know she's on her way when one appears. They are so painful!

Funkelnauge · 10-25-2006, 08:43 AM

thanks so much for posting this

i never knew it was related to hormones! i definitely have a mild case and will have to bring it up the next time i visit my doc.
i posted this in another thread about this topic, but i'll put it here as well, Monistat Soothing Care Chafing Relief Powder-Gel has helped prevent/reduce irritation for me

bec415 · 10-25-2006, 12:16 PM

I have a couple of them on my inner thighs. I had no idea that was also pcos related.

Karol · 10-25-2006, 06:04 PM

WOW! I had no idea those awful painful things were related to PCOS! I had several of them in the first 6 months after stopping BCP, but then when I started seeing an RE I stopped getting them, but I didn't put 2 and 2 together until just now.

I was also getting styes on my eyes regularly... I wonder if they are related to the underarm/groin cyts?

raeannan · 10-25-2006, 06:39 PM

O my gosh... I have HS also. There are actually alot of websites to read on them. I was diagnosed with HS about 6 years ago. My doctor (Infectious Disease) says its one of the worst cases he had ever seen. I have had gastric bypass (Overweight doesnt cause it but it does make it worse) and had NUMERIOUS operations. (Actually this week I am waiting to find out when my next surgery to remove them all under my armpits is. If anyone has any questions on this or is in the houston area I can give you a great doctor. You guys no guys get it too and sometimes worse. Sorry I can go on and on on this subject. Glad im not all alone!!

Here are so good websites on it:
http://www.hs-foundation.org/
http://www.hidradenitis-suppurativa.org/
http://hs-usa.org/

10-18-2006, 11:42 PM	#1 (permalink)
PBLayzod Librariless librarian Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Alabama Posts: 3,329 My Mood: Points: 70,781.23 Bank: 0.00 Total Points: 70,781.23 Donate	Hidradenitis suppurativa (boil/cyst in armpit or groin) This is a strange PCOS symptom I have. It's not mentioned in most books, so I thought I would bring it up here. Dr. Thatcher in PCOS: The Hidden Epidemic describes it in this way: Hidradenitis suppurativa is severe chronic inflammation of the aporine glands of the armipt (axilla) and groin region. Mild cases of hidradenitis are relatively common and appear much like several small "boils" that are reddened, hardened and contain pus. They may appear much like an infected hair follicle, which in reality is close to the truth. Applications of warm wet compresses can offer some relief. Because this disorder is hormone-related, oral contraceptives and anti-androgens may be used with some success. The severe infections, which sometimes occur, are very difficult to treat and surgical excision may be necessary. I've haven't gotten any since I started taking Metformin (knock on wood). I just thought I would share the information. __________________ Pam (32) Rob (35) Otis the Doberman (2) TTC #1 since 01/03 2003- Clomid - HSG - SA 2004- Lap - Gonal-f 2005- Break 2006- Met - BFP 10/06 Kate arrived July 16, 2007 To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

10-20-2006, 08:22 PM	#2 (permalink)
-Lucy- Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Portsmouth, uk Posts: 20 My Mood: Points: 1,288.98 Bank: 0.00 Total Points: 1,288.98 Donate	ooooh! This could be what I'm getting! I get these painfull little lumps in my armpits, kind of like when you get a spot deep under the skin. Sometimes they can be further down my armpit almost in my breast. They get really uncomfortable and hurt when you squeeze or poke them. They last for a few days then go away on their own.. I've never bothered seeing a doctor about them though. They'd be gone before I got an appointment. Never had them in the groin though.. __________________ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. - Last Night I Was Lying In Bed, Looking Up At - - The Stars In The Sky... And I Thought To - - Myself, Where The Heck Is The Ceiling!? - To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

10-20-2006, 08:36 PM	#3 (permalink)
butterflydreams Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 232 My Mood: Points: 3,170.51 Bank: 12,854.50 Total Points: 16,025.01 Donate	Yep they are quite painful. __________________ Shauna Married to my Wonderful DH Mommy X 1 to a Beautiful daughter TTC # 2!! To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

10-20-2006, 11:33 PM	#4 (permalink)
DollFin511 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: South Elgin, IL Posts: 510 My Mood: Points: 6,940.98 Bank: 3.07 Total Points: 6,944.05 Donate	I guess that would explain why I've stopped getting them since I've started taking hormone balancing products! __________________ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. For YOU! To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. - feel good, use NSP!

10-21-2006, 06:10 PM	#5 (permalink)
-Lucy- Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Portsmouth, uk Posts: 20 My Mood: Points: 1,288.98 Bank: 0.00 Total Points: 1,288.98 Donate	After reading some more stuff on this online.. I definatly have a very mild case.. going by some of those icky pictures! __________________ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. - Last Night I Was Lying In Bed, Looking Up At - - The Stars In The Sky... And I Thought To - - Myself, Where The Heck Is The Ceiling!? - To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

