PCOS: Get a Diagnosis

KatCarney · 11-25-2002, 12:34 AM

Quote:

In 1990, the National Institutes of Health formed a group to investigate PCOS. Even though no consensus was reached regarding the name of this disorder, which remains controversial to date, diagnostic criteria were determined.[51] The consensus was that women who present with hyperandrogenism and chronic anovulation, in the absence of congenital adrenal disorders, Cushing's syndrome, hyperprolactinemia, or tumors should be diagnosed with PCOS.[52]

Source: Alternative Medicine Review: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Clinical Considerations

LisaB72 · 03-24-2003, 08:56 AM

It is very confusing and I could not even get my gyno to diagnose me. I had been trying to get pregnant for 5 years. Finally I asked for a referral to a fertility specialist. At that point I was diagnosed. If you think you have the symptoms I would see a specialist.

Brennensmomma · 04-02-2003, 09:41 PM

I was just diagnosed. I went because just recently I suspected that I had some of the symptoms, for instance, I am overweight, and I have mild acne, and I just got my af's back from having my son and bf'ing, but we've been ttc since last August when I weaned, and no o, my last cyle was 50 days long and I'm on cd40 of this one... Also, my last af was very long.. ten days flow, with five days spotting before and one day spotting after..I suspected cysts. A u/s confirmed polycystic ovaries, and once af arrives, I have blood tests to check my fsh and lh levels, and my fasting glucose levels.
Have you had an u/s done yet? I would recommend one.

A question of my own - should I have other blood tests done too?
Which ones?

Britsky · 04-04-2003, 12:47 PM

I have only had blood work done to basically check my glucose and insulin levels, as well as a lipid panel, and that's about it. I've not had a us, but I really would like to know what the deal is. It's really frustrating! I even suggested to have him do the 2 hr glucose tolerance test and also wanted him to check my LH and FSH levels, but he said there was no need to at this point. He's still "almost willing to bet" that I have pcos, but isn't going through the tests which i have read are necessary to dx. I'll be glad to hopefully get a referral to the U of I pcos clinic! Wish me luck! I go back to the doc on th 8th!

Yolanda Steppes · 01-14-2004, 11:54 AM

At least your dr. has done that much. I can't get anyone to take my concerns serious. I've experienced an irregular cycyle and weight gain for the last 5 years. Have only 3 cycles in a years is a major issue for me. Okay right now I am not ttc but I would like to know what is wrong and if the problem can be corrected.

Quote:

Originally posted by Britsky
I have been pondering the idea of having pcos for about 2-3 years now. I have been to the doctor and he says that he thinks that I probably have pcos. He did blood tests, but didn't check hormone levels. He checked things like the lipid panel and also checked my fasting glucose level and insulin levels, which were okay. He suggesting not that I go on a low carb diet, but that I attempt to lose weight. He suggested trying weight watchers, (so far this week, the 1st week, I have lost 4 lbs!) and if that doesn't work, then I am to go back and see him to try something like Metformin. I am just wondering if this all sounds normal, or if I should check with someone else. I am currently only seing my family doctor. I have all of the symptoms and test high on the pcos support quiz, but he hasn't actually diagnosed FOR SURE that I have pcos. I'm kinda confused!

hobbitcutie · 01-16-2004, 04:27 PM

I've had a few tests so far, and the LH/FSH is VERY indicative of a problem, as my LH is 17.3 and my FSH is 6.4, and they're supposed to be nearly the same. The only other test they took was prolactin, which was normal, and one other thing, i don't remember what it was...

And the doctor didn't take my estrogen or progestin levels, which i definitely found weird. So i'm having that taken on monday, along with a lipid panel and a glucose test. Fun stuff, especially when it takes forever for them to take my blood...

MagpieMaggie · 01-21-2004, 08:05 AM

To tell you the truth, there are a lot of doctors out there that still don't know what PCOS is.
The first family doctor I went to ordered a bunch of blood tests and an ultra sound and then basically told me to go home and wait for AF to arrive. I then changed doctors and I went into her office and showed her a magazine clipping abut PCOS and it described most of my symptoms, high testosterone levels, un-wanted facial hair, absent periods, etc... She then ordered a bunch of blood tests and then set up an appointment with an OB/GYN to treat me. It took 6-months to get in to see the specialist but so far I am impressed that he knows what PCOS is.

If you're not happy with the Dx you get from your present doctor, you have the right to a second opinion. Maybe you can mention PCOS to him and tell him to research it because it seems to be a common condition in millions of women in the world.

