How Do I Really Know That I Have PCOS?
607984
PCOS is a syndrome, meaning that it is a collection of symptoms.  You may or may not have all of the typical symptoms.  However, your hormone levels are often a convincing test for PCOS.  Having an LH level higher than your FSH (follicle stimulating hormone--not SSH) is generally considered to be indicative of PCOS, and your ovarian cysts support that diagnosis.  Irregular menstrual cycles are the most common symptom, as they indicate that you are not ovulating properly.  The other symptoms are generally linked to increased androgen levels or insulin resistance (and they aren't stupid if you have them...trust me, I have the acne, thinning hair, facial/body hair growth, irregular cycles, acanthosis nigricans, weight problems...the whole nine yards).\n\nWhat other blood work did you have done?  You really should have your fasting plasma glucose and a glucose tolerance test done, because PCOS is strongly linked to impaired insulin function and diabetes.  You should also have your thyroid checked because hypothyroidism can cause irregular cycles.  However, the test results you've shared are highly congruent with a diagnosis of PCOS.\n\nI highly recommend checking out www.soulcysters.net--it's a message board for women with PCOS, or even those who think they might have PCOS.  There's even a forum particularly for "thin cysters," just to reassure you that not all women with PCOS are overweight.
499725
Yes it is.  I have PCOS and have been taking Glucophage XR (Metamorphin is the generic) for years now.  I take 2000mg/day.  \n\nTo explain what Glucophage does, I need to help you understand what PCOS is.  Women with PCOS are almost always insulin resistant, which means that their bodies try to compensate by “overproducing” insulin.  (Insulin resistance can be detected by a blood test of fasting serum levels of glucose and insulin.)\n\nHigh insulin levels produce excess male hormones by increasing androgen production by the ovaries leading to more and more PCOS symptoms. Androgens are male hormones such as testosterone.  High insulin levels also increase the production of LH by the pituitary gland.  The high LH in turn leads to an even higher level of male hormones.  In several recent studies, Glucophage has shown effectiveness in inducing ovulation in some women with PCOS by lowering both LH and male hormone levels.\n\nNow, having said that, note that the major symptom of PCOS is high insulin levels.  The goal is to decrease them.  And what do carbs do?  They raise your insulin level.  So, the best diet...one actually created for PCOS sufferers is SugarBusters.  It's wonderful and helped me, along with Glucophage, to lose about 20-30lbs.\n\nIf you have PCOS you may or may not have trouble getting pregnant.  I have two kids and never had a problem getting pregnant.  My mother and father only have me and it took them six years.  Everyone is different.  I would tell you just not to give up.\n\nYes, it is safe to get pregnant while taking the drug.  It's in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is unlikely to harm an unborn baby.  However, you should still talk to your doctor if you are pregnant.  Also, it does pass to the breast milk, so make sure you talk to your doctor if you are breastfeeding.\n\nNow, the heavy bleeding.  The only thing that will stop the heavy bleeding is keeping your insulin levels down month over month so your male hormones decrease and your female hormones increase, thus inducing a monthly period.  The bleeding is heavy because when you do have a period, it's likely several periods in one.  When I go a few months without a period, my doctor prescribes a hormone pill that I take for a week that starts my period.\n\nThe most important thing to do is to take the Glucophage/Metamorphin every single day.  When you first start taking it, it can cause some bad cramps and bad poopies, so you might ask about taking the XR/ER version, which is an extended release version.  That helps get rid of those symptoms.  \n\nAlso, it's important to exercise.  I found that I need about 240 minutes of cardio every week for it to make a difference.  Do your best to get as close to possible as that.  And also strength train.  Muscle burns more calories than fat.  \n\nHope this helps.  Good Luck!
425737
I have a condition called PCOS (Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome) it is tied with hyperinsulinemia. I take 500mg of glucophage everyday also know as metphormin. I would consult your DR. It sounds like you may or may not have PCOS. Your DR should test your insulin levels and hormone levels to see if you have a hormonal or insulin imbalance. If it isnt PCOS keep pushing him/her to find out what is going on with you. I was lucky to find out about it when I was 12 because now I still have a good chance of getting pregnant and my PCOS was able to be held at stage 1 since i began treatment so soon. So my top suggestion would be GO TO THE DR!!!!!!
289363
I have had PCOS now for 21 years. Stress and over weight make the hormone imbalance worse. She will need to stick to a low carb diet to make sure that the symptoms don't get worse. She may have some problems conceiving. It took me 7 years to have my wonderful son and I never managed to conceive again. Make sure that she has regular check ups as PCOS sufferes can get cancer of the ovaries, as I did. I am now on Metformin. Just assure her that she is not alone and good luck!
