GP + PCOS Ignorance

[RachiePachie]

I'm in a bit of a ranting mood so I apologise in advance.

I am a sufferer of PCOS undiagnosed until Jan 2007 when my beautician (who has PCOS) suggested it to me. I had to TELL my doctor I had it. Now my GP is a fantastic GP but after speaking to many women with PCOS very few women are diagnosed initially from their GP and even once we're diagnosed we're given such a loose explanation of the condition we're left not really knowing much else.

I respect that anything in the medical field needs research but come on - sufferers of PCOS seem to know more about the condition than the doctors and some of the specialists.

I know from a well educated long time sufferer of PCOS that many of the symptoms I put forward the GP and specialists to not recognise as being symptoms. I decided to put this to the test when I saw my specialist and sure enough he pointed out only 5 symptoms.

Any of you girls who have researched the symptoms or have the symptoms know that there are more than 5 symptoms for PCOS sufferers.

It annoys me that we as the sufferers have to rely on GPs and Specialists that don't really know what they are talking about - it's like they have the basics. My GP and specialist didn't even know what PCOS stood for AAGGGHHH.

Ok - Rant over

 

[NeyNey]

At least it has been diagnosed, thats the great thing about the internet, we can find almost anything about anything! Sometimes I'm sure even GP's visit the net to check up on things!.

Best of luck with that.
I hope everything works out for you

 

[Mynxie]

yep, I've been there, not for PCOS but for RSD..... I know more than my doctors about it and that scares the hell outta me!

 

[Arcanegirl]

Seems to happen too commonly unfortunatley

 

[Chellebelle]

Hiya, I am new here. I just thought I'd let you know my experience as I can relate to this thread alot. I have been TTC since 2005, and have always had irregular periods. When I originally went to my GP about this, he basically told me to stop over-reacting and that it is considered a blessing to not have periods every month as they are a pain. I had a m/c in 2005 and again he just shrugged it off as if it is normal. I eventually changed GPs when I moved house in January 2006 and straight away they did a thorough test on me including sending me to the hosp for a HSG, taking blood samples, even x-raying my chest as I had been having shortness of breath for a couple of years (I am normal weight) and they found out that I had PCOS, one blocked tube and my partner has a low sperm count.

I was so angry that my original GP made me feel stupid for even asking if there was something wrong and I am so upset that I found out at that late stage.

I am over it now as I am on my 3rd round of Clomid and I am just trying to think positive and not dwell on it, but I totally understand the angry feelings about this. All the best to those of you TTC!

 

[RobininMI]

If I may ask, what other symptoms are a result of PCOS?




Robin

 

[Arcanegirl]

Symptoms of PCOS include :

Weight Gain. Many women with PCOS gain weight around their abdomen, taking on an apple shape rather than a pear shape. Such weight gain is linked with imbalances of glucose and insulin in the body.

Irregular Periods. Nine or few menstrual cycles per year may be a sign of PCOS. Bleeding may be heavier than normal. These conditions are caused because the ovaries are not producing hormones that keep the menstrual cycle regular. Some women with PCOS may have no periods at all.

Infertility. The high levels of excess insulin seen with PCOS can stimulate the ovaries to produce large amounts of the male hormone testosterone, which can possibly prevent the ovaries from releasing an egg each month, thus causing infertility. Because women with PCOS don’t have regular menstrual cycles, many are unable to become pregnant. With help, however, many PCOS sufferers conceive.

Hirsutism. This symptom causes excess hair, which can be difficult for many women. For most PCOS sufferers, hair in the mustache and beard areas becomes heavier and darker. Masculine hair on the arms and leg is also possible, as well as hair on abdomen, chest or back, together with more growing in the pubic area. High levels of male hormones (androgens) cause this condition.

Thinning Hair and Alopecia. Just as heavier hair growth is possible, so is the type of hair thinning that many men experience. This is caused in women by higher levels of androgens.

Acne. Pimples and oily skin can also bother women with PCOS. The acne is usually found around the face (especially along the jaw line), chest and back.

Other Skin Problems. Skin tags – thick lumps of skin sometimes as large as raisins – can form as a result of PCOS. They are usually found in the armpits, at the bra line or neck and can easily be removed by a dermatologist. Darkening and thickening of the skin can also occur around the neck, groin, underarms or skin folds.

Depression and anxiety.. Many women with PCOS may find themselves more anxious or depressed by their appearance or their inability to become pregnant. Depression can also be caused by hormone problems. Managing your PCOS symptoms may help to relieve depression.

An increased risk of Miscarriage. Women with PCOS seem to be at a higher risk of miscarrying a pregnancy than those without.

Symptoms vary from woman to woman, and not all women show the full range of symptoms. Many women with PCOS also report experiencing hot flushes, pelvic pain, an increased incidence of Irritable Bowel Syndrome, sugar cravings, heavy periods and extreme mood swings. Many women with PCOS experience Amenorrhoea, a lack of periods.

 

[~*Tel*~]

My old GP told me that i couldnt have PCOS because i wasn't fat enough!!

IDIOT!!

He wouldn't even listen to me.

Needless to say i went to a different GP who formally diagnosed me when all my results came back. but he did say when i first saw him that it sounded like i had it.

Its amazing that we all have such faith in doctors and often dont get second opinions.

 

[Carlyanne15]

I was told i had PCOS when i was 14 now 28yrs old.
Had my scan and look over at 14, internal exam wasnt pleasent i can tell you. they then decided to put me on the pill so that i had a period but that was when i was 18. So between 11 and 18 i had 6 Periods, those little round cycles are pin pointed in my diary's.

I started taking Metformin when i was @22yrs to control my weight. During my Teens i had extremely bad skin, but now its prefect since going on the pill at 18. Which i have since been off at @ 22yrs old

The think that got me was, ok i was told i had PCOS, but they didnt bother to explain what it ment, the effect's and long term details.
I have had numerous scans howvere my last one was prob over 18months ago.

We are now TTC, and fingerscrossed it will happen, however my consultant really didnt seem to be that forthcoming with info.

thank God for the internet and forum's like this one

C x