Labwork Guidelines

christyz · 05-12-2003, 08:07 PM

Here are guidelines involving various tests for PCOS and it's symptoms. Please keep in mind that this forum is *not* intended to replace your physican. Any results, normal or abnormal, need to be discussed with your Doctor. Also keep in mind that PCOS is most often a disease of exclusion, and that the symptoms and chem levels of PCOS women vary greatly.

Fasting Blood Glucose:
US Values: From 70 to 109 mg/dL: normal
From 110 to 125 mg/dL: impaired fasting glucose (pre- diabetes)
126 mg/dL and above: diabetes

Canadian values: 3.6 - 6 mmol/L

*REVISED DIABETES GUIDELINES: Oct 24/03 - Expert Commitee indicates decreasing the IMPAIRED cutoff to 100 mg/dL could catch more people at risk for developing diabetes.
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/463433

Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH): Tested on Cycle Day 3 and normal is 3-20 mIU/ml

Luteinizing Hormone (LH): Day 3 is < 7 mIU/ml. A normal LH level is similar to FSH.

FSH and LH ratio: is 1:1 in normal women and ratios of 1:2 or 1:3 can be seen in PCOS ladies, mine was 1:6 at one time. An LH higher than FSH is one indication of PCOS.

Free Androgen Index: This is another ratio of body chemicals. It is the Testosterone in nmol/L divided by SHBG (Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin. Normal is up to 8.5 in both US and Canada.

Free Testosterone: Tested on Day 3. US Values: Normal is .7-3.6 pg/ml. No longer available in Canada (Free Androgen Index is a better measure of bioavailability of testosterone).

Total Testosterone: Tested on Day 3. US Values: 6-86 ng/dl is considered normal. Canadian value: .45 - 3.70 nmol/L.

Fasting Insulin: . US Values: A fasting insulin of 10-13 mIU/ml generally indicates some insulin resistance, and levels above 13 indicate greater insulin resistance.

Triglycerides (TG): US Values: Borderline high is 200-400mg/dl, high is 400-1000, and very high is >1000. Elevated levels are a risk factor for coronary artery disease. Canadian Values: .6 - 2.3mmol/L

Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL): This is the "bad" cholesterol. In someone with one risk factor for heart disease, < 160 mg/dl is recommended, with 2 risk factors < 130, and those with documented coronary heart disease the target is < 100. Canadian Values: 1.7- 3 mmol/L.

High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL):
This is the "good" cholesterol which may be increased through a healthy diet and exercise. The HDL level is usually estimated by taking total cholesterol and subtracting LDL, rather than by direct measure. But a guide is > 34 mg/dl as a normal value. Canadian Values: .9-2.0 mmol/L.

Androstenedione: Tested on Day 3

US values: .7-3.1 ng/ml

Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate (DHEAS) : tested on Day 3

US Values: 35-430 ug/dl.

DHEA's are easily converted to male hormone in the body, and an elevated DHEAS level may be improved through use of dexamethasone, prednisone, or insulin-sensiting medications.

Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG): tested Cycle Day 3

US Values: 18-114 nmol/l.

Increased androgen production often leads to lower SHBG.

kmwomack · 05-12-2003, 09:55 PM

Christy,

Thanks so much for the information. I really appreciate you finding it and sharing.

I am going to beat this! I've been working out really hard for 6 months and have had no measurable results. I eat sensibly and workout 5 to 6 times a week. That is one of the reasons I was questioning my lab results and taking XR.

I'm on XR and see all my pills undissolved. I found out this is pretty normal from other people on the boards but my labs are not showing any improvment. The labs are actually better when I was on regular Met and trying to get pg (mid 1999)with the same dosage. My doctor acknowledges the difference in results but says "I'm fine" for now. I would really be interested to see what 3 to 6 months on a higher dosage would do to my labs/overall health.

I would change doctors but medical knowledge about PCOS is very limited in my area. Sorry to go on and on....

Thanks again.

Kim

niki493 · 05-12-2003, 11:30 PM

Just received the results of my 2 hour fasting glucose tolerance test. He told me I am high borderline for diabetes at 160. I did not take the news very well. No one in my family has diabetes so I do not have a clue how to manage it. He said I need to lose weight. I've gained 3 pounds in 3 weeks on glucaphage XR 1000mg. Just increased to 1500mg. I feel bloated and my appetite has increased. Help, I am so frustrated.

