No Cysts. Do I have PCOS??

suncatcher · 06-26-2008, 10:28 PM

I have several symptoms of PCOS and finally had my doctor do some testing for an official diagnosis. I've had two doctors suggest that I do have PCOS. My ultrasound showed "no cyst clusters" which was quite a surprise to me. I often have pain in my lower abdomen. I also took a test for insulin resistance - which I tested positive for. I have slightly high testosterone and lots of body hair. Other symptoms include weight issues, depression and irregular periods.
So - is it possible to have PCOS when there are no cysts present in the uterus?

mamacat01 · 06-26-2008, 11:15 PM

I'd love to know a reply to this- I am in the same boat. I have increased DHEA-S, no cysts but a lot of symptoms...

I feel for you suncatcher! I know how frustrating this is because it's like you are trying to piece a puzzle together with one piece at a time to see the big picture.

soulfulqween · 06-26-2008, 11:19 PM

That's the thing about PCOS...it is a collection of several symptoms some you can have, some you don't.

I don't have poly cystic ovaries....but I sure do have PCOS. Everyone is different.

funkydiva77 · 06-26-2008, 11:29 PM

May be that you havent developed enough cysts on the ovaries that show up on the ultra sound yet? It takes a few years to accumilate. I had PCOS since I was 21 but cysts werent showing on ultrasound till I was 28. The cysts develop because you dont ovulate and the eggs accumulate causing the cysts. Each cyst can have multiple eggs in them. With only 12 eggs not ovulating in a year it could take a while to show up with cystic ovaries..

mkaz · 06-26-2008, 11:32 PM

When I was diagnosed about 2 1/2 years ago, I had the "string of pearls" of cysts on my ovaries. That was after a year of no bcp and no idea I had this problem (therefore wasn't trying to control it). I was put on bcp again and after a year or so went off. I had an ultrasound 2 months ago due to some pelvic pain. Guess what? No cysts this time. Apparently, they can come and go.

mamacat01 · 06-26-2008, 11:34 PM

That could be. Right now, I think I am free of the cysts though but have a lot of other symptoms. My mother had Ovarian Cancer last year- at age 56 so anything Ovarian worries me.

mamacat01 · 06-26-2008, 11:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mkaz

When I was diagnosed about 2 1/2 years ago, I had the "string of pearls" of cysts on my ovaries. That was after a year of no bcp and no idea I had this problem (therefore wasn't trying to control it). I was put on bcp again and after a year or so went off. I had an ultrasound 2 months ago due to some pelvic pain. Guess what? No cysts this time. Apparently, they can come and go.

That's interesting! I wonder if I had them when my symptoms were at their worst and just didn't know it. I didn't have a US done.

I can't tolerate BCPs. I felt like a crazy person and I only took 2. I wish I could go on them. I tried a lot of of them in the past and I felt horrible.

funkydiva77 · 06-26-2008, 11:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mkaz

When I was diagnosed about 2 1/2 years ago, I had the "string of pearls" of cysts on my ovaries. That was after a year of no bcp and no idea I had this problem (therefore wasn't trying to control it). I was put on bcp again and after a year or so went off. I had an ultrasound 2 months ago due to some pelvic pain. Guess what? No cysts this time. Apparently, they can come and go.

Be careful, this is typical of taking BCP, it works as a BAND AID (not cure) for PCOS and will clear up your cystic ovaries. HOWEVER as soon as BCP has been stopped guess what???

SnowFlower · 06-27-2008, 12:05 AM

I agree with the above and yes you can have cysts or not have them or have the symptoms or not and still have PCOS.

tina_d · 06-27-2008, 09:19 AM

No cyst clusters for me either. The most I've ever shown in a US is two. I've never had any problem O-ing or with AF on my own. But the cyst I get during O is usually bigger then normal. It causes my side to be tender, and then major pain and nausea when it pops (releases the egg).

The term PCOS is actually deceiving and is actually controlled by your endocrine system and not your ovaries.

melissab · 06-27-2008, 01:06 PM

Well, I am in the same boat as well!! I do however have 1 cyst on my left ovary that is quite large but my doctor said (she is NOT very knowledgeable about PCOS) that she doesn't feel like she should classify it as PCOS, she is going to call it Syndrome X. What the HECK??? Although a prior doctor did say it was PCOS. This why I am going to the Center for PCOS in Jacksonville, FL so that someone with some actual knowledge of PCOS can fully examine every aspect and symptom I have (which I have almost every symptom of PCOS)

suncatcher · 06-27-2008, 02:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tina_d

The term PCOS is actually deceiving and is actually controlled by your endocrine system and not your ovaries.

I think this is what I needed to hear. The doc said best thing is BC though I've been on and off (mostly off) for the last 20 years. I've started again until we decide to TTC. I do understand and strongly feel that BC is a "band aid" in that it only helps prevent cysts. It is interesting that many of you feel cysts can come and go - and I also did not realize that cysts could pop or release at some point...
Thank you all for sharing your experience with this.

suncatcher · 06-27-2008, 02:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by melissab

Syndrome X.

Check out the board - 5 Types of PCOS.

tina_d · 06-27-2008, 04:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by suncatcher

It is interesting that many of you feel cysts can come and go - and I also did not realize that cysts could pop or release at some point...

Here is a website that is very helpful on describing cysts. http://www.4woman.gov/faq/ovarian_cysts.htm

The type of cyst you get during O-ing is a functional cyst. When it 'pops', it releases the egg. I think having PCOS, you learn to be more 'in tune' to what is going on with your body.

The past couple of years, I have been able to tell my gyn if I had a cyst or one that had just 'popped' and on which side it is on, before I even had the US. I've always been right because US would either show the cyst or fluid on the ovary.

MelancholyBlues · 06-28-2008, 12:08 PM

I had an ultrasound done, the person doing the ultrasound told me I didn't have PCOS because I didn't have the cystic ovaries. My doctor assured me that I didn't HAVE to have cystic ovaries to have PCOS.