PCOS

AESprouse

I went to the Dr a couple weeks ago due to chronic pelvic pain and pain during sex so he ordered an ultrasound. I just got thresults back today. He said that both of my ovaries are enlarged and full of cysts. He called it polycystic ovaries. When I looked it up all I could find information on was PCOS. The only symptoms I have of that are the pains, cysts, and trouble losing weight. I have regular periods and I don't have issues with unwanted hair or diabetes, or any other health problems associated with PCOS. Is this common, or do I just have poly cystic ovaries and not PCOS? He put me on BC pills and said to come back in two months to recheck my ovaries.

Carnivor0us

I find it odd that he put you on BC pills when you are having regular periods. My understanding is that the first-line treatment for PCOS is metfomin. But you might not far along yet with insulin resistance. (Which is a good thing).

I suppose it IS possible to just have polycystic ovaries and not PCOS as the whole package.

SalishSea

Has your doctor also considered the possibility of you having endometriosis? Ovaries can become cystic with that condition as well.

My friend has PCOS and I see her struggle. I wish you the best of health and bright days ahead.

theCarlton

I do 2nd the advice to consider endometriosis.

However, I do have the same symptoms of PCOS that you do when I'm off the Pill. I will say that even though weight loss may be more difficult, push through. It won't always be this way. You will reach a point where you feel like a normal person. Let your doctor know that you're trying to lose weight. The weight loss will drastically reduce the discomfort and symptoms. Be very open to changing your lifestyle. The extra weight does exacerbate the situation tremendously. Staying overweight was just not worth the food I claimed to love so much. I love running and walking and kayaking and camping and not feeling the way I used to feel a lot more.

dasaucywench

While I am not a doctor, I am an ultrasound tech with 17 yrs experience. PCOS stands for polycystic ovarian syndrome.....same thing. It is possible to have PCOS with only some of the symptoms. I agree with Gryfonclaw...metformin is a normal course of treatment for PCOS although BCPs are also used. I would request a blood test to check for insulin resistance. Metformin taken for hyperinsulinemia along with proper diet and exercise can result in noticeable weight loss.

AESprouse

He never said that I had PCOS, just polycystic ovaries. He put me on the BC to regulate my hormones to stop more from forming and see if they go away. He said we would discuss other things when I come back in 2 months.

Eta: I just had labs done at my PCP 2 weeks ago so I know my insulin levels and all that is completely normal.

78brownie_wechanged

I'm not exactly sure why you were prescribed BC as opposed to metformin if your cycle is regular. The only thing, I'm aware of, is BC is only good for regulating the menstrual cycle (which metformin/ glucophage can do as well.)

As far as being polycystic and not PCOS...I never heard of that. I can say it affects many women differently. Some may suffer all the side effects and others very few.

Good luck. I would give the doctor a call to explain the BC pills. I'm sure they are low doses but knowledge is power.

Lamemind

metformin is not just used for insulin resistance, in pcos it is also used to preserve fertility (I'm not saying it helps pregnancies) PCOS is usually treated with metformin + BC, but it sounds like your doc knows what hes doing, a step wise approach to get you assimilated to one drug instead of throwing multiple ones on board at once, just keep in mind you want metformin to come up in the conversation next visit

dotamy

Having suffered with PCOS, "poly cystic ovaries" is step 1. I never did have hair loss, or diabetes, and for a long time I had regular periods as well. The BCP is really standard practice if you aren't trying to conceive right away (but oddly enough, can be used in that way). The BCP will control your hormones and give you sooner-rather-than-later relief from the immediate ovarian discomfort. Metformin was used as my first line when we began trying to concieve. It, along with Byetta, helped manage my insulin resistance. My only outward symptoms of pcos was weight gain, stubborn weight loss, and cystic acne. Once insulin resistance is managed, ovulation will be encouraged to begin again on its own. PCOS does not present the same way for every woman. There's a great website I learned a lot from, Soul Cysters, that you may want to check out.

