Questions about PCOS!

In 1992 at age 17 I had 7 fibriod tumors removed from my ovaries, since then I haven't taken any bcp and I haven't concieved any children. I never heard of pcos until I needed a physical for my sons adoption in July 2005. the ARNP that I visited suggested that I needed to look into being tested for pcos. After a little research and viewing some of the post here on this forum, I now realize that there is a strong possibility that I have pcos. I have the facial hair, the black patches, very heavy periods, infertility, the previous cyst, and I'm overwieght. Could the fact that I didn't start my period until I 15 1/2 yrs of age be a factor as well? I also at times feel so drained that all I can do is lay down, I can barely lift my head, I get shakey, and If I'm driving I get scared and jittery to where someone else has to take over while I lay back! Are these symptoms? Who would be best to consult with my OB/GYN, or some other kind of specialist? Your advice and comments are greatly apprieciated C. Wright

You sound a bit like me (aside from the fibroid tumors)...I didn't start my cycles until like a week or two before I turned 15...so I was also a late bloomer. Anyway, I suggest that you definitely consult with an OB/GYN as well as an endocrinologist (who can help with your insulin issues). From what you described it sounds like you get hypoglycemic episodes (where your blood sugar drops low) causing the shakiness and fatigue. Also, it sounds like your insulin (not your glucose, those are 2 different things) is elevated since you have the dark patches of skin called acanthosis nigricans. Also, I was wondering if you snore? I was super sleepy for a long time before I was diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea (I would stop breathing for brief moments while I slept) which totally drained me during the day since my body was not able to properly rest during the night. You might want to check out getting a sleep study just in case. Anyway, I hope this helped...good luck! Kristy EDD 8/6/06 33w6d It's a girl - Alice Kay

Thanks alot for the info. I will definitly make an appointment with both. Before this PCOS messageboard I did'nt have much knowledge about PCOS just the basic symptoms. My husband says I snore alot, I know that I wake up with bad headaches. Congrats on the lil your expecting! Thanks again C. Wright

Talk to your ob/gyn. Mine first diagnosed my pcos. I had the facial hair, the dark skin under the breasts and in the groin area and infertility issues plus being overweight and irradic periods that drove me nuts. I also didn't start my period until I was 16 so there maybe something to that. We tried for many years to conceive and went through fertility treatments to no avail. I had a hysterectomy three years ago and feel so much better. It saddened me not to be able to have kids, but I wasn't going to go through life suffering anymore with that dang pcos anymore either. Anyway, talk to your gynecologist. They are really sharp about pcos these days and know what to do.

I had my testing done with some simple blood tests when the Dr. suspected I might have it during my annual exam. I have heard some people get referred to an endocrinologist *sp* doctor as well and certainly if you are considering having biological children in the future; at least a few friends did. I personally only had to see my GYN Dr. and she put me on Metformin to help control the symptoms. By this point I had already had my kids and had my tubes tied so I didn't have any of the infirtility problems that can be associated with it, or I might have had to do more. Cristy