Thanks, Niki

christyz · 05-13-2003, 11:30 AM

It sounds like you are doing everything right...just a matter of time. Good for you for making the connection of exercise and diet and not just relying on the drug. I was on the drug for 13 months before I saw my labs really do some serious dropping.

By eating "sensibly" do you mean low to moderate carb? That aspect really helped the metformin to work for me because it helps to moderate the insulin and avoid high insulin spikes.

You also didn't mention what your dosage was...that can be key.

Be patient..your hormones didn't get whacked out overnight and it really does take time.

All the best!

christyz · 05-13-2003, 11:33 AM

Relax, sweetie. Its not a death sentence...it is managable if you are willing to make some changes.

If you are on metformin, that will help to lower your sugars and insulin and that is a huge thing. Other than that you need to eat a sensible low carb diet and exercise regularly...as all of us PCOS ladies need to to lower that insulin. If you make these changes, you'll be so much better for it.

Good Luck....we're all here for you!

kmwomack · 05-13-2003, 04:32 PM

Christy,

Yes, sensibly means low carbs whenever possible. I try to make healthy choices 90% of the time..but there is the occasional splurge. I don't deny myself anything I just keep everything in perspective with smaller portions and excerise a lot.

I was on Met (regular/1500) before my son was born with excellent results. I had lost about 15 pounds and had all my labs looking great. I got my fasting insulin down to about 7 and conceived naturally.

After my son was born the doctor put me on XR (1500) which I have been on almost a year. I think it is just interesting that my fasting insulin is back at 14 with the same dosage as before. The only differences I know of are 1. XR vs regular met 2. I'm working out more 3. my diet is better and 4. seeing the undissolved pills. It doesn't make sense!

I'm considering asking my primary care physican to override the endo and put me back on regular met for 6 months to see what my labs do. I know it worked in the past...what do you think?

Thanks for all your insight.

Kim

christyz · 05-13-2003, 05:06 PM

Good for you...and you GOTTA have those splurges! What good is a diet you can't stick with because it's too strict?

The key is moderation.

As I said before, I honestly don't know enough about XR to say if the difference is that distinct. I read one study that talked about how Gluc XR is slightly better absorbed, and if that is the case, you are wise to stay on it. I can't get it in Canada, and the literature maintains the only difference is the fact that you only have to take it once per day (and cost as a result). The active ingredient is the same for both drugs. I'd be interested in what your Dr has to say about the differences between the two.

Monte · 06-06-2003, 01:17 AM

Christy,

Thank you so much for your post. I am 27 years old, married, on 2000 mg/met a day, and have just recently gone off the bcp (after 9 years) to see if I could get a period on my own. I am 5'8" and 135, so weight has not been too much of an issue...but since I have gone off of the pill I have started to severly breakout and feel as if I am gaining weight. My endocrinologist has ordered tests, but not all that you have listed. Do I simply demand that the other tests be given??? It's been 4 weeks since I stopped taking the BCP and I am not sure when I should expect to have a period. I am scared of what is happening to my body and feel that I am not getting adequate help. Thanks for any advice that you (or anyone) can give!!!

-Monte

christyz · 06-06-2003, 09:21 PM

What I listed was all labs pertaining to PCOS...not neccessarily the ones used for diagnosis (for example, cholestoral can be elevated in many people, not just PCOS).

Some Dr's weigh labwork (insulin, free androgen, fasting glucose, testosterone etc.) others weight symptoms more heavily. Diagnosis is often a complicated thing...every woman seems to manifest a different cominations of symptoms/bloodwork. Some PCOS ladies have labwork that is abnormal and no outward symptoms. Others have physical symptoms and labs appear normal (that was me). Some women are a mix of both, so PCOS is often a syndrome of exclusion.