10-22-2006, 06:05 AM	#6 (permalink)
Gezza Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Perth, Western Australia Posts: 184 My Mood: Points: 2,268.90 Bank: 4,612.85 Total Points: 6,881.75 Donate	I have had those. Never thought it could be related to pcos or even a hormone problem. I went on antibiotics for them recently and have not had any since. They seemed to take along time to clear up. Hopefully now that i am on met i might not get them again - there has to be some benefits for met __________________ Me - Geraldine (45) DH (53) DD 20, DS 18, DS 15, DS10, DD 8 BMI - 36.2 To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. DX - PCOS Aug 06 DX - Hashimoto's Thyroiditis Nov 06 Meds: Met 250mg x 2 (for 3 wks) now 500mg x 2 (PCOS) Amour 120mg daily (Hashi) Progesterone trouche 50mg (PCOS) Hysone 8mg daily (Adrenals) Lexapro 20mg (All of the above) Frequensea

10-22-2006, 10:35 AM	#7 (permalink)
OpalNera Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 85 Points: 3,825.61 Bank: 0.00 Total Points: 3,825.61 Donate	My mum and I have been getting them for years (as well as the rest of the women in her family). Mum's had several surgically removed. They are really awful. She has not had a single one since she had a hysterectomy. If that's not a sure sign that its hormone related I don't know what is.

10-22-2006, 08:57 PM	#8 (permalink)
Eva37 UK Mod Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: South Wales Posts: 12,576 My Mood: Points: 21,636.63 Bank: 1,061,938.23 Total Points: 1,083,574.87 Donate	hi ive got this, too. Had lots removed surgically, too. eva __________________ PCOS, LOCAH, Lichen Planus, IBS, HS,alopecia - raised bp/ cholesteral. Wheat and dairy intollerance Meds: Spiro, Bendrofluazide, Amlodopine, Simvastatin, Met, Prednisolone, Mirena iud, Colpermin multi vits, Me - 41, hubby 36 son 11. Married 14 years She is buffeted by the wind, but she does not sink. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

10-22-2006, 09:26 PM	#9 (permalink)
HOLLAND Hoping for a baby Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Virginia Posts: 3,577 My Mood: Points: 96.65 Bank: 4,412,046.92 Total Points: 4,412,143.57 Donate	I get them DOWN THERE. Man do they hurt!!! __________________ *Me 29 / DH 27* *Married to my Dutch Boy since 12/23/2000* *Cancer Survivor - Leukemia* To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. TTC Since 5/2004 2 IUI'S A BUST To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

10-22-2006, 09:28 PM	#10 (permalink)
NicMarc1213 Caden's Mommy! Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: New Jersey Posts: 3,649 My Mood: Points: 8,503.81 Bank: 1,816,433.34 Total Points: 1,824,937.15 Donate	I get them the week before AF is coming. I know she's on her way when one appears. They are so painful! __________________ Nicole (30) & Marc (27) TTC #2 February 2008 - currently taking 1500mg Metformin, 150mg soy cd 5-9, and prenatals To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. 3 angels in heaven To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. - miscarriage 2-6-06, ectopic and left tube removed 11-29-06, and a vanishing twin 5-14-07 IVF#1 - BFP 4/24 - Caden Joseph born 12/27/07 To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. - A Friendly, Open Board for ALL Cysters.

10-25-2006, 08:43 AM	#11 (permalink)
Funkelnauge Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: NY Posts: 18 Points: 931.22 Bank: 0.00 Total Points: 931.22 Donate	thanks so much for posting this i never knew it was related to hormones! i definitely have a mild case and will have to bring it up the next time i visit my doc. i posted this in another thread about this topic, but i'll put it here as well, Monistat Soothing Care Chafing Relief Powder-Gel has helped prevent/reduce irritation for me __________________ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

10-25-2006, 12:16 PM	#12 (permalink)
bec415 Married to my best friend Join Date: May 2005 Location: VA Posts: 1,104 My Mood: Points: 78,201.94 Bank: 0.00 Total Points: 78,201.94 Donate	I have a couple of them on my inner thighs. I had no idea that was also pcos related.

10-25-2006, 06:04 PM	#13 (permalink)
Karol Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Arizona Posts: 194 Points: 8,663.39 Bank: 0.00 Total Points: 8,663.39 Donate	WOW! I had no idea those awful painful things were related to PCOS! I had several of them in the first 6 months after stopping BCP, but then when I started seeing an RE I stopped getting them, but I didn't put 2 and 2 together until just now. I was also getting styes on my eyes regularly... I wonder if they are related to the underarm/groin cyts?

10-25-2006, 06:39 PM	#14 (permalink)
raeannan ReRe Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Deer Park Texas Posts: 1,212 My Mood: Points: 11,099.60 Bank: 0.00 Total Points: 11,099.60 Donate	O my gosh... I have HS also. There are actually alot of websites to read on them. I was diagnosed with HS about 6 years ago. My doctor (Infectious Disease) says its one of the worst cases he had ever seen. I have had gastric bypass (Overweight doesnt cause it but it does make it worse) and had NUMERIOUS operations. (Actually this week I am waiting to find out when my next surgery to remove them all under my armpits is. If anyone has any questions on this or is in the houston area I can give you a great doctor. You guys no guys get it too and sometimes worse. Sorry I can go on and on on this subject. Glad im not all alone!! Here are so good websites on it: http://www.hs-foundation.org/ http://www.hidradenitis-suppurativa.org/ http://hs-usa.org/ __________________ IUI #4 Did it for us!! To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Logan Michael's Website To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.