PCOS

[Christinedonna]

I'm really sorry if I've posted this in the wrong place or if what I say makes little to no sense but I'm really concerned about whether or not I have pcos. After 8 months of ttc I had one failed pregnancy that lasted a matter of weeks. Other than that it's just been a big waste of time. I'm 19 years old and started getting periods when I was around 13. My periods have never been regular but they seem to be getting more irregular as time goes on. My cycles seem to get progressively longer every month now, this month it was 47 days long. I've always had really heavy and extremely painful periods, that involve me literally being immobile for the first 2 days (they last 7-10). I've always have problems with my weight and although I'm not obese and I'm sure some people would say it's not a massive problem, I put on weight so easily. A little while ago I lost a stone (after a lot of hard work) and within a few weeks id put that back on (and then some). I get 'snail trail' like hair on my lower abdomen going down to my bikini area. I'm going to ring the doctor tomorrow and try to get an appointment asap but until then id just like a bit of advice/opinion. Does this sound like pcos to you? Am I too young for pcos (I have no idea if there an age range with it), has anyone experienced the same symptoms as me and what was the outcome? How will this affect my day to day life or ability to conceive if I do have it? Really hope someone can help.

I forgot to mention, I don't know if it's at all related but I've always had a problem with headaches and just lately my eyesight has deteriorated rapidly.

Hi Christina, I didn't want to read and run! To be honest, it does sound a lot like you may have PCOS. It's a condition that you are essentially born with - usually caused by a flash of too much testosterone around puberty. I was diagnosed with it about a month ago, and have come to terms with my diagnosis now! To be honest, it's actually quite helpful/grounding to know what is behind your irregular cycles, and difficulty losing weight. Gives you clarity and a way forward to get on with what you need to do treatment-wise.

I suggest you go to see your GP and ask them about getting tests done. There are 3 criteria that doctors use to look for PCOS (google PCOS Rotterdam criteria) and they could well diagnose you on your symptoms alone.

Some doctors may wish to double check via ultrasound scans (to look at your ovaries and see if they appear 'polycycstic' or not) and blood tests to check your hormone levels.

I wasn't clear if you were trying for a baby from your post, but treatment will depend on whether you want to get pregnant or not. If you don't, then the best thing is to go on the pill, which regulates your cycle and hormones. If you do want to get pregnant then you will need to speak to a doctor about your options, you may need to lose a little weight (as this will help your fertility chances), or go onto medication. In fact I've read that once on medication many women find it easier to lose weight.

Chin up, and good luck!!!! There are many, many women who have lots of babies with PCOS. I remember being cheered up by reading that Jamie Oliver's wife Jules AND Posh Spice have it, and they both have 4 kids! X x x x

Thank you for the response. That last paragraph did make me feel a lot better! I'm ringing the doctors first thing tomorrow. To be honest I'm in no doubt, I'm convinced this is what's behind my problems & like you said it will be a massive relief to finally be given an answer! I'm recently single so I don't think babies are on the cards for now but DEFINITELY want to be able to when the time comes!

Absolutely. Best thing you can do then is know what's up and ensure you're managing it correctly. There's a great website (slightly shit name IMHO!!) called Soul Cysters with some really helpful info in the forums - look out for the sticky threads for newbies in particular. Tons of useful stuff on diagnosis and treatment, and lots on what you should ask when you see your doctor. Good luck Christina

Il have a look now.. I'm heading to the doctors in about half an hour. Thank you xx

The doctor really seemed like he was helping because he had to and didn't seem to care an awful lot but I was not leaving without a next step, luckily he's booking me in for a scan next week and we'll see what happens from there

That's great news Christina!!! About the scan, obviously not the attitude. U can always ask to see a different doctor if you don't feel yours is taking you seriously. When's your scan? Xx

That's great news Christina!!! About the scan, obviously not the attitude. U can always ask to see a different doctor if you don't feel yours is taking you seriously. When's your scan? Xx

It's next week, they haven't rang to say exactly when yet. Hopefully they don't leave me waiting too long! It's such a bitter sweet feeling as I'm excited to get this over and done with..but at the same time I don't really want to hear what they're going to say

I know what you mean entirely. However if there is something wrong, it would be better for it to be a condition like PCOS, which so many (up to 10% of all women!) suffer from, as the medical world knows how to deal with that. There are lots of people out there suffering with 'unexplained' issues that doctors can't work out, which must be so much worse!! Fingers crossed for you, very glad you've been referred for a scan and that it's happening soon.

