Poly cystic ovarian syndrome?

[emilyandy]

I am very concerened and dont really know where to start.... I was diagnosed with endometriosis when I was 17 when I was 21 I wound up bleeding for 3 months straight essentially wiping my uterus clean. Two weeks later I conceived my son which has gone down as a miracle according to my dr. I had three surgeries for the endo with no luck of conceiving afterward. Now, I am trying to conceive my second but each month I am developing cysts on the ovary I should be ovulating from (my dr. Told me that most cysts for from an ovary's inability to release an egg resulting in the egg to stay within the ovary and die essentially, forming a cysts). This has happened every month for the last 6 months. I get an LH surge, and within a week, a new, extremely painful cysts has formed. I have had ultrasounds to confirm the precemse of the cysts...I am not even releasing an egg to make a baby with! Gah! For those of you with pcos, what were your symptoms and how were you diagnosed? Does this sound like pcos to you? What was your solution? I am totally unsure what to do and I am in A LOT of pain from monthly cysts! Help!

[meogan]

It doesn't sound like PCOS to me. In PCOS the cysts are not like you describe (which I'm pretty sure are fairly common and don't impede fertility, could be wrong though). They are many small cysts that impact hormone production. PCOS is usually diagnosed with a testosterone test and it can also disrupt insulin levels. Hormone tests are usually done to confirm a diagnosis.

I was diagnosed when I was 21 and very fit and thin. I didn't have many symptoms besides not ovulating or menstruating. The symptoms of PCOS are exaggerated by weight, and can include excess hair growth where you don't want it, hair loss where you don't want it (head), it can make it hard to lose weight, and lead to insulin resistance.

I hope you're able to find a solution to what's going on and get some relief, but it doesn't sound like PCOS to me (be grateful!). I've had cysts like you're describing, and have even been hospitalized when one burst. It was not pleasant at all. Best wishes.

[melissaintlouis]

I have PCOS! Diagnosed when I was 15. I had/have a lot of typical symptoms, such as not having a regular period, insulin resistance, acne, etc. I was able to reverse a lot of the problem by becoming very active and giving up breads, grains, sugars and starches. I also have a supplement cocktail that I take.

So I take it your doctor hasn't given you an actual diagnosis? There are some pretty good sites out there (soulcysters.com) if you need to dissect your situation more, but it sounds like something else to me, personally.

It sounds like it might be in your best interest to see a fertility specialist or an endocrinologist, assuming you have insurance.

[gigigibbons]

I was just diagnosed with PCOS within the last two weeks, and the only real symptom I have is not ovulating. I'm not in any pain at all. I have gotten overweight, but I'm no longer sure if it was from when I quit smoking, from the birth control I was on at the time or from PCOS. I've never been overweight before in my life. I'm age 31 if that helps.

And actually my NP was pretty unhelpful (although she did try to be encouraging as all hell) as to direct treatment. She prescribed a pill and then told me to lose weight. But as far as ordering a sonogram to check for cysts or setting me up an appointment with the office nutritionist to help me come up with a plan I kind of left the office blind. Researching on my own. I take my pill every day, I've adjusted my diet to my best guesstimate that it should be around. So I'm still getting my bearings at this point.

[emilyandy]

I have stopped having a period and I have suddenly had a severe increase in acne... I am not over weight tough...my thoughts are to see in RE and hopefully get some answers... My Gyn wasn't very helpful... We are very ready to continue our little family and never expected this sort of issue... I am glad it doesn't sound like pcos, but I am kind of wishing it was so I could pin point the problem. At least then I would have a name for it!