Does this sound like PCOS to you (Attila or anyone else)?

[MrsBFawlty]

Hi all

Have name changed just because I'm going to post about hairy nipples.

Basically - I've always suspected I have PCOS. Evidence for the court are:

• Terrible hormonal chin acne, unless I'm on Marvelon, which sorts it out a treat. (All hell breaks loose when I come off it.)

• Muscley biceps and calves. Such that when I was 17 a foreign exchange student asked me why my calves were so muscley, and my husband when he first touched me on the arm said, 'bloomin 'eck your muscles are bigger than mine'. (Yes - I still married him.)

• Absolutely no waist to speak of even when I'm slim (size 10 or 12. I fluctuate a lot and am now 14). Such that I can't wear a belt, it looks awful, like a shapeless tree trunk.

• Broad shoulders too.

• And finally - unwanted hair, but only on my right nipple and right side of my face - which makes me wonder if I have cysts on my right ovary only? (No idea if this is medically possible ).

Am hoping to start TTC very shortly - but in the back of my mind I've always just sort of assumed I had undiagnosed PCOS and it would be difficult.

I can't comment on period regularity as I've had fake pill-induced ones for more years than I can count (about 19). (Yes - I've left trying to conceive quite late. I'm 37.)

Gosh what a mess I feel. I think I'm actually scared to start trying to conceive as I'm worried a) my fears will be confirmed and b) the chin acne that will return with a vengeance!

I have a not wonderful GP, hence asking Mumsnet first, but I should probably get it checked out.

All thoughts gratefully received!

maybe book a private scan i had one of these done when i was trying to conceive they cost £100 it looks at ovaries womb lining ect just google baby bond

Hi
It is possible from what you describe- but obviously you need to see your gp and take it from there.
Even if you have pcos you might have no trouble conceiving. I was diagnosed in 2008 and tool nearly 3 years to fall pregnant but my sister who also has it fell pregnant straight away. There is seemingly no rhyme nor reason to it. Good luck xx

Aww both your comments just made me smile. Thank you

Had been feeling down and they came just at the right moment!

Funky I was actually googling 'endocrinologist' - had no idea what to look for! This private scan for £100 sounds perfect just to get it done quick and find out.

I did go to my GP a few years ago (when I had a different GP) - she said she would refer for tests when I described my symptoms. Letter never came in the post and I never chased it up (apathy rules).

Any other signposts for scan-type places?

Blueskies again for making me smile!

Hi, I've just sent you a PM, but, yes, endocrinologists deal with this sort of stuff. Your local hospital might have one that specialises in reproductive endocrinology. This is bread and butter stuff for them, so I wouldn't waste your money on a private scan when you'll likely get one on the NHS as part of your investigations.

Thanks for the PM Dino!

Its not beyond the realms of possibility that PCOS is present here I am sorry to say.

I would seek medical advice from a GP who is helpful. It is no point in dealing with any GP that either does not listen or equally one you cannot readily talk to.

Blood tests like a day 2 to check and compare your LH level against that of FSH along with internal ultrasound scans should give more clues as to what is going on here.

Not sure how much i would wait around for nhs investigations at 37.
They may require you ttc for around 6m before any treatment.
I think some find with pcos they are most fertile straight off the pill.
Funny what you say about 1 side i have 1 side nipple hair and more cysts on that side.
Like pp said you could still ovulate even with pcos, it depends.
Your gp should be able to do the blood tests. But you prob would need to be off the pill.

Hi all

Thanks! Attila I'm not sure what LH and FSH are but will google! Naty - yes it's odd and just something I've always suspected!

Will go and be seen and see what's up.

Thank you all for your replies