Possible PCOS - advice please!

[ronswansonstache]

Hello, would be very grateful for any advice as I've just had two different diagnoses from the same test! I have been TTC for 16 cycles and went in for tests when it had been a year with no luck. I have irregular-ish cycles, usually between 26-29 days, so I had the day 2-4 blood test but the day 21 one was not recommended. They came back fine & then I had a transvaginal ultrasound. It detected some cysts and a fibroid but the GP said it couldn't be PCOS as bloods were fine.

Just seen a different GP this morning who thinks it is PCOS, which has been a bit of a blow as I thought it had been ruled out. She's also sent me in for the day 21 blood test!

So a few Qs:

Can you have ovarian cysts without it being PCOS?
Can you have PCOS if blood tests don't detect it?
Has anyone else had experience with different diagnoses like this?!

(I'm 37, btw)

TIA

[physicskate]

What were your lh and fsh levels?

I'm in a similar position to you but only have the ultrasound show an ungodly number of cysts... so based on my own research it's possible to have PCO and not PCOS. Not sure what else causes PCO though. Maybe endo? Maybe nothing. Cysts alone shouldn't stop conception but my own theory is that I ov immature eggs as I've had two chemicals in the last 17 going on 18 months.

My research has lead me to believe that pcos is a complex, individualised disorder. Generally you need to meet some but not all of the symptoms in order to be diagnosed with it.

Do you have any other common symptoms like being overweight/ easy weight gain, facial hair, thinning hair? These are also diagnostic criteria...

At least this is what the internet leads me to believe...

[ronswansonstache]

physicskate - thanks for your response!

I'd never considered immature eggs as an issue, but that is an interesting theory as I think I've also had 2 CPs since TTC.

I do have some excess hair, but none of the other symptoms. I've never read that much into the histutism as I think it is a family trait (we are all quite hairy!)

How would I find out the LH and FSH levels? I have had the 2-4 day blood test but they didn't give me a breakdown, just said they were 'normal'. Bit new to all of this!

Anyway, I'm getting referred for further investigations once the day 21 test has been done (possibly a waste of time give CD21 is Sunday and I have to go in CD22.)

[physicskate]

Fsh and lh were probably measured in that test. Ring up and ask for exact levels. A ratio of 2:1 is indicative of pcos, and one of the criteria used to diagnose it.

[JoJoSM2]

Other related things would be testosterone levels or insulin resistance- it's all pretty complicated. As Kate said, though - you can have have PCO without the syndrome. Also periods of 26-29 days are considered regular.

Physics Kate - I dont think it's possible for immature eggs to fertilise so they can't lead to implantation or anything beyond. With regards to your chemicals - have you investigated your lining, possible immune system and DNA fragmentation in OH's sperms?

[physicskate]

Hi Jojo.

My gp doesn't give a shit. He told me to have another 'miscarriage before he would care to do any testing.'

I've literally had one appt with fertility clinic and they don't seem to give a shit. They bumped my appointment without telling me... I had my US which showed at least 20 cysts on each ovary. They then ordered a day 3 test, but only FSH. Also rubella and chlamydia. I haven't had any results yet.

I was day 6 when I had the US and she said lining looked good. I had just finished af, so obvs it was really thin on the screen. No fibroids or anything. I know that chemicals are REALLY common so I am just hoping it was bad luck.

Dh has given his sample. My understanding is that we get all the results during our next appt on Sept 11. I know not to have any expectations for this next appointment.

I don't even know what I need to ask for (demand?) next. I'm still very much in the learning curve here! Any and all advice would be super welcome as this whole thing has taken a really bad toll on my mental health, self-esteem and self-worth.

[JoJoSM2]

Yes, it could have been just bad luck. Sounds like tons of follicles on your ovaries! I suppose see how you get on with the other tests for now. Just from reading here and there, embryos might struggle to stick properly if the lining is thin (measured later in the cycle), immune issues can cause no implantation or early miscarriages. Although immunes don't often get tested until a couple of failed IVF's (and only a few clinics do them).

High level of DNA fragmentation can cause poor embryo quality and increase in the rate of early miscarriages. It's not routinely tested and is independent from count, motility and morphology. You'd need to find a clinic that does it if you wanted it checked out.