We should all get together and make it known that PCOS is out there.

Thanks for reading my rant!

Susan32 · 02-02-2004, 10:06 PM

I was diagnosed with PCOS last year (after 2 ultrasound tests). Other symptoms that occurred were frequent, heavy, and long periods, acne, and migraines, as well as infertility for 9 years. In Oct. 2003, my gyn. wanted me to come in November to get bloodwork for hormone levels to determine if hormones were responsible for the migraines. The migraines were predictably at the time just prior to my periods.

In November 2003, I happened to have the v. ultrasound while a large cyst burst. They said there was alot of fluid, etc. I was in great pain and was out of work for a few days. The dr said that sometimes the cysts burst and there is no pain, but this time, I just happened to have a bad one.

Anyway, since the cyst burst in November, I have not had ONE migraine. Not ONE! My periods are now normal. I never called to make the appt. for my hormone tests because the migraines went away and because of the periods being back to normal.

My question: Should I wait until the migraines come back (I assume that would mean that a cyst would be about to burst?) to get the hormonal levels checked? It might be a waste of time to do it now and find nothing. I already think that my dr. thinks that the migraines are "all in my head" and if the hormone levels are normal, he might think he was right.

Oh, and I started a low-carb diet Dec 29th, if that has anything to do with this.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

Susan32

njmact · 02-03-2004, 10:27 PM

i am not sure if i have pcos or not, but i suspect i do. i am very stressed out about the situation, and would like to see a doctor and get this taken care of right away. however, i really don't know where to start. i just moved and do not have a doctor in the area yet. should i see a gynecologist first, or can i make an appointment with a endo from one of the ones listed on this website? or do you need a referal to see a specialist? i just want to go to the right doctor. unfortuantely, i don't really know how these things work, especially clueless about what insurance will cover. if anyone has any suggestions, i would greatly appreciate it. thanks!

MagpieMaggie · 02-03-2004, 10:36 PM

You normally need a referral from a family doctor in order to see a specialist.
Try to find a family doctor by looking on the Internet and search your area. Where are you from, Canada or the U.S.A.?

Good luck!

I just started Provera yesterday. I have 3 more to take and hopefully it will kick-start a cycle and I have the Clomid ready to go, just in case.

laurab47 · 09-01-2004, 02:22 AM

I have had irregular periods for as long as i can remember and when i do they are very painfull. I also have almost every symptom of PCOS but I have also had dificulty in being diagnosed. About this time last year I finally went to a GP bacause i couldnt stand the pain, moodswings etc. At that time i was told that i probably had got PCOS and was given a blood test and put on the pill to regulate my period. The doctors then went on to lose my blood test results and told me that ther was no point in repeating them because being on a contraceptive would affect the results. I have stopped taking the pill as im really bad at remembering to take it and it also makes me feel ill. Since stopping in aprill i have had 1 period. I have been told not to worry about PCOS again unless i am ttc but i would like to know one way or another. Im sorry to hear that others are having the same problems being diagnosed. Am i being sillly worrying or do i need to be properly diagnosed?

MrsTerryberry · 09-04-2004, 06:18 PM

This is my first time here....referred by a friend who was just diagnosed.

I have an appt with my doc on Thursday. I have a majority of the symptoms of PCOS. Any helpful suggestions of what to ask my doc would be helpful. I'm not sure he'll be aggressive as far as testing goes but I want to present him with my concerns. Kind of push him into it, if you will.

As I've been reading, I've come to realize that it's not easy to get a clear and confirmed diagnosis. Whatever has helped all of you get yours, please give me a clue.

Thank you!!!!

MrsTerryberry · 09-04-2004, 06:19 PM

What does the abbreviation TTC stand for????

cheech · 10-08-2005, 08:55 PM

I think TTC means trying to conceive.