My suggestion is to do all the reading you can on the various symtoms of PCOS and highlight the ones that pertain to you (no periods, weight gain, acne etc) show your Dr the list of labs that I posted that may be abnormal. (Another good place to gather information regarding speaking to your Dr is in the newbie section: http://www.soulcysters.net/forumdisp...?s=&forumid=26)

Print off lots of info for your next appt. Most Dr's don't respond particularly pleasantly to being 'demanded' anything, but if you arm yourself with lots of information, he may be pressured to give you a thorough work-up. Good Luck!

I know that going off pill and not cycling is hard, but congrats on starting the process of treating the problem of pcos, not simply synthetically covering up the symptoms with the pill. Deciding to treat PCOS without BCP's was the best decision I have ever made.

Feel free to post with any other questions...the girls on the forum know lots and are always full of good information.

Sammie · 06-19-2003, 10:46 AM

Has anyone seen guidelines for Australian labwork? I have searched the net with no luck. Any links would be lovley!

Many thanks.

Sammie

kit.ko · 06-21-2003, 09:27 PM

What do you mean, "seeing the undissolved pills"? Do you mean in your stool? "In one end, out the other, unchanged"? If that is the case then the reason ou aren't seeing the same results is because you aren't getting the dose. Those pills are "enterocoated" so that they take longer to dissolve (thus the extended Release) but they ARE supposed to disslove all the way. If they aren't then you may only be getting a fraction of the intended dose. Maybe going back to the regular met is your best bet!

Kit

kmwomack · 06-24-2003, 04:59 PM

Just thought I'd pass on some great information. Most of you know that I have been quite frustrated with my situation. (XR passing thru, losing hair again, no weight loss etc.)

I saw a doctor in San Antonio (2 hour drive) who was absolutely great!!! He really knows PCOS and will answer questions quite freely. My appointment with him lasted 2 whole hours...the longest doctor's appointment in my life. He actually worked thru his lunch time.

My labs came back horrible in fact they were worse than before I was diagnosed. He immediately switched me back to regular met and increased the dosage (from 1500 to 2000). He said that the jury is still out on XR. He treats a lot of PCOS women and said he has mixed results with XR and that some women just respond better to the regular met. He also put me on spironolactone to see if the hair situation improves. He said my testostrone levels were almost 3 times normal levels.

He also told me some interesting information about passing this on to our children...even boys and where the research is going. I'll post a thread on it later.

It really pays to keep track of all your medical records especially your labs. Thanks again to Christy for posting the labs and everyone hanging with me during this time of uncertainity.

Kim

christyz · 06-24-2003, 05:35 PM

Your Dr sounds awesome, Kim! 2 hours?!?! You mean you *waited* 2 hours, right?! (lol) I'm thinking about moving to TX..sheesh!

The jury is indeed still out on XR..some women have less side effects with XR and can therefore absorb more of it and do better. Others like me have had great success with the regular met. As long as it's working for you, it matters little.

Good luck with the Met, and a big thumbs up to your awesome new Doc!

christyz · 08-27-2003, 12:25 PM

Ladies: FYI, I have added the Canadian lab values where appliciable. If some of the cysters from UK or Australia or elsewhere can send me their own bloodwork guidelines for these tests (if they differ), I'd be happy to post them.

Ruwina · 08-27-2003, 12:41 PM

Thanks for the info on the tests. I do have a question though. A few of the tests say test on CD3, what if you have no regular cycle?

