Re: For Belle - PCOS tests
From: anne (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Tue, 15 Jan 2002 21:41:40 -0600 (CST)
Thanks very much for your reply and for telling me that stuff about late
onset CAH. Thanks also for reassuring me about the getting the tests
done locally-I have become very paranoid! I think I'll be able to wangle
the DHEA-S at least. I also realise I was not very clear about my
history. Yes I am an adult and I've had PCOS type symptoms including
hirsutism and irregular periods dating back nearly 9 years since puberty
and have been diagnosed with PCOS. Looking back, I may have had
symptoms of IR dating back that far too. I am only getting fasting
insulin and fasting blood sugar done so far- yes I know I know- should I
push for an IGTT as well? I thought maybe I'll get sent for that next
time round when I'll be classified IR which I KNOW I will.
I've never had any tests for Cushings and I don't really seem to have
many Cushings symptoms going by the factsheet but I'll certainly
consider asking for the cortisol test. I don't think I have a hump on
my back although my neck and the bit that connects to my shoulders at
the back got thicker last year-thought that was kind of a masculine
thing too. My ribcage has grown recently because I can feel it is not
where it has been for years all of a sudden. I can also see this in the
mirror. I don't suddenly look like a man but it has grown.
At Tue, 15 Jan 2002, Belle wrote:
>
>To sum up: I can not think of a reason why you should have to use the
>same lab.
>The tests that you are having repeated are great, consider asking for
>DHEA-S and cortisol levels.
>
>Please get back to me with the answers. I would like to follow what is
>going on with you.
>
>At Tue, 15 Jan 2002, anne wrote:
>>
>>Please help me - I need to repeat some of the PCOS tests I originally
>>had over 2 years ago. I have been untreated since then- long story- and
>>my problems have worsened considerably. Anyway, I've moved recently
>>since seeing the proper specialist i.e the R.E for the first time and I
>>want to know if I should get these tests done at the same labs as the
>>first lot even if I later have to change hospitals. The repeat tests are FSH, LH,
>>oestradiol, testosterone, prolactin and something I can't read! I'm also
>>getting insulin, lipids etc done. I've had progesterone done before and
>>didn't ovulate and TSH and had PCO on ultrasound.
>>
>>Also do you think I should push for further tests? i.e DHEAS,
>>androstenedione, free or bioavailable test, 17-OHP, and maybe SHBG? at
>>least. And how do they know for sure I don't have late onset CAH as
>>well? I'm in the UK on the NHS and I can't help think they need to keep
>>costs down so haven't done that many tests. I know I'm whining again
>>but I'm worried- I have had manifestations of PCOS for many years now
>>and I think it is getting pretty darned severe. I have lots of
>>hyperandrogenic symptoms and IR symptoms including AN-despite changing
>>diet recently. I am kind of worried about 'virilisation' symptoms as
>>well now. I have been losing hair for a couple of years in a mostly
>>male pattern but it has only become a lot more noticeable and sped up
>>recently- in the last few months-in the last few weeks even. Also in
>>the last few months my ribcage/back has grown and collar bone sticks out
>>more. Also I have a lot more fine hair growth all over the place as
>>well as hirsutism and a deepening voice- although my voice I think has
>>been gradually deepening over the years. Also some weight gain and more
>>AN I think. Still have same size breasts though so I suppose that's
>>something. not sure about clitoris-keep forgetting to check! Anyway, in
>>view of these symptoms-which were not present or noted at my initial
>>exam, and in view of the fact that I really want to waste no more time
>>and treat this agressively and be sure I've been diagnosed correctly NOW
>>should I push for more tests? The other problem is that they apparently
>>don't offer private tests at my practise so I can't say here's some
>>money, please do these tests too?
>>SO what do you think? Where should I get the tests done, and what should
>>I get done?
>>Thank you
>>
>>--
>>anne
>>
>--
>Hope this helps,
>
>Belle
>
--
anne
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