Should I consider seeing a doctor about PCOS?

[paintedskies]

So I'm 18 years old, and experience the following:

- Since I started my period at 13 I have always had painful cramps before and during my period.

- When I first started my period I settled into a regular cycle quite quickly of 29 days, but in the last year or so it's been constantly jumping around, the lowest being 22 days and the longest being 41 days, most commonly in the range of 23-34.

- In the last couple of months, visible facial hair above my upper lip.

- I'm always experiencing sugar cravings, I find it difficult to have a healthy sugar intake. Also just food cravings in general, I regularly snack all day long, but then occasionally forget to eat entirely as I don't realise I'm hungry.

- I had a vitamin d deficiency when I was about eight or nine, I took supplements to help but it was never confirmed that I no longer had a deficiency. At the time it came with aches in my joints, and now I'm getting similar aches again.

- I'm often tired even when I've been sleeping well.

- I'm not overweight, but I have gained some weight in the last year or so.

Are these symptoms indicative of or strong enough to be PCOS? They don't seem as severe as what is suggested on the NHS website, so I'm not sure whether I should see a GP about it, or whether they are just symptoms of not having a super fit and active lifestyle. Thanks!

[Elisha96]

I would contact your doctor and mention about your periods being abit all over the place and you think you may have pcos, just ask for full blood count and a hormone test, if they see anything in that then you will probably be seen for more tests. The only thing is if your not trying for a baby they will probably take longer to see you, but best getting checked now and on the waiting list for the future.

[MAPB]

Better be safe than sorry - I had heavy periods that came and went as they pleased and food issues. Without asking any further questions they stuck me on the pill which regulated my period and off I went on my merry way. Suddenly at 37 when I decide to try for children it turns out I have PCOS and had to go through extremely expensive and long procedures. I got my little miracle but when I was a lot older than I wanted to be. Your story could be totally different but if you aren’t sure don’t wait, get looked at properly now x