I had my best luck controlling carb intake, which helped me lose weight. Losing weight (around 55lbs to date) has completely erased all symptoms and I no longer worry about it at all. Good luck! If you'd like to talk more, feel free to add me. I know how frustrating this syndrome can truly be.

jstout365

I have PCOS as well, although I have more of the typical symptoms, just no IR and I can lose weight relatively easy. I have been on BCP's to try and clear out the cysts before. It isn't too uncommon of a treatment. Basically, it isn't to regulate your period, it is to cause the ovaries to go "dormant" and let the cysts be reabsorbed. Also the reason for the follow-up ultrasound in a few months. Metformin is mostly prescribed if you do have an insulin resistance. I was on it when I was trying to conceive, but because I wasn't IR, it really was just an add on to get something to work. PCOS is tricky in that not everyone will have a set list of symptoms and you can have just one, the polycystic ovaries, or a long list of other things with them.

Good Luck with it all and I hope you get things figured out soon!

kazzsjourney

I have PCOS but not all the symptoms (ie not insulin resistant)...its not the same for everyone....each woman will have varying symptoms and to varying degrees.

hajenkatt

I have polycystic ovaries without having PCOS. I have severe endometriosis instead. In many cases, BC pills are indeed part of the treatment/maintenance of polycystic ovaries. If in two months you don't feel as if you are getting satisfactory answers, definitely get a second oponion. I would recommend a specialist who deals with this issue on a daily basis rather than your OB. Best of luck.

yo_andi

I have PCOS but not all of the symptoms (male pattern hair growth, irregular or nonexistent periods). I do have polycystic ovaries and insulin resistance though. I would highly recommend getting a second opinion along with some bloodwork to determine your hormone levels. The good news is that it's entirely manageable! Good luck!

yo_andi

He never said that I had PCOS, just polycystic ovaries. He put me on the BC to regulate my hormones to stop more from forming and see if they go away. He said we would discuss other things when I come back in 2 months.

Eta: I just had labs done at my PCP 2 weeks ago so I know my insulin levels and all that is completely normal.

Make sure someone also checks LH (luteinizing hormone), FSH (follicle stimulating hormone), androgen and progesterone.

AESprouse

I was sterilized in July 2011 so I'm not concerned about fertility or trying to conceive. It's nice to know that I'm not alone in this.

Dogwalkingirl

Poly cystic ovaries means that you do have PCOS. Not everyone will have the same symptoms but you said you had pain, trouble losing weight etc which are some of the symptoms. I never had any irregular periods and never struggled too much to lose weight etc. However 4 years ago I had a horrid pain in my stomach and was rushed to hospital...I had a very large cyst that had wrapped around my tube and I needed emergency surgery to remove the ovary and tube on my one side.

They did scans on my remaining ovary and told me it was cystic..... they suspected I had had PCOS for a number of years. I was never put in metformin....this is a very popular med to put people on right away in North America. However, I was living in the UK at the time and they do focus on weight loss and nutrition before medication unless you are totally insulin resistant or trying to have a child. I began eating a lot better, lost some weight (about 10lbs at the time), began swimming 3 times a week and when I returned in 3 months my remaining ovary no longer had cysts. However, I have had scans since that have shown small cysts so it wasn't a miracle and I still have PCOS but I believe it can be helped but getting your weight down and watching your carb and sugar levels.

Just one bit of advice....keep going back to see the Dr..see if the BC is working..ask for scans if it is possible to monitor progress. I was very stupid and had not had a physical in 3 years and basically thought I was healthy. I ended up needing very major surgery.....a horrible scar and was off work for over a month so keep researching on your own and if you feel comfy with your Dr take his/her advice.

ashleey1000

Is getting pregnant harder or impossible depending on there severity of the condition? Once I get out of training for my new job I will be going to a doctor asap and requesting to be tested for pcos bc I think I may have it. I pray I don't tho.

mgmlap

I have all the symptoms of PCOS outside of the cystic ovaries. I was put on BC to regulate my period..and also..not trying to get pregnant.

