I hope you can help me, I'm in desperate need of support.
I'm 20 years old and I've been having problems with PCOS for the past 8 years..I have the typical symptons (hair, weight gain, no periods etc) but have had huge problems with a diagnosis. I was 14 when I spoke with a consultant gynaecologist and he told me that I had PCOS. I've since moved to a different city and I have since discovered from my current doctor that PCOS isn't on my notes. I forwarded the letter between the consultant and my old GP to my current GP, only for her to tell me in so many words that the tests I had done when I was younger were inconclusive, that she doesn't think I have PCOS, and that I should start shaving (I currently wax but it gives me so many skin problems).
I'm so frustrated by the ignorant attitudes and have no idea where to turn or what to do. Has anyone got any ideas or advice as to where to go from here?
I'd be so grateful for help, and thanks in advance to anyone who helps.
I'm thinking of trying again, but I'm dreading not being listened to again, I burst into tears after speaking to the doctor and she said that. They ran blood tests and they were borderline, but I was only 14 at the time so I don't know if it'll be more apparent now I'm older. They also did an ovarian ultra-sound scan and said my ovaries had the appearance of pcos, but it could just be lots of eggs (again because I was young). How did your diagnosis go?? Did you have problems too??
Heya . . . so sorry to hear about this crap . . . I know how frustrating this can be, believe me . . . I've never liked going to doctor's etc., esp. when you have one that isn't listening to you or believing you about your own body! Doesn't matter if he/she is a doctor-- you live with your body every day and you know it!
. . . since you're asking for advice, I'll give you some . . . go ahead and get the blood work done again now that you're older, AND you may need to look for another doctor if your current one isn't listening to you. I am TOTALLY with you that it SUCKS and you don't want to have to do it . . . you shouldn't HAVE to, really. But at the end of the day, it is your body and your health and it is worth standing up and fighting for. Definitely get your support system going around you-- anyone in your life there who you can get some encouragement from . . . maybe someone who can go with you to the doctors/tests, etc. . . . and if you don't have that where you are, then definitely use this resource here, as there are tons of great ladies here who know what you're going through (exactly!) and will be more than happy to support and encourage you.
Anyways, that's my advice . . . I hope it helps you, and best of luck!!
Hi,
Just to say if u are not getting the support from your doctor u will get it here. PCOS can be hard to diagnose at times as not all doctors know how to test for it. Basically there are a few tell tale signs that can be tested for, unfortunately I have em all! I have raised androgens which was only put in writing when I went for IVF so during that treament I think your blood is anylised more than usual. I struggle to lose weight (but it can be done) I am going to dietician at the moment early days yet. I'm only 2 st overweight so not too bad but still very unhappy. U know us girls want to be perfect.
I have excess hair which I deal with by having waxing, electrolysis etc - all money but that's life, less shoes for me ha ha.....
I have irregular periods and insulin resistance. I have decided I am goig to beat this bloody ***** of an illness. I beat the infertility part via IVF (have accepted it will not happen natural, but please note I also have endometriosis and probs with hubby's sperm)
I haven't beaten the hair thing but control it with waxing/electrolysis so mabe some day the hair will give up.
I am currently tackling the weight so all going well I have a theory if I lose weight that all my other symptoms will get better. Maye I daydream hence the name.
Good luck with it all. Please dont let this illness get to u like it did me. I wasted most of my life worrying about how I looked, then I realised there are ways to deal wit some of te PCOS issues. It is a horrible illness if u allow it to be so I have decided I am going to stick 2 fingers up a it from now on.
I have decided no one is PERFECT!!!!! except anna kournakova and her boyfriend Enrique (cant spell) ha ha....
Thanks so much birdsong and dilly...unfortunately this isn't the only GP I've had problems with, and I'm at university so my family are far away for support.
I hate the hair the most. I used to be called the girl with the moustache at school, which was horrible. I've tried electrolysis and it hasn't worked for me. I can't wax much more cos its irritating the skin on my top lip and it's scabbing over..im allergic to hair removal cream and it's too thick to bleach!
