Confused!

[Beckys1991]

I've been experiencing pain in my pelvic area, lower back and abdomen for around 4 years with no joy finding out why. Last year my periods also became very irregular (I skipped several months) so I sought help again. In April '18 I saw a gynae who suspected PCOS so sent me for an ultrasound and blood tests to test hormone levels among other things. During the scan, the technician said she could see signs of PCOS but that the blood tests would be more "conclusive". In October, I went back to the hospital and saw a different gynae. He ruled out PCOS because my blood results were fine and I didn't have visible hair on my face. He said he wanted to do a hysteroscopy to rule out polyps. During that consultation, I gave him a list of my symptoms which he took and wrote next to each one what could be causing it (this included endometriosis, PCOS and IBS). Last week I had my hysteroscopy, now this is where things get more confusing. The procedure was fine, no polyps or other problems were found. At the end, I asked the gynae what it could be, he said "probably just a hormonal imbalance". I thought that was very strange considering my blood tests were fine. I asked about endometriosis and he said he "hadn't even considered it". When I asked why, he said because I didn't have pain during sex or pain going to the toilet. I said I actually did have both of those (they had been on the list I'd given him during an earlier consultation). He's advised I take the pill for two months and see if that helps. If it doesn't, I should go back to my GP who'll refer me to him again at which point he might do a laparoscopy.

I just wanted to know if anybody else has had similar experiences? My sister has PCOS and I'm convinced I might still have it. Should I ask to see another gynaecologist? Sorry for the essay guys!

[Hols969]

I think it sounds more like endo than pcos (it isn't uncommon to have both conditions) - bit frustrating really as you had mentioned this previously to the gynae - if no luck then ask to be referred to an endocrinologist as pcos and endo are more their area (unless you are trying to conceive). Some ladies have no symptoms with pcos so your gynae is wrong, it isn't uncommon to have normal bloods either. The scan showed signs of pcos (the cysts are only a symptom and can come and go). I personally think yo should see the endocrinologist as I suspect you do have pcos.

[Beckys1991 in reply to Hols969]

Thank you so much, that's really helpful. Will ask my GP about an endocrinologist next time I go.