Is PCOS a condition for an Endo or GYN?

kkat55 · 07-13-2007, 12:21 PM

We have insurance now and I'm going through some recommendations for doctors and was wondering if the PCOS was considered an Endo disorder or GYN related?

Where is the first place I should go? Endocrinologist or GYN?

I don't like my current GYN because he has been no help at all. The first thing he said to me when he walked in the door at my last visit was that I should consider band surgery and how effective it has been for his sister and that I would never lose weight with the PCOS because I had been trying for a year with little results. I did inquire about upping my Met dosage to 1,500 and he told me no. His options were either go on Clomid to get preg or have the band surgery. My DH and I haven't really decided one way or the other if we want children or not so I've just let it go as it is. He said that because we hadn't 100 percent decided that would be one reason I'm not getting better or preg -- he said that it was "stress" to my system.

Before I left he had me crying because I felt so helpless. Again, he kept mentioning band surgery, but I don't want to go that route. Surely, I can do it with diet and exercise somehow once the hormones straighten out?

Anyway, the whole point of this story is...my GYN is no help and was wondering if the reason is because he is a GYN and that I need to go to the Endo instead to work on fixing all the hormonal issues?

Any advice?

SarahJ · 07-13-2007, 01:03 PM

Hi Kat;
Sorry you have had such a tough time with your doctor. I can tell you that many of us, myself included, have had success losing weight with or without medication. Check out Kat's story, Christyz and as for myself, I think it was a combination of diet (Weight Watchers), metformin and regular exercise.

You are not helpless! The good news is there is a lot you can do to take control of your help. You may just have to mix things up a bit before you find the formula that works. You are entitled to nothing less than a doctor who will view PCOS as not just a fertility issue, but a quality-of-life issue.

I would definitely consult an endo, but also maybe look to find a gyno who is more supportive and informed.

Good Luck!
Sarah

La Blanca · 07-13-2007, 03:37 PM

I would strongly recommend finding a new doctor. I had no luck with two different ob/gyns, but I know a lot of women find good ones who know what they're doing with PCOS (including my current one). I am seeing an RE currently, though, to treat the PCOS/IF. Also, I think you're right to want to up your dosage...my RE has me on 2000mg; 1500mg and 2000mg seem to be the most common dosages around here. And, yes, all evidence (anecdotal and otherwise) suggest that PCOS weight loss is very possible with diet and exercise. There are a number of good books on the subject.

Good luck to you! I hope you find a doctor who knows what s/he's doing very soon!

ms2006 · 07-20-2007, 05:46 PM

I go to an endo/gyn who is also a PCOS and infertility spec. i have been his patient for 7 years. Not all endo or gyn specialize in pcos. Good Luck!!

kkat55 · 07-20-2007, 07:21 PM

Thank you for your replies.

Every time I think I've got a dr picked out, either they are not taking new patients, cannot accomodate us on a Friday (the one day that would be best), etc.

So, I'm still researching as much possible in my spare time and am trying to get in within the next month.

((hugs))