PCOS - endocrinologist or gynea?

[ajandjjmum]

DD (mid 20's) has just had a scan for PCOS, and is to visit her GP to discuss results. She has cysts on both ovaries.

She has to exercise really hard - and eat very very carefully - to lose any weight, which she has been doing, but it's very slow - and to her, disheartening.

She has been told to ask for Metformin (?).

I think she should probably see someone who specialises in PCOS, to set her on the right path. But who? She's in London, if anyone has any recommendations.

Should say, she is single and not trying to conceive, just wants to get things on an even track.

Thanks for any advice.

PCOS is a very individualistic disorder that affects each woman with it very differently. The commonality is the cystic follicles on the ovaries.

She may also want to look at Verity's website below on PCOS as it is very informative. The better informed she is re PCOS the better for her really in terms of treatment decisions.

Some women find following a low GI/GL (glycaemic index/glycaemic load) eating plan useful and easier to maintain. There is no quick fix here and PCOS does not go away of its own accord. Who advised her to ask for Metformin (this is usually only prescribed by a gynae and not all women with PCOS are actually insulin resistant. Not all GPs also by any means are up to speed when it comes to PCOS).

www.verity-pcos.org.uk/

I have recently discovered that thyroid issues can also be responsible for cysts forming on the ovaries and that thyroid problems also can go hand in hand with the wider condition. Which makes sense as they are both endocrine disorders.

Thank you both.

Her PT suggested she had blood tests, as she was exercising and dieting hard, and not seeing the benefits as far as weight was concerned. Thyroid was fine, the only one that was out was serum testosterone, so she was sent for a scan, which indicated cysts. The metformin suggestion has come from a couple of different friends, who 'know others' who it has helped considerable.

But yes....there's a lot to learn.

Will look at the Verity site - thank you.

@ajandjjmum

I can recommend a superb London gynae if you are still looking- at the King Edward V11 hospital, so it's private if that's within her budget?

Thanks Jingling - is it someone with experience of PCOS? If so I'd be grateful for the contact.

I will Pm you.