Really upset and nervous. Need advice

swordtail600 · 01-24-2005, 06:43 AM

Hi!

My name is Jen and I'm 19 years old. Here is a little bit about myself.

I've been on various SSRI's for anxiety disorder for the last five years. Since I started effexor XR last january, my periods have been horribly irregular and infact, I've only had three in the last year. I used to be so regular that I could tell you not only what day, but what hour my period was expected to arrive. So you can see why I am worried.

Also, I've gained 50lbs in the last two years making myself a staggering 184 lbs at 5.1'! Its so horrible!

I've also always had dark eyebrows which I have to wax off at least once a month. Lately, I've noticed that I am getting a mustache (sp?) and hair under my chin.

When I was in grade 8, I actually remember someone telling me I had a dark hair growing on my chin. Horrified, I pulled it out and it always grows back and now there are more. YAY! I am a brunette so I always thought I would have some hair on my "sideburns" but now I'm freaking out wondering if I have all the symptoms of PCOS. I started getting acne when I was ten years old and I still have it, although it is much better.

So I'm really very upset at the moment because I put my symptoms into a searchbar and it kept coming up as PCOS.

I finally swallowed my embarrassment and went to my family doctor who did a pelvic exam and ran some blood tests. He said everything was "fine". But he is sending my to a gynacologist. Its taken MONTHS to get in to see her and I go next week.

I'm so scared! What if I do have PCOS? I don't want to die of a heart attack or diabetes! I can't seem to lose weight and I keep hearing that women with PCOS are almost 10X more likely to die of heart attacks than women without PCOS.

Please let me know what you think!! I'm so happy I found this site where women are all experiencing the same thing. How was the diagnosis for you? Is the ultrasound horribly embarrassing?

I'm sorry for all the questions but I feel so embarrased about all these exams and scared for my future.

I'm so grateful for everyone here!
Thank you ,
Jen

disintegration · 01-24-2005, 07:25 AM

First off....take a nice deep breath....aaah thats better....

.

In my experiance with pyschopharmacology I have not noticed that SSRI's can cause a hormone influx that would mimic PCOS. However, the symptoms you have described are classic PCOS symptoms. Hair in wrong places, missed periods etc are symptoms. Your first course of action would be to do some research through this site and others. Ask questions even if they seem TMI. We cysters are here to support you no matter what. See the gyno but note that PCOS is at its core a metabolic disorder meaning that an endocronologist should be working with your gyno in treating this. Yes, PCOS is treatable, PCOS won't kill you if you let it.

Don't be embarassed by the ultrasound. Its not the most pleasant experiance out there...but its ok. I had one and I have no cysts.

You will be ok. Just be informed about exactly what PCOS is. There is a search function here to answer any question you have, also please post if you need help.

Your future will be fine...
You will be ok...
Repeat after me....you will be ok!

deborahlou · 01-24-2005, 04:26 PM

I agree with disintegration....Don't be afraid to talk to your doctor and you can ask any questions you like here.
Everyone here is awesome and we've all been through the stuff you're going through now.
Welcome to the board

*pEaNuT* · 01-24-2005, 04:43 PM

((((HUGS)))) HI WELCOME TO SC!! Everything seems so overwhelming at first, but it does get better! There are all kind of ways to help us now. So just take a deep breath and do a little research on here. I am glad that you found us. The Cysters on this board are so supportive and amazing!! ((((HUGS))))

Carey

CathyWood · 01-24-2005, 08:39 PM

Hi Welcome to SC. I am glad you found us. Feel free to contact me if you wish.

hoping4help · 01-25-2005, 12:35 AM

Hi Jen, and welcome to SC, glad you posted this. Whenever I took Effexor, my periods stopped and/or were regular.
Do you have an idea why you have gained weight? I never gained much weight on Effexor.
Honestly, in my opinion, I think Effexor plays a role with our hormones. I pluck a few whiskers now and then, and if you can get it, there's a hair remover, like Sally Hansen etc., that can get rid of the moustache for you.

Good luck with the appt next week! Hopefully they can help you. If it turns out you do have PCOS, this is the place to be-resources/websites/support/exoerience/and comrade.
From what I've read, PCOS can get worse of it isn't gotten under control. Try not to worry--I agree breathe in...out... better

If you're serious about getting answers and help, an ultrasound is not embarrassing, or any other diagnostic test for that matter, it's a good thing

I get concerned too, you're not alone.
Please let us know how it goes for you next week. Good luck!

swordtail600 · 01-25-2005, 01:58 AM

Wow! Thank you so much for the welcomes and kind words.

I was a little freaked out last night

as you probably could tell.

However, I'm feeling a bit better tonight thanks to the information I've started to read here.

My question is, if it is indeed PCOS, is there a treatment? Obviously it can't be cured, but is there a way that I can eliminate the possiblity of an early death from diabetes or heart disease?

I know I have to lose weight! I recieved a gym/swim pass from my family for Christmas so I can work out in the weight room or pool 24/7 if I want to

So far, I'm up to swimming four times a week, but want to do more. I love it!

I think my weight gain is from a number of different things. I've had a rough time with my anxiety disorder and this contributed to my "emotional eating." I also work as a prep cook by day so that certainly doesn't help!

These factors all made me gain weight but I wasn't eating all the time. I eat just as much as everyone @ work yet I still am the only chubby one there.

My medication i'm sure caused lots of my problems considering I gained significant weight when I started the SSRI's. But I do know, my weight is also at least partly my fault and I'm ready to take responsibility for it!

I talked to my doc and he told me Effexor shouldn't cause any problems with my periods. However I feel it has screwed with my hormones because I didn't start having these problems until I started the meds. But maybe its just PCOS.

Anyways, I've gone to my mom's "witch doctor", he is actually a homeopathic doctor, and he's given me something called M2-Tone. Its supposed to regulate my periods.

I've been taking it for a month and the last few days I've had a little bit of spotting. But it only lasts for a few hours then goes away. I have had a lot of PMS symptoms though (mood swings, bloating ect. ect) Its very frusterating!

This month I've also reduced my dose of effexor from 150mg to 75mg. Maybe this has something to do with the spotting. I don't know.

I'll let you know how it goes and thank you again SO much for the kindness, its nice to know other people are related. I suffered with this for at least 6 months before going to the doctor because I was too scared and embarrassed.

Thanks again
Jen