Re: diagnosed with PCOS in the early '80's
From: Sally (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Tue, 16 Apr 2002 19:01:28 -0500 (CDT)
Hi Vanessa,
Dr. Sams comments are good. Metformin first (and it would be long term
- results can take up to six months, though many report results nearly
immediately), followed by clomid (if necessary) may be the best way to
go. FYI, my cholesterol has improved since I started met and thryoid
replacment.
As a person from a small town (originally) I reckon that educating your
GP (if he is ammenable and open - and sounds like he may be) would be
very good as he is the closest dr. you have to work with. And him
being educated may help other women. That means that you need to do
your research and know as mucha s possible about treatments and options.
This site is good, so is the pcos support site (other women have posted
the link for this, as is a book called PCOS the hidden epidemic by a guy
called Thatcher.
That said, it may still be usefull to find and consult with a good (do
your research, not all endocrinologists are up to date on
PCOS)endocrinologist (or reproductive endocrinologist as you would like
TCC) for screening to rule out other problems and also to get started.
Perhaps he/she and your GP could work hand-in-hand.
Best wishes
--
Sally
At Tue, 16 Apr 2002, =?iso-8859-2?q?Zalányi wrote:
>
>Hi Vanessa,
>
>Try to stick with Glucophage. Your cholesterol will come down too later. Your age is a minus in TTC but it is never late until menopause.
>For your info
>
>Sam (Ob/Gyn,RE)
>
>> I was diagnosed with PCOS in the early 80's when I was about eighteen.
>> Am 40 now. I was always told by GYN's and GP's that the only treatment
>> for it was birth control. I have infertility problems and have twice
>> taken Clomid to try and jumpstart the ovulation. I have all the classic
>> symptoms, i.e., facial hair growth, abdominal weight gain, dark patches
>> on underarms, excessively heavy and irregular periods (they last about 2
>> weeks), cysts on my ovaries, etc. I have tried to conceive but have
>> virtually given up due to my age.
>>
>> I live in a small town and my GP had an intern visiting during one of my
>> appts, and suggested to my GP that Glucophage is now being treated for
>> PCOS. My GP hadn't a clue. He did put me on Glucophage, took me off of
>> BC. But then 6 weeks later after checking my levels again, I showed
>> normal levels except for my cholesterol was high. He then prescribed
>> for the cholesterol and took me off glucophage.
>>
>> I am wondering two things.
>>
>> 1. Should I forget going to my GP and start back with an Endo Dr. (I
>> currently am self-employed and have no med insurance). Or should I
>> continue with my GP and try and help update him on the latest treatments
>> of PCOS.
>>
>> 2. Can I conceive at 40, hoping that these new treatments with
>> Glucophage and progestin hormone help. Or am I too old?
>>
>> I feel like such a ninny not knowing that there were new research and
>> treatments for this. Any suggestions on how to proceed would be
>> appreciated. Thanks
>>
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