I was dx with PCOS in 2003, but I don't have cysts. I have normal periods too, but I have the other symptoms (lab results, thinning hair, faical and body hair). Has this happened to anyone else? My dr said not everyone with PCOS has cysts or fertility problems. Is this true? I know I should trust my dr. but a lot of what I read contradicts this.
I am PG with #3 and no not all of us have fertility problems. There is a sticky somewhere on this board that outlines the 5 different kinds of PCOS that you can have. I have regular periods and can get PG but have battled with some of the other symptoms you've mentioned.
As for the cysts. When I was dxed, I had bloodwork first, (which came back abnormal) and then an ultrasound which confirmed an enlarged ovary and cysts - however the ovary is now back to normal and recent u/s show that I no longer have the cysts either.
So yes, it is possible to get PG and no, you don't need to have cysts to be dxed or to have PCOS.
I was dx with PCOS in 2003, but I don't have cysts. I have normal periods too, but I have the other symptoms (lab results, thinning hair, faical and body hair). Has this happened to anyone else? My dr said not everyone with PCOS has cysts or fertility problems. Is this true? I know I should trust my dr. but a lot of what I read contradicts this.
Your doctor is correct. I'm surprised you found a lot of information which directly contradicted this.
I had an u/s in April and no cysts. I did just come off BCP in Jan and started Met in Jan too, not sure if this helped me. I was also able to pregnant within 6 months of ttc on Met alone (along with low gi diet and exercise). My OB said I got pg so easily because I was able to suppress the PCOS...we found my testerone levels were back to normal levels.
I don't have cysts on my ovaries, but I do have thinning hair which was one of the things that prompted me to see my doctor. I have wacky cholesterol, hair loss and am insulin resistant and have weight issues. I would probably have other things but I started taking the pill at 14 and have continued it for most of the past 21 years, so perhaps other things are masked by this. Even though 10 years ago I had been told I would never be able to have children my current doctor did my labs and the results say that I am able to have children...all my levels for that are pretty normal...now if only I could find a man! lol
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Last year, I went to see an endocrinologist and another gyno for a second opionion (This was seven years after the original diagnosis). They both told me I don't have it.
When I went to see my gyno originally, I had acne (a lot, but not the cystic or scarring kind) and hirsutism, mostly around my face and neck. But then again I have pale skin and very dark hair, so everything shows up. I was also approx. 40 pounds overweight at the time.
She put me on a variety of estrogen/anti-androgen medication, eventually going to Diane-35.
I would say the pills helped to increase the growth cycle of hair, meaning that I could go longer without needing to remove it (ie. eyebrows, upper lip...). But they completely f***ed my periods and my mood. Not to mention, I gained about 80 pounds in about four years from taking these pills. Even though I gained weight at each visit, the only advice my gyno ever gave me was to 'cut out the carbos'.
After seeking the second (and third) opinion, I'm really confused. I've stopped taking all medication, which I have to admit, I feel so much better about! My spirits are higher and I don't feel the same level of depression (and I mean I really felt depressed) around my periods anymore. I do seem to have to book my esthetician appointments for my eyebrows 3 weeks apart instead of 4 like I used to, but that's about it.
I have a voracious appetite most of the time, but I did even before puberty, so I don't know what, if any, hormones are to blame. In addition, I eat healthfully on and off and rarely exercise (unless you count walking from the front door to my car exercise), so I don't know if lifestyle changes would help to decrease my hunger pangs (I'm sure they would).
I've never tried getting pregnant, since I'm not at that stage of my life yet. When it comes time to TTC, I'll see how easy or hard it is to get pregnant. If I can't, then I suppose I probably do have PCOS and I'll take appropriate action.
Anyway, to conclude this very long message, my advice is to arm yourself with as much information as you possibly can (this board is great for that) and seek a second opinion and maybe even a third. You didn't mention (at least I didn't notice) what kind of doctor you went to see. You definitely have to see an endocrinologist. If you can't find one in Iowa, go where you have to! And make sure one of the questions you ask is whether or not your symptoms can be explained by another condition.
And remember, trust your instincts. You know your body best!
PCOS with no cysts? 
