PCOS sufferers, please read.

LinseyM · 09-15-2003, 11:54 PM

Hi, I have never officially been diagnosed with PCOS, but I have been dealing with infertility for some time. Over the past few years I have also suffered missed or no periods, painful periods, a little bit of unwanted hair growth, a huge amt of weight gain (about 50 lbs in 2 years) and I am always sleepy with no energy. It has gone as far as me staying home now because it is so hard holding a job. Anyways, I finally started seeing a RE and had bloodwork done and I am having a lap surgery and a exploratory procedure to see if my tubes are blocked (i am allergic to the dye that they use in an HSG). So, today I spoke to the nurse and my bloodwork came back. I had 8 viles drawn: HIV, cystic fibrosis, insulin, progesterone, etc... Well, she didn't want to "confirm" anything with me because she said I would just talk to the dr on Friday. But, she did tell me my insulin level was high and so were my hormone levels. Sugar level was normal. What does this mean? What is the chances that I am diabetic? Is this PCOS (or does it sound like it?) I have read a lot on the net, but I like to hear you guys and your experiences. Please, any information would be greatly appreciated. What would be typically the next step? I want a baby so bad! What medicines are out there? Can they be taken while ttc? Thanks in advance.

lemondog · 09-16-2003, 10:29 AM

Hi Linsey, between your symptoms and your blood results, you definitely have PCOS. I have PCOS, and although I have an atypical case, yours sounds like classic PCOS. The good news is, many, many PCOS patients are able to conceive on Glucophage alone (esp. if your insulin is high), and even if not, Clomid and/or injectible drugs should allow you to conceive (assuming your tubes are open, if they're closed, then you'll need IVF). I am currently 11 weeks pg with twins after using a combination of Glucophage and Gonal-F to help me ovulate. Good luck!

P.S. It sounds like you are insulin resistant, a hallmark of PCOS, but not diabetic yet, b/c your blood sugar level was normal. However, people with insulin resistance have a much greater chance of developing diabetes later on, so Glucophage and modified diet can help.

shortstuff07 · 09-16-2003, 02:13 PM

I have PCOS and hyperinsulinemia. Usually the two go hand in hand. I have too much insulin and I take Glucophage XR for that. I just had lap surgery for a uterine abnormality. I had a septate shaped uterus that had to be opened up to make more room, I had a big cyst on one of my ovaries that had to be removed, and I had Stage I endo behind my uterus that had to be lasered off. I will start taking the Clomid next month. I will keep you posted on my progress and I hope this helps some. Good luck to you.

LinseyM · 09-16-2003, 06:07 PM

Hey Shortstuff, I have already been on Clomid. And it is helping me ovulate because my progesterone levels were good on day 13. Does the glucophage (sp?) only help you ovulate? Because it looks as though I already ovulate, so who knows what is really going on. I forgot to mention that I have a darkening of skin around my neck and also between my breasts. I know that is pretty typical of PCOS. I bought a book today on it, so hopefully that will offer some more info for me. I hope I am on the right road to getting pregnant!

Hoping76 · 04-22-2005, 12:38 AM

I too have pcos and finally got my hands on metforin (glucophage) and it did work. I did become pregnant after only about 3 months. I had the histoenchephologram that said my tubes were blocked too, but apparently not anymore. We did lose that baby at 15 weeks for reasons we do not know yet. They are still testing, it was only 2 days ago. There is hope!!! Keep trying. The metforin controls your insulin levels enabling ovulation to occur. God bless.