Lab Results-Now What?

julielkv · 03-08-2007, 02:23 PM

I was diagnosed with PCOS in Spet. 2006. I have seen my endocrinologist once and she put me on Ortho-Tri-Cyclen and scheduled me for lab work to be done 3 mos. after being on BCP.

I got my results back today and everything was within normal limits except cholesterol was high and testosterone was high. The cholesterol was not high enough for her to feel it needed treatment. The nurse told me if I was doing fine on the BCP then the endo didn't feel she needed to see me again. I told the nurse I had breakthrough bleeding and the undesirable symptoms (acne, hair loss, and hair excess) were still a problem.

The nurse scheduled me for an appointment on 3/19/07. Should I have specific questions to ask or is there nothing else that she can do?

Thanks

ttara123 · 03-08-2007, 04:00 PM

You could ask about Metformin(for IR) or Spiro (for excess hair and hair loss). Some people are okay just on BCPs, but it sounds like you're not happy enough on them. There are still more things you can do.

acadiashores · 03-08-2007, 04:02 PM

well if your testosterone is high shouldn't your endo be questioning that? I mean that right there should be reason enough to want to see you again. Obviously your PCOS isn't being managed as well as it can be if you are still having problems. Hang in there, keep your chin up and keep advocating for yourself. If they won't listen keep looking until you find somebody who will.

As far as meds go. I complained to my ob/gyn that I was still suffering from facial hair and he suggested we try Spironolactone in combination with BCPs and Met.

JosieFB · 03-13-2007, 01:49 AM

You might want to do do some internet searches on PCOS and tri-phasic BCPs like Ortho Tri-Cyclen. Many doctors believe that tri-phasic BCPs aren't the best thing for women with PCOS to use. They don't keep your hormones level. I do think the Ortho BCPs are some of the best (after Yasmine and Yaz) as far as not raising testosterone.

If you are having acne and hair issues, Metformin and/or Spiro might be helpful.

Future Doc Cyster · 03-13-2007, 09:13 PM

Hey there!

Perhaps asking about other BCPs with anti-androgenic properties would be a good idea in order to relieve some of your symptoms. I too suffer from the classic symptoms of PCOS but have seen slight results after just one month of being on Yasmin and remain hopeful.
A friend and classmate (w/ PCOS) has been on Met and Spironolactone for a little over a year and has noticed a definite difference in the growth of excess hair and a reduction in acne. Personally, I plan to ask my doctor about Spiro because my friend has been so pleased with the results. The only problem is that it is a potassium-sparing diuretic, meaning it causes you to urinate more frequently but it causes the kidney to hold on to potassium. An excessive potassium intake can lead to kidney problems, but if you avoid potassium-rich foods these negative effects are unlikely.

Insulin-resistance is another important thing to discuss with your doctor, particularly if there is a history of type II Diabetes in your family. Furthermore, diet and exercise should also be addressed. Talking with a dietician might help with this as they might have great suggestions as of ways to lower your cholesterol or just help you maintain a healthy lifestyle in general. Oatmeal, for instance, has been known to lower cholesterol, and if your level isn't high enough to warrant medication, this more "natural" rememdy is something you might benefit from.

Nizoral, a perscription shampoo with 2% Ketoconozole, has helped reduce the amount of hair I lose each day and it has also made my hair less fine. This is something else you might want to inquire about especially if hair loss is a big concern.

Finally, I would just like to say that YOU ARE YOUR BEST ADVOCATE

, especially when it comes to your healthcare. The BEST way to arm yourself is to read as much as you can about what you have and how to treat it. One of the greatest things about this site is that you can read about what other women have tried in terms of meds, acne treatment, combatting hair loss, and good ways to remove unwanted hair. Maybe googling some of these things or going to the manufacturer's website could yield some interesting information and help you come up with more questions for your doctor. Be sure to ask your doctor about the side effects of any medication they recommend, and be sure you feel confident that the treatment option you and your doctor choose is right for you.

Sorry this is lengthy.

Hope it helps!

Future Doc Cyster · 03-13-2007, 09:14 PM

Hey there!

Perhaps asking about other BCPs with anti-androgenic properties would be a good idea in order to relieve some of your symptoms. I too suffer from the classic symptoms of PCOS but have seen slight results after just one month of being on Yasmin and remain hopeful.
A friend and classmate (w/ PCOS) has been on Met and Spironolactone for a little over a year and has noticed a definite difference in the growth of excess hair and a reduction in acne. Personally, I plan to ask my doctor about Spiro because my friend has been so pleased with the results. The only problem is that it is a potassium-sparing diuretic, meaning it causes you to urinate more frequently but it causes the kidney to hold on to potassium. An excessive potassium intake can lead to kidney problems, but if you avoid potassium-rich foods these negative effects are unlikely.

Insulin-resistance is another important thing to discuss with your doctor, particularly if there is a history of type II Diabetes in your family. Furthermore, diet and exercise should also be addressed. Talking with a dietician might help with this as they might have great suggestions as of ways to lower your cholesterol or just help you maintain a healthy lifestyle in general. Oatmeal, for instance, has been known to lower cholesterol, and if your level isn't high enough to warrant medication, this more "natural" rememdy is something you might benefit from.

Nizoral, a perscription shampoo with 2% Ketoconozole, has helped reduce the amount of hair I lose each day and it has also made my hair less fine. This is something else you might want to inquire about especially if hair loss is a big concern.

Finally, I would just like to say that YOU ARE YOUR BEST ADVOCATE

, especially when it comes to your healthcare. The BEST way to arm yourself is to read as much as you can about what you have and how to treat it. One of the greatest things about this site is that you can read about what other women have tried in terms of meds, acne treatment, combatting hair loss, and good ways to remove unwanted hair. Maybe googling some of these things or going to the manufacturer's website could yield some interesting information and help you come up with more questions for your doctor. Be sure to ask your doctor about the side effects of any medication they recommend, and be sure you feel confident that the treatment option you and your doctor choose is right for you.

Sorry this is lengthy.

Hope it helps!