BlessinginDisguise

I'm 21 years old and have been having irregular periods, excess body hair, acne problems, and weight gain for as long as I can remember. I went to the gyno for the first time not too long ago for the irregular periods. A vaginal ultrasound was performed and several cysts were found on my ovaries. I was put on Yaz and when I returned to the office 3 months later, many of the cysts were gone, proving that the BC was doing its job and my period was regular for once in my life. The nurse told me that this means I more than likely do have PCOS and that the BC will keep the cysts under control. But that is basically all she told me. I've been reading around on here.. but I'm not quite sure what the next step is. Nobody knows that I have this condition because I'm not close enough with anyone in my life to feel comfortable revealing this. I'm still in school and under my parents insurance and I cannot tell my mom or dad without being incredibly embarrassed. My mom would laugh at me.. I'm not exaggerating. I'm planning on staying on Yaz. But I don't know what else to do. I would like to get laser hair removal but that is expensive and I'm already in debt and would not even know how to go about that. I just don't know what to do next. I'm very close to my boyfriend and he is a very understanding person. I've considered telling him about it but I chicken out, afraid that he might think its gross and leave me. I just need some direction.. I don't know what to do next..

Eva37

welcome to sc , there is a link to the newbie roadmap in my siggie for you
eva

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PCOS, LOCAH, Lichen Planus, IBS, HS,alopecia - raised bp/ cholesteral. Wheat and dairy intollerance Meds: Spiro, Bendrofluazide, Amlodopine, Simvastatin, Met, Prednisolone, Colpermin multi vits,

Me - 41, hubby 36 son 11. Married 14 years

She is buffeted by the wind, but she does not sink.



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artjournalier

Hi Blessing! I was just diagnosed (finally) yesterday, too. it's funny - these symptoms have been around forever, and nobody made the connection!

I had a large ovarian cyst (7 cm - bigger than my uterus!) in 2006, and had several ultrasounds then, that showed polycystic ovaries, but no one thought of PCOS! I've gained weight "overnight" since college in 20lb spurts - seriously, like 20 lbs in three weeks for no apparent reason. I have excess facial hair, weight around my middle, and all of the other symptoms. Not to mention my sister has PCOS! I finally went to a new gyno when I changed jobs, and she finally thought to check. My glucose/insulin ratio was a 3, even though both were in "normal" ranges, and sure enough, the ultrasound revealed multiple cysts.

In any case, I would tell your mother at least, and any other female relatives - they need to get checked too, because of the higher rates of cancer among those who are not treated.

It might be good to talk to your boyfriend too, especially if you're serious - due to the associate fertility problems that may come up down the line.

Everyone I've talked to, explained the symptoms too, have been like, duh, why weren't you diagnosed sooner! It makes so much sense!

So I hope whoever you choose to talk to is understanding. This is a hard thing to have to deal with a chronic condition on your own.

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Diagnosed May 21, 2008. Symptoms since 1996 - (since developed) hirutism, irregular periods, dark skin patches on elbows, obesity, insulin resistance, large & painful complex ovarian cysts, migraines, bipolar disorder, anxiety

Taking Glucophge XR 750 mg 2x/day

Goal 1 - 10% of body weight

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Rosashi

Hi and welcome to the site, I learned alot here and I'm sure you will too.

Did your doctor say anything about giving you metformin?

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Melvin'sWifey

You should definitely ask your dr about metformin. In many many PCOS women including myself... BCP can definitely regulate things for a while, but as soon you you go off, things get worse. Symptoms get worse and weight goes up. Metformin actually helps the problems instead of just temporarily covering them up. Starting a low carb diet should be your next step as well and although I wouldn't shout from the roof tops that I have PCOS, it is comforting to tell family and boyfriend... they might not be super supportive at first, but once they learn about it, they can be a shoulder to lean on. Good luck and take care!

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Marcie- 25 Melvin- 35
TTC March 2006, DX PCOS Sept 2006
MET 1500mg since March 2008
Prenatals
HSG March08-All Clear
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DH SA-Good Count
Cycles 1-3 Clomid 50-150mg Ovulated 2 out of 3 cycles
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3 BFN's


Cycle 4 - Soy July/Aug08 120mg cd5-9~Ovulated(cd17), then AF
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Cycle 5 - Soy Aug/Sept08 120mg cd5-9


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gabrielle9010

If your looking for hair removal like laser..get a Electrolysis Pen!! I sware by this. I am 16 and it was a godsend..You can find them online for 60 bucks.. I have the Verseo Epen Electrolysis Pen.. It works great...but a little harder to do by yourself. You apply the pads it does what it supposed to do (hurts a bit) then you tweeze the hairs out..THEY DONT FALL OUT...I thought it was a gimmick but the hair on my chin has not grown back and its been about 4 months

tina_d

I think your first step should be getting a definite diagnosis, and finding a dr who will treat all symptoms, rather then one just giving you Yaz, to treat a select few. You mentioned the weight gain. Did your gyn test you for IR?

I also agree that it is very important to talk to your mother about PCOS. She may laugh, or she may be able to relate. It's amazing how much a woman can hide about her health.

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