Obstacles · 12-01-2005, 08:53 PM

Hi, I just joined this forum after browsing through some websites to find more useful information on PCOS. My doctor last semester told me after a lot of blood tests and ultrasounds that I have PCOS, he put me on MET 150mg i think i cant remember right for about 3 months however it didnt help. For the past 4 years I have been gaining weight i loose a little well it seems as if I do and then gain it back all over again in a matter of a week. It is impossible for me to loose weight. I am a university student and every day monday-thursday I am up and walking from one class to another which is practically almost 4 miles a day, however my friends lost sooo much weight and they eat junk food on top of that. I am soo cautious about what I eat. I do not have a eating disorder or anything my friends and family actually have to yell at me to eat 3 times a day bc I am the, one meal a day kinda person. But still why am I gainign so much weight? On top of that I have acne. for the past 4 yrs I have taken acutane, soo many creams and pills, the doctor also changed atleast 3 different kinds of BCP's over the years but nothing seems to work! It gets worse month by month...now I am getting bald you can see my scalp under the only hair that i have. My pony tail is sooo small I am only 20 and I feel soo old..the embarassing part is that my mom and my mother in law are younger n thinner looking then me. I get comments from friends and guys i know that I have a good body bc I am 5'7 and it doesnt seem as if i am FAT just THICK. But I weight 200 pounds and it is soo hard for people to believe that. Any how i dunno what to do..the specialist that i am going to see is on jan. 16th. I have been waiting since sept to see her but she is soo buzzy. I am a little worried about why i am having my menstural cycle twice a month now. I cant wait till then to get advice. I NEED help! please someone respond back to my post! I have also read the IR diet but I do not know how to keep up with that. I do not eat out a lot maybe once every 3 weeks or twice but its nothing like burgers and stuff. I am living away from home my parents live in the US and i am in canada going to university. So it is way harder for me to keep up with my diet. I need some advice on how to lose the weight quick and a easy way. Plus my acne and hair problem. One more thing, I also see that my facial hair is growing faster and the hair on my head is falling is that normal? to have facial hair grow and the hair on ur head fall out? Thanks I hope i get some feedback soon. THANKSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS
if this post is hard to understand I am sorry. I am at the library using the internet and am kind of in a rush.

04-02-2003, 09:41 PM	#3 (permalink)
Brennensmomma Cyster Mama Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Vermont Posts: 10 Points: 58.00 Bank: 0.00 Total Points: 58.00 Donate	I was just diagnosed. I went because just recently I suspected that I had some of the symptoms, for instance, I am overweight, and I have mild acne, and I just got my af's back from having my son and bf'ing, but we've been ttc since last August when I weaned, and no o, my last cyle was 50 days long and I'm on cd40 of this one... Also, my last af was very long.. ten days flow, with five days spotting before and one day spotting after..I suspected cysts. A u/s confirmed polycystic ovaries, and once af arrives, I have blood tests to check my fsh and lh levels, and my fasting glucose levels. Have you had an u/s done yet? I would recommend one. A question of my own - should I have other blood tests done too? Which ones? __________________ Crystal (20) dh Roger (25) Our miracle baby, Brennen (1) All hormone levels normal O'd on first round 50 mg. Progesterone test positive for O. Tested +++ w/ fact plus and ept hpts 15 & 16 dpo. We're PREGNANT! Going to the dr. tomorrow for blood test.

04-04-2003, 12:47 PM	#4 (permalink)
Britsky Registered User Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Iowa Posts: 85 My Mood: Points: 1,537.05 Bank: 0.00 Total Points: 1,537.05 Donate	tests I have only had blood work done to basically check my glucose and insulin levels, as well as a lipid panel, and that's about it. I've not had a us, but I really would like to know what the deal is. It's really frustrating! I even suggested to have him do the 2 hr glucose tolerance test and also wanted him to check my LH and FSH levels, but he said there was no need to at this point. He's still "almost willing to bet" that I have pcos, but isn't going through the tests which i have read are necessary to dx. I'll be glad to hopefully get a referral to the U of I pcos clinic! Wish me luck! I go back to the doc on th 8th! __________________ Finally diagnosed: 3/17/08 -after almost a 10 yr battle w/ doctors New meds: -Wellbutrin -Yasmin -Spiro (may be put back on Met but not till after another GTT)

01-16-2004, 04:27 PM	#6 (permalink)
hobbitcutie Musical Cyster Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Arlington, Texas Posts: 278 Points: 1,424.00 Bank: 0.00 Total Points: 1,424.00 Donate	I've had a few tests so far, and the LH/FSH is VERY indicative of a problem, as my LH is 17.3 and my FSH is 6.4, and they're supposed to be nearly the same. The only other test they took was prolactin, which was normal, and one other thing, i don't remember what it was... And the doctor didn't take my estrogen or progestin levels, which i definitely found weird. So i'm having that taken on monday, along with a lipid panel and a glucose test. Fun stuff, especially when it takes forever for them to take my blood... __________________ Me: Jessica, age 18, Music education major To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Leavin the site now due to new diagnosis...Thanks for all the support while I've been here!

