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UltrasoundsFrom: Cyrilla (anonymous@obgyn.net)Sun, 17 Dec 2000 13:34:48 -0800
Hi, I noticed that there had been some posts recently about getting ultrasounds as part of the PCO diagnosis, and I just wanted to add my experience. The "cyst" part of polycystic refers to imature follicles on our ovaries. An "egg" begins to ripen in your ovary, forming a follicle which would normally burst allowing the egg to travel to your follopian tubes. Because of the excess insulin in our system, this process is interrupted, and these follicles never fully ripen and instead start producing excess testosterone (causing so many of our yucky problems, like hair where it shouldn't be and acne). By doing an ultrasound, the doctor can see a cross section of your ovary and see the bumps of the cysts around the edges, looking like a "string of pearls" (isn't that a romantic description for something so yucky!!). The presencesor absence of the cysts does not rule in or out PCO. That is one of the reasons that there has been some discussion about re-naming the condition as it is mis-leading. You can have PCO without cysts, and you can have cysts without PCO. That's one of the frustrating things about this condition, that even diagnosis isn't necessarily cut and dry. Your doctor should try to rule out other things, like proplems with the adrenal gland, presence of tumors, etc., when trying to diagnose. The clinical problems we have (absence or infrequent periods, weight gain, male pattern hair growth/loss, acne, skin tags, darkening skin, infertility, etc.) seem to be some of the best indicators. Blood tests to confirm insulin resistance and to measure hormone levels are another. Liver function tests (also blood tests) rule out problems with you liver, and test your ability to handle certain drugs which might be used for treatment. I am always amazed at how imperfect medical science is. Sometimes a diagnosis can be made by trying a certain treatment, and if the treatment works, that confirms what the condition was. A little Back-assward ,if you ask me, but its true not just with PCO but with other conditions that are difficult to diagnose, like infertility itself. I had one or two ultrasounds with each of my three pregnancies, and never was told anything about cysts on my ovaries. Recently, as part of my work-up by my RE, I had an ultrasound to check for cysts, and there they were, that "string of pearls". I didn't have to see them to KNOW I had PCO. I think that when those of us who have lived through the problems associated with PCO finally get access to an article or a news program or something describing the condition in some detail, we immediately know who we are. It's such a relief to know that there is a reason for it all. Its so great to get an explaination, no matter how unclear. Its wonderful to learn there is some hope, even if not a permanent "cure". Its getting our doctors up to speed that can be tough! As usual, forgive my layman's terms and poor spelling.
-- Cyrilla
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