Hope for those with fertility issues...and a suggestion...
I was dx with PCOS when I was about 20 (after I had my first child and had tons of complications) and was told I would probably never have another child. I was devastated to say the least. My doc put me on Metformin and told to me lose weight (easier said than done). I'm sure you have all heard some variation of this from your own healthcare provider.
In addition to the PCOS dx, I was tested for testosterone levels because I started having unusual hair growth on my face (cheeks and chin and neck). Ack! The test came back stating I had higher than normal levels of testosterone and was told there was really no treatment at that time for that particular issue. Hmmmm... This got me thinking. I wasn't sure why but I felt like there may have been more going on than just the PCOS issue since I couldn't find any data to support PCOS as being the cause of the T level increase. I decided to get another opinion and was basically told the same thing by another OB/Gyn. I decided to let it go.
It wasn't until years later when I was being referred to an Internal Medicine Specialist for infertility and repeat miscarriage related issues that I received a FULL blood panel workup. Wouldn't you know it, when the tests came back there appeared to be more endocrine levels off than just my T level and blood sugars. It wasn't long after that I was sent to an endocrinologist and dx with Hypothyroidism and Insulin Resistance (the precurser to full blown diabetes).
After stabilizing my thyroid levels and changing my medication from Metformin to ActoplusMet (Actos + Metformin) I felt much better, conceived and KEPT a second child (who is now 7 months old & healthy) and was able to really understand my battle with weight loss was more than just me not trying hard enough or not exercising enough or whatever. According to both my Internist and Endocrinologist, there are several endocrine issues that can look like PCOS but aren't or exist in conjunction with PCOS.
So what is my point here?
First, know your own and your family's medical history well. Had my OB/Gyn looked into mine he would have seen my grandfather has Hypothyroidism and could have done a simple blood test to check it sooner.
Second, if you really want a child never submit to the idea of never having a child before you have exhausted all options.
Third, insist on having a FULL blood workup once a year to check for issues that sometimes are misdiagnosed as something else. Also, this can catch things like pre-diabetes which are often missed until it's too late.
It is your right to know what is going on in your body and if you have been dx as a PCOS patient I strongly urge you to talk to your doctor about any additional concerns you have, whether it's a hair growth issue or a skin change issue or anything else you feel could be a sign there is a bigger endocrine issue at work. Best of luck to you all.
In addition to the PCOS dx, I was tested for testosterone levels because I started having unusual hair growth on my face (cheeks and chin and neck). Ack! The test came back stating I had higher than normal levels of testosterone and was told there was really no treatment at that time for that particular issue. Hmmmm... This got me thinking. I wasn't sure why but I felt like there may have been more going on than just the PCOS issue since I couldn't find any data to support PCOS as being the cause of the T level increase. I decided to get another opinion and was basically told the same thing by another OB/Gyn. I decided to let it go.
It wasn't until years later when I was being referred to an Internal Medicine Specialist for infertility and repeat miscarriage related issues that I received a FULL blood panel workup. Wouldn't you know it, when the tests came back there appeared to be more endocrine levels off than just my T level and blood sugars. It wasn't long after that I was sent to an endocrinologist and dx with Hypothyroidism and Insulin Resistance (the precurser to full blown diabetes).
After stabilizing my thyroid levels and changing my medication from Metformin to ActoplusMet (Actos + Metformin) I felt much better, conceived and KEPT a second child (who is now 7 months old & healthy) and was able to really understand my battle with weight loss was more than just me not trying hard enough or not exercising enough or whatever. According to both my Internist and Endocrinologist, there are several endocrine issues that can look like PCOS but aren't or exist in conjunction with PCOS.
So what is my point here?
First, know your own and your family's medical history well. Had my OB/Gyn looked into mine he would have seen my grandfather has Hypothyroidism and could have done a simple blood test to check it sooner.
Second, if you really want a child never submit to the idea of never having a child before you have exhausted all options.
Third, insist on having a FULL blood workup once a year to check for issues that sometimes are misdiagnosed as something else. Also, this can catch things like pre-diabetes which are often missed until it's too late.
It is your right to know what is going on in your body and if you have been dx as a PCOS patient I strongly urge you to talk to your doctor about any additional concerns you have, whether it's a hair growth issue or a skin change issue or anything else you feel could be a sign there is a bigger endocrine issue at work. Best of luck to you all.
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