Yeah definitely. Although no one wants it, I'd much rather have a name and explanation for what's going on. I really don't want to hear "we don't know" so fingers crossed!! Il be sure to update this to let you know

Yes please do - good luck!!!!

So my appointment is for Monday at 11am. I knew I'd be made to wait longer than I was told but there you go. I've been getting really weird cramps in my lower abdomen lately? Sometimes they're really sharp and feel like a stitch & other times they're more like period pains.theyre not. Seem to be getting diarrhea a lot too.Any idea why this might be?

Monday isn't too far to wait at least another woman on a thread I'm on just got her referral for October!!!

I've not had those symptoms before. I'd make a note of all the key symptoms/things you experience to help the doctors when you see them. You're definitely not pregnant..? Xx

Oh god! No definitely not, having a lot of really watery discharge too

Hi, this could be ovulation pains maybe? the watery discharge sounds like the fertile cervical mucous which the body produces in the run up to ovulation.
Good luck with pcos diagnosis.
I was diagnosed in 2008 after my periods stopped and although it took me three years I eventually conceived my daughter naturally, and then a son 19 months later!
Verity is a great website with lots of support and forums to post in. X

I get them all the time though. Not at certain times in the month? Well I'm 2 days away from finding out so fingers crossed. Thank you x

I would think that PCOS could well be present here.

I would also keep a daily pain and symptom diary regarding the painful periods if you do not already. Endometriosis is a common cause of such problems, PCOS does not cause painful and or heavy periods to arise. Would think that a scan may show polycystic ovaries but these cystic follicles are very small and disappear only to be replaced by further such follicles. If endometriosis is present as well a scan will not detect it, it is usually diagnosed through a keyhole surgery op called a laparoscopy.

You need to be under the care of a cons gynae and ideally also at a subfertility unit. I would insist to the GP that you are referred asap.

Do let us know how you get on.

I would not rule out endometriosis re the underlying cause of the pains and I would be asking them about the possibility of you having endometriosis as well.

Heavy and extremely painful periods are not normal and you should not have to put up with it. As mentioned endometriosis is a common and yet much underdiagnosed disease and PCOS and endo can co-exist together. I was eventually diagnosed with both.

Thank you, il research endometriosis and ask the doctor about the possibilities. My scan is tomorrow so il know soon, will definitely let you know x

Just looked it up and it does seem to describe everything I've said. I've been in so much pain for a good week weeks now, and the majority of the time it does feel like really strong period pains, but they're not. Will I have to suggest the possibility of emdometriosis or will it be something they'll look for during the scan? Also regarding pcos and emdometriosis, does one affect your fertility more than the other or does it just depend on the individual?

The normal scan didn't show much so she did an internal scan. She said my right ovary looks polycystic so she's referring me for blood tests.

An internal scan would not have shown endometriosis if it is there because the deposits are so very small. Its usually only diagnosed through a keyhole surgery op called a laparoscopy. Again blood tests won't show up endo either if it is there.

I would also suggest you keep a daily pain and symptom diary as it may give them clues as well.

Both PCOS and endometriosis can cause fertility problems within the individual. I ended up with surgery to puncture the cystic follicles on my ovaries and having the (extensive) endo deposits lasered from my uterine cavity.

Yeah I mentioned endometriosis but she seemed to over look it. I just want to know why I'm constantly in pain. Having severe period like pains for over 2 weeks now is ridiculous.

So I went for my blood test today but she said I have to wait for my period as they want to do it in the first few days of that. Which I have no idea when that will be (obviously or I wouldn't be there) such a pain! Don't know why I couldn't have been told that before going down there