Dilly, if you don't mind me asking what advice has the dietician given to you?? I'm about 2.5 stone overweight and i struggle to lose weight. To make matters worse I have a knee injury and I'm waiting for surgery so I can't exercise and the weights piled on!!
and in terms of fertility, did you have irregular periods or non-existent ones? I'm not thinking of kids yet but I know it's the one thing I definitely want to do in my life, and I'm interested how much damage PCOS could have done.
Definitely hard to be away from support, so please come here as often as you need-- I've found some of the warmest, friendliest ladies on this site.
You know your limits on what you can endure with the doctor crap . . . but if I were you, I would keep trying til I found the right doctor . . . unfortunately, that takes time, and more stress than we should have to deal with . . . . But that all has to be your call, what you can stomach enduring . . . may have to take it in small steps, like I do, ha.
Is it best to presume that there are problems with diagnosis on both sides of the pond?
ANd does anyone know the best way to get my boyf to understand PCOS? my closest mates are male and my family are 2 hours away, so I guess he's my best option!
Hi Kerys.
I have only started seeing a dietician about a month and am down 4lbs which is excellent for me as I really struggle.
She said basically I need to eat like a diebetic would eat as I am insulin resistant, she explained insulin in the correct amount is like a key to our cells. With too much insulin our cells stay closed so we do not burn fat, but when the insulin is stabilised, then the cells open, and work at burning our food.
Most people with PCOS are insulin resistant like diabetics, so she said 1st rule is we need to eat 3 meals a day, ie breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snack on low fat yoghurt/fruit, but no strawberries or pineapple, all other fruits ok even banana.
Breakfast large bowl of wholegrain ceareal such as cheerios (white box) or 2 weetabix, or any wholegrain cereal, with low fat milk and no sugar. Porridge is good too. She also said if u have small bowl of cereal then u must have 1 slice brown bread (any brown bread) low fat butter as we need carbs, but in the right amount and the right type of carbs.
Lunch 2 x slices brown bread with any lean meat for example 2 slices, low fat grated cheese, and as much salad as u like, no mayo if at all possible.
Dinner For me Any lean meat grilled/roasted 2 small potatoes and as much veg as u like. Please note I have M.E. so do not exercise alot so if u are energetic u could eat more than me. U can change meals around to suit yourself, and dont even think of it as a diet just think it is a way to eat that will keep sugar from dropping or peaking which is the cause of reaching for the bad food in the first place.
Some days for lunch I have a large bowl of Avonmore soup out of a carton, it is microwavable, and I have bread with that and it fills me up for ages. The main thing is to try to eat at regular times, so your body starts to trust it will be fed.
I have a takeaway at weekends just 1 and have a drink at weekend too. She is a realistic dietician. She was very pleased with me losing 4lbs as she knows it is very hard for us. She gave me a target of 4 llbs for next visit mar 20th, so we live in hope.
Sorry if that is long winded. Also about waxing not sure if u are doing the waxing yourself, maybe u could get it done by a professional as anytime I attempt it myself I never get it all, eventually the hair will lighten with waxing.
About my periods been regular, they were irregular, I wasn't ovulating but clomid got me ovulating straight away but as I said earlier I had other issues so had to have IVF.
Stressing about this will make matters only worse, dietician told me that as when we stress we produce insulin so just eat well and hopefully all other symptoms will ease off.
All we can do is our best.
Good luck with it all x x
Hi, yes to answer your question, there are many people here who have had a problem getting a diagnosis, but it is possible. I didn't get diagnosed until I was in my late twenties.
Can I suggest you go and see an endocrinologist? You should have much better luck than with a general practitioner. I cannot tell you how many times I have had to explain to a GP what I have. Please look into seeing a endocrinologist. Tell them your concerns and say that you want a diagnosis. Make sure they give you the proper blood tests. If I remember right they are listed on the Getting Diagnosed page in the message board. You have a right to be listened to and to get a diagnosis. Be forceful, and tell them you need to be tested. If they brush you off then you know you have the wrong doctor. Maybe you can even talk to them over the phone prior to your appt to tell them what your concerns are and get their response on whether or not they will test you, but you should be tested for no other reason than your own piece of mind. Good luck, and there are good drs out there, don't give up. Take care!
Troubles With Diagnosis 
there is a link in my siggie to the uk part of sc, but of couse we're all welcome all over the boards.
