How are you tested

[Allena]

Hi Everyone
I am Allena, 16/f who has near all symptoms of PCOS.
My hair is falling out continuously, I have hair growth on my face, chest, stomach, back, and arms. I have Acne on my face and body, I have the Brown skin on my Neck, Elbows (Front and back), in between my breasts, on the backs of my thighs and at the top of my thighs around the groin area, Depression, etc.
I am going to my Doctor on March 15th to talk to him about this with my Mother but first I wanted to know about other PCOS victims and how they were diagnosed. I would like to know what tests are done in order to determine your PCOS positive or negative. My Mom said my Doctor will probably send me to a Gynecologist and that kind of worries me.
Does anyone know what tests are done? I am very I don't really know the word to describe it but sensitive emotionally about being naked in front of people so a Gynecologist appointment will really scare me..... unless someone could provide me with the information about the tests...
Thank you all and God bless you all

Allena

[FluffyBurgerSniffer]

I'm so sorry you're going though this...I know it's easier said then done, but know that if you do go to a GYNO that they're there to only help you...that's what helps me everytime I go I know they ran blood work, they checked pretty much everything...my GYNO had taken about 12 viles of blood and ran everything possible, like insulin, testosterone, glucose ect. I has had a ultra sound done and they found cysts on my ovaries. I wanted to wish you luck when you go there...maybe some other girls on here can recommend too what else should be done

[Allena]

Thank you so much for replying.
I can't think of the name of the Ultrasound where they use the Stick like tool and it is inserted into the Vagina, Is that the kind of Ultrasound you had?
I really don't want to have one of those

[willow77]

Hi Allena!

I am in the process of being tested for my PCOS-related symptoms now, and I am 28, so kudos to you for taking charge of your health so early! I know it can be embarrassing to talk to a Dr about such things at your age, but rest assured that they have seen and heard it all before. It's best to get it all in the open with them now so they can determine what's going on with your body.

As for the types of tests, this is what my Dr ordered for me:
-Blood work (to check hormone levels and cholesterol)
-Pap smear
-US (abdominal and trans-vaginal)
-thyroid US
-Glucose tolerance test

It's important to remember that this is a syndrome, and not something that can be determined definitively with a simple test. You will probably have to go in more than once, and see more than one kind of doctor. It is a process, but it is worth it in the end if it can help you live a healthier, happier life! GL!

April

[ajhyer]

I was just recently diagnosed and just had lots of blood work done and an ultrasound. After those my doctor said from my symptoms and the results that yes I have PCOS. I wish you luck!

[a-mac]

I didn't have to have a trans-vaginal ultrasound to diagnose pcos. I don't have any cysts though. It partially depends on your weight. If you are very fluffy they might have to do a trans vaginal. You might want to check in with the other teens on this board to find out what tests they had done. Welcome to SC!

[sassy82]

If you have to do the trans-vaginal ultrasound, it really isn't as bad as it sounds. And the doctors and everyone are only there to help. I just had the ultrasound in August, and I was so nervous, but it ended up not being as bad as I had expected. It is better to know that you have the cysts than not know. I wish you good luck. And thank goodness you are finding this out so early in your life! Good luck again!

[KamiraQ]

My doctor said I was a textbook case and ran a bunch of blood tests and the glucose tolerance. I had to pee in a cup and they took 6 vials of blood the first time. I thought they were going to bleed me dry! I didnt have any ultrasound done.

Dont be worried or embarrassed to see the gyno. My first time was pretty nerve wracking, but once I got in there, all my nervousness went away. The docs want to help, that's why they do what they do. Besides, most doctors have seen every shape, color and size there is, so no reason to be nervous about that. Getting diagnosed early is great! Good luck and welcome to SC!

[emma42]

Hi. Because I just had the ultrasound done I can tell you my experience.

Because of your age I doubt they will do the trans vaginal ultrasound. The technician who did mine gave me the option whether I wanted to do both types of ultrasounds. I didn't have a problem w/ it. As I was chatting w/ her she said she always asks permission for the vaginal ultrasound and if the patient is a teenager she never even asks because she won't do it.

If you only want to do the over the tummy ultrasound that's all you have to do--if your doc even sends you for an ultrasound. PCOS can be diagnosed based on symptoms and blood tests alone w/o an ultrasound.

Now if you get sent to a gyno, he/she may want to do a pap, but if you are not comfortable w/ this, you do not have to have a pap. The only thing is some doctors will not administer birth control w/o a pap, but there are other medications plus diet and exercise that can help pcos.

Finally, once you do go through these procedures you realize they're not really all that bad BUT I was sixteen once so I totally understand your sensitivity. No doctor should insist that you do a pap or breast exam until you feel comfortable w/ it.

And after seeing your regular doctor consider asking to be referred to a endo instead of a gyno. W/ an endo you won't have to go through any physical exam though he/she may want to look at your skin tags and brown spots--but you probably will only have to show him/her a couple for example.

Hope this helps. Seeing a doctor is the first major step forward in dealing w/ this syndrome and getting help. At 16, I wish my doctors had known about pcos to help me so it's great that you found this site so you will have info even if your doctor doesn't.

Good luck!

[starlite]

Sorry you're going through this at such a young age. But it's good if you can find out early.

My first gyno appt. was when I was 16. I felt the same way. I was real nervous and scared. What helped is that my mom went to this doctor first just to make sure they were okay. And the doc was female, so that made me feel a little better. I've always struggled with my weight, so I too was very self conscious about my body. It wasn't as bad as I made it out to be.

Ultrasounds are really not that bad. I have had numerous trans-vaginal b/c of pain. First one was when I was about 17-18. At my last one, they did ask if I was a virgin b/c they don't like to do them if you are. But as far as I know, it's the best way to see clearly if you have cysts besides exploratory surgery.

You may want to ask your doctor about seeing an endocrinologist. They deal more with the hormones and issues that come from that. Sometimes you can get lucky though and get a gyn who knows their stuff with pcos, but not always.

This is a great site for info. You might want to check out the teen’s section. Good luck and take care!