How likely is it to be diagnosed with PCOS without having all of the symptoms?

Question

I went for my yearly exam a few weeks ago and the doctor decided that I may have PCOS because I've been having irregular periods lately. I am overweight, and have the problems with facial hair. They did the bloodwork and only my insulin and testosterone levels were elevated. I had my daughter in 2004 and had no trouble conceiving her, and before her my periods were totally regular. I just feel as though I don't fit the profile for having PCOS. Has anyone else been diagnosed with it but had a similar history as mine?

Answer 1

My educated guess is that you do have it. PCOS tends to get worse as you get older, as you gain weight, and after each pregnancy. So, it could be that as you are getting older that the symptoms are getting more noticeable. I had totally normal periods and had no trouble ttc when I was younger (no facial hair either)...but as I got older things progressively got worse. I didn't notice any symptoms, but now that I am a little older...they are there.

The key things to indicate PCOS are the irregular periods and the high testosterone and insulin levels. Those two blood tests are very indicative of PCOS. Of course the facial hair is also a symptom. You have 5 symptoms...people get diagnosed with only 2 symptoms. Here's some basic PCOS info for you.

I recommend seeing a reproductive endocrinologist. 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.

Answer 2

I hate to say it but you DO fit the profile. Most woman have a hard time trying to conceive when they have PCOS, but for what ever reason that wasn't the case your first time around. If you try again to conceive you may find a different story. PCOS is classified or general description. Overweight, facial or body hair, skin tags, elevated insulin and testosterone levels, male pattern baldness etc. There are a ton of websites out there on PCOS and that have online quizzes you can take to see where you fall into the category. Not all woman that have PCOS have a difficult time conceiving but a MAJORITY of them do. Don't let this slid start treatment asap.