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Re: To Kate re:Please, can anyone help me?From: anonymous (anonymous@obgyn.net)Sun, 11 Feb 2001 16:12:16 -0600 (CST)
Dear Kate, like you, i have pcos and i am from the UK. You are quite right that you have all the symptoms of PCOS and its so frustrating when you feel that you are at a loss. You mention that you have been diagnosed with hypothyroidism and now having treatment, for how long? An Underactive thyroid clinical symptoms can sometimes present itself similiar to pcos. For example, the metabolic rate with underactive thryroids are slower so weight gain despite whats eaten can occur. The hair can become dry, brittle and thin. Menstrual irregularly is common too. Oedema in severe cases can also occur. You mention that you are overweight, is this with 'fat' or oedema? Along with apathy, fatique, depression can also be common indicators of both pcos and low thyroxine levels. If you have not taken the thyroxine for that long, it may take a while for it to be effective. Also it could mean that you may need the dosage increased. My advice would be 1) revisit your doctor and request a repeat thyroid function test and thyroid blood test. At least whatever the outcome, your medication can be adjusted accordingly. 2) I would gather that you already have had fasting blood sugars since your doctor is considering putting you on metformin. It might also be worth considering to be referred to a dietician or diabetic nurse specialist who can advise you on your dietrary requirements and management. Request this from your GP. 3) The fact that your hormone levels were normal 9 months ago, does not necessarily mean that they are okay now. Your GP or Specialist could do a repeat FSH, LH, Testosterone,oestrogen, prolactin and progesterone. 4)To treat your acne, apart from a good low carb and well balanced diet, has your doctor suggested any topical or medication to treat this? 5) The fact that you have irregular periods would indicate that you do not ovulate regularly if not at all. Maybe your GP could arrange a 7dpo progesterone test after when you think you have ovulated. The BCP can sometimes be used for those women that do not want to get pregnant but to manage and control the cycles somewhat. However the bcp are not suitable for all and it tends to mask the symptoms rather than treat them. 6) Heavy periods combined with thryroid disorders can cause possible aneamia, so your GP could check your blood count levels too. Folic acid or iron tablets supplements may need to be considered. 7) Altered metabolic rates can effect the absorption of nutrients, so sometimes it is necessary to take supplements. Maybe Multi-vitamins may help you. 8) Evening Primrose oil capsules are good for the balances of hormones in women. Maybe these may help? 9) Reduce your salt and sugar in your diet. Too much sodium can cause that water retention and bloatedness. Drink 8 glasses of water a day. This will not only prevent fluid retention but help with the condition of your skin. 10)The fact that you are depressed could be a combination of the medical ailments that you are presented with along with the low-self esteem you have about yourself. Its important that you try and not feel worthless, ashamed and ugly because the lower ebb you feel, the more depressed you will become. I know thats easier said than done. You must be at your wits end since you have been running around in circles and the doctors seem at a loss, but all you want is a diagnosis. Try and think postive with the notion that your doctor will probably prescribe metformin for you which should help immensley. PCOS is a complex syndrome which is why maybe some of your docs have not come to a conclusive diagnosis for you. We can sometimes feel humilated when we seek consultation from the specialists when we ask questions that may appear silly or request further tests only to be made to feel stupid. You don't mention how your specialist humilated you. Even the most experienced consultant does not necessarily have all the answers sometimes and there may be those very few that won't admit they don't know, primarily since there is a conception from the patients point of view that they should know all! Sometimes the patient may know more about their body than the doc. Try and not let that occasion make you lose confidence. Maybe you could request a referral if that is an option? \you don't have to have cysts sometimes to have PCOS since it is caused by imbalances of hormones which you appear to have. I know i have not given you crystal clear answers but i hope this has helped a wee bit and write back anytime if you need more info. Good luck
At Sun, 11 Feb 2001, Kate wrote:
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