05-12-2003, 08:07 PM	#1 (permalink)
christyz Running & Biking Fool! Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: SK, CANADA Posts: 9,523 Points: 19,593.01 Bank: 3,348,243.84 Total Points: 3,367,836.85 Donate	Labwork Guidelines Here are guidelines involving various tests for PCOS and it's symptoms. Please keep in mind that this forum is not intended to replace your physican. Any results, normal or abnormal, need to be discussed with your Doctor. Also keep in mind that PCOS is most often a disease of exclusion, and that the symptoms and chem levels of PCOS women vary greatly. Fasting Blood Glucose: US Values: From 70 to 109 mg/dL: normal From 110 to 125 mg/dL: impaired fasting glucose (pre- diabetes) 126 mg/dL and above: diabetes Canadian values: 3.6 - 6 mmol/L REVISED DIABETES GUIDELINES: Oct 24/03 - Expert Commitee indicates decreasing the IMPAIRED cutoff to 100 mg/dL could catch more people at risk for developing diabetes. http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/463433 Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH): Tested on Cycle Day 3 and normal is 3-20 mIU/ml Luteinizing Hormone (LH): Day 3 is < 7 mIU/ml. A normal LH level is similar to FSH. FSH and LH ratio: is 1:1 in normal women and ratios of 1:2 or 1:3 can be seen in PCOS ladies, mine was 1:6 at one time. An LH higher than FSH is one indication of PCOS. Free Androgen Index: This is another ratio of body chemicals. It is the Testosterone in nmol/L divided by SHBG (Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin. Normal is up to 8.5 in both US and Canada. Free Testosterone: Tested on Day 3. US Values: Normal is .7-3.6 pg/ml. No longer available in Canada (Free Androgen Index is a better measure of bioavailability of testosterone). Total Testosterone: Tested on Day 3. US Values: 6-86 ng/dl is considered normal. Canadian value: .45 - 3.70 nmol/L. Fasting Insulin: . US Values: A fasting insulin of 10-13 mIU/ml generally indicates some insulin resistance, and levels above 13 indicate greater insulin resistance. Triglycerides (TG): US Values: Borderline high is 200-400mg/dl, high is 400-1000, and very high is >1000. Elevated levels are a risk factor for coronary artery disease. Canadian Values: .6 - 2.3mmol/L Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL): This is the "bad" cholesterol. In someone with one risk factor for heart disease, < 160 mg/dl is recommended, with 2 risk factors < 130, and those with documented coronary heart disease the target is < 100. Canadian Values: 1.7- 3 mmol/L. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL): This is the "good" cholesterol which may be increased through a healthy diet and exercise. The HDL level is usually estimated by taking total cholesterol and subtracting LDL, rather than by direct measure. But a guide is > 34 mg/dl as a normal value. Canadian Values: .9-2.0 mmol/L. Androstenedione: Tested on Day 3 US values: .7-3.1 ng/ml Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate (DHEAS) : tested on Day 3 US Values: 35-430 ug/dl. DHEA's are easily converted to male hormone in the body, and an elevated DHEAS level may be improved through use of dexamethasone, prednisone, or insulin-sensiting medications. Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG): tested Cycle Day 3 US Values: 18-114 nmol/l. Increased androgen production often leads to lower SHBG. __________________ Christy 33 yrs, 1 precious hubby, 2 miracle kids, At Goal Wt for 4 yrs, Trygly's down 445 pts, Free Androgen down from 20 to 2, 3 half 'thons ran, 2 mtns hiked, 1 crazy run in the Rockies, 4 forest trail races, profiled in 2 magazines...1 woman determined to kick PCOS butt! To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.* Before & Aug 2007 '08: Duathlon and another half? Last edited by christyz : 12-12-2003 at 01:17 PM.

05-12-2003, 11:30 PM	#3 (permalink)
niki493 Niki Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Atlanta, Georgia Posts: 110 Points: 1,345.00 Bank: 0.00 Total Points: 1,345.00 Donate	impaired glucose tolerance Just received the results of my 2 hour fasting glucose tolerance test. He told me I am high borderline for diabetes at 160. I did not take the news very well. No one in my family has diabetes so I do not have a clue how to manage it. He said I need to lose weight. I've gained 3 pounds in 3 weeks on glucaphage XR 1000mg. Just increased to 1500mg. I feel bloated and my appetite has increased. Help, I am so frustrated. Thanks, Niki

05-13-2003, 11:30 AM	#4 (permalink)
christyz Running & Biking Fool! Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: SK, CANADA Posts: 9,523 Points: 19,593.01 Bank: 3,348,243.84 Total Points: 3,367,836.85 Donate	Thanks for posting, Kim. It sounds like you are doing everything right...just a matter of time. Good for you for making the connection of exercise and diet and not just relying on the drug. I was on the drug for 13 months before I saw my labs really do some serious dropping. By eating "sensibly" do you mean low to moderate carb? That aspect really helped the metformin to work for me because it helps to moderate the insulin and avoid high insulin spikes. You also didn't mention what your dosage was...that can be key. Be patient..your hormones didn't get whacked out overnight and it really does take time. All the best! __________________ Christy 33 yrs, 1 precious hubby, 2 miracle kids, At Goal Wt for 4 yrs, Trygly's down 445 pts, Free Androgen down from 20 to 2, 3 half 'thons ran, 2 mtns hiked, 1 crazy run in the Rockies, 4 forest trail races, profiled in 2 magazines...1 woman determined to kick PCOS butt! To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Before & Aug 2007 '08: Duathlon and another half?

