high testosterone in thin cysters?

Miss Susy Q · 09-17-2008, 05:37 PM

Hi everyone,

I was just wondering if any other thin cysters had high testosterone? It seems as though everything I read talks about testosterone levels being associated with weight, and I'm definitely not able to lose any weight, since I'm 5'5 and around 120-123 pds.

Basically, when I first got tested my total testosterone was 111. Then, after two months on just metformin it went down to 97. Then I went on spiro and birth control for a while, but ultimately decided I wanted to try a more natural approach. So, now I've been off of the spiro and bcp for 6 months and my total testosterone at my last doctors appointment was 89. I've also been trying to eat a semi-healthy diet (being a college student makes it hard though!)

So basically I just want to know if any other thin cysters are struggling with controlling their testosterone levels. Sometimes I just feel so weird for having this problem and being so thin. Even though, I wasn't quite this thin before I started to take 1500 mg of metformin. I was about 10 pounds heavier. Can anyone relate at all? I really just don't want to feel so alone with this!

nylittlejen · 09-17-2008, 05:57 PM

My testosterone levels are also elevated and I was put on Metformin. Since we aren't TTC and the side effects were unbearable, my doctor took me off the Met. I'm very thin, 5'1'', 100 pounds. I went off my BCP once and gained ten pounds within a few weeks. For now, I'll stick with my BCP.

jaspurr · 09-17-2008, 06:04 PM

Miss Susy--my test. was 79. i am TTC and just started met 1500mg, so am hoping this helps. i am 5'7'' and 105lbs. i am consistently this weight, with or without BCPs. i have also recently started a low carb, low sugar diet. so hopefully i won't lose any more weight and hopefully my testosterone will lower.

all of these lab results still confuse me.
good luck on your battle against testosterone!!

jenno · 09-17-2008, 08:07 PM

Hi,
I'm 5'6 and about 128 pounds and I also have high testosterone levels. My testosterone was orginally at 102 and then after 4 months of taking 1500 mg of met it dropped to 68...and after 2 more months it dropped to 53. My doc upped my met to 2000 mg in hopes to bring it down even more. Met can help! Good luck!

kimm · 09-18-2008, 12:01 AM

wow. this is great news that met is helping some of you lower your Testosterone levels!

I keep reading mixed reviews on whether or not it helps normal weight pcosers. I couldn't even get my endo to commit to it having that effect and he's the one who gave me the script!

Do you all test negative for IR too? I test normal but have had enough weight issues in my past to know that if I"m not careful it could be an issue later.

I have a bottle of Fortamet sitting on my counter that I'm about to start but have been terrified. (I'm battling hair loss and keep hearing about it as a side effect in some women)

I'm hoping to start this after my next period. (hopefully the week after next if my body cooperates)

Thanks for the hope!

jenno · 09-18-2008, 01:06 AM

I'm not IR. Some docs won't give met to those who are not IR but mine was all about it. Based on his experience it has helped to lower testosterone. Give it a try...it can't hurt anything.

Bakehappy · 09-20-2008, 01:57 AM

Hi Miss Susy Q,
I am new to this forum but wanted to reply to your post. I am 5'2" and 113 llbs. I had very high testosterone (though I can't remember the number now) until I started taking the spironolactone. Now it is normal, and I am about to try Metformin as well. Who knows? I do know what you mean about being thin and having this problem. It seems like physicians don't really think it is important, and my friends don't understand when I am fatigued beyond belief and struggling in so many ways. Also, my typical weight is 105. Ever since I hit 30 (this year) I have no control over my metabolism any more...anyway, don't give up!

GovtProf · 09-20-2008, 11:35 AM

Hello. I am 5'3" and 103 pounds. My testosterone level is 110. I am not taking any medication because I have chosen to treat this with diet and exercise since I am young (24) and have no interest in having a child at this time. I am also IR since my blood sugar goes crazy unless I am on a high protein-low carb diet. High testosterone levels are very common!

plastic stars · 09-20-2008, 11:57 AM

I'm 5'4 and about 120lbs. I was diagnosed with high testosterone. I don't know my levels though. But, I have been on spiro & bcp for three years and my levels are now in the normal for women range.

