OB-GYN or ENDO??

Yoshi · 06-27-2005, 11:49 PM

hello everyone!

i finally saved up enough money to see a doctor, since i don't have insurance! i believe i have pcos (i have light facial and body hair, dark skin on my armpits, a couple of skin tags here and there...), so i made an appointment to see an ob-gyn on wednesday. i can't seem to find an endocrinologist so i had to settle with the ob-gyn. my question is, are ob-gyns able to tell whether or not someone has pcos? i asked the receptionist if the dr. i made an appointment with treats patients with pcos, and she said yes. but i've been reading this messageboard and it seems as though everyone is going to an endo and not an ob-gyn. it seems like going to an endo would be more beneficial? my question is, what are those benefits? i'm not 100% sure i have pcos so i'd like to get TESTED. how would an ob-gyn test me for it? is she going to draw my blood out? or is she going to give me an ultra-sound? i'm so confused...someone please help me, thanks!!

Molanna · 06-28-2005, 12:34 AM

My ob/gyn was the one who diagnosed me via blood work and a test called an HSG (ultra sound of uterus & ovaries while dye is injected through catheter). The blood work was all "normal," but when I looked at the numbers, I have a 2:1 LH:FSH ratio--one red flag for PCOS. The u/s clearly showed my ovaries had the cysts on them--no mistaking it. The HSG & bloodowork together cost me out-of-pocket my whole $500 deductable--so ask about the tests first, or it will add up fast.

The only reason I even got the tests was I had been TTC, with very irregular periods--otherwise, I had few "classic" symptoms (some acne, some extra hair, a bit overweight). Because I am TTC, my ob/gyn immediately referred me to an RE, who is now monitoring & medicating me because my ob/gyn won't. If you get an ob/gyn who WILL take care of you, you may not need to go the RE route.

Keep reading the boards--and start taking notes. I bought a notebook to jot down questions for my initial RE visit, and have been keeping all my TTC notes in it. I recommend writing any question down, so that you remember to ask--this appointment is going to be stressful, no matter what.

Best Wishes,
Molanna

ladioffaith · 06-28-2005, 01:08 AM

Well, my normally knowledgeable gyno said I wasn't having periods because I was fat. The endo I eventually saw put me on met.

However, she has since learned more about the subject and said she thought she might be insulin resistant, but by the time she got tested, she had lost more than 100 pounds on a low carb diet and her bloodwork had returned to normal.

If your doctor knows about PCOS, I would say she's smarter than the average gyno . . . unless, of course, she thinks everyone who has PCOS has polycystic ovaries. Most do not. If she does bloodwork, you are one step ahead of the game.

Also, check the "find a physician" section of this web site to find someone in your area who knows her stuff!If yours does, than post her info here so others can find a smart doc.

lovelyinkedlady · 06-28-2005, 01:29 AM

well the fact you fact that you have a dr who deals with pcos is a great step in the right direction!

I've had to gynos diagnoses me with pcos just on my physical apperance and on my cycle or lack there of.

Depending on what you are trying to accomplish, a gyno can be wonderful and a endo can be as well. If your trying to get pregnant i would suggest a good gyno and a Reproductive Endo. If your just trying to control the symptomes of it a good gyno and endo dr would be best for you.

what ever you are trying to do good luck with it all. It's long and hard but you can get through it just don't let them write you off keep at it.

innkeepermommy · 06-28-2005, 04:33 AM

It will very much depend upon the individual doctor. My endo wouldn't diagnose me without elevated testosterone and lipids. The GYN did.

Good luck to you!

Yoshi · 06-28-2005, 08:50 AM

thanks for all the quick replies, everyone! all the responses helped me one way or another, and now i feel more confident in seeing an ob-gyn! i'm kind of nervous about the cost and everything (initial visit is around $330, and i don't think that includes blood work)... but for the most part, i'm excited that i'm FINALLY doing this. ever since i was 13 or so, i knew something was wrong with me (i had hair in places i shouldn't have had), and i'm 21 now, so this is a huge step for me. i'm kind of nervous, but i'm really anxious to find out what's going on with me. anyways, thanks again, everyone!

amshum · 06-29-2005, 01:52 AM

Yoshi

to SoulCysters!

I think the most important thing is to find a doctor who knows what PCOS is and is willing to diagnose and treat it. There are some doctors, no matter what their specialty are pretty crappy when it comes to PCOS, so if you feel comfortable with your doc and he/she is wanting to diagnose and treat you, then I say stick with that one!