PCOS Messages for November, 2002: Re: Insulin tests

Re: Insulin tests

From: Sonnet (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Mon, 25 Nov 2002 18:00:46 -0600 (CST)

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In reply to: Lisa: "Insulin tests"

A glucose test alone doesn't tell you anything about PCOS, only that you're not a diabetic! :) Most women with PCOS have blood sugar levels in normal ranges. It is often the case, however, that our insulin has to be veyr high in order to keep our blood sugar normal.

You can have PCOS and have all your bloodwork come back as "within normal limits." Labs use an incredibly wide variety of ranges for "normal limits," so what one lab might consider normal another would consider high or low. Also, being within normal limits doesn't mean it's normal FOR YOU - you have these definite symptoms, so something is obviously going awry for you hormonally.

There are cetain other diseases that look like PCOS. Cushing's disease comes immediatey to mind. It looks a LOT like PCOS, with some small variations, and is ruled out by testing your cortisol levels. (If they're high, you're diagnosed with Cushing's; if they're normal, you're diagnosed with PCOS. Usually!) I believe I've also heard women on here mention congenital adrenal hyperplasia as having similar symptoms. My doctor even told me that having a problem with your pituitary can cause some of the same symptoms. So, it's good to go to the doctor and get it all checked out.

The PCOSA keeps a list of professional members at http://www.pcosupport.org/membership/professionals.php These are doctors who have paid money to the PCOSA to be recognized as profesional members. It means that they probably have a greater interest in PCOS research and treatment (because they wanted to be members) but doesn't guarantee that they'll be a good doctor. You might also want to check with your local chapter. Look at http://chapters.pcosupport.org/ and find your local chapter and give them a buzz. Most chapters know who the good doctors are in any given area.

Good luck!

>I have had a glucose (2 hour) test which came back ok, and they also
>took blood to test my hormones. My hormones came back within "normal"
>ranges. I have not had any kind of insulin test to my knowledge.
>
>1) Does anyone know if you can have hormones within normal ranges and
>still have PCOS? I don't know if I should push for an insulin test?
>
>2) Are there any other "syndromes" with similar symptons as PCOS?
>
>3) I definitely need to find a new doctor! Has anyone run across any
>kind of lists of the "best" reproductive endocrinologists / specialists?
>

--
email always welcome: sonnet_fitz@hotmail.com

Next message: Sonnet: "Re: Long Time Having PCOS, New to Site, Need Answers - Please Help (Long)"
Previous message: Sonnet: "Re: Long Time Having PCOS, New to Site, Need Answers - Please Help (Long)"
In reply to: Lisa: "Insulin tests"

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