?'s about PCOS

[robertmyangel]

Thanks again ladies for all the support... I am trying to get an appt. with an endo, but I have to wait for my PCP to send a refferal... I appreciate all of the links I will check them out, but from the info that I have, I know that I have most of the symptoms. Now all I need is to be tested and diagnosed.

[misscoleyp]

I was dx a month ago with PCOS. I haven't had any blood work done yet, it was a clinical dx. I have always been...well...hairy. I just thought I took after my dad who was like a bear. When I went for my pap last month, I hadn't had a period since April. Plus, I have extra weight around my middle.

I have been checking out Soulcycters.com for lots of great info. I plan on seeing a endo and then maybe an RE if we have problems TTC. Luckily DH insurance will pay for all of that. My OYGYN put me on Metaformin and Yasmin. So far it has helped a little. I go back to see her next week and I think she will up my dosage.

[emersons mom]

My best friend has PCOS...she sees a fertility/infertility specialist because she has had 2 successful pregnancies with him and they keep her on metformin until she is pregnant and then take her off of it when she is pregnant......she does not menstruate without provera or birth control ... we suspected i had it and i saw my ob who did some tests...blood....and i was not diagnosed with it.....the other thing that is very important is to maintain the annual pap smear as pcos is sometimes only diagnosed after an irregular pap smear ...i think the hormones cause the bad things to grow quickly. Anyway, my friend has never developed pe but was monitored for it closely by her peri during her pregnancy....and yes you can have children with pcos....her darlings are proof!!

Hope this helps.....and you might ask your pcp to refer you to a dr in your area...but your ob should be able to order the tests.

[cindync]

I have PCOS and currently take the metformin. I did have a miscarriage once, supposedly the PCOS contribued to it, but I did not know that I had PCOS at the time. I did have infertility issues, did treatments for 5 months, gave up and adopted. When I was dx'ed with PCOS, it was through a regular endocrinologist, he is who put me on metformin and another drug to lower my testosterone, and 6 weeks later I was pregnant (surprise!( with Aiden. I too have the insulin thing, I do have regular periods, but I guess I was not releasing an egg? I can not remember--my tubes are tied now, so it does not matter.

However, I do gain weight very easily and have a very difficult time losing even 1 pound, let alone the 40 that I need to. I have some hairs where I should not, I pluck them out. I have horrible mood swings and irritability, which I assume is from hormones out of control.

I wish you luck.

[robertmyangel]

Thank you all for the information, you all have been so helpful to me. Everyone in this foundation are so wonderful for taking the time to help others when in need. If anyone else has any other info please post your experience with PCOS, again I appreciate the help.

[jen44]

Hey, check out www.ovusoft.com/forum, there is a huge knowledge base over there for women with PCOS, really - you will learn a ton if you go to their PCOS area. Like who to see, what to do, what to take, how TTC works with PCOS, etc. Good luck!

[sjs40]

I also have pcos. I can't help with the Peri/Endo question as Im in UK. I see an endocrinologist here, and also find metformin helps with some symptoms. It is definately possible to fall pregnant with PCOS - I have managed it twice without medical assistance despite being told I needed IVF to conceive. I also charted temps and proved that I ovulate late in my cycle, it was just a case of getting the timing right. I had been told that pcos can increase your chance of miscarriage. Whether it had any bearing on my miscarriage or not I don't know.

[kathyc]

Shonie:

I'm so sorry that you are going through so much. I have PCOS, and have all the same symptoms you described (yep, the hair too!). I also have 2 children, and have just started TTC a third. So, yes, you CAN have children with PCOS. The irregular cycles can be tough when TTC. I learned to chart my temps and watch for other signs of increased fertility, since I almost NEVER ovulate on "Day 14." (Worked twice before[;)].) Check out www.fertilityfriend.com for more info.

Now I'm on Metformin and it has done wonders for my cycle!! It helps your insulin to work better. (I am "insulin resistant" which goes along with PCOS.) Having a good cellular repsonse to insulin stabilizes your hormones or something, so you may ovulate more often.

I don't know what to tell you about specialists. I just see my peri for PCOS because she is so knowledgeable and I am comfortable with her. I work with 2 women who have PCOS though, and they both see an endocrinologist.

I don't know about PCOS and miscarriages either. There are a lot of things that can increase risk for miscarriage, and there are tests that can find them. There are also many treatments should something show up on the tests. I hope you see a specialist soon and find some answers. Hang in there.

[robertmyangel]

I'm just a little concerned about my health. I saw my PCP about a week ago and had some labs done, they came back and showed that my cholesterol was a little high. She said that she was a little concerned b/c I am not loosing any weight, I'm actually packing on alot of pounds, so she advised that I see a specialist. I did'nt know why I needed to see a specialist for my cholesterol level or weight gain. She explained that before my pregnancy I was concerned that I was not getting pregnant, It took 2 years without any drugs. Also I was having irregular cycles, I even missed a few. I also have extra hair on my chin[:0], nipples[:0], other places were it's not common in women. So she advised me to see a specialist to be tested for PCOS. I plan to make an appt. as soon as I take care of some insurance issues, but I wanted to know what type of specialist to see? I know there are some members who have been DX with PCOS and I just wanted some info and advice on this condition. I looked up some old post on PCOS, and researced on signs and symptoms, but I still have a few questions??? [?]

Do I see a Peri or Endo, or RE?
Can you still have children with PCOS?
Will this condition cause PE in a future pregnancy if not treated?
Can PCOS cause you to miscarry?

I know that you all are not Dr.'s, but I just wanted some insight from people who have experienced. I hate waiting on my insurance, but I have no choice. If i don't have PCOS it's still a gamble because I know that something is wrong, but I just want to be informed just in case... Sorry to ramble on, I'm just concerned. Thanks for any advise.[:(]