914635
I would go see a gynecologist. In the beginning, periods can be irregular while your body gets used to ovulating. There is something that your GYN will probably test for called PCOS. Polycystic ovary syndrome. Basically this means that your body isn't ovulating at all, or at very irregular intervals. If you aren't ovulating at all, your uterus prepares for an egg, and keeps waiting until it is "full" and then you'll appear to have a period when it is tired of waiting for an egg to show up. Birth control pills will regulate and lighten your cycle. If you're not interested in birth control, your GYN will probably recommend that you have at least 4 periods a year and will prescribe hormones to induce a period every now and then. If you don't shed the endometrial lining every now and then, you'll increase your risk for things like cancer. If it is PCOS, you'll need to talk to fertility specialists to induce ovulation if you're interested in making babies. Of course . . . . this is just one thing that your problem could be caused by. I'm not a physician, and don't know your health status, so go to the GYN to get it checked out.
392709
I have that problem. I get one maybe 1 or 2 a year. I went to the doctor and they found out that i have a thyroid problem. or it could possible be PCOS. Talk with your doctor or you OB/GYN to see what they could possibly do to check and see what's wrong.
321008
Ouchie hon..sorry you feel so lousy! I have had almost all of the symptoms of PCOS but my doctor never diagnosed it. I do what you are going through though. I don't go a day without plucking, shaving etc....I have had some tremendous abdominal pains. I have even had surgery twice to remove tumors. The first time I had tumors the size of large grapefruits and, the second time(yes, they grew back. And only 2 years apart) they were the size of softballs. Here it is 4 years later and I need it again.\n\nThe dark blood could mean you may have endometriosis in addition to the cysts. Endo is also known as having 'chocolate cysts'. These may have been bursting, or your ovarian cysts have been bursting. Hence all the pain and bleeding you have endured.\n\nWrite down any questions you may have and bring them with you to the doctor. Have a friend with you for moral support as well. It never helps to go through this alone. Hope you feel better soon hon..this is a toughie but, you'll get through it. Keep us posted!
106945
Have you been tested for PCOS/PCOD (poly cystic ovarian syndrome/disease)?  \nI have it and it can increase your testosterone levels as well as other hormone problems.\nPlease go to your doctor!\nHave your doctor run tests and read up on it.
136284
I have PCOS too.  The best thing I've found that works for me is exercise, and limiting your intake of fatty and sugary foods.  I also limit my intake of complex carbohydrates such as rice, pasta, potatoes and bread.  In other words, eat sensibly and EXERCISE!
861670
Sounds like you have insulin resistance, which is the underlying cause of PCOS. Although, some women "pass" the test, they still seem to respond positively to treating the insulin resistance. The best way to treat this is with an insulin sensitizing drug, such as metformin, combined with a good diet and exercise. I highly recommend visiting www.ivillage.com. There is a great message board there where you can ask all your PCOS questions.
840904
i am 25 and have pcos to, i have some of the same problems, i do not know how to do anything about them either
818225
Dont know what that pain could be..maybe an ulcer. I wanted to let you know that IBS is more common among women with PCOS. So, it's very possible that you do have PCOS. I recommend visiting this message board to ask all your PCOS quesitons. Maybe someone there has an idea about this pain. As far as I know, it isnt directly related to PCOS. Good luck. http://messageboards.ivillage.com/iv-bhpcos?redirCnt=1
614542
I have a very good friend with PCOS. She had a lot of the symptoms- heavy periods, back acne, oily skin, etc... She miscarried 3 or 4 times before she and her doc were able to get the hormones right. She is now the mom of 2 beautiful little girls.... who are 15 months apart.
1005472
Diet and the Water Cure may hold answers for you\n\nhttp://www.wrongdiagnosis.com/amazon/books/ovary-conditions/the-pcos-diet-book-how-you-can-use-the-nutritional-approach-0007131844.html\nhttp://curezone.com/foods/watercure.asp
789759
I had the same situtation.  I was pregnancy after i got married in a miscarriaged badly.  I wasn't getting my period.  So, I was like okay there is something wrong with me.  I was not getting my period even before that.  I had them do a blood test. I have Pcos, what this is is polycystic ovarian syndrome.  its when you have cyst on your ovaries and the cause all kinds of problem.\n\nGo see your ob/gyn and have them do a blood test looked for pcos.  Its 99.9 % usually missed by drs unless its something that are looking for \n\nThis is a link for Pcos.  It is more in depth.
14580
Your friend may have Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, or PCOS. PCOS is an endocrine disorder that causes some women to have cysts around their ovaries in a pearl-like fashion. Other symptoms included eratic periods, acne, excess facial hair, obesity, infertility, and others. Patients can have one, or many, of these symptoms. PCOS also causes the body to be insulin resistant, which can lead to future health problems such as diabetes or heart disease. The disorder is thought to be genetic, although this is not confirmed. Many doctors simply treat the symptoms of this disorder, rather than treating the actual problem, which is of no help long term. I would suggest that your friend see an endocrinologist or a reproductive endocrinologist and have her hormone levels tested. If she is taking hormonal birth control, she'll need to discontinue this for a few weeks prior to testing so that the results will be accurate.
708741
You need to be referred to a consultant. It's not heavier women that get PCOS its the condition and hormone levels that make women put on the weight ( not all are succeptable).\nA consultant will be able to take blood, do scans and physical exams and will be able to put you on the right medication or suggest surgery etc. Don't hang around....I had a hysterectomy last year due to these conditions and I'm only 24 !!!