05-13-2003, 11:33 AM	#5 (permalink)
christyz Running & Biking Fool! Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: SK, CANADA Posts: 9,523 Points: 19,593.01 Bank: 3,348,243.84 Total Points: 3,367,836.85 Donate	Niki Relax, sweetie. Its not a death sentence...it is managable if you are willing to make some changes. If you are on metformin, that will help to lower your sugars and insulin and that is a huge thing. Other than that you need to eat a sensible low carb diet and exercise regularly...as all of us PCOS ladies need to to lower that insulin. If you make these changes, you'll be so much better for it. Good Luck....we're all here for you! __________________ Christy 33 yrs, 1 precious hubby, 2 miracle kids, At Goal Wt for 4 yrs, Trygly's down 445 pts, Free Androgen down from 20 to 2, 3 half 'thons ran, 2 mtns hiked, 1 crazy run in the Rockies, 4 forest trail races, profiled in 2 magazines...1 woman determined to kick PCOS butt! To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Before & Aug 2007 '08: Duathlon and another half?

05-13-2003, 05:06 PM	#7 (permalink)
christyz Running & Biking Fool! Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: SK, CANADA Posts: 9,523 Points: 19,593.01 Bank: 3,348,243.84 Total Points: 3,367,836.85 Donate	Good for you...and you GOTTA have those splurges! What good is a diet you can't stick with because it's too strict? The key is moderation. As I said before, I honestly don't know enough about XR to say if the difference is that distinct. I read one study that talked about how Gluc XR is slightly better absorbed, and if that is the case, you are wise to stay on it. I can't get it in Canada, and the literature maintains the only difference is the fact that you only have to take it once per day (and cost as a result). The active ingredient is the same for both drugs. I'd be interested in what your Dr has to say about the differences between the two. __________________ Christy 33 yrs, 1 precious hubby, 2 miracle kids, At Goal Wt for 4 yrs, Trygly's down 445 pts, Free Androgen down from 20 to 2, 3 half 'thons ran, 2 mtns hiked, 1 crazy run in the Rockies, 4 forest trail races, profiled in 2 magazines...1 woman determined to kick PCOS butt! To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Before & Aug 2007 '08: Duathlon and another half?

05-12-2003, 09:55 PM	#2 (permalink)
kmwomack Registered User Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Corpus Christi, TX Posts: 34 Points: 538.00 Bank: 0.00 Total Points: 538.00 Donate	Christy, Thanks so much for the information. I really appreciate you finding it and sharing. I am going to beat this! I've been working out really hard for 6 months and have had no measurable results. I eat sensibly and workout 5 to 6 times a week. That is one of the reasons I was questioning my lab results and taking XR. I'm on XR and see all my pills undissolved. I found out this is pretty normal from other people on the boards but my labs are not showing any improvment. The labs are actually better when I was on regular Met and trying to get pg (mid 1999)with the same dosage. My doctor acknowledges the difference in results but says "I'm fine" for now. I would really be interested to see what 3 to 6 months on a higher dosage would do to my labs/overall health. I would change doctors but medical knowledge about PCOS is very limited in my area. Sorry to go on and on.... Thanks again. Kim

05-13-2003, 04:32 PM	#6 (permalink)
kmwomack Registered User Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Corpus Christi, TX Posts: 34 Points: 538.00 Bank: 0.00 Total Points: 538.00 Donate	Christy, Yes, sensibly means low carbs whenever possible. I try to make healthy choices 90% of the time..but there is the occasional splurge. I don't deny myself anything I just keep everything in perspective with smaller portions and excerise a lot. I was on Met (regular/1500) before my son was born with excellent results. I had lost about 15 pounds and had all my labs looking great. I got my fasting insulin down to about 7 and conceived naturally. After my son was born the doctor put me on XR (1500) which I have been on almost a year. I think it is just interesting that my fasting insulin is back at 14 with the same dosage as before. The only differences I know of are 1. XR vs regular met 2. I'm working out more 3. my diet is better and 4. seeing the undissolved pills. It doesn't make sense! I'm considering asking my primary care physican to override the endo and put me back on regular met for 6 months to see what my labs do. I know it worked in the past...what do you think? Thanks for all your insight. Kim

