Diagnosis of PCOS - Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Message Board

TEEEB · 02-29-2008, 05:55 PM

I'm wondering... can a woman develop PCOS as she ages or does a woman always have it and just not know it?

If it is something that can develop - do you know what changes in a woman's body would cause the onset of PCOS - when for years everything was pretty much fine?

Thanks!

cmpgirl · 03-01-2008, 08:59 AM

Hi TEEEB:
I was diagnosed 20 years ago, at the age of 26. I had been on birth control for several years and went off them because of problems w/my blood pressure and migraines. My OB/GYN said he felt that I probably had it for many years, but the hormones from the BC pills had masked the symptoms. He was not positive, but pretty sure.

I have heard of women being diagnosed at all different ages, so it's really hard to say at what age most women are diagnosed.

What has your doc said about treatment? Did you find out because of a cyst or cysts?

Hope this helped a little. I'm sure others will chime in too! There are very helpful people here! Good luck and keep us updated. cmpgirl

TEEEB · 03-05-2008, 12:21 PM

hi cmpgirl,
Thanks for your words of encouragement. I don't have a diagnosis yet. But recently I have had several rumptured cysts. A recent ultrasounds discussed the presence of numerous cysts and one 'dominate' cyst in my left ovary. Anyway, I'm waiting for my doctors appointment and doing research. My gyn previous mentioned PCOS - not officially diagnosing me. I just was curious because I didn't use to have this issue. If seems to have 'popped' up. hahaha.

cmpgirl · 03-06-2008, 01:17 PM

Hey TEEEB:

If your GYN hasn't done this before, it might be a good idea to ask him/her to run some bloodwork. With PCOS, there are usually several hormone levels that are out of whack, ie., estrogen, testosterone, insulin levels, etc.

Have you had any weight gain that you just can't get rid of? Any hair loss or thinning? Or any increase in facial hair? These things are also strong indicators of PCOS.

Take care, cmpgirl