So I have a few questions for those of you that have or know about PCOS. I have an appointment with my doctor on Friday. He had suspected in the summer he thought i had PCOS. Now I don't know much about it except what I have researched online. I came off of the pill in April since my husband and I are trying to concieve. I had 3 regular periods (April, May and June) and then nothing since, and my doctor figures the periods were still from the hormones in my system from the pill. I have major cramping in my lower abdomen all the time, similar to cramps, they ran a blood test last month and discovered I have high levels of testosterone, high insulin levels, my skin has gotten very oily (I normally have very dry skin), I have put on about 10-15 lbs since coming off of the pill, I have high blood pressure and was just recently medicated for it, my hair is starting to come out, and I have these small patches of skin (skin tags? my family doctor called them) developing under my arms. So I have all kinds of symptoms, but my pelvic ultrasound came back normal (showing no signs of a problem I guess?) So is it still possible that I am suffering from PCOS, and should I let my OBGYN in on these symptoms because I have only told my family doctor? What tests can they do to see if this is what I am suffering from (if any) and what do they do once diagnosed to get your cycles straightened out? I am not ovulating and my husband and I are worried I may never get pregnant. Also, what are our chances of conception once medicated? My OBGYN has mentioned Metfromin and Clomid prior to this but I am almost completely clueless and he doesn't really explain things to me. And we also know that my throid tests cam back fine. So can I still be diagnosed with PCOS if my pelvic ultrasound cam back fine? Thanks for any help
Ok, let me see if I can address some of your questions.....
My dr never did the pelvic ultrasound on me (my obgyn) she only did an Insulin Resistance test. She said that all of my symptoms coincided with both problems and officially dx me with PCOS & IR. I would definately tell your OBGYN, unless you feel more comfortable with your other dr. But definately find out as much information as you can from which ever one you stay with. I am not ttc'ing yet, so it's difficult for me to answer your questions about getting pregnant from experience, but a lot of the cysters here have had great success with taking met & clomid. Some had success with just the met. I have ALL of the symptoms you mentioned and I always had irregular periods, but since I have been on met, like clockwork, AF is here every month on the 2nd. My weight is beginning to come off as well. Now my skin and hair are just something I think I am going to have to live with. I use Proactiv for my skin and as for the hair loss, some cyster say it slows down, but I don't know about stopping completely. I haven't given up hope though, I will be starting Nioxin soon. It has DHT blockers in it which is what we need (b/c of the testoserone). My levels are high too.
There are a lot of women on here who have been successful at pregnancy. There is a Mommy board you should check it out, I think it would make you feel a lot better. There is also a board for husband's, they have to deal with us and sometimes that can be overwhelming, so that may help him if he's interested.
These women are fanatsic and I hope you find the comfort and joy I have found. I know how hard this can be, so if you ever need to talk, you can PM me, I'm here for you.
I would say that the symptoms you have are consistent with PCOS. Also you don't necessarily have to have ovarian cysts or the classic "string of pearls" to have PCOS, so yes it's entirely possible that you have it. A dr is able to dx PCOS from full blood tests that study all the hormones (LSH, T4, T3 etc..). As for conceiving, many women have been able to have children whilst suffering from PCOS. In some cases it may be more of a challenge.
Order this book from amazon "What to do when your Doctor says it PCOS" by Milton Hammerly M.D. and Cheryl Kimball. It's really informative and goes into a lot of the issues associated with PCOS. Also there's loads of info on the boards.
HTH, big hugs!!
__________________ Danielle (28) DX: Hypothyroidism - May 05/ PCOS & IR Oct 05 Meds: 1x850mg Metformin + 1x75mg Levotiroxin + Diane 35
"If you can keep your head, when all about you are losing theirs, it's just possible you haven't grasped the situation"
__________________ Kate (29) To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. DH-Neil (33)
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Married: December 28, 2002 2 furbabies - Q and Zia (They are Yorkies To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. ) Dx w/ PCOS - 2003 Meds: Metformin 1700mg a day HSG 08/16/06 - All CLEAR! TTC again...
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I ditto what the others have said. Just wanted to welcome you to SC
BTW: You an check out the Trying to Conceive board for info on Clomid and Metformin used for ovulation. Metformin can level out hormones and in some ladies it jump starts ovulation. For some it even lowers cholesterol and blood pressure. It does have side effects, but for me the advantages far outweight the s/e. Many cysters are on Metformin even if they are not Insulin resistant, diabetic or trying to conceive (TTC). Birth control pills used to be the basic treatment for PCOS, but now Metformin seems to be the med. of choice.
Welcome to SC!
I don't know what else I could possibly say....these girls have been very good with their answers to your questions!!
You will continue to find that kind of info and support here!
I wish you all the best.
You can have PCOS without having cysts. I would definitely recommend talking with your doc about met, at least for me it was a lifesaver! I had more regular cycles, I lost weight, and I got pregnant on met. Hope this helps cyster!
Best wishes for your appointment, please keep us posted!
Hugs
Jenny
__________________ Jenny(30) Josh (30) married 3/30/96
PCOS dx 1/03
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Thanks everyone for making me feel so welcomed This is an amazing board and site for information on PCOS, I learned more on here than I have learned from my GP or OBGYN. I just returned from my docotr's appointment (OBGYN) today to find out that I have been diagnosed with PCOS. He said that all the symptoms are there and he felt there was no need to wait any longer. He started me on 500mg of Metformin once a day for three weeks, and then I am to take 500mg twice daily (1000mg) he also put me on Provera (?) that I take once daily for 10 days to induce a period since I haven't had one in so long. I have another appointment with him in January to see how the Metformin worked and to decide when to start Clomid. He wants me to have 2 periods before I start Clomid though, even if forced through Provera. I am relived to finally have an answer to what has been going on with me, but in the same sense I am a liitle upset because I guess I was hoping I was okay. But again, I am relived to have an answer to my problems, thanks everyone for your concern
I am so glad that your appointment went well. It sounds like you have a good dr wich is so important with this syndrome. I know, it's disappointing on one hand and relief on another, but you'll get through it. Take a nice, long deep breath and know that your not alone and we will be here to help in any way we can!
Hi Janine
I'm so glad your appointment was a good one. Your treatment plan sounds good! In case you haven't heard these tips yet (and I apologize if you have): take your met right in the middle of your meal, and try a lower-carb diet, at least those things helped me cut down on the met side effects.
I'm glad you have your diagnosis, but I do understand that sad feeling. Just know that your cysters are here for you hun.
Hugs
Jenny
__________________ Jenny(30) Josh (30) married 3/30/96
PCOS dx 1/03
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So far the only side effect I find I have from the Metformin is a little nausea, I take it with supper so that way it is easier on me Thanks for the tip. I think I could be feeling sick to my stomach from the Provera though (thank god it's only for 10 days) My OBGYN has been amazing and a great support system for me, I have been very lucky And my husband and I are looking forward to starting the Clomid (if we need it) and getting started on our family
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New Here :) A Few Questions 
