Needing some sound advice...

[QueenofBeat] · 07-04-2008, 04:20 PM

I was diagnosed at the age of fourteen with PCOS by a wonderful pediatrician that I've had to recently let go of because of my age, and then treated by an endocrinologist who has recently moved. During my high school years, my PCOS was basically under control. When I hit college? Well, everything changed. I noticed more hair growth, erratic periods (even with birth control), and weight gain. But, the thing that was the most troubling for me (which I didn't correlate with PCOS at the time), was depression/anxiety. I went to my local nurse practitioner to obviously get references for a psychiatrist and a counselor. She prescribed me with Lexapro, which has certainly done a lot to help my anxiety. Still, I've been having problems with brutal crying spells that can last up to a few days and they have really affected my life and functioning. I've actually had to take time away from college because I just can't deal. I recently went to the psychiatrist I was referred to, and he diagnosed me with Bipolar II. I was completely shocked. I went in expecting to hear the same thing I had been hearing for almost a year: clinical depression and general anxiety disorder. The medication, Lamictal, was also troubling. I didn't want to go on something that is used to treat epileptic seizures. There's also a history of it having a distinct negative effect on creativity, which is kinda my bread and butter. It all seemed very surreal. When my mother (who came with me for moral support) mentioned that I have PCOS, he seemed to have heard of it, but knew nothing about it.

Now, for the other side. My cousin has been hired as a pharmacist at a local women's health clinic that deals with bio-generated hormones. From what I can gather, this means that they take a swab of your saliva and create a medication/shot specifically for what your body needs. It's not synthetic hormones, which I have always been a little leery of. They treat a lot of PCOS women there, and when I found out about it, I was definitely excited. I can't seem to get any control with my PCOS at this time, so I thought it would be beneficial to my overall physical health. This is especially important because my mother is a Type II Diabetic.

Up to date: I haven't started the Lamictal yet because I can't see signs of this "hypomania" in myself. My family doctor (who doesn't know much about PCOS either) is pushing strongly for me to start on the medication. She told me it's very unlikely for this hormone therapy to fix a psychiatric diagnosis such as this. On the other hand, my counselor (whose niece has PCOS) and cousin believe that it can't hurt to try. I'm at a cross-roads. I can't get into the clinic right away, but I'm uncomfortable with this medication and diagnosis. If I start taking it, how am I supposed to know if the hormone therapy works when I start the program? I've told my doctors that I'm going to wait to go on the medication if the hormone clinic doesn't affect my over-all state of mind. Do you-all think this is a smart decision? It's just so difficult dealing with this in Southwest Virginia, where the doctors are generally unfamiliar with this condition. I've also had a history of mental illness in the past (Mostly OCD as a child, and trouble with light depression through-out the past five or six years), so it makes me wonder if this is the PCOS or not. It's just all terribly confusing right now.

Hoping for some answers...
Dani

bethanykf · 07-05-2008, 12:39 AM

I think that you should do what you are comfortable with. Since it is your body you have the final decision. It is discouraging to have the person treating you not listen to what you are trying to tell them or considering your other issues.
On the other side of things - have you asked your family or friends whether they can see any signs of hypomania in you? Something it is hard to see changes like that in yourself or even to accept them.

Really though - in the end you need to do what you feel comfortable with. Maybe you should try another psychiatrist for a second opinion?

Sarrah · 07-07-2008, 09:25 AM

Lamictal is usually for Bipolar - have you been diagnosed with this?
Yes I used to know somebody who had taken so many E's ecstasy - he got drug induced Eplilepsy and had to take Lamictal.
Appearently its very strong and toxic and you have to build your way up to the dose otherwise its dangerous...

Mami-n-Daddy · 07-07-2008, 11:09 AM

My doc diagnosed me with Bipolar II. I too was prescribed Lamictal. I also happen to be a nurse and can tell you that multiple seizure medications are used to treat this condition. As for my own personal experience of about 1 month. I haven't noticed much of a difference. Maybe I have had slightly less ups and downs... But that's about it. I think for me personally its more of my situation...No friends, no family that live in the same state, dealing with ex-wife and stepchildren, ect. Hope things look up for you.

Brandy