Best advice...go see a reproductive endocrinologist. PCOS is a condition often found in women who also have hypothyroidism and insulin resistance...

JudibugDesigns

I HAD PCOS...I say HAD because my doctor ignored/mocked/judged me for 8 years and did nothing to help me. He told me cysts on my ovaries were normal and all women had them and not to be a baby about it.
In July of that year I had an ultrasound show a 4 inch cyst on one of my ovaries and my doctor said it was normal! In October of the same year I was taken to the hospital and admitted with high fever, when I told them about the cyst they thought I must have meant 4cm...but nope...the lab dude grabbed my hand and made a fist and said that's the size of your cyst and it's NOT normal and you're not going home tonight...the next morning they were to do a laparoscopy but when they made the tiny incision, fluid burst out and they realized the cyst had ruptured...I spent 3 days in ICU, and woke up cut open and stapled up from 2 inches above my belly button right down and missing half of one of my ovaries.
A year later I had to have a complete hysterectomy. I was 28 years old and never had children...

chipmunk10

I completly agree with dotamy. I was told I had PCOS about 8 years ago when trying get pregnant with my 1st child after having many miscarriages, I was placed on metformin and was able to have two healthy pregnancy. My Dr. always told me weight loss was the key to this illness and the more weight you loss the more the symptoms will disappear. Good Luck to you on your journey!

kshilliard

It's harder..but not necessarily impossible.

Dannypuck

My wife was diagnosed with PCOS after four doctors misread her. We've been trying for almost two years to have a baby. She has one with an ex, but wants one with me. We miscarried in Oct. 2011 and haven't had regular periods since. She is on metformin and lost nearly 30 pounds. I hope her hard work can be rewarded with a child.

Delicate3

BC pills and come back in two months to recheck ovaries sounds familiar to me
I've PCOS
I think it is very common to have irregular period but it is not a necessary symptom (I'm no doctor so I don't really know ^_^ )
all what i know is the symptoms differ from one girl to another
both my sister and I have PCOS
but different symptoms

good luck

Delicate3

and i forgot to tell you I don't have excess hair problem either although it is a common problem

ashleey1000

Can it be cured or only treated?

Junken_Diraffe

I have PCOS and endometriosis. I was never on metformin, only BC. I was told I couldn't have children. I wad taking my pills regularly, hasn't had a period in years, and got pregnant. It happens. I now have 2 children.

Firephoenix013

I have had both PCOS and endometriosis. PCOS cannot be cured unless you have a full hysterectomy. Same with Endometriosis. Birth Control is a form of treatment for both because of the estrogen levels in the body. The birth control helps regulate that which in turn helps control the PCOS and endometrosis. You do have PCOS Polycystic and PCOS are the SAME. Also you do not have to be on metoformin unless your symptoms are really bad.

There are no sure fire tests for Endometriosis. Just watch for any cysts that form outside the ovaries, such as in the uterues etc. If you start noticing sharp pain in your pelvic area, call your doctor. I won't tell you what all I've been through but I've had a hysterectomy but left my ovaries in due to all of this.

If you are wanting to have a child, yes it will be harder. You will have to work very closely with your OBGYN on this but it is possible. My mom had me and she had PCOS. Just take it one step at a time.

Just remember, there's always several ways to go about treating things so if birth control pills don't work, try another route. If you are wanting to have a child though you need to tell your doctor so he can work out with you how to go about your treatment as you have to be off birth control for so long etc.

I would suggest if you don't have one already, getting an OBGYN who CARES and will LISTEN to you. Those are the best doctors EVER.

ashleey1000

I have PCOS and endometriosis. I was never on metformin, only BC. I was told I couldn't have children. I wad taking my pills regularly, hasn't had a period in years, and got pregnant. It happens. I now have 2 children.

Wow that's great! That's my biggest fear not being able to have children. I haven't been diagnosed yet but I think I may have it.