What are warning signs that you may develope PCOS?

annamarie · 09-29-2009, 06:34 PM

Ever since I heard of PCOS, I've been a bit concerned because I do have some of the symptoms, such as...
-Irregular period when not on the pill (WILDLY irregular!) and very very light flow when on the pill (not that I'm complaining about this portion...)
-Acne (I'm 19 so it's not normal anymore!!)
-Excess belly fat (sooooo annoying)
-Thicker-than-normal body hair (arms, stomach)
I've never had obesity, hirsutism, or male pattern balding.
I don't think I do have PCOS, since I'm lacking most of the symptoms, but I'm worried that I could develope it someday. I've always been too nervous to talk about this to my gyno. I am on the pill, which is good. What is the average age for developing it?
Thoughts?

Happy Wife · 09-29-2009, 07:08 PM

I was just diagnosed in August at 35 years old I never really knew any thing was wrong. I have regular cycles (28-30 days) but found out I was not ovulating after ttc for almost two years. I went to the doctor to find out whyI had not gotten pregnant after almos two years so the doctor began blood tests. What made her realise I had PCOS were a few abnormal results High bad cholesterol, low progesterone indicating no ovulation, and high insulin levels (blood sugars fine) I also mentioned to her that I was sherdding results from am MRI from a car accident and the papers said I had possible cysts on ovaries (no one bothered to tell me) She could also see in my charts the steady rapid weight gain I had experienced over the last few years. I also had severe acne every time I saw her (I had more acne at 35 then during puberty) I am very overweight and even working out 60 minutes 5 days a week I can not seem to loose weight. If I had to guess I would say I began developing this in my late teens or early 20s. I have heard of girls being diagnosed in their very early teens. The only way to know is to speak to your doctor. It is best to get it treated early. I wish I would have known about this before I was 35 and trying to have my first child.
Since starting treatment with metformin this is what I have noticed for myself
My acne is GONE!!!!
I have lost 10 pounds
My facial hair growth has slowed/thinned
I am not loosing as much hair in the shower/brush
I have more energy
I don't crave sweets/carbs
I'm not hungry all the timeI don't have mood swings
My depression and axiety are all but gone
Even the rough dry skin on my feet is getting softer and thinner
My period is lighter (usually very heavy) and my cramps are not as severe.
And the best part I AM OVULATING!!!!!

JenJen80 · 09-29-2009, 08:09 PM

I don't think PCOS is something you just develop. You either have it or you don't. You can alleviate your symptoms with diet, exercise, and medication, but you can't make it go away, the same as something you're doing or not doing can make you "get" it. I would express your concerns to your ob/gyn and she can order some blood tests to check your hormone levels.