What to do next - please help!

[Sam Cormack]

Hi

Am new at all this - so please excuse any stupid questions!

We have been TTC for just over 1 year (on BCP for 10 years prior to that), went to GP after lack of success, longer cycles and acne. Blood tests showed low Progesterone - so no ovulation. GP suggested PCOS - think I already knew deep down was probably this anyway. Am not overweight but have the Irregular cycles, acne, some facial hair appearing on cheeks (sideburns), although not too bad at the moment. GP has said she will refer me to expert but my question is "who should I see?". Not sure if I should go to an Ob-Gyn or an Endocrinologist - am TTC but also need proper DX and treatment of other symptoms.

Not sure what to do really but have done a lot of reading and have tried to "help myself" - taking cod liver oil, Evening Primrose oil, Multi-vits and reducing refined carbs in my diet, also trying acupuncture.

Any advise would be greatly received!

Feeling v. alone.

Sam

[Scotty]

Hope you get the right person or people to see and things get sorted. My experience has been ive seen one set of docs for assistance (IVF) in TTC and just seen a doc who is a Gynae consultant, but I know he has a background also in fertility problems, so although he is not an endocrinologist he is very well read and knowledgeable about the background of PCOS and other fertility issues. OK, so PCOS is not only a fertility issue which I know my consultant realised, but possibly not all will have this knowledge/background. So I'm thinking (and i may be wrong that it will depend on where your living and who you see for you to get the results you want, i.e. and Endocrinologist may be better for you if a gynae consultant does not have much experience with PCOS other than fertility issues.

It may be a case of trial and error, if the first person you see does not help you in the way you want, then you have to request to see someone else until you get what you want. Go armed with info and be prepared to stick to your guns and fight your corner. I know it shouldn't be like that and I've been lucky so far, but I went prepared to fight it out to at least get a start on the road to some sort of management of PCOS symptoms.

I'm sorry this is probably not much help, but GOOD LUCK and I hope you get the help you need.

[dolphin suprise]

HI Sam , welcome to soulcysters, I think your on the right road , on this web site you will find the hel p you need , it may take time scouring through all the forums and replies especially all the old replies still posted , because even now Im still coming across info I need . I have to say I have no faith in doctors or medication , but Colette Harris's books on pcos , were my best guide for a long time , until I eventually found a clinical nutritionist/ medical herbalist and at last I have his help which has brought around good results, but still working at it every day.

I think the alternative sector is very useful and thats the road that is getting the results.
Best of luck , and do PM me if want to know more.

Dolphin.

[Deeds2]

Hi Sam
Welcome to Soulcysters. It's very confusing when things first start to unfold. I was prescribed Clomid when ttc and was referred to a gynae at the local fertility unit. I know many cysters see an endo. My gp actually could have prescribed it, but as my cysts were growing she wanted me properly monitored.

You may find some resisitance to treating other symptoms as they are often seen as cosmetic, but I hope you have a supportive gp who can push for correct treatment.

I hope you get started on some treatment soon and your ttc journey is short.
Deeds x