PCOS or not?

Question

I was diagnosed with pcos on the symptoms of excess facial hair, (it's growing on my nose!), and inability to lose weight regardless of diet and exercise change. I think it's been about 2 years with the diagnosis. My prolactin and LH levels were off too but I was told that's not a test to determine pcos. My testosterone was high, too. This all happened after my 2nd child. (I had no problems conceiving either time) I didn't have a period for 2 years, didn't miss it, then started getting bad acne and went to the doc. That's all the symptoms. Thyroid levels were fine. I was put on bc, which gave me back my periods, helped the hair growth a bit, got rid of the acne but I still have these "small cysts" and whiteheads on my face. An endocrinologist wanted to put me on metformin but I didn't take it b/c I didn't have an insulin problem! I didn't have cysts when they did the ultrasound either but have been told that pcos pts. don't always have cysts. Tired of doctor hopping. Any ideas?

Thanks! I just wish I could find a good Endo who would cover all bases of what it "could be" just to rule out any other problems. I guess I need to do some more research and find out what tests to TELL them to run. (To rule out adrenal, pituitary, etc.)

Answer 1

Based on your symptoms it fits with PCOS but I would recommend asking your endocrinologist about two other conditions that have some symptoms similar to PCOS: Cushings' Syndrome and one I heard about on Discovery Health: Non-classic Adrenal hyperplasia.

In Non-classic adrenal hyperplasia the high testosterone levels are coming from the adrenal glands and not the ovaries. In the story on Discovery Health's program Mystery Diagnosis the woman did the Glucophage (because they thought she had insulin resistance) for several months and then when she went to another doctor who ran some more bloodwork they found that the testosterone levels that were high were not coming from her ovaries.

After they found that she had this condition they gave her a different kind of medication which then took care of the problem.

To find out more please check out: http://www.discoveryhealth.com and then go to the section for Mystery Diagnosis and they have information there about the diseases and conditions that have been discussed on the show.

As for the prolactin level, I'm not sure what mine is showing yet and hope to find out soon because I found out from some recent bloodwork that my pituitary gland may not be working as well as it should and it may have to do with the PCOS.

Something I read on Everydayhealth.com about PCOS said that sometimes pituitary gland involvement can have something to do with PCOS and I hope to research this a bit further to see how this may apply to my situation.

As for the cysts issue, when I first had an ultrasound done the cysts showed up but because of the medication (I think) the cysts did not show up. I found out later that not all women with PCOS have the cysts as well as that some women with PCOS also don't have the problems with trying to lose weight, that some can be skinny and still have PCOS.

Answer 2

I do, consistent with ultrasounds and the truth that I am having obstacle conceiving. My simplest bodily signs are dangerous dermis and "a few" facial hair, now not a five o clock shadow or some thing. I'm 29 and I started to suspect PCOS approximately two years in the past however was once now not officially instructed some thing by way of a general practitioner till three months in the past. I have consistent intervals and ovulate each and every month, I am now not obese and, so far as I recognize, do not need insulin resistance, so I haven't any inspiration WHY I have this situation. Birth manage labored wonders for me whilst I was once on it, my dermis cleared correct up and I not had such heavy intervals and dangerous cramps. Hopefully, it is going to be just right for you. Many females with PCOS who're obese control to lose plenty of weight by way of utilizing metformin, a diabetic drug, which might also aid alleviate the indicators of PCOS. Good success! It's well that you simply stuck it early- it is going to prevent plenty of distress in the end.

Answer 3

i definitely sounds like you have pcos. the doctors are correct, not all women with pcos have cyst on the their ovaries. metformin has been known to help women with pcos even if they are not showing clinical signs of insulin resistance. it is worth a shot. btw- there is no specific test to determine pcos. it is an evaluation of several test. women with pcos often have elevated LH and testosterone levels. when my pcos is really out of control my prolactin levels are off too. and my thyroid levels are off as well.
and not all women with pcos have trouble conceiving.