Tweety26 · 09-23-2008, 12:16 PM

Hello,

I am 5'6" and currently 138lbs. I normally range anywhere between 130 and 138lbs which has been consistent for the last 7years. Prior to that I was around 120lbs. I just recieved my testosterone levels back and they were high as well. 114 to be exact. My doctor immediately placed me on Metformin. Initially, he was convinced that I wasn't IR until my blood work came back. Just on it for a few days and the GI side effects are already terrible.

Reading other posts, I have faith this will lower my testosterone. I am also on Femara, drinking spearmint tea, trying to follow a low carb diet and doing accupuncture.

krismarie · 09-24-2008, 12:41 AM

Hi Everyone,

I am a new member here, just learned today that I also have PCOS.
First after reading about many of the troubles other PCOS women have, I have to say that I am thankful that my own symptoms are minimal. My heart goes out to those who are struggling with the whole gamut of issues! Stay strong!

I'm a 5'5" 120 lb. 23 year old.

I began my first menses at age 12. My cycles have always been irregular. I was on the BC pill and Nuvaring from age 17 up until this spring which regulated me. I felt like I was becoming more emotional than usual and thought it was due to the BC so I quit. Anyhow, my last cycle was in June, so when I went to the ob-gyn for my annual they suggested I get some blood work & ultrasound.

Today after proof of High testosterone levels (Total at 92, Free at 14), ultrasound that shows the polycystic ovaries, and my history of irregular (mostly nonexistent) cycles, I learned about PCOS. So yes I too am thin for my body type and have high testosterone.

Looks like I will be going back on BC. I eat very healthy and am active most days. I don't know if there are other things I should also be doing.

I am upset to hear about the difficulty regarding pregnancy, or complications thereof.

I have noticed a lack of libido, mood swings, & sweating more than usual, since being off the BC. Does anyone know if those three things are in any way a symptom/side effect of PCOS?

Overall I'm just trying to stay positive, and hope I can spread that vibe to you all too.

Namaste

Miss Susy Q · 09-24-2008, 10:17 PM

I just wanted to thank you all for your posts. It definitely helped me to feel less alone with my struggle with thin pcos.

jlecool · 09-29-2008, 12:19 AM

Hi everyone!
I too have recently been diagnosed with PCOS but have known for years that something was not right. I was on bcp for years but when we decided to ttc, we went to my ob/gyn right away and got started on the path to dx. I went off bcp in Jan 08 finally dx in June when blood work came back with high testosterone (101) and IR, but all other blood work came back within normal limits.

We are just finishing our third cycle of clomid + metformin (I came back down to 1000mg per day due to GI side effects, ick!) but have had no luck so far in even ovulating. We did clomid 50 w/o met, clomid 100 w/met, and then back to clomid 50 w/met. Going in tomorrow for US on day 19 (nothing exciting on day 12, so going back a week later).

I guess I'm just another thin pcos ttc looking for answers - 5'5" 124lbs (range anywhere from 122 - 132)

Question: Does anyone else find that they can put 10-15 lbs on without changing anything or any habbits, keep it on for 6 months-1 year, and then "magically" it comes back off again? This has been happening every few years for the past 10 for me and wondering if anyone else has that out there.

melee18 · 10-01-2008, 12:01 AM

jlecool - yes the random weight gain/weight loss has been an issue the past few years for me too. I'm currently at 150lbs, 5'7. This time last year I was 130lbs. Still exercising about the same, still eating about the same. Managed too loose 5 lbs a few months ago. Then it shot up to 150 and has been hanging there ever since. And when you're thin, 20 lbs is a lot of extra weight especially if it's mostly around your middle.

I got really pissed at myself the other day when I was doing yoga. Seems as though the new rolls on my belly make some of the forward bends a little more challenging now!! But we keep on trying! I'm finding I really need to make sure I'm really pushing myself during my workouts. Really busting a sweat for 30 minutes seems to do more than just 30 minutes of plugging along at an elevated pace. Also sticking with an IR/Low Carb diet helps too.

To get back to the original topic of this post - my testosterone came back at 42 on a scale of 2 - 45 as a normal range (I forget the units). I'm hoping me getting back on the pill will lower this level and bit and help with acne and weight loss.

rana9801 · 10-05-2008, 08:31 PM

Hi everyone...well, me too. I also have high testosterone levels.I'm scheduled for a glucose test tomorrow to see if I'm IR. So we'll see...You're definitely not alone!