Newly dx PCOS, hypothyroid, thyroid scan info?

CarrieBerry · 04-16-2008, 04:00 AM

Hello! This is my first post because I was just diagnosed with PCOS last week and I'm really just starting to figure out what is going on with me.

Along with the PCOS my family doctor diagnosed me with hypothyroidism. My labs came back and my TSH is 6.67 (range .49-4.67)

I am scheduled for a thyroid scan this Thursday. She won't put me on any thyroid meds until after the scan to see what is really going on I guess.

Also my insulin level was 26.45 (range 1-23).

I had a pelvic and trasvaginal ultrasound two weeks ago and they found a large cyst on my right ovary (which is also inlarged). I have an appointment in two weeks to see a GYNO who specializes in infertility (we are not trying right now because I want to get healthier first, but I've been off BC for about 2 1/2 years with no pregnancy). Since they think I'm not ovulating, she put me on Yaz to get my cycles to regulate. I originally went to the doctor because I though I was having a miscarriage even though I didn't know I was pregnant. Luckly I wasn't having one and all of the pregnancy tests came back negative, but I was still bleeding like you would with a miscarriage!

So anyways...has anyone had a thyroid scan? When you got your results back what did it confirm/deny?

When you are told you have a "large" cyst what is the treatment, if any?

And any other insights or information that would be helpful!

Thanks!!!

tabegle · 04-16-2008, 11:38 PM

Hey, I was just dx last week too. I just got lucky that my gyno ran some tests for me without waiting too long. I stopped the pill last October, had the withdrawal period, and then 2 more and nothing else since January. I did have a borderline thyroid test a few years ago, so I know that's what prompted the extra bloodwork and the early dx. I am ttc, so this is a bummer to find out.

The endo did put me on 50 mg ? (i think it's mg) of synthroid and took some more blood. He suspects Hashimato's but I guess the blood work will tell more when those come in.

Good luck to you!

BRbangle · 04-17-2008, 12:42 PM

Welcome, CarrieBerry and tabegle! You ladies have come to the right place. I have gained so much knowledge and gotten so much good advice and support from this site.

I just had to comment because my diagnoses and treatments are very similar to yours, CarrieBerry. I am being treated for PCOS due to high insulin levels and high testosterone levels, and also for Hashimoto's hypothyroidism. I am on metformin, Synthroid and, as of just recently, Yaz. Regarding your questions about hypothyroidism... when I was initially diagnosed, my TSH was around 6, just like yours. My endocrinologist started me on Synthroid w/o a thyroid scan, simply because my levels were out of the normal range. At the time, he had no reason to suspect that an ultrasound--which can detect over-producing nodules or other abnormalities on the thyroid gland itself--was necessary. I requested a TPO Antibodies test for my own personal knowledge. I wanted to know if my hypothyroidism was autoimmune in nature, or simply a by-product of my other hormone problems. You may want to consider this test for yourself. The results do not effect current treatment; they simply let you know what you are dealing with and what you may expect in the future.

In terms of insulin resistance and PCOS... My doctor prescribed metformin w/o requesting a pelvic ultrasound. I don't question the significance of knowing if you have ovarian cysts or not; but the results of my lab work--the high insulin and the high testosterone-- suggested that I needed to be on metformin, regardless of the presence of ovarian cysts. Metformin therapy very quickly got my insulin and testosterone levels down and allowed me to start ovulating again.

You should definitely talk to your doctor about treatment for your insulin resistance and for your thyroid. PCOS and hypothyroidism tend to go hand-in-hand; so, treatment for both would be highly beneficial, as it has been for me. Good luck to you!

mommavia · 04-18-2008, 12:46 AM

I didn't see your post until tonight, but hope your scan went well today.

You are right that your doctor wants to see what is really going on with your thyroid prior to you starting meds. S/he is looking for any hot or cold nodules that can help pinpoint what is going on. Hopefully you were able to get your results back today.

If you have any questions about the results, feel free to PM me!

Cynthia

wannabmomma · 04-18-2008, 06:59 PM

Hi Carrieberry! I hope you scan went well & was easy.

I was suspected of having PCOS in 2003 but was misdiagnosed. During that time my TSH & T4 were out of whack too. But an US & thyroid scan & uptake were done & showed a multi nodular goiter. I was put on no meds & told to monitor it. Fast foward 3 years & during a health fair at the hospital I worked at I had free lab work done. My TSH & T4 were crazy again. A repeat US & scan/uptake were done again. This time I had developed several other nodules & the largest of them had gone "cold". Cancer wasn't suspected & I was given the option of a total thyroidectomy or a biopsy. I opted for the thyroidectomy since I'd have to have it done eventually anyway. The biopsy done after my surgery showed there was a small area of cancer in the "cold" nodule so I'm very thankful to have chosen the thyroidectomy!! I happen to work in the radiology field so have some knowledge about the tests/results so if you have any other questions feel free to PM me

CarrieBerry · 05-03-2008, 06:06 AM

The thyroid scan went well. I just got my test results back a few days ago, and it took way longer than they said they would and I had to keep calling my doctor to get the results. Grrr.

They said everything looked ok and there wasn't anything to worry about at this time. So I was able to start on 100 mcg of Levothyroxine (generic of Synthroid) and hopefully that will help. Thanks everyone!