PCOS symptoms

Thanks Chanz. I have no clue how it works here in Miami with regards to seeing a FS but I'll look into it!

Hey Meags

I am no doctor but your levels do look like they are in the normal range except for your progesterone. But thats expected coz you haven't had a period.

Have you had your thyroid checked?

Your cysts don't even look small, they look very large. PCOS usually has tiny cycsts around the edge of the ovaries.

I would really see a FS and get a second opinion especially if you plan on having more kids. Or you could try her route of treatment and hope for the best. But I would see an FS for a second opinion.

Goodluck Meags and let us know how it goes

left ovary (she said not as bad as right one, but all cysts gathered together at top of ovary and big one in the middle)



right ovary

Wow thanks for the info!!!!!!!!

OK here are my blood results:

TSH - 0.87 (reference 0.20-3.5)
prolactin - 22 (reference 3-27)
oestradiol - 99 (all of below's references depend on where i am in my cycle which i had no clue since i had no period for 3 months...)
FSH - 6.1
LH - 6.4
progesterone - 0.4

basically from what I can see, the ranges for oestradiol, FSH and LH fall into the range of follicular part of my cycle, but progesterone is low

do you have any idea if these ranges are normal? Also, she told me with PCOS, the cysts form like a "pearl necklace" ring around the ovary, but mine just has cysts everywhere. Gonna try post the pic of the scan

Sjoe Meags...tough one. VERY rarely will someone have PCOS and normal hormone levels yet still have polycystic ovaries.

I am no professional, but since being diagnosed I have researched alot since I was told I wouldn't be able to have kids. Well I laugh at that gynae now LOL my boy is healthy and a huge miracle to us.

I would suggest you get a second opinion. I personally am not in favor of using birth control pills or the injection, reason being- it only masks the symptoms, it DOESN"T cure it. I would rather want to get to the bottom of it rather than mask it until oneday when you stop the birth control, you might just have a bigger problem.

You can get PCOS and PCOS with IR. PCOS with IR is mainly seen in women with extra weight (usually around the abdomen area too).
What tests did you do? And do you know the results for each one? Best to know for future reference, because what might be normal to her might not be normal to a specialist. If you know what I mean. In order to make 100% sure your hormones definitely are ok certain things need to be tested.

The following tests should be done to make sure all is ok:

Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing Hormone (LH) are produced by the pituitary in response to the presence of another hormone. FSH stimulates the growth of an egg follicle within the ovary, while the surge of LH triggers the release of the egg during ovulation. Both typically ‘surge’, elevating lab values, just prior to ovulation. Previous diagnoses were made based on a LH to FSH ratio of greater then 3:1. This is not the case anymore because while many women with PCOS have persistently elevated LH levels throughout their entire cycle, it is not uncommon for women to have normal hormone values. If FSH is elevated, it can be an indication of decreased ovarian reserve, or aging/menopause.

DHEA/Testosterone
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and testosterone are two of the androgens, or male hormones. These androgens are responsible for many of the male secondary sex characteristics like abnormal hair growth or loss and acne, which explains the symptoms that PCOS sufferers experience. They also cause menstrual irregularities in women. Elevations of testosterone is typical in women with PCOS. A high DHEA level would indicate an adrenal cause, like Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia or an adrenocortical tumor, for the patient’s symptoms.

Thyroid function
These tests are used to rule out thyroid dysfunction as a cause of menstrual irregularity. Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) is also secreted by the pituitary and controls the release of the two thyroid hormones T3 and T4. These two hormones control basic metabolism and could produce menstrual changes similar to those in PCOS. Either higher or lower then normal lab values could indicate thyroid disease and should be followed up.

Prolactin
Secreted by the pituitary, this hormone’s primary responsibility is promoting lactation in women. Elevated values can cause amenorrhea, so this test is usually performed to look for another source of the symptoms. If elevated, your doctor will order more tests (usually an MRI or other blood tests) to figure out why it is high.

Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT)
This test will allow your physician to measure your response to a sugar stimulus. Insulin is the major hormone which deals with sugar and fuel within the body. The examiner will give you a very sweet, sugary solution to drink. Blood tests will be drawn before the test begins, a onr hour after you drink the solution, and again at two and three hours afterwards. Urine samples may be collected as well to measure glucose in the urine. It is important to not eat or drink anything once the test begins, or for 12 hours before as it will affect the results. Normally, blood sugar should return to normal within 3 hours. If blood sugar levels are elevated beyond the test, it may indicate that your body does not respond as quickly to insulin. putting you at risk for developing diabetes.

Cholesterol
Women with PCOS can have high cholesterol. Because of the association of PCOS with metabolic disturbances, including heart disease and diabetes, it is important to monitor your cholesterol and blood pressure. This will allow your practitioner to quickly treat you if you develop risk factors for cardiac disease and minimize their effects""

From what I understand, cysts are caused by a hormone imbalance hence why PCOS is a hormonal disorder. There has to be a cause for your cysts. They can't just appear from nowhere. Unless you have PCO (polycystic ovaries).

Here are links that is very informative too
www.ivf-infertility.com/infertility/pcos.php
www.womenlivingnaturally.com/articlepage.php?id=106 (this link explains that you get PCOS and PCO - there is a difference)
www.netdoctor.co.uk/womenshealth/facts/pcos.htm

I would suggest getting a second opinion (you never play with your fertility). If another Dr finds the same as the first then I would say you have PCO and not PCOS. PCOS is not reversible and there is no cure. Only thing that works is lifestyle changes.

Sorry for the long post, but hopes this helps a little. I really am more in favor of getting a second opinion and really try to rather see a FS. A FS is specialized in this kind of thing. Gynaes and GPs are broad spectrum doctors.

Goodluck and please let us know how it goes and if your condition improves.

Hi Meags

My sister Chanz will reply to this I am sure. She has PCOS and IR. She pushed me to get checked and I thought it would be a waste of time. I fell pregnant with J but I was off birth control for 2.5 years so clearly this wasnt right.

So I went last week for blood tests and I have been called back to talk about results. My insulin is through the roof and progesterone isnt right. By going back on the pill, I am not sure that is a good idea. Im not much help but I know that I am quite worried that falling pregnant with number two may not be as easy. I went off the pill in December and refuse to go back on.

The fact that you arent ovulating is also a worry.

Hmm I am not much help. Also have questions LOL

I had a scan at my gynae as I was having irregular bleeding on my pill and once I stopped the pill I never bled at all.

The scan showed I had PCOS - about 12 cysts on each ovary. She then ran blood tests and they all came back normal?
She put me on progesterone for 5 days to bring on a period and I never got one.

So I had another scan and she said the lining had become thinner but I had still not ovulated.

Her POA for me is to go on the pill for 3 months. Then to stop that and take cyclic progesterone for 6 months and to then see what my ovaries look like to TTC next year.

Does anyone else have PCOS symptoms but not PCOS blood results?