Unsure about diagnosis

thejenerator · 04-08-2008, 01:55 AM

I'm not sure I actually have PCOS. I was diagnosed June 2007, and my OB/GYN only put me on birth control.
!!! What??

Here's what's up:
I don't have weight fluctuations, killer cramps, skin tags, dark patches, or horrible acne (just normal puberty type stuff when I was younger).

I DID go for six months without a cycle (I'm assuming that's when I formed cysts), but I didn't think much of it. (I also have quite a bit of body hair but just blamed it on my dad's coarse black hair and his genetics - thanks, dad) It always happened to me when I finished up a competitive season (colorguard, so that means lots of dance and running, about 12 hours a week total). I would miss a period or two, but I wasn't sexually active so I ignored it as "my body adjusting." It would come back normally in a couple of months. Senior year of high school, I finally told my mom what was going on. She sent me in to the OB/GYN just thinking maybe I was too skinny. (5'2" and 105 lbs at the time.) The OB/GYN did BW and just a regular pelvic exam (nothing odd there, yay). The BW, however, showed my LH/FSH levels were off and too much testosterone. I can understand this just fine; I'm a pre-med and Human Biology major, so I have a strong background in hormones and their roles in the reproductive system.

But I'm wondering if what my doctor is doing is right? She didn't take an ultrasound. She forced a cycle with Provera (I think?) and, yes, did the labs. Now I'm on the NuvaRing and I've gained weight in my hips and breasts - so not normal! I was always the skinny, small-breasted girl! Anyway, I'm sure this is due to increased estrogen production in my body because of estrogen's influence on location of fat storage. Those fat cells couldn't wait to soak up the Freshman Fifteen...ugh.

Is there any relief? And what kinds of things do I need to ask my OB/GYN to explain? Should I see an RE?

AND, does anyone know of any university medical centers that seem to do a lot of research on PCOS? I'm looking for research opportunities for next summer! Thanks.

Eva37 · 04-08-2008, 12:17 PM

welcome to sc

here is a link for you, about some questions to ask your dr.
Preparing for Your PCOS Consultation: Questions to Ask Your Doctor

eva

jackie_C · 04-08-2008, 12:43 PM

In my experience, Even though the doctors thought I had pcos, I didn't get a diagnosis until I said I was trying to get pregnant. I was on the pill for years before that. I think when doctors see a young woman with pcos who is not planning on getting pregnant in the near future, they just prescribe b/c. And that worked for me a few years ago, at least it regulated my cycles. I would have just appreciated the heads up about difficulties I might have conceiving.

If you want a diagnosis sometimes you have to stand up on the examination table and scream for one. I am only kidding but it's felt that way to me at times! You could ask your doctor to go over your bloodwork for you and ask for an ultrasound. Your ob-gyn might not want to refer you to an RE unless you are trying to get pregnant. But, if you want to talk to one you should ask, twice if necessary

You reminded me of myself when you mentioned your mom thinking you weren't getting periods because you were too skinny. That's what they originally thought with me. And I was one of those skinny, small breasted girls until I was 25. Then va-va-voom!

Good luck to you!

spazmother727 · 04-08-2008, 01:46 PM

Welcome! I was having some female problems in high school. Doctor put me on the pill. I can be really skinny and I can be really fat. The weight would come and go every easy. I always had hair on my belly since puberty (yuck! shame). I got pregnant very easy. After my son was born my body got out of control acne (never got more than 1 zit during puberty), facial hair, weight gain that can not loose and unsure how I gained the weight. The list went on and on. I was too ashamed to see the doc. Of course i was not getting my period on a regular basis any more. I let it go for almost 3 years. Get everything screened. Because if you do not have REJOYCE! But if you do, you may have caught it early. I think the birth control pills that i was put on when i was 14 saved a lot of my symptoms....

Best of luck.

thejenerator · 04-08-2008, 04:02 PM

Thanks, all. I appreciate it. It's good to know that I'm not alone!