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*Updated* Ladies with PCOS, some questions
Do you know if you can be diagnosed with PCOS and not have issues with your period, or cysts on your ovaries? What kinds of symptoms did you have prior to being diagnosed?
I've been having all sorts of symptoms typical of PCOS for many years now, and after studying my symptoms and history for a couple of weeks, my doc is sending me for a crap ton of blood work tomorrow, as well as a 2-hour glucose tolerance test (joy), plus an u/s to check my ovaries. However, with the exception of when I had a fibroid, I've never had any issues with my periods, I conceived easily and my pregnancies were uneventful except for gestational diabetes (controlled by diet alone). I had a hormone panel run a little over a year ago, and it was mostly fine, so we're not checking any of that yet. I feel like I'm clinging onto any kind of disorder that my symptoms match. It's so frustrating.
I'll most likely get the results of these tests by early next week at the latest, and I'll know a little better what we can rule out. I guess I'm asking this now because it's weighing on my mind, and I just want to hear some real-life information from people.
***Update***
I got my lab and u/s results back. Bloodwork was all normal, as were glucose levels. However, I do in fact have multiple ovarian cysts, with one of the ovaries enlarged, as well as 2 uterine fibroids. I just got the results via email tonight, so my doc will call me tomorrow to discuss further. Not that I'm glad that I have cysts and fibroids, but at least there's an explanation for everything. Thanks for all of the information, ladies!
Re: *Updated* Ladies with PCOS, some questions
Yes, you can definitely have some symptoms but not all. My periods are very regular. Mine is pretty much just a general hormone imbalance that matches up with PCOS along with a couple of other symptoms.
The face of Kitty-Hate
So it seems all of you had hormone imbalances that led to your diagnosis. I did have my hormones tested in May 2010 and there was nothing crazy out of whack. My testosterone and progesterone both were on the low side, but still narrowly within the normal range. That was about the extent of it. I think I'm just grasping at straws here. But I guess I'll find out soon enough whether it's PCOS or not.
Thanks ladies.
I lost my period for, oh about 6 months. My OBGYN did a crap load of hormonal and other blood work. She diagnosed based on absence of period, testosterone and insulin levels, cholesterol levels, and symptoms of extreme difficulty losing weight.
My doc didn't do an ultrasound--i think everything else was so obvious we didn't need to.
My doctor diagnosed me based on seriously irregular periods, a history of ovarian cysts, and a few other issues.
I have heard of other ladies who had very regular cycles and periods, and presented with other lesser known symptoms so PCOS could still be your issue.
I hope you can get some answers soon.
Nanner, have you thought about seeing a reproductive endocrinologist?
Do you have to be trying to reproduce to see an RE? (I'm not.) Or is an RE the best person to see concerning PCOS? Is a general OB or regular endocrinologist not the doctor to see?
I actually initially asked my doctor for a referral to an endo, and he wanted to follow several avenues with these blood tests before referring me to anyone so I don't waste my time/money. After he sees the results, he'll know better who to give me a referral to see.
I see a regular endocrinologist for my thyroid issues and he is who diagnosed me with PCOS based on testosterone/insulin/cholesterol levels + absence of period like PP mentioned. He prescribed the Metformin I take for it and is the only doctor I've seen regarding my PCOS.
Because it is an endocrine disorder, I feel like an Endocrinologist is the best person to be seeing in terms of getting straight to the point and saving yourself time and money. I started this whole thyroid/hormone journey at a GP's office and it was a nightmare of tons of tests with little information until I took it into my own hands, researched, and went straight to a specialist.
HTH and good luck!
I'm not TTC, and needed help with my hormones and PCOS issues, and it wasn't easy to find a reproductive endocrinologist who would see me. Most of them are in the business of helping you get pregnant. I now go to Dr. Rodriguez at TIRME . I have been seeing him for 3 months and we are still trying to get my irregular cycles worked out, but he really listens and takes great notes. I have no doubt that we will get it all worked out. And when the time comes I want another LO, he will be able to help me with that.
Oh, and I did the 2 hour glucose test. He had them do a glucose and insulin draw every 1/2 hour so he could see how my body processes the glucose and whether I over produce insulin. Turns out I am not insulin resistant.
Good luck. I hope you get answers soon.
Dx: PCOS and short luteal phase
18 cycles (3 with our RE) - Metformin + Clomid + HCG booster did the trick!
BFP #1 6/22/09 EDD: 3/2/10 DS born: 3/8/10
TTC #2 since Dec 2011
BFP #2 7/8/12 EDD: 3/18/12 M/C @ 9w1d: 8/16/12
I am not TTC and going for my first reproductive endo visit next week.
I love my Gyn and think she is super knowledgeable but I also feel her knowledge on PCOS is limited since I am not TTC.
I was actually told that I had PCOS when I was pregnant and went in for my first visit at 6 weeks. She did an ultrasound to see the baby and she saw my ovaries and it had little black circles like a pearl necklace (cysts).
I always had an abnormal cycle (compare to the 28 days norm). I got my period at 13, but then only had it twice and didn't have it again until I was 15. Then had it one more time at 16 (I honestly think that from age 13-18 was the time frame those little cyst on my ovaries happened). I was overweight in HS but when I went to college, I lost 30 lbs my freshman year and starting at 18, after the weight loss, got my period every 2 months. It was pretty regular that my cycle was a 50- 60 day cycle until I got pregnant with Emmy. One other symptom is that my period is VERY heavy and last a good 7 days. Once I started metformin to try to get pregnant with Ally, my cycle went from 50-60 days to 35-37 days. It has been 35-37 days ever since and I stopped taking metformin the week I was going to be induced.
When getting pregnant with #2, the OB ran the FSH to LH ratio and it was 2:1 which indicates PCOS.
Laboratory Tests