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PCO or PCOS - can anyone advise?

2 replies

BalancingStick · 19/05/2014 16:20

Hello all – I am hoping someone can help me better understand PCO versus PCOS.

I’m 34. I had a pelvic scan done a year ago (whilst I was waiting 18 months for my periods to return after coming off contraception) that showed a number of follicles on each ovary. The sonographer doing the scan said it was polycystic ovaries (she also said not to worry it doesn’t mean it is a bad thing and can be good if fertility treatment is needed).

Fast forward a year: my periods have returned, I’ve been having them for about six months, but are extremely irregular (ranging from 21 to 38 days), they are very light but do last normally 6-7 days. I think I am ovulating (there is a temp dip and then a rise) but timing a 7 day post-ovulation test is really hard to time due to the irregularity of my periods. The last one I did said the progesterone level was 26.2 – but then my period started two/three days later, making it a very short cycle so I’m not sure if the blood test was timed correctly. I’m slim (size 10), do not suffer with problems from facial hair, no hair loss from head. I do suffer from spots, but they aren’t bad spots and I certainly wouldn’t classify them as acne.

So, my question is: how do I know if I have PCO or PCOS? Can anyone advise? Thanks!

OP posts:
blamber · 19/05/2014 18:00

I think PCO is when you have the cysts but no other symptoms. If you have other symptoms, such as irregular periods it is often diagnosed as PCOS. You can have PCOS without having acne, facial hair, being overweight etc. It's not a specific condition, more like an umbrella term used for those who have 2 symptoms or more.

Usually you'll need to see a fertility specialist to be diagnosed with PCOS. They understand all the symptoms and if they are related or not. If you haven't been referred yet, do push for one! With your irregular periods and your previous scan your symptoms should be investigated more. And if you're ttc you might need some medication to help and of course the sooner you get this the better.

BalancingStick · 19/05/2014 22:41

Thank you blamber, that all makes sense. Have made a GP appt for next week to ask for a referral.

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