Getting diagnosed

[Gem94]

Hey ladies,

I am grateful to have just stumbled across this group. I suspect I may have PCOS and have some questions ...

1. How did you get diagnosed?

2. What encouraged/motivated you to get Diagnosed?

3. My biggest issue is that I’m very irregular. Has anyone had treatments to regulate periods? If so, what has worked?

[Mistee]

Hi Gem94

Well I'm going back a few years, I'm 42 now and was diagnosed at 14!

As I recall, I had horrific periods. I got my first period at around 12yrs old and at first they were just happening every few months. By the time I was 14, not only were they still irregular, but I began passing out and had such painful cramps that I'd be doubled over in agony and unable to stand up.

Being an awkward teen, I tried to hide it and carry on as normal but I realised I'd never seen my mum suffer like that and none of my friends seemed to be experiencing it either so I spoke to my mum and we went to see the Dr.

I was lucky at the time as my dad worked for an American company who provided private health care so within a week or 2 I was at my local Nuffield hospital having blood tests and an ultrasound which showed my ovaries were covered with cysts.

The US, blood tests and a discussion about symptoms revealed I have polycystic ovarian syndrome rather than polycystic overies. There are a whole host of symptoms and at the time I think less than 5 was a PO diagnosis and more than 5 was a PCOS diagnosis.

For me, the only thing that regulated my period was turning 40. I've no idea why but from the month before my 40th birthday I had a period every month right up until 2months ago when they stopped again, but they stopped because I had the merina coil fitted in August last year.

You know your body better than anyone, trust your instincts and go see your gp when all of this crazy is over. If testing confirms, get a referral to gynea to discuss your diagnosis and any potential options xx

[Gem94 in reply to Mistee]

Thank you Mistee. That’s really helpful. I’ve spent two years If visit to the gyne and they said endo, my mum and sister have it so it could be that. What’s made me think maybe ita something else is In the last few months since I came off the pill I’ve been feeling really sick when I’m due on, boobs are soo sore and sensitive, I also have a hairy chin which is the Bain of my life! I know that’s a PCOS thing to have facial hair 🥺 and now having irregular periods! It feels like it will be impossible to just fall pregnant without really trying to 👎🏻

Sorry for ranting on here but you ladies get it! X

[Hearts92]

Hey,

I was diagnosed with PCOS about 3 months ago. I was having periods every month but my periods were lasting about 10-11 days. I went to see my doctor and had a blood test which showed I had high prolactin levels. Initially the doctor thought it may be caused to a tumour on my pituitary gland. I was then referred to an endocrinologist where I had an mri and an ultrasound. The mri came back fine but the ultrasound showed that I had PCOS.

I’ve been prescribed metformin which I’ve been told is meant to regulate your periods but with everything going on at the moment and not being able to see a doctor I haven’t taken it yet. I’ve also been referred to a gynaecologist so I’m hoping this will shed more light for other options as a big concern of mine is fertility.

If you suspect you have PCOS I would recommend having an ultrasound and If positive, go to see a gynaecologist.

Hope this helps x

[Gem94 in reply to Hearts92]

Hey, thanks for responding. I’m glad you’ve got to the bottom of it and hope you’re able to start your medication soon!

I had an external and internal ultrasound a few weeks ago and this was never mentioned, I’ve had a hysteroscopy too and that came back inconclusive. No one has ever mention PCOS to me, I’ve j ok it just started to consider it myself. And fertility is my main concern too 😢 Irregular periods aren’t helpful with that! Fingers crossed you dont have any Issues with that x

[Hearts92 in reply to Gem94]

Oh ok, so everything was ok with your ultrasound? I think with PSOC an ultrasound would evidence if you have it clearly but I could be wrong. Have you taken the pill as a friend of mine who had irregular periods was told by the doctor to go on that which may regulate your cycle.

Thank you, Another option could be to possibly speak to your doctor about Metformin and see if this may be an option to regulate periods as it is primarily a diabetic drug but used to treat women with PCOS x