Question:
I am 95% sure that I have PCOS, but what type of doc to go to?

I have learned through this very website that I may have PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrom)- I have many of the symptoms. My question is, who do I go to about it? I don't have a PCP, but I assume that would be who I needed to go to. I wish I had been diagnosed before I started my WLS journey. My paperwork is being sent in later this week and I think having that diagnosis would be to my benefit. Anyways, my question is for those of you who have PCOS, what type of doctor did you go to? Thanks!    — karmiausnic (posted on June 24, 2002)

June 23, 2002
Original poster here- after I posted the above question, I realized that I probably need to see a gynocologist. I haven't seen one is a while since I have moved. I would still like to hear your comments. Do you think I should tell my surgeon's office to wait on sending in those papers? Thanks again!
   — karmiausnic

June 23, 2002
Hi Karen, I too have PCOS. I was diagnosed many years ago. I had WLS on 3/20/02 and as of today am down 76lbs. I still do not get a period. I originally saw my GYN about PCOS. At that time all they wanted to do was put me on BCP & tell me to lose weight. However, I now here that seeing an ENDOCRONOLOGIST is better. I could be wrong, check out Karen Randall's profile. She has alot of info on her PCOS journey. I am going to soon see my GYN and just have her put me on Provera to induce a period and see if that will jump start my system. ~ Best wishes on your journey! Debbie
   — Deborah F.

June 23, 2002
Hi...I have PCOS also, and since I have an HMO, I had to get a referral from either my PCP or GYN to see a specialist. I saw my GYN first, and he referred me to an Endocrynologist. They specialize in diabetes and metabolic issues. Since I started seeing her 10 months ago, It's made a world of difference. Finally, someone knows what was wrong with me and was able to give me medication to control the symptoms. Before this, every GYN I saw always said the problems I had with my periods, hair growth, etc was because of my weight - without doing any tests. Turns out even the some of the weight gain may have been caused by the PCOS. It was around puberty when I started gaining and gaining...Thank goodness I found a GYN that actually listened to me. Good luck!
   — lily1968

June 24, 2002
Yeah, go see the ENDO. My Gyn was SUCH A JERK... We automatically think "this is a gyn issue" because ofthe symptoms, however, it is an Endocrine disorder- and you will need a specialist. Good luck to you!
   — Karen R.

June 24, 2002
WELL I HAVE PCOS...I WENT TO MY GYN, IN MARCH AND THEY GAVE ME THE "SHOT" THE BLEEDING STOPPED. SHE ALSO MENTION THE FACIAL HAIR ON MY FACE IS A SIGN OF IT ALSO.. TODAY I WENT FOR A OUT-PATIENT PROCEDURE WHICH SHE CLEANS YOUR INSIDES OUT, WHICH I WAS KNOCKED OUT.
   — debbie S.

June 24, 2002
I was diagnosed with PCOS about 3 years ago. My first plan was to see my PCP,she then referred me to an ENDOCRINOLOGIST, who beleived i also had an adrenal gland problem. i was put on birth control, and spirinalactone and glucophage. i then gained 65 MORE pounds to add to my already sagging 310lbs. i stopped taking the BC and the glucophage, and have continued on with the spirinalactone, due to foot swelling. to make a long story short.... go to your PCP, and get the tests done first....
   — JWOLF74