PCOS and bloodwork results -- so confused

Lilacs · 08-13-2008, 08:52 PM

I was diagnosed with PCOS around 10 years ago. At that time I had no periods (without Provera that is) and my prolactin and testrosterone levels were elevated.

From time to time I had bloodwork redone and the results were about the same.

I recently had some bloodwork done and just had the follow-up appointment with my Dr. My ultrasound results were not in yet unfortunately, but the bloodwork came back completely normal. I was shocked (my last period was 5.5 months ago). Is it possible to have PCOS with normal blood levels (ie. prolactin, FSH, testostrone, estogen, blood sugars, thyroid etc)? I'm really confused by these results as my bloodwork has always showed some abnormal levels in the past.

sarah jane parr · 08-17-2008, 03:56 AM

Oh bless you, would you be willing to have another set of bloods done to see what those results would be?
Could any of your medication make your levels normal?

I am sorry i am not much use to you ((hugs)) to you.

I hope you get this sorted out

SoSilly · 08-17-2008, 04:00 AM

I believe you have to have 2 of the many symptoms of PCOS in order to be dx'd. If your periods are irregular and your ovaries have cysts on them, I'd say that's a pretty sure sign. Did they have you fasting for the bloodwork? I dont know if that makes a difference.... it's very frustrating, isnt it? Ugh! *Hugs* to you.

Bugsey3478 · 08-17-2008, 08:53 AM

In my initial bloodwork my androgens and other hormone levels came back normal and my gyno told me it could be possible that the levels are normal, meaning they are present, but that hormones fit together like a lock and key. She said to think of the hormones present in the blood like keys, and that the keys were there but if they can't link up to other hormones properly (the locks) there is still a problem, but it won't show up on a blood test. Don't know if that helps, it's all quite confusing because it's hard for us non-doctors to understand! I have cysts on my ovaries according to ultrasounds, and acne and excess hair growth on my chin, so she diagnosed me as PCOS regardless of the blood tests and my basically regular periods.

klmcconne79 · 08-17-2008, 09:22 AM

it is possible for your blood work to come back normal. I was dx in 2001 and they didn't do it from my blood work. i had a slew of other symptoms. in all the years i since my dx my blood work has only showed elevated levels 2 times.

my first RE explained it to me this way - he said that he could hook me up to blood machine all day having my blood tested constantly throughout the day and he would probably find that my levels were elevated somewhere along the line.

root4bebe · 08-17-2008, 03:56 PM

Hi Ladies.

I'm new to this board. I relate to the situation presented as well. My labs have been normal (tested 3 times this year by three different labs) but I do have cystic ovaries, extra facial hair, facial acne and I'm overweight. My ob/gyn does not agree with the PCOS diagnosis (RE diagnosed me 2/08) but I believe I have it. I do have semi-regular periods, cycles lasting 40 days or so. I believe weekly acupuncture treatments and supplements including vitex, have made the periods possible.

At this point, I am due for HSG on my next cycle and the doc wants to draw (yet another) set of labs on cycle day 3. I'm thinking of starting the progesterone cream after I get my labs drawn and get face-to-face time with my doc.

Has anyone out there going through the same situation? By the way, everything else is OK including my husband. I've been TTC x 2 years, 8 months. No kids yet. Only 1 miscarriage 10/07.