I haven't been officially diagnosed but I've been dealing with symptoms for about 10+ years ... since I started puberty at 13. Through my own research (I has gotten unbearable) I found that UC hospitals have a center for PCOS study. I requested an appointment online...just a few minutes ago. So, hopefully I will get a call tomorrow and schedule an appointment. I've seen doctors--plenty of them over the years. When I was about 16 I had 2 benign cysts removed from my breast. After that I didn't get my period for a whole year. The doctor told me it was probably due to the surgery (im my breast, of course) and I shouldn't worry. Over the years I've stopped anticipating my periods as they come so infrequently. Actually when it does come I'm a little surprised but not too much--as I know it won't be a regular thing. My cystic acne has gone from bad to ridiculous. I have scarring and dark spots which is even worse because I'm black. (they term it "ethnic skin") I did however get pregnant. The entire pregnancy was the best time in my life. I felt alive and energized. i went swimming everyday, etc. I had my daughter when I was 22, even though I was terrified, I decided to keep the baby because prior to that I used to cry to my then BF (her father) that I thought I would never have children...so I took it as a sign. Now she is 4 y.o healthy, happy--and I... well most days I just make it through. I'm dealing with this intense depression. It's not the typical "woe is me, the world is terrible" kind. It's that I have no energy, motivation, I only do what i have to so that I can function. I hibernate all weekend--to the detriment of my daughters joy. It has just gotten to the breaking point. But luckily I was doing some more research and the University of Chicago popped right up, so here's hoping...
Sorry to have gone on and on,I guess I needed that, lol
but I hope that you find what you're looking for.
Did you ever hear from UC? I have always been interested in checking it out and just never took the plunge. I live in the suburbs and didn't know what the center was all about. I would love to hear from someone who has gone there or found out more about it.
They got back to me right away. I have an appointment tomorrow afternoon. I'm a little nervous and excited. I'll keep you posted on my experience with UC.
Ashley, PLEASE PLEASE check back in and let me know what they are all about.
I was diagnosed about 11 years ago. I have had two children (with assistance) and I'm not currently being treated for my PCOS (my son was just born 5 weeks ago). My OB is just not educated in the area and thinks that going on the pilll is the only treatment there is. I'm done having kids and would like to start focusing on me and my health and making a good life for my family.
Are you looking for someone to help you manage PCOS or help you with TTC? I go to UC Reproductive Endocrinology clinic and I love it! Their staff is so nice, especially the nurses. The doctors are very willing to let you go at your own pace and their clinic is beautiful. Let me know if you want more info...
__________________ Jill (30), DH (28), married 1/04, TTC #1 since 9/07
3 Clomid cycles-all bust Follistim w/ IUI on 1/20/09-BFP
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I moved to Chicago a year ago and am desperate to find a good RE to help us with conceiving. Is UC the University of Chicago? Which doctor do you recommend over there?
Apologies for not getting back right away. I started seeing Dr. Alyssa Johnston at U of C. She is great. My first appointment was pretty routine. She just asked about my symptoms and from there she order blood tests. Lots of blood work!! I didn't mind though, because I felt like I was one step closer. She put me on BC and we waited for the results. After the first round of tests concluded that my testosterone levels were off the charts (she said even higher than some men) she ordered an ultrasound to look at my ovaries. They were cystic, but she wanted to find out what was producing such a high level of testosterone. My next visit was suppose to be a CT scan to check out my adrenal glands. However, I moved to Los Angeles, and I'm back in the same boat looking for a good doctor. But I communicated with Dr. Johnston and she was very easy-going and straight-forward with information. On my last visit with her she ordered a copy of all my labs and charts to take with me. I definitely recommend her.. I hope that was helpful. I will keep posting once I find a new Dr.
Since being in LA, I haven't gotten my BC refilled and it definitely has an affect on me. I was taking Yaz, which besides my increased appetite, cleared my acne, and helped with my mood and depressed-feelings. Its been 2 months and my face is breaking out again, facial hair growing faster, and I sometimes catch myself feeling really low one minute and up the next. I think until see someone and really get this under control I'll experience these symptoms.
Need A Great Chicago Doctor 
