Re: polycystic disease
From: Anne (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Wed, 28 Feb 2001 11:04:48 -0600 (CST)
Hi, I'm not sure if I'm doing this right.
I'm not sure about the lab tests re free testosterone and FSH/LH. I've
asked the doctor for copies, but they are reluctant--at this
point--refusing to give them to me.
She started her period about 15 months ago and yes, irregular menses and
cysts are common, but her cysts have been quite large, in fact, the
doctor thinks they've mistaken her ovaries. I don't agree with that
because at times they've ultra-sounded them and they've been normal.
She doesn't have an eating disorder--all my kids are tall and
under-weight. They take after my husband (I'm short and fat). He's
6'4" and weighed 150 lbs. when we got married, although he's putting on
weight now after 20 years.
My older daughter is 5'11" and weighs about 135 lbs--she's gained
weight, actually. She was very thin and didn't start her period until
she was almost 17, so there is some family history for problem
menstruation. They all eat like horses and never stop moving. It
drives me nuts.
I'm going to try to talk to an endocrinologist because all these
messages are pretty scary about the implications of this disease. I
really hope the doctor over-called it.
Thanks for writing.
Ann
At Tue, 27 Feb 2001, jodi wrote:
>
>hmmm... i'd need more info before making any sort of comment.
>
>first... irregular periods are normal in young adolescents, as are
>ovarian cysts (or so i've read). i'm not positive, but i think that
>testosterone levels are also higher than normal in young adolescents.
>can anyone vouch for this?
>
>so with that taken into account... what is more important than the
>irrgegular periods or high testosterone is maybe, how LONG has your
>daughter been mestruating? if she has just begun, then both are probably
>no big deal. if she started, say, 2 or 3 years ago... they might be
>more important.
>
>second... you don't HAVE to be overweight to have PCOS. it's just that
>people who have PCOS because of the insulin problem have a greater
>tendency to put on weight... and the excess weight further worsens the
>insulin problem... which leads to a greater tendency to put on
>weight... but many PCOS'ers were thin or normal weight
>children/teeenagers/young adults.
>
>HOWEVER... you say your daughter is underweight. is she naturally
>underweight? or is she dieting? eating disorders can wreck havoc on the
>bodies hormonal system. if your daughter is undereating, making her
>underweight, it could ironically be controlling the insulin problem and
>keeping the PCOS at bay. i have heard of anorexics in which this is
>true. so perhaps your daughter doesn't have the insulin problem or many
>symptoms of PCOS... but perhaps, if she is underweight deliberately
>rather than naturally, it's a possibility.
>
>third, did your doctor run FSH and LH tests? in PCOS, the LH:FSH ratio
>is greater than 3:1, generally. the testosterone being high is only one
>hormonal indicator of the syndrome. also, is her free testosterone
>high, or only her total? there are many other blood tests involved in
>PCOS...
>
>minor acne in adolescents is also normal...
>
>whatever the case, if there is any suspiscion that she has this, treat
>it NOW before things get worse. good luck!
>
>At Mon, 26 Feb 2001, Anne wrote:
>>
>>My 14 year old daughter was diagnosed today with this disease, but as I
>>have studied it further, I wonder if the
>>diagnosis applies, because she is underweight (5'6", 110 lbs.) and
>>doesn't have the irregular insulin lab results.
>>
>>She does have a high testosterone level, irregular menses, and a history
>>of ovarian cysts, beginning with a little over a year ago. She has had
>>some pain, constant fever, regular nausea and headache and fatigue. Her
>>other blood tests (thyroid, blood sugar, basic CBC)are all normal.
>>
>>She has some minor acne, just beginning, and no facial hair.
>>
>>Any thoughts?
>>
>>Thanks, Anne
![[ PCOS Discussion Forums ]](../../images/pcos_at_obgyn.gif)