06-06-2003, 01:17 AM	#8 (permalink)
Monte Registered User Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 22 Points: 1,191.00 Bank: 0.00 Total Points: 1,191.00 Donate	Thanks so much!! Christy, Thank you so much for your post. I am 27 years old, married, on 2000 mg/met a day, and have just recently gone off the bcp (after 9 years) to see if I could get a period on my own. I am 5'8" and 135, so weight has not been too much of an issue...but since I have gone off of the pill I have started to severly breakout and feel as if I am gaining weight. My endocrinologist has ordered tests, but not all that you have listed. Do I simply demand that the other tests be given??? It's been 4 weeks since I stopped taking the BCP and I am not sure when I should expect to have a period. I am scared of what is happening to my body and feel that I am not getting adequate help. Thanks for any advice that you (or anyone) can give!!! -Monte

06-06-2003, 09:21 PM	#9 (permalink)
christyz Running & Biking Fool! Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: SK, CANADA Posts: 9,523 Points: 19,593.01 Bank: 3,348,243.84 Total Points: 3,367,836.85 Donate	What I listed was all labs pertaining to PCOS...not neccessarily the ones used for diagnosis (for example, cholestoral can be elevated in many people, not just PCOS). Some Dr's weigh labwork (insulin, free androgen, fasting glucose, testosterone etc.) others weight symptoms more heavily. Diagnosis is often a complicated thing...every woman seems to manifest a different cominations of symptoms/bloodwork. Some PCOS ladies have labwork that is abnormal and no outward symptoms. Others have physical symptoms and labs appear normal (that was me). Some women are a mix of both, so PCOS is often a syndrome of exclusion. My suggestion is to do all the reading you can on the various symtoms of PCOS and highlight the ones that pertain to you (no periods, weight gain, acne etc) show your Dr the list of labs that I posted that may be abnormal. (Another good place to gather information regarding speaking to your Dr is in the newbie section: http://www.soulcysters.net/forumdisp...?s=&forumid=26) Print off lots of info for your next appt. Most Dr's don't respond particularly pleasantly to being 'demanded' anything, but if you arm yourself with lots of information, he may be pressured to give you a thorough work-up. Good Luck! I know that going off pill and not cycling is hard, but congrats on starting the process of treating the problem of pcos, not simply synthetically covering up the symptoms with the pill. Deciding to treat PCOS without BCP's was the best decision I have ever made. Feel free to post with any other questions...the girls on the forum know lots and are always full of good information. __________________ Christy 33 yrs, 1 precious hubby, 2 miracle kids, At Goal Wt for 4 yrs, Trygly's down 445 pts, Free Androgen down from 20 to 2, 3 half 'thons ran, 2 mtns hiked, 1 crazy run in the Rockies, 4 forest trail races, profiled in 2 magazines...1 woman determined to kick PCOS butt! To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Before & Aug 2007 '08: Duathlon and another half?

06-19-2003, 10:46 AM	#10 (permalink)
Sammie Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Brisbane, Australia Posts: 384 Points: 2,505.00 Bank: 0.00 Total Points: 2,505.00 Donate	Has anyone seen guidelines for Australian labwork? I have searched the net with no luck. Any links would be lovley! Many thanks. Sammie __________________ Sam Dx 2001 WLS (LapBand) Feb 2005 135/49 kg 297/107 lbs Off all meds, and have a perfect 28 day cycle! I am running to raise money for Breast Cancer research! Mothers Day Classic 13th May 2007

