long PCOS questions

chessie09

Hi ladies,

I had an appointment with my OBYGN yesterday for a long cycle off BC, (cycles have been 31,33,58, and 63 and counting) he did an ultrasound on me and saw "multiple cyst"- which he described to be unreleased eggs. He sent me for bloodwork which will come back later this week (checking hormones) but he thinks I may have PCOS.

I am at my "ideal" weight, no signs of PCOS except for a little facial hair (I thought it was hereditary so didn't think anything of it, my mom has the same issues). The doctor said that he will know for sure after the bloodwork comes in, if it is PCOS he can give me a med to stimulate my period if I don't get it naturally in 30 more days.

 He also mentioned clomid, which I have heard of on these boards, he said that if I decide to go that route he will need to meet with me and DH to go into it more indepth and he will need to monitor me.

DH and I talked last night and we are both a little hesitant for me to get on meds just yet, we are going to try and give my body another year before I start any meds- I'm planning on charting in that year to see if I'm even ovulating. My Dr said diet or exercise will not have any impact on improving the PCOS (not looking to lose weight, just take better care of my body).

We have only been TTC for about 6 months and I just feel like it's too early to get on meds, he thinks that I ovulated for my first two cycles off BC because of the PMS symptoms I told him about so I am hoping that I might ovulate again without meds.

Are we being silly or does this make sense? I am planning on researching herbal remedies to regulate cycles, I just don't think I am ready to get on clomid just yet, it seems too early.

*I hope this doesn't come off as whiny or judgemental, I know everyone on here has her own struggles and I am one of many who has had to deal with this. I am just hoping for insight or advice from someone who has been here before. TIA.

missbaby14

I too have lean PCOS....although since going off BCP I have gained 3 pant sizes but am still at a normal BMI.  I did not fit the typical profile and actually had to demand to have a u/s of my ovaries by my OB/GYN.  I have acne and irregular (basically non-existant) periods.  I was always told it was my weight that was making me miss periods.

Are you asking if you are silly for not wanting to take meds?  It's really a personal choice on when to move on.  I think it's a matter of psychological readiness at least it was in my case.  I was tired of just hoping and not know what was going on.  I wanted to have a plan....getting my DH on board took a little longer.  I think always having irregular periods prepared me for the possibility of needing help to conceive. I will say that switching to an RE was a good choice for us.  We found out we also have MFI and have really benefitted from the experience our RE has had with PCOS.  I rarely take medicine even Tylenol but am lining up for the Follistim   GL! 

chessie09

Thanks for responding . Before going on BC I was underweight (105, 6"5) so that's why my OBGYN (another doctor) told me that my cycle wasn't regular. My DH just wants me to be healthy, of course we want to have a baby but we don't want to jump into the meds just yet. I feel a little silly thinking that my cycles will regulate on their own, I think you are right- I'm definately not psychologically ready for meds. It's weird because before the appointment I was so worried and now I'm so at peace with things, I think not knowing anything was scaring me more than the thought of having PCOS.

moppet

You can definitely be underweight/thin and have PCOS.  (I wish that was the case for me!)  There are some good PCOS support sites with forums specifically for "thin cysters."  You might want to check them out and see if you have anything in common.

 I'm also gonna chime in and say get yourself to an RE.  I personally wasted a lot of time and cycles on an OB before I found a good one.  If you aren't ready for meds, they can still give you advice about controlling your PCOS and regulating your cycles, including dietary stuff that can help that isn't related to weight loss.

 Good luck!

sweetbean05

I think deciding to pursue any kind of medical treatment is very personal decision. personally I waited past the 1 year TTC to even see a RE. It was more like a year and 4 months.

 

You should check with your dr to see if you have pcos and are also insulin resistant. if you are IR then you most likely should be on some kind of mediciation. For example I take metformin.

 My ob/gyn and RE both told me that if you have pcos and ovulate there is a chance you can still conceive naturally. It all depends on your specific situation and condition. In my case since I have been TTC since may 2009 I am moving forward with pursuing treatment in the form of clomid. 

leecrystalwed08

PCOS SUCKS

It is a lot to take in at first. DH and I were in the same boat not sure what to do but it's seems to falling into place now. I will tell you one very important piece of advice I got from other ladies here I wish I would have listen to:

GO TO AN RE! I wasted time with my OB and feel things could have been more productive with RE. (Love my OB, Don't get me wrong) But RE's have so much more knowledge. Set up a consultaion with you and DH and just to go over options. My hubby was much more understanding when we went, in his words to the "Baby Doctor" and it has been smooth sailing since. We are in our 16 month of trying and things have been hard but we are hanging in there. I wish you nothing but the best of luck!

chessie09

Thank you ladies!

leecrystalwed08

YGPM

chessie09

back at you

missbaby14

chessie09:

Thanks for responding . Before going on BC I was underweight (105, 6"5) so that's why my OBGYN (another doctor) told me that my cycle wasn't regular. My DH just wants me to be healthy, of course we want to have a baby but we don't want to jump into the meds just yet. I feel a little silly thinking that my cycles will regulate on their own, I think you are right- I'm definately not psychologically ready for meds. It's weird because before the appointment I was so worried and now I'm so at peace with things, I think not knowing anything was scaring me more than the thought of having PCOS.

I think you hit the nail on the head.  The piece of mind is what I was looking for and for me that was a dx and a plan to expedite the process since I don't ovulate on my own at all.  Meds are a serious commitment.  Financially, time wise, and the s/e are varying.  I would suggest getting a blood glucose test though if you dr. hasn't already ordered that.  Some PCOSers have had good results treating their glucose levels so that they don't need other IF meds (I believe but I am no expert). 

missbaby14

Ah I didn't think I had stepped away from the computer for that long...sorry about the redundant post.  I started it and then went grocery shopping before Benedict hits!