New to Board

Hello Ladies, I am new here on this board. I need to see if anyone can help me. How is it that the Dr. determine that you have P.C.O.S.?? Several year ago I went to my OB/GYN he did some blood work and stated that I dont have P.C.O.S. but I have alot of the systems: 1)Infrequent menstrual periods, no menstrual periods, and/or irregular bleeding. 2)Infertility or inability to get pregnant because of not ovulating. 3)Increased growth of hair on the face. 4)Acne, oily skin, or dandruff. 5)Pelvic pain. 6)Weight gain or obesity, usually carrying extra weight around the waist. 7)Type 2 diabetes 8)High cholesterol 9)Patches of thickened and dark brown or black skin on the neck, arms, breasts, or thighs. 10)Skin tags, or tiny excess flaps of skin in the armpits or neck area. 11)Sleep apnea―excessive snoring and breathing stops at times while asleep. 12) My mother has had sist removed from her ovaries Any suggestions?? My husband and I would love to have a family. Someday after WLS. Your help and comments would be greatly appricated Thanks God Bless Melissa

Hi Melissa, Welcome I have had PCOS and was not diagnosed until I was 24 years old, but I know I had it from about the age of 20. It wasnt until I went to an edocrinologist that he diagnosed it. 22 years ago my GYN, just looked at me and told me to lose weight. He also told me that my hirsitism (facial hair) was normal in mediterranian women, uh, I am a Puerto Rican from New York City, very far away from the mediterranian, lol. Make an appointment with an endocrinologist, but before you do, when you call the office ask them if they specialize in PCOS. Good luck on your Journey. I have had it for 22 years. Please feel free to email me any time you want to talk. [email protected] Hugs Denise

Blood work isn't the only way to diagnose PCOS. Being a syndrome some people will have one set of the symptoms while others will have another set of the symptoms. I definitely agree you need to see a reproductive endocrinologist about this and not just an OB/GYN. I'd say the chances are that you do have it but were misdiagnosed. But that is best left to a professional to decide. I would encourage you to seek out a 2nd opinion. Dina

Hi Melissa, Welcome to the board!!! Well I was diagnosed with pcos when I was 12 years old. At the time I was going to a pediatric endocrinologist, but they looked at me and saw on me alot of the features I had.... basically everything on your list from #1-6, and then they did a 4 hour glucose tolerance test on me. It was after that test when they diagnosed it. I can only tell you how it happened for me.... I tried an ob/gyn first and they couldnt really guide me properly.... actually they were a little cluless. If you really feel in your heart that this is your problem you could try going to an endocrinologist or a reproductive endocrinologist. I wish you the best on your journey

You seem to have quite a few symptoms that can be related to PCOS as I do. One thru six, nine and ten. The thing with me was that besides the many blood work ups, which at times can not coincide with my PCOS, it was the numerous ultasounds that I had, plus the transvaginal ultrasounds I did that nailed it for me. Another point for you to consider is that with these cysts, from time to time, they can burst and go away on their own. And then, there are not there to be seen even though you still have the other problems known to cause PCOS. That was true in my case and it wasn't discovered for many years, left untreated until one would not go away. That humdinger of a large cysyt had to be surgically removed. As for PCOS, it is hereditary. Years ago, I told my female relatives about it when I found out I had this medical problem. Then, it was discovered that at least two out of 5 of my nieces had this problem in their early teens. So hang in there and keep on top of it. A lot of WLS patients have done well with the same medical issues you share with them. Even as they are diabetic, some do not have to take any meds, now. And a number of them wanted to have a family. There were a few bandsters who have become pregant. Since I was banded in August 2004, I've seen their posts on the lapband messageboard. So, don't settle for less from your doctors. Keep on top of this and if they do not go with the flow, do not give up. Happy Holidays! Halina

HEre's a post for you to consider in seeking out info on PCOS. Try and goggle it for more to show your doctor. http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/polycystic_ovarian_syndrome/postdetail/283.html?vc=0

Hi Melissa!!!! Have you been to a fertility specialist yet? They can tell with a simple ultrasound too, the polycystic ovaries or mishappen and it's very obvious that way. I'm post op and lost 116 pounds and now my dr won't run the bloodwork I want just to see if my hormone levels are closer to normal. Is that too freakin much to ask? I'm only 8 months post op so need to stay on birth control for another year before we try again, but I want to know now if things are changing. Only others who have this understand and I share your frustration. You have it, just go with that...either way, you'll need a fertility specialist. We will go back as soon as it's been long enough to be safe for me and baby. They will do the neccessary tests. Have you had WLS or are you planning too. My fertifily specialist honestly told us that without loosing a significant amount of weight, with the PCOD and extra hormonal probs the fat cells carry, even the highest level fertility shots prob wouldn't work for me. That was the last straw in my decision to have the surgery and now it's a waitint and hoping game. Keep me updated! Hope that helps, ann

My gynocologist (who specializes in PCOS) gave me a preliminary diagnosis without any blood tests or anything, just after looking at the hair growth, weight, and menstrual abnormalities. The diagnosis was confirmed with an ultrasound of my ovaries.