Hi All,
I am 21 and have been told by a number of drs that I have PCOS. However, my gyno says I do not have it, as my insulin levels are in the normal range.
My symptoms include
-irregular cycles - often too long between cycles and excessive bleeding when I do cycle
-excess hair
-oily skin & scalp with acne and dandruff
-sudden weight gain that I cannot lose - I've tried everything, there is just no reason for this gain and its just impossible to lose even a little tiny bit!
-depression & anxiety
-cysts
As a teenager, I had cysts that would grow too large and then rupture, sending me to the ER with pain. However, by the time I'd get in for an ultrasound (usually around 4 wks or more later), they'd have gone down, so the dr. would dismiss it as 'one of those things'. However, my right ovary in particular has cysts on a semi-regular basis, and I rarely if ever ovulate. My mother also had numerous large cysts and infertility.
My doctor finally agreed to test me for a thyroid issue (though I could never get in to see her), because she believes that the insulin bit rules out PCOS - is this true? I've had at least four other doctors tell me, yes, that sounds like PCOS to me, you need BC to regulate that, here's your Rx. Does that count as a diagnosis? I am so frustrated with my gyno, I've had pain and misery since I started my period at 11, and she's yet to do anything about it. I have sworn off BC because it invariably makes things worse, and I get every side affect possible.
I spoke with another gyno in her group last night, as I was having another rt. ovary cyst and it was killing me, and he again mentioned PCOS and also endometriosis (something that has been suggested before). I think I'll see him the next time I go, but I don't know where that will get me. He wants a laproscopy to see just what's going on in there - this is frightening but at least he wants to DO something instead of just telling me to suck it up.
It seems, however, that the general consensus of drs. I've seen is that I am young and not TTC, so no point of doing anything now. Can they not see that I am miserable here? I am also scared to death that I am completely infertile and will never conceive (I've devoted my life to kids - I have worked in childcare for years and I am studying child psychology in school. Having kids has always been my number one life goal, for as long as I can remember). But these doctors seem to think that its not important, and they won't even discuss it with me. I'm afraid that if I just put all this off until I am TTC, I will have wasted precious reproductive years and it will be too late. My mother went through menopause at 36. My aunt was never able to conceive, and also hit menopause early. I don't know anything about her ttc, because it was terribly painful for her and we don't talk about it. Another two of my four aunts suffered numerous miscarriages and had an awful time TTC, finally conceiving after 5 & 8 yrs. Only one aunt was able to have children easily. I'm scared. And no one will talk to me about it because I am not TTC.
I don't know what to do. Should I see some sort of specialist? I'd probably have to have a referral, and again, my gyno doesn't take this seriously. I have to cry and throw a fit to even get in with her, and half of my appointments get canceled (and not rescheduled) because she has to deliver a baby or something.
Help? I'm just... lost. I don't know what to do or if I even CAN do anything.
Mel
I am new to this site and was just Dx with PCOS on the 20th of july 07 but I sounds like to me that you may need to find another doctor. My first gyn didn't even think that me not haveing a period was a big deal then about 2 years later I went to another Dr and she did an ultrasound and discovered the cysts. so maybe another Dr will give you more info. and from what I understand you can have normal insulin levels and still have PCOS I hope you get all the answers you need
Mel- Just because you are not TTC right now, does not mean you don't need to get your PCOS under control. Follow your gut girlie! You are right to want to figure this out now. I would say try to find a Gyno or Endo that specializes in PCOS, or at least knows how to deal with it. I know there is a thread on here about finding Drs in specific areas, so you may want to check in to that.
Other than that, it's good that you have made your way to these boards! The people here are VERY knowledgeable and supportive, and there's great research articles and information all over the place!
Best wishes!!
__________________ TTC Since 10/2004
Feb 09- 1st Injections cycle w/TI- BFN
Mar/Apr 09- Injections w/IUI
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I agree. Get a second opinion!!!! You need to take care of this now before you TTC so it doesn't take so long! My DR also says I don't have IR so I don't need to be on MEt. I will be looking for someone else to help me!
But you are looking for another dr because you think you DO have IR or you think you DO need the Met? Is there a reason to take the Met if you don't have IR?
Hate to be a n00b but my drs tell me nothing, so I'm in the dark.
Melanie-
So sorry you're having a hard time. I did too a bit, my obgyn didn't make a big deal of the PCOS diagnosis and also said I was only "mildly" IR and didn't have a lot of cysts. But he did say it was still PCOS and referred me to an endo (after my appointment and apparently upon some reflection! :-)
So, definitely make an effort to find a different doctor if you're not satisfied, and not everyone with PCOS has IR. As someone here told me- PCOS is a syndrome so it's a collection of symptoms but that doesn't mean you have to have _every_ symptom. Don't despair!
welcome to sc- you'll find so much helpful information and people here.
I go to the dr. in a couple of hours. I'm not happy - I wanted to see the dr. who was on call the other night and actually took me seriously, but they apparently have a strict policy of no switching doctors ever. I called around, but all of the decent drs in my area are no longer taking new patients.
Should I try for an endocrinologist instead of a gyno? I'm afraid she's going to brush this off again as no big deal. Meanwhile, I took three times the recommended dosage of pain meds yesterday and still hurt so bad that I couldn't walk.
How long do ya'll's cycles take? I'm on day 35, no sign of AF at all...but I don't know if 35-40 day cycles count as long enough to, again, be taken seriously. They are always absurdly heavy, (TMI alert) soaking through any modern menstruation device within an hour or less. Pads or tampons or both.
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Me 31 / DH 28 Married to my Dutch Boy since 12/23/2000 Cancer Survivor - Leukemia Gloucophage XR,Synthroid,Zoloft,Prenatal TTC Since 5/2004 3 IUI'S A BUST Clomid 100mgs IUI 10/27/08 BFP "I'm going to be a Mommy" Beta 15DPO -108, 17DPO - 331 1st ultrasound 12/1 - strong heartbeat 2nd ultrasound 1/5 - Heartbeat 162 IT'S A BOY!!!!! EDD 7/19/2009
Luca Allen Maarten
Born 6/28/09
5lbs 15ozs 18inches
So. I went to the dr. She actually took me seriously for once. She says while she can't positively say I have either, she is going to treat me for PCOS & endometriosis. We are re-doing the fasting test to check the insulin, and I am trying to decide whether or not to laproscopy for the endo.
She mentioned BCPs & Met for the PCOS, and Lupron for the endo (after the lap)? Any ideas about any of those? I have had BAD luck with BCPs in the past - I get all the side effects.
Last edited by melanie1422; 07-26-2007 at 09:14 PM.
New...Help? 
Don't despair! 
