I started my period about 3.5 years ago and it still hasn't evened out. Right after I started, I gained around 40 pounds (and I wasn't being lazy or eating bad). I have severe cramps and have to miss school and work because of it. I also get diarrhea and headaches. Recently my mom had cysts removed and my aunt had a hysterectomy. Please tell me if it's possible that I have PCOS.
2006-12-28 15:30:06 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Women's Health
It is possible, but it could be something else (possibly endometriosis?). You really should go to an obgyn and get checked out. Some basic facts about PCOS is that it is the number one cause of female infertility. It is not curable, but very treatable. Only about half the women with PCOS actually have polycystic ovaries (very misleading name). If you have it, you should get diagnosed and start treating it sooner rather than later. Here's some good PCOS info and links. Check out the links and look at the list of symptoms. If you have at least a couple of them..chances are that you have PCOS (but that doesn't rule out anything else that you might have).
Your best bet is going to be going on a low carb diet, exercise, and treating the PCOS with an insulin sensitizing drug such as metformin (you could probably get your regular doc. to prescribe this for you). Here's some good PCOS info and links. Good luck.
I recommend seeing a reproductive endocrinologist for a proper diagnosis. They are generally more knowledgeable about PCOS and the correct treatment. Unfortunately, many doctors are not aware of the proper treatment.
The underlying cause of PCOS is insulin resistance (IR). The best treatment for PCOS is going on an insulin sensitizing drug such as metformin (1500-2550mg per day) combined with a low carb diet and exercise. There are a few important things to know:
1. Many women "pass" the test for IR, but still respond positively from the metformin. No one knows exactlly why..my thought is that the test is not a sure fire way of detecting the IR.
2. You must be on a high enough dose of metformin. I've heard women complain that their bodies dont start working even though they've been on metformin for awhile. Some doctors are hesitant to up the dose past 1500mg...but for some of us it takes more. I don't respond until my dose is around 2000mg a day.
3. It can take a few months on the correct dose, before your body is regulated.
4. It is important to treat your PCOS even if you are not trying to get pregnant. There are higher risks for many things (high blood pressure, blood clots, diabetes, and many other things) when you have PCOS, but if it is treated properly, then those risks are lowered.
When the PCOS is treated properly, all of your symptoms may not disappear, but they should improve some. It will also be a lot easier to lose weight (and keep it off). Our bodies work against us when we try to lose weight on our own, making it nearly impossible to lose weight.
There are TONS of books about PCOS and dieting. There are two that I recommend. Here's the links at amazon for those:
http://www.amazon.com/o/asin/0809224275/...
http://www.amazon.com/o/asin/0007131844/...
I also recommend a couple web sites:
http://pcos.itgo.com/
http://www.inciid.org/faq.php?cat=infert...
http://messageboards.ivillage.com/iv-bhp... This one is a great message board where you can ask all your PCOS questions or just chat with the women who are also dealing with PCOS. Good luck
2006-12-29 15:53:32 · answer #1 · answered by trevnme 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First of all your father's hair or lack thereof has nothing whatsoever to do with your chances of having polycystic ovaries. I was diagnosed over 35 years ago and it is hardly anything to be that concerned about...I have never had surgery and no one has ever suggested a hysterectomy.You need to go to the gynecologist and find out what is going on...You will probably be put on the pill to help with the PMS. There are actually very few women who are regular (whatever that is) and cramp free...all that nonsense is put out there so women think they need to be on drugs to be "normal." Normal for you is whatever you normally do...
2006-12-29 00:38:05 · answer #2 · answered by Mod M 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
IVF (in vitro fertilization) treatment; IUI, ICSI and Laparoscopic surgery is very cheap in India. The cost is very low and the medical services are very good in India.
My cousin and her husband got their IVF treatment in India through the Forerunners Healthcare in India and is all praise for this company. She is a known case of PCOS.She is a very happy mother of a baby boy now. She just paid 2500 pounds for the full IVF treatment in India for which she was quoted 8000 pounds in private setup in UK.
Forerunners Healthcare is very famous in India. I read a lot about them in the newspapers. I have also read about a Chinese couple who planned surrogacy through the Forerunners Healthcare. They arrange financing for USA, Canadian, UK and other international patients who plan to have surgery and infertility treatment like IVF, IUI, and ICSI abroad for low price. They also have photos pasted of their International patients. You can checkout their website. There are huge cost savings. As a doctor I personally believe that surgery and treatment can be easily handled in India, as the quality of healthcare available In India is simply best in the world. The surgeons are USA/UK trained and facilities are 5 star.
http://www.forerunnershealthcare.com
Hope this helps.
2006-12-29 05:05:45 · answer #3 · answered by Charlie 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you might have it. is your dad going bald? if he is that means he is a carrier for PCOS and u could have it. the best thing to do is to go to the doctor and get a blood test done to tell u for sure.
2006-12-28 23:37:51 · answer #4 · answered by c l p 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it is possible. you should go to a doctor to be sure.
2006-12-28 23:34:58 · answer #5 · answered by felicia p 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