I am so glad to find out that there are those that suffer from PCOS that don't follow all the "traditional" symptoms. I hope someone can answer some of my questions. Here is my story. My whole life I knew there was something wrong with me. Although I started having periods at age 13, they never became regular. I would have them sometimes as far apart as 3 months, sometimes for only 5 days, sometimes for as long as an entire month and always had VERY painful cramps and pain between periods. I never went to see a Gyn because I was afraid (I know that is a bad no-no). All I ever wanted to do was get married and have babies, and was afraid there was something wrong with me. At age 22, I became pregnant after about 6 months of trying and went to an OB/GYN for the first time. I now have a beautiful 3 year old boy, and although have always felt so lucky to have him, now know how TRULY fortunate I am. I was finally dx with PCOS a little over 2 years ago, although not much was explained to me about it. I found out most of what I know about it through personal research. I now know why I have what I have always felt to be excessive hair on my arms, stomach, and cheeks, and know why I still have acne at almost age 26. I now know that my blood sugar problems that I was diagnosed with as a child, are probably connected to this disorder as well, due to the body's problem processing insulin. And I now know that many of my moods are triggered by the hormone imbalances, (although I have also been diagnosed with bipolar-disorder, which has been a battle in itself). The thing is, I've always been very thin (I weigh about 105). At a regular checkup, when my general doctor saw that I'd been dx with PCOS, he even asked if my OB/GYN was sure, because I didn't "look" like those generally diagnosed, because he said I was thin and "feminine-looking". I'm glad to see there are others out there like me, that although they don't "fit the mold" per say, can still receive information and support. The information I have learned from research though, has scared me and has raised a lot of questions. Just because I do not have all the symptoms now, does that mean I may get them later? What about fertility? Although it is generally low with those that have PCOS, does it lessen even more as time goes by? Do the blood sugar problems ever lead to diseases such as diabetes, as time progresses? Could low sexdrive also be a symptom, due to the hormone imbalances? I hope these questions don't seem too silly. I just really don't know much more than the basics about this disorder. Thanks for being so patient in reading this entire thing.
Hi! You may be relieved to hear that what you're going through emotionally is the same as me... and probably lots of other thin cysters! When I was recently dxd, I felt grateful that I didn't have the weight or other problems to deal with too, but I also slipped into a kind of pcos hypochondria, scrutinising myself in the mirror to see if I was gaining/losing hair, putting on weight or developing acne! I sometimes feel like a cosmetic version of someone with HIV waiting to develop AIDS. I don't have any expert advice to offer, as I'm new to this myself... Yes, you are more likely to become diabetic... but if you're careful about diet it shouldn't happen. It seems that although a few thin cysters put on weight later, especially after being pg, many don't (please correct me on this anybody, if I'm wrong!)
The odds are good for you being able to have another baby... even if you happen to need medication... and it's great being able to hear from women on this site who are going through the same thing, and have success stories to tell. I know it can be awful, though, comparing yourself to non-pcos women, who get 28 day cycles and get pg w/o a problem... The emotional side of things is very real and doesn't seem to get addressed properly by doctors and research articles.
Welcome to SoulCysters! I am glad you have found us!
I wanted to chime in and say that I agree with Sarah...though PCOS ladies are likely to be more at risk for developing diabetes, and struggle with fertility (as compared to our normal counterparts), with attention and management, we can overcome these obstacles! And, there are many, many wonderful women on this site who've made lifestyle improvements and been able to manage PCOS symptoms quite successfully!
I've never heard of low sex drive as being linked to PCOS. It makes sense to me that it could be a factor of hormonal changes.
I won't pretend that any of this is easy, but having a community like this one that knows exactly what you are experiencing is such a huge help! Please feel free to ask whatever questions or share whatever thoughts you have.
Best wishes...and again, welcome!
Lissa
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