PCOS Questions

kitty1215

Hi!  I'm not sure if this is the right board to post on.  I usually post on TTC, but thought I'd try here.  We are currently on Month 13 of TTC #2. Short story is we have had 3 losses in 13 months and finally saw an RE last week.  We love her and I finally feel like someone is listening to me and my concerns.  She did some initial blood work last week including chromosome analysis which came back normal today.  Based off of our conversations that day and some labs my OB had done, she was leaning towards a "mild case of PCOS".  I don't really have the classic signs though.  I'm about 10 pounds overweight, no excess facial hair, and I have normal periods (I confirm ovulation each month with temping).

I went in today and had CD3 blood work and an ultrasound.  The doctor that was there today said my ovaries had the "classic string of pearls" and he saw multiple follicles in each ovary.  I received a call from the nurse practitioner tonight telling me that my labs from today all came back normal.  My estrogen was 33, my FSH was 10.3 and my LH was 6.2.  From my quick searches, these do not present the normal 3:1 ratio described in many PCOS cases.  

I am scheduled for a SIS next Friday and also have a consult with the doctor to discuss findings and create a plan.  Until then, I wanted to get input from any others with PCOS.

So here are my questions.  Can I have PCOS without the classic symptoms or with these labs?  If I am started on Metformin will it alter my current periods since I am normal right now?  Could I be ovulating "weak" eggs since I am ovulating each month?

I was put on Clomid 5 years ago by my OB when I wasn't ovulating and got pregnant with my son the first month.  I have since learned Clomid from the OB is a no no, and now I just wonder if that will be part of the plan with the RE.

Sorry this is so long.  I just have lots of thoughts right now.  Also, I just bought a PCOS book, so planning to start reading it tonight.  Any input would be greatly appreciated.  

Bananappeal145

"So here are my questions.  Can I have PCOS without the classic symptoms or with these labs?  If I am started on Metformin will it alter my current periods since I am normal right now?  Could I be ovulating "weak" eggs since I am ovulating each month?"

Hi there, even though I've had PCOS since I was 14 I'm no expert. Hell, even the doctors aren't experts but I think I can at least offer an opinion on your 3 questions.

Yes, you can have PCOS without traditional symptoms. I have every single one and then some but my sister has like one symptom sort of and she had a lot of trouble getting pregnant with a diagnosis of PCOS. (She now has two beautiful girls) I'm sorry I'm not sure about the labs. I think my RE is not doing those (although now I feel like I should ask why not?)

The metformin altering your regular cycle I'm not sure. I wouldn't think so if you are already running OK.

My first go round with IF my OB told me that I could be making "Sub par" eggs with PCOS so it's definitely a possibility.

Sorry, I know those are not the definite answers you were probably hoping for but hopefully it helps a little. It's a very confusing disease @-)

Good luck! I hope you get it figured out soon!

Clagore

Good morning! I'm not an expert either, but I'll throw my two cents in.

As for your questions,

1. I have textbook symptoms myself. However, I have a cousin who is 5'1 and about 100 pounds. After no success with getting pg she was diagnosed based mostly on "string of pearls" in her ultrasound. It ended up taking 3 months of Clomid and IUI before she got pregnant.

2. It's my understanding that Metformin's role is to basically suppress the horomone that keeps your FSH from rising enough to produce a dominant follicle. I see no reason for that to affect cycle length. Again, not an expert though.

3. My RE has said that weak eggs are a possibility. Do you ovulate late in your cycle? There are some who believe that even though it can be fine, it doesn't always equal a good quality egg.

Good luck at your appointment!

MrsLaurenandDan

I have similar labs and no classic symptoms, but I'm on metformin and was also on it when I conceived DS1. I don't think it can hurt.

CeCe8579

You can have PCOS without symptoms sometimes and the bloodwork can vary so one time it may be okay and the next not so much. I was given Clomid from an OB with my DD. He did specialize in RE but was not one. It is okay as long as they are monitoring.