Anyone have PCOS?

[Kim57]

I've been reading up on Polycystic(?)Ovarian Syndrome. From what I can come up with, I have many of the symptoms...large belly, hairy chin, cysts and acne on face. I have had a few cysts from my ovaries removed over the years, and was told 5 years ago when I had my hysterectomy that I had another one, but they didnt remove it. Has anyone been diagnosed with this and how do you treat it? Can having your ovaries removed help?

[Min1041]

Hi - I have PCOS, and I have to tell you, it stinks LOL. I have not had any cysts removed, but have been taking birth control off and on almost my whole adult life. My cycles are horribly irregular if I don't, and I am having a heck of a time getting pregnant. Glucophage didn't seem to help much, but I only took it for about 6 months. My doctor is paranoid about giving out too much (what he feels) unneccesary medication. Anyway, I constantly live in fear any time I have pain near either ovary.... i am scared to death about cancer. so much so that i worry myself sick sometimes. I am even afraid to go back to the doctor. Crazy I know.... I have been having some pains over the last few weeks (more like pressure around my pelvis) but I am pretty sure that it had to do with my back being out of whack (maybe I am just trying to convince myself - LOL)A couple more visits to the chiropractor and I'll know for sure. If that doesn't help, I guess I'll have to drag myself to the gyno. I haven't heard anything about having ovaries removed as a treatment. I am 34 and I too have all the symptoms you mentioned....

[LinseyM]

I do! I do! I have it! It stinks (I agree with previous poster).

These are my symptoms:
-larger middle section
-adult onset acne
-painful ovaries
-dark ring of skin patches around neck
-insulin level elevated, but sugar level normal
-a raise in hormone levels
-Infertility
-Cysts on ovaries
-no ovulation

Many doctors overlook this, so if you are not getting the attention you feel is needed, please please go to another doctor and have him/her listen to you. Go to a PCOS website and print out the info. Take it with you. If they don't know a lot about it, you show them. A lot of them are starting to come around to it, but still....my gp knows very little whereas my OB and my Reproductive endocrinologist knows tons, so it is really a different case from doctor to doctor. Even my OB did some blood tests, but didn't know really much else to do. My Reproductive Endocrinologist knew all the right tests to do and did them right away. The biggest red flag done with tests so far has been the high level of insulin. If your insurance does not require pre certification for things (or referals) I would suggest finding an endocrinologist and go to them. That is who can order the proper tests. (unless you are interested in having children and therefore you would want to go to a reproductive endocrinologist) If you don't know of a good one, call your insurance company. They can suggest one. If you need a referral, go to your OB and he or she can send you to one. Good luck to you. Take care of yourself and make sure to get this checked out. If you do not get treatment, you can end up with Diabetes. You REALLY do not want that. The good thing is...a lot of women react well to the meds they can prescribe and they lose weight immediately. So, that is a great initiative! Please keep us updated because I will be thinking about you! Do a search for PCOS on the net. You will find lots of support and good info.

[LinseyM]

And by the way...if you do not have all the symptoms...that does NOT mean you don't have it. You may only suffer from ONE symptom and still have it. That is why you have to get it checked out!

[37]

it's weird too because sometimes you might not even have cysts even thought the name includes it. i don't know if i really have it actually. the doctor just strongly suspects it based on some of the symptoms i have. does anyone know about just having a mild case of this?