New with questions
sjrose77
Posts: 11
I am new here. I started noticing that I was growing a mustache and neck beard a few years ago, and that my hair was thinning so I went to the doctor. Tests were done and it was found that I have a high level of DHEA, but no underlying medical conditions were found. My most recent doctor said I had PCOS just because of my symptoms but never did any tests or anything. In addition to the hair problems, I am nearly 300 lbs with a lot of belly fat (I used to store weight mostly in my hips and butt), I have a history of endometriosis (which got better after I had kids but seems to be coming back), and although I have two children I have to try pretty hard to get pregnant. I don't know much about PCOS mostly because I don't even know if I really have it. How were all of you diagnosed? I don't even have a diagnosis, my doctor just said it sounds like you have PCOS and that is it. Also, as far as weight loss, do I have to watch my sugars or can I just watch calories? Thanks.
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Hi, I didn't really get a conclusive diagnosis as my doctor is a little airy fairy, but my symptoms match the diagnosis. I did get an internal ultrasound to check my ovaries and a diagnosis can be made from counting the follicles and looking at the cysts. However you can actually have PCOS without having the cysts.
I would suggest going to see a specialist. An endrocrilnologist (sp?), hormone Dr etc, if possible.
Try googling diet for PCOS to get extra info but lower sugars will help. Quite a bit of research has been done to suggest that a low GI diet can really really help, especially for conceiving.
As well as a general google search you could check out youtube. I have found some inspiring people on there with nice little bits of advice that you can put together and form a lifestyle that can suit you.
I think the main thing is consistency, having PCOS means that the results may not show for a long time but they eventually will and we have to just stick to it.0 -
I was diagnosed the same way - by a doctor who recognized the symptoms (she would know, she has it too). You can start your research on trusted medical websites like Mayo and WebMD, even About.com has a pretty good synopsis. Then come back to MFP and do a search of the forums. Lots of people come here with the same questions and many of us have answered them many times.
Generally speaking, people find reducing carbs and sugars alleviates some of the symptoms. I'm on a very low dose of medication for the facial hair. My symptoms changed with getting pregnant as well and now two years later, things are slowly going back to the way they were. It's twice as hard for Cysters to lose weight, but you'll find success stories here.
Welcome and ask away. PCOS is totally manageable, you just have to stay strong, be patient, and take comfort that there are many, many other Cysters out there (in here).0 -
Hi! Welcome!
My dx was a long time coming, a combination of past elevated DHEA, irregular periods, acne, overweight, had the intra ultrasound and no cycts so "I must not have it". Years later levels were tested again and "out of whack" but no plan of correction. Just recently I basically demanded that OBGYN refer me to an endo, which took 3 months to get into, Finally after many many blood tests and seeing the endo, I was diagnosed PCOS with Insulin Resistance.
Im on Minastrin 24Fe and 2000mg of Metformin. I am conscious of my sugars and carbs, easing into LC/HF some of these girls are rock stars though.
I agree WebMD is your friend and also check out soulcysters.com0 -
Thank you guys so much. I really appreciate the information. I guess I am not alone in not getting a real diagnosis. I don't have private insurance and I'm not sure what good having the official diagnosis would do for me at this point so I am not going to pursue it. I was offered spirolactone and decided against it, same with birth control pills. I have figured out that weight loss is much slower with PCOS and I am not a patient person so it will be hard work for me, hope I can stick to it this time.0
