PCOS bloods normal: where from here

[SuperConfused]

Just got blood tests back (having ovarian scan next week) and all within normal range. That being said, my testosterone level is right at the top of normal (2.6 on a 0.5 - 2.6 range). My LH (6.6) and FSH (6.3) levels seem fine. I also had thyroid tests which seem fine (though again, for T4 on a normal range of 9-25 I'm 9.4, which seems a little borderline low.)

I'm feeling a bit back to the drawing board and disheartened.

I don't entirely fit the typical profile of someone with PCOS, I've a normal BMI, size 12, though have put on quite a stomach pouch in the last few years, and my cycle is fairly regular if on the long side (but no longer than 35 days). However friends with PCOS recognised many of my other symptoms: excess hair (face, stomach, nipples), very low moods that are definitely hormonally triggered, blood sugar rushes, skin tags, acne on my jawline (never happened when I was a teenager.)

I had only been off the pill 5 weeks when I had the blood tests, just after my first normal period: I don't know whether that could have thrown things out a little. But in general, if its not PCOS, or thyroid, I have to figure out what else is causing my symptoms. At the moment I feel so run down, so sick of having no libido and being anxious and mood swingy. I know its my hormones because it all goes away when I'm on the pill: unfortunately, I really don't suit the pill and have been advised against any further hormonal contraception.

If its not PCOS, it it possible my hormones are just bonkers? Is there any way to lower my testosterone? Or could I still be suffering some of the symptoms while still in the normal range?

confused
Not sure this post is going to be very helpful but your symptoms are identical to mine. No weight issues (was slightly overweight but no real problem losing weight) cycle could be regular (then have one that was all over the place) excess hair, mood issues etc

I went to the doc as DH and I were TTC and nothing was happening. Had the bloods and an internal scan and nothing was found. I can't remember my blood results but the doctor said they were normal. So I left it

I never looked into it further as I got pregnant (after 15 months) but you're not alone.

There is not a typical PCOS profile as such; PCOS is a very individualistic disorder and affects each woman with it very differently. The commonality is the cystic follicles on the ovaries.

Pill masks symptoms of underlying hormonal imbalances; were you advised against all further hormonal contraception on medical advice?.

What day did you have the blood test done?. With LH and FSH this would have needed to have been done on day 2. I would have to say that the results could well fit a PCOS profile because of the high testosterone and a LH/FSH imbalance albeit slight. I would also hazard a guess that your thyroid gland is also out of sync.

You need to see a specialist really be it an endocrinologist or a gynaecologist. Many GPs can show ignorance when it comes to both PCOS and thyroid gland problems.

two perhaps helpful and non woo websites for you
www.verity-pcos.org.uk

www.thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/index.html

My blood tests were ok but my scan showed lots of issues so you might get more answers after that (when I say issues I mean obvious to PCOS, nothing more sinister). Nobody ever said why my blood tests didn't show up stuff.

Thanks to everyone who commented: I've just had my scan and been told my ovaries do in fact have cysts and fit the profile of PCOS. The very nice scan nurse said without bloods showing abnormal as well as the scan, it could be difficult to get a GP to diagnose, esp as I'm not currently trying to conceive. She did say that having come off the pill so recently could have messed up the levels a bit.

I also didn't have the LH and FSH tests done on day two, I think it was day five, so dont know what impact that would have.

My symptoms are real, and impacting me, but not as bad as some I've read on forums. I do want to get this under control, but at this stage I don't know if I would be better just focusing on my own diet or if I should be pushing to see an endocrinologist - I almost don't feel 'bad' enough to justify it.

I had a series of bad reactions in different ways to different pills and have been told I've basically tried all the 'types' and should just avoid it- the best by far was yasmin, which was excellent in most ways and I was on it for a year but it completely killed my libido and that wasn't sustainable.

Have lots on in work atm, so haven't booked doctors app to discuss results yet as it will be hard to get the time off and I don't feel mentally prepared to fight my corner. Would like to decide what I want first.

Also: does anyone know if there's any likelihood/point of being prescribed metfornin if you don't need to lose weight? A friend with PCOS who has similar symptoms was put on it: the blood sugar/rushes/craving sugar is a big thing for me and I felt at the time it could help but I know it can be difficult to convince gps of its merits.

You need to be referred to a specialist really as PCOS is outside a GPs general remit.

LH and FSH should be ideally tested on day 2.

Re Metformin, not all PCOSers are infact insulin resistant so you may have a hard time being given such a drug treatment.

www.verity-pcos.org.uk may be a helpful website to you.

"I also had thyroid tests which seem fine (though again, for T4 on a normal range of 9-25 I'm 9.4, which seems a little borderline low.) "

That is extremely low. Do you have any other thyroid results?