Re: confused about my treatment
From: Lori (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Mon, 15 Oct 2001 16:11:26 -0500
Kim-
Do you have a low thyroid? I have a low thyroid and found out when my hair
dresser noticed I was loosing hair. I know that certain meds and hormonal
times (i.e. during pregnancy) can really make these levels fluctuate.
I am in a similar scenario as you - questioning my diagnosis. I was just
diagnosed with PCOS in April. I know that you can have PCOS without cysts
(I wrote to the board before and everyone helped me understand better). I
don't have cysts, I am only slightly over weight (@20 lbs) - I do carry it
in the middle and I have been told that I have some insulin resistance - I
am currently on 500mg of metformin a day which is low but the doctor said I
do not need higher levels. Another doctor a year ago screened me for PCOS
and said I didn't have it but that I did have some insulin resistance which
should be controlled by a lower carb diet. I only get a few whiskers on my
lower chin that I pull out about once month or so. I have recently found
out that my great grandmother and 2 grandparents are diabetic. I am going
into the doctor tommorrow to find out exactly what made him diagnose the
PCOS. If that is what I have, fine - but if not, I want to make sure I am
treating the right thing - make sure I am not really border line diabetic or
something.
I think we have to keep searching until we are comfortable with our
diagnosis and thereby our treatment program.
Lori
>----- Original Message -----
From: anonymous@obgyn.net
To: "Multiple recipients of list PCOS-MEDICATION"
<pcos-medication@mail.medispecialty.com>
Sent: Monday, October 15, 2001 1:30 PM
Subject: Re: confused about my treatment
> Munchichic -
>
> Thanks for your reply. I agree, that there is probably no need for
> insulin sensitising drugs.
>
> I guess I'm one of those that falls under the loose definition of pcos.
>
> I went to another obgyn at a university in an attempt to get to a
> reproductive endo. But she dismissed my hairloss as merely cosmetic,
> and didn't think I needed to see the university endo, so no referral.
>
> I guess I just got frustrated and decided to put the doctor hunt on hold
> for a while while I tried quitting bcps for a few months. I'm at 6
> months bcp free now and my hair is still making the great exodus from my
> head so I think I need to examine other things.
>
> I've gotten about 3 blood tests so far in the last year and my
> testostorone tested high in all of them. My doctor thinks I'm
> exageratting about my hairloss, but will listen to and work with me, but
> I agree I need to find someone who has more answers. He at least takes
> my problem serious enough to not dismiss me and will talk with me about
> things I've read or theories I've found. I'm not ready to completely
> get rid of him yet for that reason. but...
>
> I think where I'm most frustrated is that I've been given this diagnosis
> of pcos. Several doctors agree, but the disease's base is that of
> insulin resistance and or cysts on the ovaries. So, if that isn't the
> root of my problem then what is?
>
> No doctor will answer this for me (yet) and that's where I get so
> frustrated.
>
> I know that even if Spiro was the answer now (it isn't) it can't be
> forever. Especially since I want children one day. I think it has
> decreased my testostorone a bit. But as far as taking care of my
> symptoms, it hasn't done
> much.
>
> You're right. I need another doctor. I gave up too soon. thanks.
>
> -Kim
>
> At Thu, 11 Oct 2001, Munchichic wrote:
> >
> >Hi Kim,
> >Unfortunately, there really INS'T a textbook case for PCOS. We ALL have
> >different symptoms and you don't HAVE to any certain one(s) to be
> >correctly Dx as HAVING PCOS. If you're insulin levels are good and your
> >glucose seems to be normal, then really, you DON'T need any insulin
> >sensitizing meds. Think about it, why take a pill for a condition you
> >DON'T have?? Many women have facial hair that is not related to higher
> >testosterone levels. Considering the fact that you're taking Spiro and
> >still have the same levels (granted it can take 6 months or so for the
> >Spiro to be in it's full effect), then that is an indication that it's
> >NOT higher testosterone levels that is causing your hair growth, so
> >there may be no reason for you to be on the Spiro. Have you seen a
> >Reproductive Endocrinologist?? These Doctors are the best to see for
> >women with PCOS. I strongly suggest getting a 2nd opinion and have your
> >insulin, testosterone, estrogen, etc. levels re-examined. Have you
> >ever taken an IGTT? (Impaired Glucose Tolerance Test). Have you been
> >tested to check your "Free testosterone" levels? Right off the bat, it
> >doesn't SEEM like you have PCOS, but I'm certainly NOT a Dr. and can't
> >"professionally" say that. Then again, with how differently PCOS
> >presents itself in every woman, it's hard to tell if you really do or
> >don't have it. Get a 2nd opinion and have your blood work re-evaluated.
> >If you don't have high levels of testosterone and you show no signs of
> >insulin problems--then you shouldn't be asking for insulin sensitizing
> >meds and you shouldn't be on the Spiro (unless you're mainly on it as a
> >diuretic). No one should take medicaitons that they do not need, and I
> >certainly understand your concern. Go see a different Dr (preferrably
> >an RE) who can take a good look at your levels. You may not have PCOS,
> >but you won't know until you find the "right Doctor" who can explain
> >your symptoms and reasons for them to you better. Good luck.
> >
> >At Thu, 11 Oct 2001, kim wrote:
> >>
> >>I have a question about my current treatment, I was hoping somebody can
> >>help me with.
> >>
> >>I was diagnosed with pcos last fall. I've been totally confused though,
> >>since it doesn't seem to fall in line with a textbook case.
> >>
> >>My only complaint before last fall were some whiskers I had to pluck
> >>daily and some acne right before my period. In fact, when I got tested
> >>5 yrs ago my levels came back normal.
> >>
> >>So imagine my suprise when last spring I take a bcp (ortho tri) for the
> >>first time in my life and my hair starts to shed. I then switched to a
> >>new one (levlite) and the problem with my whiskers and shedding head
> >>hair increases about 10 -fold!
> >>
> >>I switched to Mircette and then went on Spiro in Dec. Decided that the
> >>bcp had to go in May and am still on Spiro(200mgs) right now. No
> >>change.
> >>
> >>Here's the thing. My weight is relatively normal (have gained about 8
> >>pounds in the last 6 months) putting me at about 125 lbs at 5'2". My
> >>testostorone tested high right after going off of levlite (102) it went
> >>down to 82 on Mircette and Aldactone and down to 80 off of mircette and
> >>on Spiro (i know they're the same thing).
> >>
> >>My insulin tested normal in all tests. Maybe borderline hypoglycemic if
> >>anything. So my obgyn refuses to give me met or any insulin sensatizing
> >>drug.
> >>
> >>So where's all these androgens coming from? Am I doing the right thing
> >>here?
> >>
> >>I was okay with out any medication before. I can deal with plucking but
> >>I'm not sure I can deal with wearing a wig for the rest of my life.
> >>
> >>Any suggestions or advice would be greatly appreciated.
> >>
> >>Thanks! - Kim
> >
> >--
> >"Laughter is the best medicine, but sometimes we all
> >just need a friend."--Munchichic :)
> >
>
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