PCOS ???

Lacie, BSN, RN · Sep 17, 2009

Back in the day they called it Stein Leventhal syndrome. I was diagnosed when I was 17. Had issues most of my life until I had my last child when I was 31. After that I had no further issues with my menses or other symptoms since. I'm now 52. Usually you have issues with your periods, dark hair on arms, may have weight issues. Most frequently is multiple and recurrent ovarian cyst. I also had much trouble concieving. We tried over 2 years before I finally got pregnant with my first child and was over 8 years later before my second. Usually this is something you dont develop later in adulthood after 3 kids. It's possible you may be having an issue with some ovarian cyst yes but I find sometimes docs are quick to dx polycystic disease. Have they done hormonal (serum) test also?

Baloney Amputation, BSN, LPN, RN · Sep 17, 2009

I have it. I only could conceive after I had lost 40+ pounds. When I was obese, I'd go over a year without a period. I was able to get down to a normal weight, which has helped some. My cycles are still pretty irregular, but they are much more regular in comparison, now anywhere from 30 to 50+ days long, usually around 40 days.

I choose not to use hormones or other medications now that I am not making babies and am a normal weight, but I realize that I have had it easy compared to many others with PCOS who have much difficulty conceiving. They may have to medicate to tame their symptoms for life and don't have a choice like I do.

If you can lose weight, that is a very good treatment for it. PCOS women tend to do quite well on a low-carb diet, but I found the most (and lasting) success with a low-fat, high-fiber diet in the form of Weight Watchers.

OP--Did you lose weight or take metformin right before you got pregnant?

Morning-glory · Sep 17, 2009

For more info, you might check out

http://www.hystersisters.com/

Not just hysterectomies, but all conditions related to the uterus in a friendly place.

CandyGyrl1985 · Sep 17, 2009

Yes I had the serum test, she said I have a severe case and that my levels were 5 times what they should be when a typical diagnosis would be around 3 times. I also had an internal ultrasound. I have had continuous ovarian cysts for years now. But it has only been recent (the last year) that I have developed the other symptoms- 3 1/2 months no period - after years of being regular... hair under my chin... skin tags along the base of my neck where it meets my shoulders... Protruding lower abdominal area...

But what stumps me is how fertile I have been & that I have never had irregular or missed periods before this year (not even cramping during periods)... Do you know if PCOS is something I have always had or could it have been onset from being overweight?

To the other poster: No I did not lose weight or take any meds before getting pregnant.

DanielaRn · Sep 17, 2009

They actually just discussed PCOS on the show, "The Drs." A few significant symptoms include obesity, abnormal hair growth and abnormal periods. One strong suggestion is weight reduction. My sister was diagnosed with PCOS when becoming pregnant was an issue. She had to turn to invitro fertilization. They also informed her PCOS runs between sisters.

Hope this helps.

Lacie, BSN, RN · Sep 17, 2009

For me if anything I was underwieght and never could get over 112 lbs lol. But I did have every other symptoms that goes with it. I ended up on low dose birth control pills as I would go without a period 6-8 months then have one for 1 month straight (ugh). I didnt mind not having them but when I did it was He double hockey sticks!! I had several laproscopies to remove hemorragic cyst due to the sever abdominal pain and once had to have an external uterine cyst removed. Along with 3 d&c's. Weird as always had issues but when my second child came along it was like bam no further symptoms. Dr. said it kick started my hormones back into balance.

iPink, BSN, RN · Sep 17, 2009

Hi, I have it as well and pretty bad. Currently, I'm on Metformin and birth control and also trying to loose the weight to help my body get back in balance. I was diagnosed when I was in my teens. Emotionally it has taken a toll on me as my hair began to thin out and I became obese, but I'm determined to fight it. I think my biggest challenge will be when I eventually want to concieve children. I'm trying to take care of the problem now so I won't have any issues when that day comes.

Also a good website I go is www.soulcysters.com. This site is dedicated to PCOS symptoms and treatments.