Re-Diagnosed

trouble. · 01-23-2006, 06:35 AM

After coming off BC and missing a period for 3 months, my first doctor told me I had PCOS without doing any blood work or sonogram (I don't have any visible symptoms, either). I hated her, so I went to a new nice one that came highly recommended.

She told me she didn't think I had PCOS. I am normal weight, very very mild acne, thick hair, normal voice, and I've always had hairy arms (my whole family does). Just to be sure, she did tons of bloodwork and called Friday to tell me, I do indeed have PCOS.

My total testosterone level is 83, and my free is 10. I know a normal woman's is around 30 and 5, respectfully. Does this mean I have severely elevated testosterone levels, or are they slightly elevated?

I'm terribly depressed and freaking out about my future. After the doctor called I had a big panic attack and had to take pillsm to be sedated. Please someone, calm me down.

mip1500 · 01-23-2006, 09:59 AM

Hey, trouble,

cute name, but I doubt you are really trouble.

PCOS isn't something to freak out about.... I'm only 24 and I've only been diagnosed for 4 month, and I've only really dealt with crappy side effects for 2 years only I never knew they were all related and all pointed to PCOS.

I don't know anything about testosterone levels, so I'm sorry I can't help there. I'm sure there will be a lady checking in that can offer something about them though.

There's a lot of worse things that affect your future - me for instance, I have had to deal with the fact that my mom has incurable cancer and will die from it. Thing is, I've known this since I was 14, and she was supposed to die a long time ago. I have PCOS but it's not going to necessarily kill me anytime soon. There's lots of books, medications, alternative fertility options, and this large online forum - so it's just something crappy that we've all got that causes a buncha crazy anti-social-friendly side effects and puts us at risk for other health problems IF we aren't aware. But, now you know, and now you can do stuff like learn about it, change diet if necessary, change habits if necessary, and really get to know yourself better and find the right treatment.

I started metformin yesterday. I really hope it gives me back regular periods and reduces the extra body hair, lessens acne, stops my hair from falling out, and helps with my 'central obesity' that has only been getting worse and worse along with the other symptoms (pre diagnosis).

FYI, I went off BC pills and didn't have a period for 2 years. You will be fine

What is it that is scaring you? What makes you panic? Random alone thoughts are the killer! Really, you can get through this - there are so many people on this site that are handling life's toughest plays - but making grand strides every minute just the same. You and I are two of them too!

trouble. · 01-23-2006, 07:16 PM

You're right, PCOS isn't a death sentence.

I've been going through my annual seasonal affective disorder coupled with generalized anxiety disorder and clinical depression. Last week I had a huge scare with a breast lump and had to have a painful biopsy. I find out that the lump is benign, but the next day, I get the official PCOS diagnosis.

My trouble is I feel ugly, gross and anything but feminine. I can't seem to lose these extra 8 pounds, I've started to get super paranoid of the downy blonde hair on my face and I my breast has a scab and is all sorts of blacks and blues.

It's hard going through this my senior year of college when I'm already stressed enough with trying to find a job. Being single during a New England winter is hard enough already.

I'm sorry, I'm rambling...

I've tried reading all over this website and the internet about normal testosterone ranges, and I can't find any answers if my levels are just mildly elevated or extremely high. Or is there even a difference?

kimmikat · 01-23-2006, 11:36 PM

Hi and welcome! This is an amazing site to find support and answers.
To answer your questions about hormone levels, up above there are what are called 'sticky' threads. There is one by Kat "Guide to understanding lab results", if you click on the second link on this thread you will find several charts explaining normal ranges for the majority of tests. Look under female hormones and it talks about the testosterone. I hope this helps.

CathyWood · 01-23-2006, 11:59 PM

Welcome to Sc. Glad you are here. Sorry about what is going on. Contact me if you wish.