Re: PCOS someone please help anwser some questions for me!!
From: anonymous (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Tue, 18 Mar 2003 16:41:41 -0600 (CST)
Erica,
If if makes you feel any better, I am 29, I was recently diagnosed as
having PCOS back in Sept 2002. I always knew something was wrong but
noone could give me an answer as to what was going on with me. As a
registered nurse, I knew my symptoms were those of hypoglycemia, but
when I found myself calling in sick once a month, sometimes twice, I
knew I had to find an answer quick. During this time I saw an
endocrinologist who basically told me I was "fine" and was just being
paranoid. I did the smart thing and found a new endocrinologist. This
Dr. was like a God send to me. She ordered numerous labs and diagnosed
me as having PCOS. Finally I was able to give it a name and I knew all
along something just wasn't right. My weight would fluctuate up and
down to an extreme, I was constantly tired, I had irregular periods....
She put me on glugophage (metformin) which has helped me tremendously!!
I no longer gain that weight as easily and the symptoms have eased a
great deal.
Now, one of my main concerns is whether I'll be able to concieve in the
future. I am seeing a Reproductive Endocrinologist in Chicago and he is
running numerous tests to check how my hormone levels are working. The
endocrine system is so specific in that, each hormone needs to be at a
particular level in order for ovulation, and pregnancy to occur. So, I
will find out later next month what's going on. And yes, I have the
classic cystic ovaries as well. My recommendation to you is to purchase
the following book: PCOS: A Woman's Guide To Dealing with Polycystic
Ovary Syndrome
by Colette-Harris with Dr. Adam Carey.
Feel free to write me if you have questions or need encouragement:
silviaram@hotmail.com
Silvia
At Sun, 24 Jun 2001, SusieQ wrote:
>
>Hi Erica,
>
>I understand your concern and fears. Don't worry, we will all be here
>to help you any way we can. What tests did your doctor do to diagnose
>you? There are some very important tests that need to be done if you
>suspect that you have pcos. Missed periods happen for many reasons.
>There are a few articles on the PCOS Pavilion that outline the symptoms
>of pcos.
>
>You will also need to have some fasting insulin and glucose tolerance
>tests to determine if you have insulin resistence. This is the basis
>for many women's problems. It also puts us at higher risk for diabetes
>and heart disease later in life if untreated. The risk for cancer has
>not been established in scientific studies, but many women build their
>endometrial lining too thick, for too long...and that is the idea behind
>the risk of uterine cancer. Uterine cancer is also rare, so your
>chances of heart disease/diabetes would be the big worries.
>
>Some women have a hard time conceiving, others are very fertile...this
>disease is different for every woman. Twins are very common in families
>with PCOS histories. Miscarriage is also common with cysters. So if
>you do decide it's time to conceive, a doctor who is very educated about
>pcos is necessary. I would say that this disease is something to worry
>about, and disagree with your doctor on that point. The longer you are
>untreated, the worse the symptoms can get...and your risk for heart
>disease and diabetes goes up.
>
>My biggest piece of advice is get educated. You are in charge of your
>healthcare, and it is up to you to find a doctor with expertise in pcos.
>I am not trying to conceive, but have had the best luck with a
>Reproductive Endocrinologist. Other women are having good luck with
>their obgyn's. But be prepared, I went to 49 doctors over 14 years
>before diagnosis. You may have to make a lot of appointments before you
>find the right doctor. Maybe someone in your local area will have a
>good referral for you.
>
>Knowledge is power, and you have the power to control your medical care.
>Please get educated, and have the appropriate tests done. Please feel
>free to ask any questions. I will be happy to answer any question I
>can.
>
>Luck and love, SusieQ
>
>>Hello all! I am 19 and I just found out last week that I have PCOS. My
>>father raised me and I have no mother or woman figure in my life to turn
>>to for anwsers so I found this website and I was hoping someone could
>>anwser a few of my questions here. I was on birth control for 5 years
>>to regulate my period I have been off the pill since Janurary and have
>>not had a period since December. I went to the doctor last week and I
>>was diagnosed. My doctor made me feel as if this wasn't a big deal but
>>I am scared. Can this form into cancer at all? Am I going to have a
>>very hard time having children? If I am going to have a very difficult
>>time would it be better to have children sooner then later? I am quiet
>>destressed over this and I feel I have no one to turn to and have a
>>million questions to ask. I guess my main concern is cancer and my
>>hopes on becoming a mother in the near future. If someone could please
>>bring me into the light on this I would appreciate it very much! Thank
>>you all so much!!
>>
>>--
>>Erica
>>
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