PCO vs PCOS...what's the difference?

[Lucinda15]

Need some advice please from those with experience.

I have been TTC #2 for 11 months now (DS 4yo). I have had 2 mc's in that time. I have been a bit paranoid that something wasn't quite right and went to gp who organised blood tests and a scan. The scan was this arvo and the sonographer said I had 'polycystic ovaries' but was nothing to worry about. He said to go back to GP for review and possible further blood tests (results of first batch aren't back yet).

Anyway - I'm sort of a bit gobsmacked and a bit sad and worried about PCOS. Trying to keep calm, bearing in mind I have got pregnant twice this year. I know quite a few people who have PCOS and have kids so I'm trying not keep it real!!

I've done a bit of reading - a few things fit but a few things don't, specifically, my cycles are pretty regular (29-31 days).

I read something about PCO being different to PCOS...? Is that true? I can't find much on Internet that makes it clear without reading thru a load of stuff that scares me which I dnt really want to do right now....

Can anyone shed any light?

[SinkyMalinks]

PCO is just the presence of multiple cysts on your ovary/ies. May mean nothing.

PCOS is a syndrome where you have 2 of 3 criteria -

1. symptoms - maybe irregular periods, maybe overweight, or hairiness, spots etc
   
2. biochemistry - so blood tests showing abnormal hormone levels
   
3. cysts.
   
   So you could have PCOS with out the cysts..
   
   Don't panic though, it's v common and doesn't nec need anything doing about it!

[Lucinda15]

That's really helpful thank you and reassuring. Will make the wait to see the GP a bit more bearable (and will help to keep me off Dr Google which will add more anxiety no doubt lol!!)

[VillageFete]

So sorry to hear you've had 2 MC's, I suppose the only positive you can take from the experience (if there is one) is that your body actually does fall pregnant, and also you have successfully carried to fall term before, so you will do again.

I have PCOS (I think, as I never knew PCO existed, only PCOS!) I put weight on very easily, irregular cycle (although i've brought it right down due to eating better, less stress and acupuncture) I also have painful periods and mood swings, I also don't ov every month. I have been TTC number 2 for 17 months now. My friend was diagnosed with cysts on her ovaries, had them removed, she also had a hycosy (lap and dye) and fell pregnant the month after. I think with PCO it's only a mtter of time before you conceive. Speak to your GP about possibly having cysts removed or having a hycosy?

[VoldysGoneMouldy]

You can have PCO without having PCOS. A lot of women have cysts on their ovaries but don't have PCOS. They don't tend to remove or drain small cysts.

PCOS is a hormonal imbalance, with lots of symptoms of which cysts is one - some women have PCOS but with no cysts. The first test for PCOS is bloods, to check your testosterone levels. Women with PCOS have high testosterone, and symptoms like weight gain, acne, irregular cycles, heavy periods, hairs etc.

[Lucinda15]

Thank you village and voldy

I'm beginning to think I just have PCO. Quite a lot of the PCOS symptoms don't fit. I do have terrible mood swings, painful heavy periods, weight gain and a few hairs developing on chin over last year

But my periods are regular (although have been slightly erratic since mc's but only by a few days) and I don't have acne.

I have had a haemorrhagic cyst in the past which was removed surgically. Nothing was mentioned then about polycystic ovaries. I also had a scan in July 15 following my first mc and the sonographer said ovaries were fine. So whatever has developed has developed since then. I will have to speak to the GP and see what they say.

I am feeling positive as I have got pregnant twice over the last year which is a good sign.