PCOS diagnosis

[sum1undercover]

entry deleted... sorry.

[2big4mysize]

welcome to the board.

usually low carbing helps return your cycle to normal since the andrigen is no longer interferred with by the inuslin and is converted to estrogen. Did you doc know you were already low carbing?

[2big4mysize]

there are many many blood tests that can run to see what your symptoms are. one of the issues with PCOS is that there are more then one cause and nore then one treatment because if this.
this site can help answer a lot of your questions and arm you with info to discuss your medical condition with your doc. http://www.4woman.gov/faq/pcos.htm

[maribelle]

I think, overall, she is just not a very good doc (?). I was simply told that PCOS is a general term used to describe anyone who has an irregular or lack of menstrual cycle. That there are no tests and the only thing I can do is take BC. In the future, if I want to get pregnant, then I have to take fertility drugs.

OUCH!!!! And I thought my doctors were the only ones dummer than a box of rocks! No...PCOS is not a term generally used to describe any one who has irregular or lack of mensus! There are many reasons this can happen! PCOS is an actual syndrom where the bodies hormones are all pretty much off, but insulin is one of the main components. I have PCO, and my androgen and testosterone levels have always been fine. However my ovaries are completely full of little folicles or cysts, and I am so far anovular since conceiving my son in 1998. I gained masses of weight, and have facial and other unwanted hair. I also have EVERY other symptom. I went for almost a year without any cycle, and then had maybe one a year after that for 6 years, some lasting for months, until I did Atkins for almost a year. Now my cycles are every 45 to 60 days, and normal, without taking ANY drugs.

The tests to go for especially is a 2 and 4 hour glucose intolerance test. The fasting glucose DOES NOT DIAGNOSE insulin resistance in PCOS'ers very well! Mine came back normal, although I was horrible insulin resistant! Also, you may or may not have higher than usual testosterone. A trans vaginal ultrasound (yes it is as ugly and uncomfortable as it sounds) is usually prescribed to get a good view of the ovaries. But before you do this, research your area's gyno's really well, and see if there are any that specialize in the treatment of PCO. I hope some others will come here with suggestions. Here are some web sites that provide EXCELLANT PCOS advice:

www.OBGYN.net

http://www.lowcarb.ca/articles/article135.html

Hope these help some. Good luck!