PCOS QUESTIONS FOR SPECIALIST

[CLH92xo]

Hi all, I'm new here recently been diagnosed a few months ago and got a appointment with a specialist tomorrow. What sort of questions should I be asking as my GP never given me much information? I want to make sure I ask the relevant questions and get the information I may need.

[Hols969]

Endocrinologist or gynecologist ?

[CLH92xo in reply to Hols969]

Gynecologist x

[Hols969 in reply to CLH92xo]

Endocrinologist specialise in PCOS rather than a gynae as it is a hormonal imbalance - unless you are trying to conceive.

Just write down anything you can think of - combined contraceptive pill can help, low GI diet too, along with cutting out all white carbs and processed food, including sugar. Metformin can be prescribed but you should be tested for insulin resistance first as not all of us are IR.

[Chichz_88]

Hope I'm not hijacking this thread but I have my first appointment in a couple of weeks at the Fertility Clinic. Not sure if that is your situation or if it's more general living with PCOS help that you're after? My concern is that we will get there and be referred straight back to the GP, as no testing has been done at their end (only testing I had 10 years ago, aged 21!). Not complaining, as I've been referred fairly quickly, but getting in touch with the consultant prior to my appointment has been impossible! Any advice also much appreciated xx

[Fireflygem]

If you haven't had a scan they may send you for one pcos is missed alot of the time to see the extent if pcos, first appointments are more conversation based with gyney and may be a feel of your tummy, rarely do they look up your female bits as I prepared myself for it and it didn't happen, I hope you get a caring gynecologist some can be quite cold and I would suggest you take someone with you for support. There are many options all depending on if it's for fertility or pain management or controlling heavy periods with pain. Metformin if your insulin resistant which can ease some symptoms, acids that you can take for heavy periods such a methanamic and transenamic, if heavy periods they should check your iron levels as you can have a depleted iron store afterwards making you tired and potential anemia, the pill, the coil, the insection, the hormone bar they put in your arm but from personal experience hormone replacement didn't help but everyone is different. Alot of doctors I've been with push to try pill I've been through God knows how many and they still don't believe me when I say it doesn't work stand your ground you know your body best 😊

[Chichz_88 in reply to Fireflygem]

Thanks for your reply! Will see what they suggest. Just want to start on something now really...

[CLH92xo]

Hi, thanks for all your reply’s. I went today and I had a gyne and endo consultant ( two for the price of one they said ) all went well both was super nice people and really help full, said my ovaries had follicles on, (wasn’t to sure on what he meant) I was super nervous and forgotten to ask some of my questions. They’ve put me on metformin to help my periods kick start again and weight loss, he has scheduled another appointment in 8 months time if I haven’t conceived by then. I feel more relaxed now I’ve seen the specialist, they don’t want me to start clomid yet they want to see how I get on with the metformin first

[Chichz_88 in reply to CLH92xo]

Sounds like it went really well! Good luck x

[CLH92xo in reply to Chichz_88]

Thank you, good luck for your appointment xx

[Hols969]

Wow lucky you - the follicles are the pcos cysts (which aren't cysts but follicles lol so the name is misleading, they can come and go as only a symptom).

FYI You ought to have your tubes checked prior to going on clomid as there is a time limit as to how long you can be on it for so if your tubes are blocked then it is a waste of clomid.

[CLH92xo in reply to Hols969]

How can you request getting your tubes looked at? X