How it started...(I am a newbie in search of answers) - Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Message Board

bananarama · 03-22-2007, 05:07 AM

Hi! I am 20 years old and was diagnosed with PCOS 2 years ago, after having a constant period for 6 months straight, and it was really heavy.

I had several blood tests done, which showed elevated testosterone, and androgen, and low levels of thyroid. Also, my glucose levels were off. Had several intervaginal ultrasounds, which showed cysts covering my ovaries. I was put on Provera (at that time I could not take any form of birth control due to high risk for stroke and major migraines). It got rid of the period, and I slowly regained my strength. but ever since if I am not right on top of my medication (and even if I am sometimes), my periods dont come at all. Is it normal to first ahve an extemely long period with PCOS? Since then my periods have been exactly 7 days (except this month, but I think that is because I am on my 3rd month of the Nuvaring, which my new GYN prescribed, in hopes that it will help). I have horrible cramps, and they don't come just during my period. My GYN said that PCOS does not make you have cramps, much less when you are off of your period, so why am I having them so bad? And my periods are extremely heavy (going through a super plus tampon and super pad within an hour to two hours).

What are my options? My GYN was not very helpful in helping me out, however I just changed 3 months ago due to my other GYN not helping me out at all, after I was sent to the ER for major cramps following a dose of Monistat 3(which I still do not know what happened there).

The GYN said that there was no point in looking, because he "knew" I had a yeast infection. Turned out to be something completely different. Yeah, sorry for the long post, I just need some answers, because I don't know what is going on, and what to expect really. I also have several other health concerns that have been oging on for a long time (they just figured out that I have been sick since September due to my gallbladder). I was diagnosed with Diabetes shortly after the PCOS, but now it is under control and I am off of the metformin.

KittenPaws · 03-22-2007, 04:13 PM

I was diagnosed over a year go (november when i was 21). My doctor put me on birth control immediately and it caused me to have a very spuratic period...it was all over the place. It wasnt spotting it was actual and it drove me CRAZY. I was also put on provera to stop it and then i used it to start it back up the beginning of every month.

Before diagnosis i had heavy bleeding the first 3 days (when i got my period). I was changing supers every hour to 2 hours..sometimes sooner. And they normally lasted 7 to 10 days for me

.

What i dont get is that your GYN says that people with PCOS dont cramp??? I cramp ALL THE TIME. Doesnt matter what time of the month it is, period or not - i cramp and it HURTS. I seriously think the more cysts that cover your ovaries, the worse your cramping gets.

I really hope you get the help that you need and your GYN starts to understand that not all women are the same and symptoms do vary from person to person. Have they considered hormone therapy (outside of birth control?). Some women with PCOS the birth control makes things a lot worse but you could be different. Also there is a diet out there thats low carb / low sugar spicifically for PCOS that i been on and my symptoms are slowly getting less. It works for some women, its been known to help with weight loss and fertility too if you have any problems with those areas.

good luck

bananarama · 03-23-2007, 05:47 AM

Thank you so much! This really helps. I am a diabetic, so I am on a low carb low sugar diet already. I have been cramping like crazy, and right now is not a good time for that, because I am having my galbladder removed sometime soon (talking otthe surgeon this morning), and it has been giving me extreme nausea and pain in the upper abd0omen, so right now I am sore everywhere. The GYN just plays it off and says that the cramps are being caused by another health problem, but one that she cannot dignose. I am on Anaprox D, whihc helps sometimes, but not all of the time. But it helps to know that the cramps are being caused form teh PCOS. Thanks.
Daisy

bananarama · 03-30-2007, 05:30 AM

I am having my surgery next Wednesday!! Is it going to do anything to cause more pain with cramps and such, since the sugery is in the lower abdomen as wel as upper? Just wondering, becasue that is something I really do not need. Not that I could really avoid the surgery for very long. My gallbladder isn't working hardly, and so I need to have it done. Just wondering, so I am be prepared. Thanks!!!