PCOS

If you have PCOS can you share some symptoms that you have/had? Thanks!

Re: PCOS

I haven't been diagnosed with this but my RE specializes in this so I've learned a bit about this
excess facial hair
weight gain in a specific spot like the belly
acne

Sorry I couldn't be of more help

Re: PCOS

I have it. I have some chin hairs, weight gain, some dark spots on the skin, my main symptom, was that I was not ovulating at all, and had no period.

Re: PCOS

These are some Common Symptoms of PCOS:

Amenorrhea (no menstrual period), infrequent menses, and/or oligomenorrhea (irregular bleeding) — Cycles are often greater than six weeks in length, with eight or fewer periods in a year. Irregular bleeding may include lengthy bleeding episodes, scant or heavy periods, or frequent spotting.

Oligo or anovulation (infrequent or absent ovulation) — While women with PCOS produce follicles — which are fluid-filled sacs on the ovary that contain an egg — the follicles often do not mature and release as needed for ovulation. It is these immature follicles that create the cysts.

Hyperandrogenism — Increased serum levels of male hormones. Specifically, testosterone, androstenedione, and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS).

Infertility — Infertility is the inability to get pregnant within six to 12 months of unprotected intercourse, depending on age. With PCOS, infertility is usually due to ovulatory dysfunction.

Cystic ovaries — Classic PCOS ovaries have a "string of pearls" or "pearl necklace" appearance with many cysts (fluid-filled sacs). It is difficult to diagnose PCOS without the presence of some cysts or ovarian enlargement, but sometimes more subtle alterations may not have been recorded, or are not recognized as abnormal, by the ultrasonographer.

Enlarged ovaries — Polycystic ovaries are usually 1.5 to 3 times larger than normal.

Chronic pelvic pain — The exact cause of this pain isn't known, but it may be due to enlarged ovaries leading to pelvic crowding. It is considered chronic when it has been noted for greater than six months.

Obesity or weight gain — Commonly a woman with PCOS will have what is called an apple figure where excess weight is concentrated heavily in the abdomen, similar to the way men often gain weight, with comparatively narrower arms and legs. The hip:waist ratio is smaller than on a pear-shaped woman — meaning there is less difference between hip and waist measurements. It should be noted that most, but not all, women with PCOS are overweight.

Insulin resistance, hyperinsulinemia, and diabetes — Insulin resistance is a condition where the body's use of insulin is inefficient. It is usually accompanied by compensatory hyperinsulinemia — an over-production of insulin. Both conditions often occur with normal glucose levels, and may be a precursor to diabetes, in which glucose intolerance is further decreased and blood glucose levels may also be elevated.

Dyslipidemia (lipid abnormalities) — Some women with PCOS have elevated LDL and reduced HDL cholesterol levels, as well as high triglycerides.

Hypertension (high blood pressure) — Blood pressure readings over 140/90.

Hirsutism (excess hair) — Excess hair growth such as on the face, chest, abdomen, thumbs, or toes.

Alopecia (male-pattern baldness or thinning hair) — The balding is more common on the top of the head than at the temples.

Acne/Oily Skin/Seborrhea — Oil production is stimulated by overproduction of androgens. Seborrhea is dandruff — flaking skin on the scalp caused by excess oil.

Acanthosis nigricans (dark patches of skin, tan to dark brown/black) — Most commonly on the back of the neck, but also but also in skin creases under arms, breasts, and between thighs, occasionally on the hands, elbows and knees. The darkened skin is usually velvety or rough to the touch.

Acrochordons (skin tags) — Tiny flaps (tags) of skin that usually cause no symptoms unless irritated by rubbing.

MY SYMPTOMS:
My periods previously were anywhere from 35-38 days. They are now anywhere from 28-34 days. I am taking metformin.

I had elevated DHEAS levels which explains hirsutism and minor acne.

Weight gain in the tummy area. I had an apple shape. I am on a low carb diet and I saw my weight disappear in that area first.

Cystic Ovaries.

Although most women are insulin resistant, I am not. Also, usually another indicator of PCOS is when your LH/FSH is not 1:1 ratio. My levels where actually 1:1. Everyone has different symptoms....unfortunately, there is not One definitive test to diagnose PCOS because there is not one cause. I was first diagnosed with PCOS last year when "I" brought up my symptoms to my doctor and "I" suggested I suffered from it. I was so Pi$$ed that not one doctor diagnosed it sooner.

Where you diagnosed? Do you think you suffer from it?

Message edited 2/5/2007 3:09:22 PM.

Re: PCOS

I have the weight gain in the belly and the excess hair on my chin. I do get some acne around my mouth as well. I don't have the insulin resistance or the ovulation problems, though.

Re: PCOS

I have excessive hair, normally a little poochy belly and very infrequent periods. I do not have a blood sugar or hormonal imbalance, so I've always been treated with Clomid and/or injectables.
PCOS is typically one of the easiest infertility issues to treat.

Re: PCOS

I was dx'd with PCOS 3 months ago. I told my doctor there was no way I had it because I had regular cycles and I was wrong. The doctor found I had elevated plasminogen activator inhibitor levels after doing a recurring loss panel. After finding that he sent me for another blood test (PAI-1 4G/5G polymorphism). Since I am 4G/4G he sent me for an internal sonagram and that is when they found my ovaries to be polycystic and told me I was not ovulating. I was put on 1500 mg Metformin and this month (month 3) I really did ovulate .
Long story short looking back my symptoms were unexplained weight gain, intense ovary pain starting at O and ending after af left and cysts on my ovaries. Good luck and I hope this helps.

Re: PCOS

I was diagnosed with PCOS in December. I had not had my period at that point in 68 days. It was 88 days until I got AF with the help of Provera.

I do have weight in my belly area, no excessive hair growth and no insulin issues. I did have increased levels of Testosterone. Prior to being on BCP I was regular like clockwork. I was only on BC for just over a year. I just finished my first round of Clomid to help me ovulate, and it didn't work

Re: PCOS

I was diagnosed a year or so ago, but wasn't actively TTC. I have elevated testosterone levels, I don't ovulate, have had cysts, and skin tags. Although I'm not technically over weight, I've always had a belly. Like I look like I could be 3-4 months pg. I was just at my doc tonight. I have to bring on a period and then he wants to do the day 3 blood work. I almost started crying and I don't know why. Maybe 'cause I've been hearing it for years, but there are no real answers.

Re: PCOS

Thank you so much for your responses, I have been just doing some research on the internet, DH and I have been TTC for over 8 months, and I had an early miscarriage after 6 months of trying, I have had mostly regular periods for the last 8-9 months, but I use to have really long cycles some months, I have noticed that I do have chin hairs, skin tags, and a belly and to top it of acne that never seem to go away, I will be going for my annual exam soon, and I want to bring up some things to my Dr. without sounding nuts. I want to be proactive since I am going to be 32 soon, and I am not getting any younger.

Message edited 2/5/2007 9:55:21 PM.

Re: PCOS

Inconsistent or non existent periods
Severe cramps when I did get period
Hair growth on my face, neck, chin
Migraines
Unexplained weight gain/inability to take weight off

Re: PCOS

I pretty much have all of the symptoms of PCOS and i'm on Metformin 1000mgs.

Re: PCOS

I no not get my period on my own (that I know of)

I have polycystic ovaries

I do not ovulate

I have a lil bit of extra weight in the belly area

Thinning hair

Break outs on my chest.

Re: PCOS

I have longer cycles, facial hair, skin tags, and I don't ovulate. I am on Metformin.