PCOS Messages for July, 2001: Re: Am I turning into a man? (long response!)

Re: Am I turning into a man? (long response!)

From: Michelle (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Sun, 8 Jul 2001 17:38:31 -0500 (CDT)

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Morry,

First of all, let me just tell you that you are certainly not becoming a man, but sadly, PCOS does have characteristics which make us feel like that. Some of these are male-pattern baldness, weight carried in tummies, high testosterone (hello, moodswings!). You indicated that you would like to hear from any of us that have gone through the same things you described. Well, I think almost all of us have. We don't have to think hard to imagine what growing up was like... been there, done that. I thought about the feelings you described in your chest, and while I think you should ask your doctor about it, it's not entirely impossible that you are experiencing some stress and anxiety with all the changes your body is going through. My symptoms caused me grief on a daily basis, it was all I could think about.

Now, just a couple things: You said that a technician indicated that you had cystic ovaries, but have you had an official positve diagnosis from your doctor? See an endocrinologist and get him to diagnose you and start you on medication (there are several options). In the meantime, you'll want to start eating a low-carb diet since one of the challenges we "cysters" have is that our body can't break down and use carbs as well as other people so it compounds the problem. There are lots of great websites, I'll list a few at the bottom of this message.

I sympathize about the facial hair - what's happening is that when it began coming in darker and more coarse, the hair follicles became terminal. That means that they have matured, and I'm afraid that you are going to get to a point where a cream is going to be ineffective. Here's why: You need to get the CAUSE taken care of (which being on meds will address). Then, down the road, when your hormones are within normal range (your doctor can tell you), you would be an excellent candidate for laser treatments.

As far as the hair loss on your head - again, medication should help. It's all related and you want to deal with the cause of the symptoms, not the symptoms themselves.

I know it's a lot to handle right now, and my heart goes out to you, but I promise... once you are diagnosed and begin taking steps towards a healthy life, you *will* feel better.

Search the archives, ask lots of questions, and feel free to email me if you like... Hugs, Morry. And please know that you aren't alone in this.

-- Michelle

WEBSITES:

http://www.pcosupport.org http://www.inciid.org/faq/pcos.html (lots of good PCOS info) http://www.kathyland.com/lowcarb.shtml (a TON of lowcarb info)

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