PCOS and no cysts on ovaries?

alical · 10-02-2005, 05:13 PM

I believe that I have PCOS because I have the majority of the classic syndromes such as irregular period, excess weight in the belly area, hair growth on face, stomach and toes but my doctor did an ultrasound about 6 months ago and she said that my ovaries look great and they have no cysts. She then put me on provera to jump start my period and I took it two times about 3 months apart. I had not problem with it inducing my period but then I dont have a regular cycle after that. I just saw my doctor this past week and brought up PCOS and she said that she wants me to have my insulin tested so I will be doing that in about 2 weeks. Is there anyone who was diagnosed with PCOS but does not have cysts on their ovaries?

missy2003 · 10-02-2005, 05:25 PM

Hey hun,

I thought that I would let you know that I have had 4 ultrasounds 2 inner ultrasounds and 2 belly ultrasounds, and I have NO cysts on my ovaries, however, I have irregular periods, hair growth on my face, belly, and feet. I have hairy figners also. I am on BCP right now, and that seems to be helping, I did get my periods before but not regular, I have hgih cholestoral, and my sugar is slightly higher (sugar is another sign of PCOS), I was diagnosed with PCOS on August 25, 2005. Have you had your hormones tested? Please let us know anything new or how you make out.

alical · 10-02-2005, 06:19 PM

Hi Missy2003- When I was at the doctors 6 months ago she took some blood and ran tests for my thyroid and I believe that she did test hormones and there were no problems. But she wants to have my insulin tested and then we will go from there. So as soon as I get that tested we will see what is happening. Thanks for letting me know that you have no cysts as well because we have a lot of the same symptoms!

SheTiger68 · 10-02-2005, 09:00 PM

I, too, do not have any cysts on my ovaries, though I do have some benign cervical cysts that don't cause any problems. If you are completely symptomatic for this, even without the ovarian cysts, and your doctor dismisses your concerns, even after the test results, go get a second opinion.
When my older sister was diagnosed 3 years ago, and told by her doctor, a MILITARY DOCTOR, that this tends to run in families, she urged me to see a doc for it since my symptoms were even worse than hers. I opened a dialogue with my family physician about it, but he summarily dismissed my symptoms as those of "an overworked mom". Yes! I let him make me believe it was all in my head, and then when my periods got so irregular I was carrying a feminine hygiene product in my pocket every day because it was unpredictable, I decided to see someone. In one visit with my gyn, I was diagnosed with it. My blood tests weren't off the charts, but just askew enough with my other symptoms that he was 100% positive that was the diagnosis. However, he told me in that visit that there was nothing that could be done for PCOS, I just needed to learn to live with it. Yes, another doc talking out of his buttocks!
I have not been taking anything for it, and I regret that now. I have severe exhaustion that nothing seems to help, and my dermatologist, of all people, told me I should be seeing an endocrinologist, which I have done. She told me that there IS something that can be done about PCOS, whether it's BCP, or medication for IR. She is waiting on my blood test results, but says she feels confident my exhaustion is a result of my PCOS, and that I will need to be on metformin to regulate my blood sugar. So it is vital that you trust your instincts, and don't let your doctors push you around. YOU know there is something wrong with you, your body is telling you volumes, and you need to listen to it and not them. Get as many opinions as it takes until you get proper treatment. Unfortunately, some folks doing that are treated like hypochondriacs, shopping for doctors, but I say screw those that think that. We have a responsibility to take care of our bodies, since no one else will. Hang in there, and please keep us posted. Good luck!!!

KatCarney · 10-02-2005, 09:09 PM

Not all women with PCOS have cysts. See here:
http://www.soulcysters.com/do_have_pcos.html

(middle column, about half way down...)

alical · 10-02-2005, 10:34 PM

Thank you for that information, it really helps!! I will wait and see what happens with my insulin testing and then go from there.

jilashper · 10-04-2005, 02:20 PM

I just thought I'd let you know I'm yet another one with PCOS but no cysts. I was diagnosed strictly with blood tests and didn't initially even have an ultrasound. I later had ultrasounds during my pregnancy which showed no cysts. I agree that you should make sure your dr checks your hormone levels and if you need to, see another dr. Good luck!

jmosery · 10-04-2005, 03:21 PM

just thought i'd share. I too don't have cysts nor am I overweight, IR, excess hair. none of it. My hair is thinning but my doctor saids its because I went off BCP in May after 15 years. My acne too has been horrible since going off.

I have had NO periods, even after two rounds of Provera(diagnosed with Secondary Amennorhea and PCOS). Really not sure why he diagnosed me with PCOS but I'm assuming its linked to the Secondary Amennorhea and that I need Clomid and Ovidrel to get going

jaime

Aggy Lou · 10-04-2005, 04:07 PM

I have no cysts on my ovaries but have always been hairy. I didn't have any symptoms - that I was aware of - until after I had my daughter 4 1/2 years ago. After she was born I gained loads of weight and my periods became non-existent. I was diagnosed through blood tests which showed that my hormones were whacked .

SusanRPow94 · 10-06-2005, 12:39 PM

I have no cysts on my ovaries either. I have been diagnosed with PCOS though. I have all the other symptoms except for the cysts. I do have hair problems too. Thankfully it isn't on my face, but boy if I shave my legs in the morning, I better not wear shorts all day long because by afternoon, the hair is back, big time. The way the hair grows so fast on my legs reminds me of the Play-doh barbershop where you push the play-doh through to make the hair come out. It just comes really fast. I hate it!

sassyred · 10-12-2005, 03:41 AM

i have pcos and i dont have any cysts either, i have had ultrasounds and dr. said im good in that dept. when ever i was first dx-ed i was as confused as you are. i thought "how can i have pcos if i have no cysts?" it is a common misconception that all pcos-ers have ovarian cysts. i hope that you take the advice some of the ladies have given you and look around the site for more info. i hope i helped you a little bit.

sweetgal2002 · 10-12-2005, 03:51 AM

i would like to add that i don't have cycts either

Tracyarts · 10-12-2005, 06:09 PM

I had a few cysts when I was diagnosed in 1989, but they're gone now.

I had my right ovary removed because it had a massive (non PCOS related) fluid filled cyst on it, and when the surgeon was in there, he checked everything else out and my left ovary was described as "textbook normal", so who knows...

You can have cysts, not have them, or have them and then they can go away. Kinda frustrating, but interesting how we all have unique symptomology.

Tracy

kmarie · 10-12-2005, 06:53 PM

hi there, i also do not have any cysts. Pcos is a lot of symptoms put together that make it what it is. Some women have excess hair or loss of hair acne mood swings cysts, depression ect. with pcos you can have one or multiple of the symptoms. Every women is different! Hang in there. The doctor is doing a good thing by taking insulin levels. I might also suggest a full blood work up too. I would have my testosterone checked also! I was dx with pcos and insulin resistant. I have some symptoms but not all. This is definately not a black and white diganoises. if you need anything pm and we can talk.

alical · 10-13-2005, 11:34 PM

I am glad to know that there are others out there that are like me!! You guys are full of information and support. My appointment for the insulin testing is tomorrow so hopefully that will shed some light on the situation and then I can start to take the necessary steps to TTC! :-)