Question:
If I think I have PCOS but have not had it medically diagnosed yet, can that

cause a problem pre-op? In other words should I worry about trying to get it diagnosed before having the surgery or can that wait until after I have the surgery? I don't want anything to slow down the process of getting ins. approval and scheduling the surgery, I've already been waiting 7 months and haven't even had my first surgical consult yet. If this condition (and as of this time I don't even know for sure if I have it) will not cause any problems with having the surgery then I'd rather wait until after I have the surgery to worry about being tested for this. But, if this is something the surgeon should be aware of before operating then I will try to get testing done as soon as possible. I'd appreciate any feedback I can get. And yes I already know about the soulcysters website, that's what makes me think I may have PCOS even though I haven't mentioned it to my PCP yet. Thanks for listening.    — Elva C. (posted on March 31, 2002)

March 31, 2002
PCOS is a Co-Morbidity- it can actually help you get approved (PCOS causes infertility and an increased risk of diabetes and ovarian cancer). I DO have PCOS, and have been diagnosed, but am not doing anything 'for' it besides losing weight. That usually will help the problem, the medicines just hide the symptoms (like using bc pill to force periods). If you will get approved without being diagnosed with PCOS I'd probably wait until after- one less thing to worry about, and like I said you might find it kinda goes away with weight loss. Good Luck.
   — Angela B.

March 31, 2002
PCOS that is UNTREATED can lead to cancer very quickly!!! There are several women on this site who have had to have hysterectomies very early (mid 20's) in their lives. NO JOKE!!! If you are getting regular periods then you are ok to wait until after surgery, but if you are one of the many PCOS'ers who don't please get to the dr!! Not shedding your lining regularly can and will lead to cancer!! Please take care of yourself! Diagnosing PCOS involves some blood work and an ultrasound. Nothing to worry about!!
   — Allie A.

March 31, 2002
True, if anything it should just be added to another of your co-morbidities. Should not hurt surgery, surgery will help it.....
   — Karen R.

March 31, 2002
I have to disagree with a previous poster. While pcos is basically incurible medicines to not just *hide* the symptoms, they help treat the symptoms. It's like saying arthritis is incurible so do nothing for the pain. If you are a woman who should be having a period and are not, it can lead to cervical and uterine cancer. The tissue thickens the lining but doesn't come out, it stays there causing future problems. I hadn't had a period in two years and couldn't believe my first few periods. I won't go into gross details except to say I soaked thick pads like they were nothing, and the tissue was golf ball sized... yuck. Also the pill and spirolacatone(sp?) can help with the facial and body hair, hair thinning and other symptoms of too high testerone leading to enhance self confidence. Some patients have had luck with glucophage and it has even enhanced weight loss, since pcos can cause insulin resistance and make it hard to lose weight, even on severe calorie restricted diets. Try www.soulcysters.com for some excellent articles and message board postings on pcos. If I were you I'd get it diagnosed and get treatment. As other posters stated, since losing weight is one of the primary recommended treatments for pcos it will actually strengthen your case for getting wls. Good luck!
   — Becky K.

March 31, 2002
I had all the symptoms, yet I was never diagnosed. I ended up having tubes tied, an ovary removed, then a hysterectomy. Than God I had already had my son! Go get it checked out, you don't want to have other needless surgeries b/c of the ignorance of one doc. Mine just didn't connect the dots, BTW, neither did I 8 ( But have you been approved? PCOS may make it esier to GET approved! Just an idea! Donna in AL
   — Donna S. C.

April 1, 2002
For myself, the BCP 'hid' my PCOS testing-wise for close to 16 yrs., but NOT appearance wise. I got a period, which was good for the shedding, true; however- everything else in my realm was unbearable. My tests were always normal, but my appearance was not. This was extremely frustrating for me and I could not get a proper diagnosis until off that damn pill! Once diagnosed, I felt going back on the pill was a moot point, it wasn't helping any longer (and this may happen- it will help at first in the beginning, then possibly fail). I would also like to know if I am ovulating, I would like to know my body is functioning somewhat normally. I cannot do that with some medicines that are perscribed for PCOS- especially if I am trying to concieve. It is a really tough syndrome to deal with, it has so many facets- which all suck. Even having a hysterectomy (would it- I would do it!) will not 'cure' it, as it is an Endocrine issue. Anyhow- I too think you could use it as another co-morbid that will greatly improve with surgery! I'm still trying to get on Metformin. i hope that helps me as I am at my wit's end!
   — Karen R.

August 20, 2005
I have PCOS also, every doctor i have ever been to for it , has always told me to loose weight and everything would be ok. Which loosing weight is harder than what they say it is.
   — adelpha23marke