01-21-2004, 08:05 AM	#7 (permalink)
MagpieMaggie Canadian Cyster! Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 25 Points: 1,823.00 Bank: 0.00 Total Points: 1,823.00 Donate	A lot of Doctors just don't know..... To tell you the truth, there are a lot of doctors out there that still don't know what PCOS is. The first family doctor I went to ordered a bunch of blood tests and an ultra sound and then basically told me to go home and wait for AF to arrive. I then changed doctors and I went into her office and showed her a magazine clipping abut PCOS and it described most of my symptoms, high testosterone levels, un-wanted facial hair, absent periods, etc... She then ordered a bunch of blood tests and then set up an appointment with an OB/GYN to treat me. It took 6-months to get in to see the specialist but so far I am impressed that he knows what PCOS is. If you're not happy with the Dx you get from your present doctor, you have the right to a second opinion. Maybe you can mention PCOS to him and tell him to research it because it seems to be a common condition in millions of women in the world. We should all get together and make it known that PCOS is out there. Thanks for reading my rant!

02-02-2004, 10:06 PM	#8 (permalink)
Susan32 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2004 Posts: 1 Points: 50.00 Bank: 0.00 Total Points: 50.00 Donate	Do I still need bloodwork? I was diagnosed with PCOS last year (after 2 ultrasound tests). Other symptoms that occurred were frequent, heavy, and long periods, acne, and migraines, as well as infertility for 9 years. In Oct. 2003, my gyn. wanted me to come in November to get bloodwork for hormone levels to determine if hormones were responsible for the migraines. The migraines were predictably at the time just prior to my periods. In November 2003, I happened to have the v. ultrasound while a large cyst burst. They said there was alot of fluid, etc. I was in great pain and was out of work for a few days. The dr said that sometimes the cysts burst and there is no pain, but this time, I just happened to have a bad one. Anyway, since the cyst burst in November, I have not had ONE migraine. Not ONE! My periods are now normal. I never called to make the appt. for my hormone tests because the migraines went away and because of the periods being back to normal. My question: Should I wait until the migraines come back (I assume that would mean that a cyst would be about to burst?) to get the hormonal levels checked? It might be a waste of time to do it now and find nothing. I already think that my dr. thinks that the migraines are "all in my head" and if the hormone levels are normal, he might think he was right. Oh, and I started a low-carb diet Dec 29th, if that has anything to do with this. Thanks in advance for any advice. Susan32

03-24-2003, 08:56 AM	#2 (permalink)
LisaB72 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Saugerties, NY Posts: 4 Points: 73.00 Bank: 0.00 Total Points: 73.00 Donate	It is very confusing and I could not even get my gyno to diagnose me. I had been trying to get pregnant for 5 years. Finally I asked for a referral to a fertility specialist. At that point I was diagnosed. If you think you have the symptoms I would see a specialist.

02-03-2004, 10:27 PM	#9 (permalink)
njmact Registered User Join Date: Feb 2004 Posts: 2 Points: 47.00 Bank: 0.00 Total Points: 47.00 Donate	i am not sure if i have pcos or not, but i suspect i do. i am very stressed out about the situation, and would like to see a doctor and get this taken care of right away. however, i really don't know where to start. i just moved and do not have a doctor in the area yet. should i see a gynecologist first, or can i make an appointment with a endo from one of the ones listed on this website? or do you need a referal to see a specialist? i just want to go to the right doctor. unfortuantely, i don't really know how these things work, especially clueless about what insurance will cover. if anyone has any suggestions, i would greatly appreciate it. thanks!

02-03-2004, 10:36 PM	#10 (permalink)
MagpieMaggie Canadian Cyster! Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 25 Points: 1,823.00 Bank: 0.00 Total Points: 1,823.00 Donate	njmact... You normally need a referral from a family doctor in order to see a specialist. Try to find a family doctor by looking on the Internet and search your area. Where are you from, Canada or the U.S.A.? Good luck! I just started Provera yesterday. I have 3 more to take and hopefully it will kick-start a cycle and I have the Clomid ready to go, just in case. __________________ TTC # 1 since 1998 Dx PCOS: 2003 Current Meds: Provera to start my cycle Clomid for CD's 5-9 Metformin 500mg x 3 times a day June 23/04- Sonohysterogram. Tubes are both clear. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. google_ad_section_end -->

