PCOS Messages for April, 2001: Re: What is used as a concrete diagnosis?

Re: What is used as a concrete diagnosis?

From: Roxie (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Sun, 1 Apr 2001 09:00:03 -0500 (CDT)

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I am new to this board & in the middle of having PCOS being diagnosed. I went for my annual pap last Wednesday & mentioned my irregular periods to the NP & that combined with the excess body hair, made her mention that she thinks I could have PCOS. She of course didn't know a whole lot about it. I had read a few articles thru the past couple of years, but didn't remember them. She said there are a few tests that tell me for sure, but there is really no benefit to them, other than I would "for sure". So, I told her I wouldn't bother & went home. Imagine my surprise, when I did some searching on the 'net & found out that indeed there is a benefit!!!

So, Friday I got in to see my primary dr (I have an HMO, really regretting that now!) & he did not know much (other than of course telling me to lose weight) & has referred me to an experienced ob-gyn (in the same clinic) to do the transvaginal ultrasound.

About 4 years ago, another NP drew some blood for a hormonal test (but didn't explain to me why) & my dr looked at that & said those numbers are normal.

What I am really nervous about is the latest blood test is going to show supposedly normal hormone levels & when they run the ultrasound it won't show any cysts & they'll blow me off & tell me there is no way I can possible have it. I am by no means a hypochondriac & I certainly don't want PCOS, but I believe with 100% certainty that I have this. I have the excess facial hair (as well as all over my body), I am overweight, but most of it is centered around my middle (as well as being "top-heavy", I wonder if that is another characteristic), irregular periods, I have begun to develop skin tags (just in the last few months, I wonder if that means PCOS is advancing).

Has this happened to anyone (where hormone levels were normal & no cysts were found on your ovaries), but you were eventually diagnosed PCOS anyways?

If anyone has any ideas on good (really good) questions to ask the ob-gyn, please let me know. I am hoping to get in this week & get the ball rolling. It's so nice to know that there is really a reason for being the way I am!!

--
Roxie

At Sat, 31 Mar 2001, Sonnet wrote:
>
>But not everyone has the cysts.
>
>I don't think there is really anything, any one symptom, that can be
>used as a concrete definite diagnosis 100% of the time.  Being that this
>is a syndrome, it presents itself differently in almost every woman.
>Having symptoms of PCOS like the original author should be enough to at
>least make a tenative daignosis.  Many of us who are undoubtedly PCOS
>have what are considered "normal" hormone levels.  Cysts would of course
>be one more thing to look for that would probably confirm your diagnosis
>if you have them, but don't rule PCOS out if you don't.  Same goes for
>an IGTT to test insulin resistance.
>
>It's a crazy disease, isn't it?
>
>At Fri, 30 Mar 2001, Dona wrote:
>>
>>Hi, Did they do a transvaginal ultrasound to see if you have cysts on
>>your overies.That would definately be a concrete diagnosis along with
>>your other PCOS type symptoms.
>>The cysts appear like a strand of pearls on the ultra sound and are what
>>keep you from ovulating and can cause the excess androgens.It does sound
>>to me like PCOS.  Did he discuss Metformin with you for the insulin
>>resistance? He should have if he did not.  I would bring it up at your
>>next visit.
>>Good luck to you,Dona
>>>
>--
>Email always welcome to: sonnet_fitz@hotmail.com
>

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