PCOS Messages for July, 2003: Re: not sure...

Re: not sure...

From: Janet (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Mon, 14 Jul 2003 13:47:16 -0500 (CDT)

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In reply to: Abigail: "not sure..."

HI Abigail, I hope that you seek treatment if you suspect that you do have PCOS. It is a progressive desease that can lead to obesity, infertility, high cholestral, high blood pressure, hairloss and diabetes. Because this is a hormonal and not a reproductive problem, I would suggest an endocrinologist over an OBGYN. Endocrinologists specialize in hormonal issues. Though I have heard of a few OBGYNs that are becoming informed about PCOS, most lack the proper training to correctly treat the disorder because it isnt in their field. I do want to add however that it was my family doctor's physician's assistant that sought out treatment for me beyond just masking the symptoms with birth control pills. I am greatful to her beyond words. She did however refer me to an endo for treatment. Since starting on metformin and spironolactone I have lost weight, my hair is back better than ever(what is making it very curly I dont have a clue), and I feel so much better than I have in years. I only wish that I had known about PCOS when I was 23 as you are. I have had ever worsening symptoms since I was 12 but went undiagnosed until I was 33 and not properly treated until last year when I turned 38. Feel free to email me at the address below. Please put something in the heading about PCOS so I dont delete you as spam.

Janet

At Sun, 13 Jul 2003, Abigail wrote: >
>Hi,
>
>I'm 23 years old, and I've started reading through some of the postings
>on this board but I have a few questions. Over the past few weeks I've
>started thinking that I may have PCOS but I'm not sure. I am
>overweight, and about a year or a year and a half ago I started to grow
>dark hairs under my chin. I have always had darker hair along my upper
>lip, but never enough that I had to do anything about it. Around the
>same time, my periods went from lasting 4 days each month to barely a
>day and a half. However, they are still very regular as far as my
>cycles. Lately (the past few months), I have also had increased acne.
>Nothing horrible, but more breakouts on my face and back than I have had
>in a long time. I believe those are my only symptoms at this point,
>although I have not had any lab tests done to check my hormone or
>cholesterol levels.
>
>>From the little I've read so far it sounds like I need to lose weight,
>which I am already in the process or working on anyways. Clearly I'd
>love to get rid of the excess hair and acne, but it doesn't seem like a
>very pressing matter at this point. I realize that I should see an
>endocrinologist or a GYN (which is better, by the way?), but I guess I'm
>not convinced of why I should see a doctor. Will the symptoms get worse
>over time so I should be put on medication to stop that? Will
>infertility be more of an issue later if I don't do anything other than
>lose weight at this point? I guess I just don't totally understand what
>I should do next and why, and I would appreciate any advice.
>
>Thank you!

--
Email always welcome
Janet at JanetHeller@msn.com

Next message: Janet: "shorts that are a little tight"
Previous message: Tanya: "Re: getting tubes tied or lack theof because of PCOS"
In reply to: Abigail: "not sure..."

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