I'm a bit worried that I may hav PCOS. I've researched it online and found myself to have many of the symptoms. I never would of even considered tying myself to this, but I recently came across an article in a magazine while waiting for a doctor's appointment and it really made me think.
Me and my boyfriend of 6 years have been trying to concieve for the past year or so. No pregnancy yet, and it's really weighing down on my mind because of that article. Since day one we haven't used much contraceptives and it's starting to worry me. Another thing is that my immediate family from both sides have had problems with their reproductive systems (ovarian cancer, cysts, uterine cancer) that in most cases had to result in a hysterectomy. I WANT TO BE ABLE TO HAVE KIDS!
I did talk to my OBGYN twice. Once a few months ago at my annual check-up and another time a few days ago. Both times, he blew me off assuming that because I was young, not married or established and I've only tried a year or so that I should be patient and I'll be fine. Never did he suggest any sort of testing for PCOS even after I brought it up?! I don't think he should make any choices on how to help me on what he percieves my status to be. Me and my boyfriend are taking our time on marriage and we both are very established in our careers. THAT SHOULD NOT BE THE PROBLEM OR MAIN CONCERN.
These are the things I need help with:
1. Who should I really see to give me the proper diagnosis for PCOS?
2. If diagnosed, what are the steps taken to treat infertility issues?
3. How should I bring PCOS issues up with the doctor so that I am thoroughly treated?
Any suggestions or comments would be GREATLY APPRECIATED!
I totally agree with you, your relationship status should not be a factor when giving you advice on conception or lack there of. Regardless of your fertility status PCOS is a syndrome which can effect your all over health and therefore should be taken seriously.
A good Doctor will be able to diagnose you or an endocrinologist since PCOS is an endocrine disorder. Many ladies on the list go to see reproductive endos when they need help to conceive.
What you need to have done, first up, is some blood work, your levels need to be checked. Shop around and find another general Doctor, (if you don't want to go to a specialist just yet), and ask them to do a blood workup/panel for you.
When I was Dxed my Doctor did both bloodwork and an ultrasound which confirmed everything. The Doctor was a general Doctor and not a specialist, sometimes it just takes someone who knows a little something about PCOS and is sympathetic.
Be aware that there are 5 different kinds of PCOS - there's an article somewhere on this board outlining them and - that not all of us are unable to conceive or have to resort to fertility treatments, you still may not have to go that route just yet.
Good luck,
Paula
Last edited by Paulalouise; 09-17-2007 at 09:38 AM.
Reason: grammar
I agree with paula. Getting checked out is the best way. I found out i have it when i went to gyno to get on birth control and she thought something was off and sent me to my endo. I've had it for a while and it has it low points but don't be scared it all works out in the end.
__________________ ~Mel~
PCOS and IR dx July 2002 < --- boy was that fun!
Meds- BC and Met 2000 mg
"Maybe some women aren't meant to be tamed. Maybe they're suppose to run wild until they find someone just as wild to run with."- Sex and the City
I presume that you are from America so things might be a bit different, but similar.
It took me over 4 years to get diagnosed and for my GP to give me a referral to Endocrinologist and I had to ask for the blood tests and Ultrasounds so be assertive if you need to.
1) Go to a GP - Say I think I have this (PCOS).. these are my symptoms. For my own peace of mind I would like
A) Full Hormonal Blood test including LSH and FSH ratios.
B) A Pelvic Ultrasound showing the ovaries
C) Ask him to note down your symptoms (TTC not succesful, extra hair if you have it, weight gain around middle, trouble losing weight... whatever your symptoms are.
Remember to be diagnosed with PCOS you don't need to have ALL Symtoms and you dont need to have the cyst on the ovaries...as they can come and go...
Then when the results are back - ask to be referred to an Endocrinologist for the interpretation of the results of all tests.
I hope that this is of some help to you. Good luck after you are all sorted and you know what is going on. I am sure you will have a bub soon.
I really appreciate the quick and supportive responses from all of you! You have really put my mind at ease and well, made me believe that I'm not all that crazy in my suspicions/concerns! I have a appointment this Wed with an Endo so well see what happens after that.
Hey well i cant beat all the great advice all the other cysters have given you, they are a great help.
Just do as stated b4 by going to your doctors and tell them .... even if they dont acknowledge what your saying maybe see another doctor and try that way.
And i totally agree with you on the status thing... im not married yet but just holding out for awhile but that shouldnt hold me back from trying to have a baby with my partner and gives the doctors no right to say anything regarding this.
all the best
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You might want to write down ALL things that 'don't seem quite right' about your body and body functions - no matter how minor - and bring the list to your doctor.
That's how I got diagnosed. I was in the doctor's office for back pain, and he asked me if anything else was bothering me.
Since I VERY rarely went to the doctor, I figured I would simply rattle off a bunch of things that I NEVER thought were related...he said, "Your back hurts because you're far too overweight for your frame, BUT, based on the other problems you just mentioned, I think you have PCOS."
I don't know how many more years it would have been until I got a diagnosis, if I hadn't told him everything. (skin, hair, mid-cycle spotting, etc).
The same thing happened when I had toxic shock. I had 'the TS rash' on my hands, but the doctors didn't notice it because it was so mild (and even with my rash, my hands looked better than theirs). It was only when I insisted that I had a rash, that a dermatologist - not the emergency room doctors - knew I had TS.
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Hey, SoulCysters! Need to eat more veggies, but can't find recipes??
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Scared and worried 
Thanks! 
