Med Questions before my RE appt...

cmhudson07 · 10-19-2007, 02:14 PM

I was officially diagnosed with PCOS in 2004 (without any labwork), though I recognized the symptoms years before. Initially, the OB/GYN prescribed bcp's and spiro. She also ordered blood work to make sure that I was okay to take the bcp's due to a family history of stroke. Sure enough, I have a slightly abnormal clotting factor and can't take the bcp's (even though I was on them for several years before that). The OB/GYN told me at that time that the spiro is useless without the bcp's. I began searching for a local RE that specializes in PCOS and would see me even though DH and I aren't ttc. Finally found one! He ordered a fasting glucose test and a progesterone test. The results came in and I'm scheduled for a follow-up on the 26th. I called the office to find out my levels and the nurse told me that my glucose levels were normal (actually fairly low--fasting glucose was only 72) and my insulin levels were 16.9. I asked her what the lab's "normal" range was for the insulin and she said anything under 30. After some research on this site, I discovered that insulin levels above 10 show some insulin resistance and levels above 13 are a stronger indicator, even though they are technically considered "normal" by most labs. The RN also made a point of telling me that they go by the glucose/insulin ratio. Mine was 4.9 and they like to see it above 4.5. Not sure what that means. I'm going in for a follow-up next week and want to make sure that I have all the right questions. Please help!!!

1. Does spiro work without bcp's? We aren't ttc and use other protection.
2. Are there other meds that treat hair growth/hair loss like spiro without the concerns of possible birth defects? (We'll probably begin ttc within the next year but hair loss is an issue now.)
3. Metformin...Do drs. prescribe it for people not ttc?
4. Are there any other meds I should ask the dr. about?

You guys are awesome!!!!

Chrissy