If you thought someone had PCOS would you approach them?

altabes · 10-19-2006, 04:47 PM

I had a person contact me asking me how to approach someone they think has PCOS in a delicate way. I then began to think would I apporach someone I thought had PCOS to try to educate them and how would I do it? I certainly have run in to this situation with people I am freindly with and as you know you can not run up and say hey I noticed you have some problems have you ever been tested for PCOS.

I will usually start off with something like I read an interesting article about PCOS or boy I had a day with my PCOS Doctor the other day or I can't eat that, I am trying to get my PCOS under control

Would love your opinions on this topic!!!

Thanks,
Ashley

HOLLAND · 10-19-2006, 04:52 PM

I have wondered this myself. I have several friends that I think may have PCOS.

Jashobeam · 10-19-2006, 04:58 PM

The few times I've brought this up the people didn't listen at all. I think until PCOS is more widely accepted as a real medical problem, many people aren't going to listen no matter what we say. If you really think they will listen, then be straight with them about what it is, symptoms, long term problems that can arise from untreated symptoms, etc. I think several of my cousins have PCOS, but have not been dxed.

Azlee · 10-19-2006, 04:59 PM

well what is the purpose of telling them? is it because they are trying to conceive and having problems or losing weight and having problems? or just to let them know? if they arent having any problems why would you even need to bring it up. its not like a life threatening disease. if on the other hand they are having hair problems, or ttc problems or weight problems and wondering why then yeah i would bring it up the way you suggested.

Jashobeam · 10-19-2006, 05:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Azlee

well what is the purpose of telling them? is it because they are trying to conceive and having problems or losing weight and having problems? or just to let them know? if they arent having any problems why would you even need to bring it up. its not like a life threatening disease. if on the other hand they are having hair problems, or ttc problems or weight problems and wondering why then yeah i would bring it up the way you suggested.

PCOS can lead to a host of deadly diseases.

*Shellie_Star* · 10-19-2006, 05:06 PM

I probably would be pretty horrified if someone noticed all the symptoms that I try to disguise and therefore would not really want someone to approach me about them unless I knew them VERY well. I would appreciate someone trying to help me but I would be a gutted people noticed, even if they suffer themselves.

Therefore, unless someone was a very close family member or friend, I probably would not approach them. If there was a situation over dinner or something where I had the chance to say I can't eat that because of "bla bla" and they asked further, that would be slightly different.

Azlee · 10-19-2006, 05:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jashobeam

PCOS can lead to a host of deadly diseases.

like what? my drs didnt seem to think it was a big deal. also im almost positive my mom has it and was never dx., i know i read that it could lead to ovarian cancer but thats it right?

Jashobeam · 10-19-2006, 05:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Azlee

like what? my drs didnt seem to think it was a big deal. also im almost positive my mom has it and was never dx., i know i read that it could lead to ovarian cancer but thats it right?

Yes, cancer and also diabetes, obesity, eating dissorders, depression, insulin resistnance, heart disease, liver problems, high bp, high choesterol, etc. You name it, we are more likely to get it if we have PCOS. You can check the artilces board for more info on studies. My GP acted as if PCOS was the common cold. My GYN takes it very seriously and keeps track of my symptoms, meds, etc.

*Shellie_Star* · 10-19-2006, 05:32 PM

My biggest fear is developing Diabetes quite young, I am already IR from PCOS and my friend who was only 43 died recently from organ failure stemming from longterm diabetes

Jashobeam · 10-19-2006, 05:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by *Shellie_Star*

My biggest fear is developing Diabetes quite young, I am already IR from PCOS and my friend who was only 43 died recently from organ failure stemming from longterm diabetes

My cousin is about 36 and blind from diabetes. I believe he and his brother have male PCOS (baldness, insulin problems, etc.). Their father (type 2 diabetic), mother (type 2), grandmother (type 2), 3 aunts (2 of them type 2, 1 border line diabetic), 3 great aunts (2 of them type 2, 1 prediabetic), etc. all had insulin problems. In our family it strikes the men and women. I am IR and am on Met to avoid a host of problems that scare me.

thisfreakingsucks · 10-19-2006, 06:29 PM

i just tellem they should get checked lol

altabes · 10-19-2006, 07:30 PM

Re: PCOS is not that serious!

While PCOS itself can be managed, it is a very serious condition which can be debilitating.

PCOS is frequently associated with decreased sensitivity to insulin (i.e., insulin resistance), which in turn may lead to an increased risk of adult on-set diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease. PCOS can also be associated with uterine and endometrial cancer. If left untreated, PCOS can lead to serious medical complications which can only be repaired by hysterectomy of the ovaries and uterus. PCOS affects the glucose levels of the body causing Insulin Resistance, a serious pre-diabetic condition. PCOS increases a woman’s risk of heart attack and stroke sven thimes greater than the average woman, because it increases cholesterol and blood pressure. PCOS is the leading cause of infertility in women. If causes Endometriosis, cysts, and early Ovarian failure.

That is not to mention other complications such as depression and in some cases bi-polar disorder!!!

Anytime something interrupts your hormonal balance, it is not a good thing and if not kept in check, can wreak havoc!

catsnack · 10-19-2006, 09:18 PM

I think it would have to be someone you knew well enough to approach it. And you wouldn't want to point out their flaws to them, maybe bring it up if they're talking about how they don't feel good or something. I had a friend write a blog on how she was having all these problems, and I recommended this site to her. Even if it's not PCOS, there would be info on the similiar syndromes etc that could help her get some answers.

SarahJ · 10-19-2006, 09:33 PM

This may sound bad, but I don't think I would...Just thinking of myself here, if anyone noticed my most embarrassing symptoms I think I would fall through the floor. Looking back to pre-dx, I might have become very defensive if someone started pontificating about some disease I had no context for.

I think that part of the journey to better health for me was the self-discovery aspect of it. The idea that I was learning each step in my own recovery.

I think there's a lot we can do, each as advocates for this syndrome, but I think you may be treading on delicate ground by pointing out people's most vulnerable physical attributes. I'm always thrilled when studies, stories, etc make it into the mainstream press. Even when they address the more obscure aspects of this syndrome.

I may be totally wrong and just projecting my own past insecurities, though. Lots of people might feel differently.

ajhyer · 10-19-2006, 10:03 PM

WOW! This is a tough one. If I was close to the person, I might say something only if they approached me first. You never know how a person would react. Say a friend comes up and tells me all of her symptoms and says what could this be, yes by all means tell them. If you notice that your friend/coworker/neighbor has a 5 o'clock shadow pretend you don't see it. They already may know and don't want the world to know they have it. That of course is just my 2 cents that isn't worth anything!