What to do?

tmcurtiss · 10-13-2008, 11:12 AM

I need advice. I went to a Gyn recently for a few concerns- an enlarged right ovary that showed up in an ultrasound, endometriosis pain (diagnosed 15 yrs ago) and concerns that I might have PCOS. I think I have the signs of PCOS. I get painful cysts, hair loss on my head and growth on my face, weight gain that will not budge with dietary changes and excercise, mood swings. Well my doctor walks in and says," You can't have PCOS because you are still having periods." She tested my FSH and LSH at my insistance and they came back within normal range. She also tested my thyroid which also came back normal. So, my question is...Can you have PCOS and still have your period?? If not, then what the hell is going on with me??? I know I am not having these symptoms for no reason. I am scheduled for a partial hysterectomy in Dec because my uterus is ALWAYS sore. That is where the majority of my pain is lately. The doctor isn't concerned about the enlarged ovary. I am considering having it taken out also during the hysterectomy just to be safe.

Can anyone give me feedback? Should I be persistant in thinking that I might have PCOS? What other tests can the doctor do? Or is this just another in a long list of complications from endometriosis.

TheGigglingFrog · 10-13-2008, 12:08 PM

Make sure you get a second opinion before you have any sort of surgery!!! Have you had a laperoscopy for your endo before?

You can have your period and still have PCOS. Everyone is totally different in their symptoms! There are diseases that have similar symptoms and a responsible doctor will test for those before making a Dx of PCOS. It sounds like your Gyn isn't interested in testing for those since they aren't gyn related. I would go to your primary care physician and talk with her about your symptoms and concerns. Was your testosterone tested?

My right ovary is enlarged, always has been, never has been a concern for me, but I have had second opinions so I know it is ok. Please, before anyone cuts into your body, get a second opinion and spend hours on line researching alternatives.

Spend some time on this site researching PCOS and build a sheet to take to your primary doctor with your concerns, symptoms & goals.

I'm not sure I understand what a sore uterus is... probably because I haven't experienced it, didn't know it could get sore. Sorry you are uncomfortable! If it is endo, is it possible to have it lasered off? There is a Endo forum on the board, you can find it here: Endometriosis

RaeBaby · 10-13-2008, 10:54 PM

You can definitely have a period and have PCOS. I did for years until my PCOS got worse. If I were you, I would find a gyn that is more knowledgeable about PCOS.

Erin986 · 10-19-2008, 05:59 PM

It sounds like you should definately get a 2nd opinion. Lots of people with PCOS still have periods, however, their periods are generally irregular. Also, just because all of your blood results come back normal, doesn't mean you don't have PCOS. My thyroid and hormone levels all came back normal, but my ultrasounds showed that I have cysts on my ovaries. That fact, plus the symptoms I experience, led my doctor to diagnose me with PCOS.