15 and PCOS

[arcorvette]

Hi… my 15 year old looks likely to be diagnosed with PCOS.. only 1 period in last couple of years. We have blood tests and ultrasound appointments over the next week. I know nothing about this and am now worrying… does anyone have any experience ? Many thanks.

It’s very common - awareness is much better now - there’s a society so have a read around their site.

have a thorough chat with your GP when the results are through and insist on an endocrinology referral if you need it.

It can cause fertility issues, but responds to treatment often. Can cause other distressing side effects (acne, weight gain, hair growth, but by no means in all cases and there are treatments to help)

Hey OP, I was diagnosed at around 23. PCOS is a main in the bum but the symptoms are treatable and everyone is affected differently
I feel like my symptoms were so much worse when I was younger (now 30) due to living the typical teenager/early 20’s lifestyle drinking eating rubbish etc. diet plays a huge part in balancing our hormones, basically keeping a healthier balanced diet
acne used to be a big symptom for me but now with decent skin care and taking Myo Inositol supplement I have very clear skin. I also get extra hair growth on my chin, I have laser removal now for this which has been life changing. There’s a lot of info out there now for PCOS and it’s worth having a good read as I used to wonder why I struggled to lose weight and was always tired etc and it’s all connected
One thing I will say is doctors are always quick to put people on the pill for PCOS, I was put on it for 7 years and after coming off it a year ago I’m struggling to get pregnant, the pill just covers the symptoms and can cause further issues for later down the line. It doesn’t tackle the root cause which needs to be managed through diet and lifestyle, along with good supplements.
hope everything goes well for your daughter and if you need any advice feel free to ask, it’s a minefield!

If your GP is suspecting PCOS they should refer you to a Paediatric Gynaecologist to assess properly. GP’s are over diagnosing PCOS and ultrasound should not be used on your 15 yr old dd to assess for this.
Recommendations from the “International evidence based guideline for the assessment and management of polycystic ovary syndrome” (2018) state that Ultrasound should not be used for the diagnosis of PCOS in those with a gynaecological age of < 8 years (< 8 years after menarche), due to the high incidence of multi-follicular ovaries in this life stage.

The classification for PCOS has changed over the past few years and some of those who were previously diagnosed with PCOS with ultrasound alone would not longer be classed as having PCOS.