PCOS Messages for February, 2002: Re: Question about a conflict between blood levels and symptoms

Re: Question about a conflict between blood levels and symptoms

From: Sally (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Wed, 6 Feb 2002 03:01:35 -0600 (CST)

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Reply: Jessica: "Re: Question about a conflict between blood levels and symptoms"

Hi Jessica,

Actually, it is not a conflict, but rather quite a common finding. Also test levels can be within 'normal' range but still be abnormal pattern or relationship between tests. This takes a very experienced dr. to pick. My results were also all within normal but the patterns were out (ie. ratio between LH and FSH)and some results were at low end of normal and others high end - yet my endo says I have a classic case. With regards to the insulin resistance - it is actually very hard to detect and drs who are in the know actually beleive that all persons with PCOS have some level of insulin resistance. Just may not be detectable using current methods.

It is good that you got metformin and you should see some benefits from using it - what dose did the dr give you? You may need to experiment with doses from 500 mg/day up to 2000 mg/day. Whatever level you get a good response at (even if it 500 mg/day)and feel well at is your optimal dose. Also remember that a higher dose is not necessarily a better dose. If you get results that should convince your Dr. to let you continue with it. If he doesn't probably you should look for a new dr. with better experience in treating PCOS. Ladies on this forum could possibly help.

Using metformin helps many of us. It could also help you with the weight issues - particualrly as you already exercise and eat healthy - as it allows your body to handle insulin & sugars better. In addition some people find that a lower carbohydrate diet is also helpful.

Did your Dr. check you for thyroid function. This is also quite common. The TSH levels should be between 1 - 2.

I am not sure that antiandrogen medication can help with wieght. I am using diane-35 (cyproterone acetate) in addition to metformin. My endo actually did not encourage me to use this as she said it can result in increase in weight.

Please ask whatever questions you want. Also there are plenty of links on this forum so go ahead and research as well.

Let us know how you go witht he metformin.

-- Sally

At Wed, 6 Feb 2002, Jessica wrote: > >Hi, I'm new to this forum and am hoping to get some insight. My doctor >thinks I may have PCOS because of high LH/FSH levels, as well as a lot >of the symptoms. I also had fasting insulin and glucose levels taken, >and androgen levels, which he says are normal. I can't understand how >those levels could be normal when I have had acne problems since I was >11 (I'm almost 38), and I've had problems with reactive hypoglycemia for >years. I've had irregular periods ever since I was 16 when they started >(I could never calendar my periods like my friends could), but I never >worried about anything until I started having rapid weight gain this >past year even with exercising an hour a day (I've done that for YEARS) >and eating vegetables, high fiber grains, and drinking lots of water. >The weight gain has gotten me into the doctors trying to figure things >out and PCOS is the first glimpse of light I have had into understanding >anything. He doesn't think glucophage is necessary for me because my >insulin levels were normal (I don't know the actual numbers--maybe I >should ask). He is letting me try it for a little while however. I am >so depressed because I have been small and in control of my weight my >whole life until recently, and it's all I can think about now. It's >consuming my whole life. I guess one of my questions is--should I have >him retake the blood levels, or can you have the symptoms without the >high blood levels? I also wonder if anti-androgen medication helps with >the weight at all. >Thanks to any who have advice.

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