Question:
What are the procedures in finding out if you have PCOS?

I am about to go to my GYN to find out if I have PCOS. I want to know what kind of testing is done? I already don't like pap test!!!lol Can someone advise?    — dainty (posted on August 7, 2001)

August 7, 2001
In a nutshell- I would highly reccomend a Endocrinologist who will check your hormone levels. In my case, my Gyn was very unsupportive in the realm of PCOS. His motto was, I'll either get you fertile or keep you infertile (with BCP- thing is BCP's may hide your symptoms- but only temporary, so when they try and get you on those- I would question it, they lose their efficiency) A Pap will not always show your ovaries- you may or may not even have cysts to see- especially if you are overweight. You will need a ultrasound. I had one before surgery, and they STILL had a hard time because of my weight (and the fact I am pretty compact in that area) and we had to use a "wand" ultrasound. It was painless compared to the pressure the exerted with the "mouse". Needless to say, I ended up doing my own research on PCOS, after my non-eventful visit to my Gyn and went fully prepared to have the same discussion with my Endo. I was surprised to hear him say, yeah, you probably have it- and ordered bloodwork (no pap at all) and then said if I did have it- he would recommend WLS to help me lose the weight to fight the symptoms. You can read that wonderful story at my site. Not many Doctors know about Stein-Leventhal (PCOS) and some do not know how to treat it as a whole, I mean- I see a Dermatologist for skin issues, a Endo for Hormonal/Weight Issues, a Gyn for Fertility issues and a Psych for emotional issues, and I have found that I must tell each of them WHY exactly I am there, and what needs to be done by each one. I am constantly requesting that they send each other information regarding my treatments. Imagine explaing to your Psych that you really don't HAVE emotional issues that cause your depression, it is a symptom of PCOS. Him tilting his head, and saying, Huh? It is a very frustrating syndrome and you should try and educate yourself as much as you can, I found MORE informationon the web, than through my Doctors. I would recommend a book by Dr. Samuel Thatcher MD- called PCOS The Hidden Epidemic and also visiting these sites: www.soulcyster.com and www.pcosupport.org I started getting PCOS symptoms at age 15, and didn't get "officially" diagnosed until age 31- due part to MY OWN RESEARCH and I went to a ZILLION doctors for my multitude of symtpoms, how lame is that?
   — Karen R.

August 7, 2001
I agree to see an Endocrinologist, or a diabetes specialist to help diagnose PCOS. Being a diabetic, I discovered that one of the medications I was taking was also being used to treat PCOS outside of the US. Since then I've learned that there is a very strong link between PCOS, Diabetes and Insulin Resistance---a condition which can sometimes be a precursor to Diabetes and very similar to PCOS symptoms.
   — Sue F.

August 7, 2001
Hi, I agree with the previous posters about getting the diagnosis. I also have PCOS and diabetes, as well as hypothyroid, all connected. My GYN also does annual uterine biopsies to be very thorough, as well as blood work. I wanted to add that there is a great group for PCOS that I found that sent me some very helpful information, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Association, INC. PO Box 80517 Portland OR, 97280. Their website is PCOSUPPORT.ORG. Check it out, You will find it very helpful...good luck!
   — Vicki K.

August 9, 2001
My doctor gave me a ultra sound and they showed up on that.I also saw a obgyn and they started me on birth control to regulate the problem
   — Tiffini P.