06-21-2003, 09:27 PM	#11 (permalink)
kit.ko Registered User Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 44 Points: 935.00 Bank: 0.00 Total Points: 935.00 Donate	Hey Kim, what do you mean? What do you mean, "seeing the undissolved pills"? Do you mean in your stool? "In one end, out the other, unchanged"? If that is the case then the reason ou aren't seeing the same results is because you aren't getting the dose. Those pills are "enterocoated" so that they take longer to dissolve (thus the extended Release) but they ARE supposed to disslove all the way. If they aren't then you may only be getting a fraction of the intended dose. Maybe going back to the regular met is your best bet! Kit

06-24-2003, 04:59 PM	#12 (permalink)
kmwomack Registered User Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Corpus Christi, TX Posts: 34 Points: 538.00 Bank: 0.00 Total Points: 538.00 Donate	Great Doc Visit Just thought I'd pass on some great information. Most of you know that I have been quite frustrated with my situation. (XR passing thru, losing hair again, no weight loss etc.) I saw a doctor in San Antonio (2 hour drive) who was absolutely great!!! He really knows PCOS and will answer questions quite freely. My appointment with him lasted 2 whole hours...the longest doctor's appointment in my life. He actually worked thru his lunch time. My labs came back horrible in fact they were worse than before I was diagnosed. He immediately switched me back to regular met and increased the dosage (from 1500 to 2000). He said that the jury is still out on XR. He treats a lot of PCOS women and said he has mixed results with XR and that some women just respond better to the regular met. He also put me on spironolactone to see if the hair situation improves. He said my testostrone levels were almost 3 times normal levels. He also told me some interesting information about passing this on to our children...even boys and where the research is going. I'll post a thread on it later. It really pays to keep track of all your medical records especially your labs. Thanks again to Christy for posting the labs and everyone hanging with me during this time of uncertainity. Kim __________________ Me-35/ DH-37 DS-3 (born at 30 weeks 2 lbs 15 oz. in 2001--doing great!) DX-1997 (self dx) 1999 (offical dx) after seeing 5 doctors! Met 2000 mg daily Synthyroid FVL positive (blood clot disorder) Current weight: 192 Goal weight: 160

06-24-2003, 05:35 PM	#13 (permalink)
christyz Running & Biking Fool! Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: SK, CANADA Posts: 9,523 Points: 19,593.01 Bank: 3,348,243.84 Total Points: 3,367,836.85 Donate	Your Dr sounds awesome, Kim! 2 hours?!?! You mean you waited 2 hours, right?! (lol) I'm thinking about moving to TX..sheesh! The jury is indeed still out on XR..some women have less side effects with XR and can therefore absorb more of it and do better. Others like me have had great success with the regular met. As long as it's working for you, it matters little. Good luck with the Met, and a big thumbs up to your awesome new Doc! __________________ Christy 33 yrs, 1 precious hubby, 2 miracle kids, At Goal Wt for 4 yrs, Trygly's down 445 pts, Free Androgen down from 20 to 2, 3 half 'thons ran, 2 mtns hiked, 1 crazy run in the Rockies, 4 forest trail races, profiled in 2 magazines...1 woman determined to kick PCOS butt! To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Before & Aug 2007 '08: Duathlon and another half?

08-27-2003, 12:25 PM	#14 (permalink)
christyz Running & Biking Fool! Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: SK, CANADA Posts: 9,523 Points: 19,593.01 Bank: 3,348,243.84 Total Points: 3,367,836.85 Donate	Ladies: FYI, I have added the Canadian lab values where appliciable. If some of the cysters from UK or Australia or elsewhere can send me their own bloodwork guidelines for these tests (if they differ), I'd be happy to post them. __________________ Christy 33 yrs, 1 precious hubby, 2 miracle kids, At Goal Wt for 4 yrs, Trygly's down 445 pts, Free Androgen down from 20 to 2, 3 half 'thons ran, 2 mtns hiked, 1 crazy run in the Rockies, 4 forest trail races, profiled in 2 magazines...1 woman determined to kick PCOS butt! To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Before & Aug 2007 '08: Duathlon and another half?

08-27-2003, 12:41 PM	#15 (permalink)
Ruwina Registered User Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Mesquite, Texas Posts: 18 Points: 233.00 Bank: 0.00 Total Points: 233.00 Donate	Thanks for the info on the tests. I do have a question though. A few of the tests say test on CD3, what if you have no regular cycle?