newbie here wanting advice on pcos

$sTaCeY$ · 10-11-2007, 08:41 PM

Hi

newbie here and wanting some advice

I'm 15 years old and i think i may have p.c.o.s

the reason why I think this is because i have irregular periods then i first started my periods just before I was 12 and didn't have my 2nd one till i was almost 13 and then my 3rd one was almost when i was 14 they have become abit more regular now i can have them monthly one minute then not have them for about 5 - 6 months. this is really annoying me as they come unexpectedly at any time

I also have body hair everywhere and some facial hair, I have had body hair everywhere since i was about 12

I also have dark skin patches on the back of my neck and armpits and skin tags

I am also overweight for my age I am 168 pounds and 5ft 6" tall

Thanks for taking time and reading my post

Navi · 10-11-2007, 10:17 PM

Have you seen a doctor to get a proper diagnosis?

That would probably be a good first step, especially if you go for months without a period (which isn't safe and can cause cervical dysplasia).

$sTaCeY$ · 10-12-2007, 09:01 AM

no i have not been to the doctors because i am ashamed of my body i havent even told my mom that i think i have pcos

Navi · 10-12-2007, 01:42 PM

Well...you certainly aren't going to get anywhere if you don't at least see a doctor first.

I understand the teenage feeling of being ashamed/nervous about your body for whatever reasons, but that's something you have to get over and realize a doctor is there to help you, not judge you (and the same goes for your mother).

PCOS is a serious condition that often requires medication and serious lifestyle changes to control (as there is no cure, you can only minimize your symptoms), and there are a lot of health risks if you don't treat it. Heart disease, diabetes, infertility, obesity, the aforementioned cervical dysplasia, etc.

Do a lot of reading around here and maybe consider some of the alternative treatments if you don't want to see a doctor yet, but I definitely encourage you to tell your mother and get an appointment with an OB/GYN or endocrinologist for testing and possible diagnosis. You mentioned skin tags and acanthrosis nigricans (the dark patches); that could be a sign you already have insulin resistance along with PCOS.

Feel free to PM me if you have any other questions or just want to talk...

charm · 10-25-2007, 01:42 PM

Its completely natural to feel embarassed about things, especially if you're a teen. I remember my first few appointments with a doctor.
But you have to consult a doctor before you come to any conclusions. Irregular periods, excess hair and dark patches can be due to more than just PCOS. You want to be sure, so that you can take steps neccessary to modify your lifestyle. Don't worry.

-Ann · 10-29-2007, 02:42 PM

You really need to go see a doctor. My mom and I aren't very close, but I just went up to her one day, computer in my hand, and said, I think I have this. I had her read it and she made an appointment for the following week. I'm still ashamed of my body after 2 years of PCOS, don't worry. It'll someday get better. We hope=) Good Luck!!