09-01-2004, 02:22 AM	#11 (permalink)
laurab47 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 3 Points: 158.00 Bank: 0.00 Total Points: 158.00 Donate	I have had irregular periods for as long as i can remember and when i do they are very painfull. I also have almost every symptom of PCOS but I have also had dificulty in being diagnosed. About this time last year I finally went to a GP bacause i couldnt stand the pain, moodswings etc. At that time i was told that i probably had got PCOS and was given a blood test and put on the pill to regulate my period. The doctors then went on to lose my blood test results and told me that ther was no point in repeating them because being on a contraceptive would affect the results. I have stopped taking the pill as im really bad at remembering to take it and it also makes me feel ill. Since stopping in aprill i have had 1 period. I have been told not to worry about PCOS again unless i am ttc but i would like to know one way or another. Im sorry to hear that others are having the same problems being diagnosed. Am i being sillly worrying or do i need to be properly diagnosed?

09-04-2004, 06:18 PM	#12 (permalink)
MrsTerryberry Registered User Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: New York Posts: 2 Points: 83.00 Bank: 0.00 Total Points: 83.00 Donate	This is my first time here....referred by a friend who was just diagnosed. I have an appt with my doc on Thursday. I have a majority of the symptoms of PCOS. Any helpful suggestions of what to ask my doc would be helpful. I'm not sure he'll be aggressive as far as testing goes but I want to present him with my concerns. Kind of push him into it, if you will. As I've been reading, I've come to realize that it's not easy to get a clear and confirmed diagnosis. Whatever has helped all of you get yours, please give me a clue. Thank you!!!!

09-04-2004, 06:19 PM	#13 (permalink)
MrsTerryberry Registered User Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: New York Posts: 2 Points: 83.00 Bank: 0.00 Total Points: 83.00 Donate	What does the abbreviation TTC stand for????

10-08-2005, 08:55 PM	#14 (permalink)
cheech Registered User Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 185 Points: 10,152.41 Bank: 0.00 Total Points: 10,152.41 Donate	I think TTC means trying to conceive.

12-01-2005, 08:53 PM	#15 (permalink)
Obstacles Registered User Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Toronto, Canada Posts: 1 Points: 55.00 Bank: 0.00 Total Points: 55.00 Donate	Hi, I just joined this forum after browsing through some websites to find more useful information on PCOS. My doctor last semester told me after a lot of blood tests and ultrasounds that I have PCOS, he put me on MET 150mg i think i cant remember right for about 3 months however it didnt help. For the past 4 years I have been gaining weight i loose a little well it seems as if I do and then gain it back all over again in a matter of a week. It is impossible for me to loose weight. I am a university student and every day monday-thursday I am up and walking from one class to another which is practically almost 4 miles a day, however my friends lost sooo much weight and they eat junk food on top of that. I am soo cautious about what I eat. I do not have a eating disorder or anything my friends and family actually have to yell at me to eat 3 times a day bc I am the, one meal a day kinda person. But still why am I gainign so much weight? On top of that I have acne. for the past 4 yrs I have taken acutane, soo many creams and pills, the doctor also changed atleast 3 different kinds of BCP's over the years but nothing seems to work! It gets worse month by month...now I am getting bald you can see my scalp under the only hair that i have. My pony tail is sooo small I am only 20 and I feel soo old..the embarassing part is that my mom and my mother in law are younger n thinner looking then me. I get comments from friends and guys i know that I have a good body bc I am 5'7 and it doesnt seem as if i am FAT just THICK. But I weight 200 pounds and it is soo hard for people to believe that. Any how i dunno what to do..the specialist that i am going to see is on jan. 16th. I have been waiting since sept to see her but she is soo buzzy. I am a little worried about why i am having my menstural cycle twice a month now. I cant wait till then to get advice. I NEED help! please someone respond back to my post! I have also read the IR diet but I do not know how to keep up with that. I do not eat out a lot maybe once every 3 weeks or twice but its nothing like burgers and stuff. I am living away from home my parents live in the US and i am in canada going to university. So it is way harder for me to keep up with my diet. I need some advice on how to lose the weight quick and a easy way. Plus my acne and hair problem. One more thing, I also see that my facial hair is growing faster and the hair on my head is falling is that normal? to have facial hair grow and the hair on ur head fall out? Thanks I hope i get some feedback soon. THANKSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS if this post is hard to understand I am sorry. I am at the library using the internet and am kind of in a rush.

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