Signs of PCOS?

[tommyg]

Hi Ladies

I hope you aren't offended at me posting in here as I have only just started ttc but given my irregular cycle but I think you are the people to ask.

I have never been on the pill or any form of treatment to regulate me. I generally class anything between 4 and 12 weeks as normal nor would being 12wks concern me before I was ready for a family.

Could this be a sign of PCOS?

What would be the best way to get help if it is?

I am almost 35 and I feel DH and I have time to waste.

 

[aiwah]

Hi

Sounds familiar - I was diagnosed with polycystic ovaries in my early 20's but the doc at the time wasn't too concerned because I wasn't showing any of the symptoms of PCOS (overweight, hairy, thyroid problems etc) and simply said "Come back when you want children...." - my only real symptom was a variable cycle (5 weeks to 10 months!!) and really bad PMS when it eventually came.

When my time came to try for kids, we went to see my doc after 3 years of not getting anywhere and he referred us to the infertility clinic at the hospital. After a load of tests, they put me on clomid to try and regulate my ovulation, but when that didn't work it was another 18 mth wait for IVF. Thankfully, I now have my BFP after another 18 months and 3 cycles of treatment.

I'd say definitely ask to get checked out asap as the process takes a long time. It's easy to identify if you have polycystic ovaries (just an ultrasound scan), but rectifying it and helping you get your baby is a lot of trial and error.

Best of luck!

 

[Dancingkaty1]

hi i was very shocked to discover i had polycysts on my ovary after a scan i had of my womb.....i have always had very regular cycles!! always 31 days.....my doc referred me straight to a fertility specialist. i would say that you need to ask your doc to do day 3 and 21 bloods to check if you are ovulating....i realise this may be difficult if your cycles can be long. considering your age and your symptoms of irregular cycles ur doc may refer you to a fertility specialist sooner as it def does sound like pcos. if you are not ovulating they will prob give you clomid but most hospitals have certain procedures that you have to have done b4 they will prescribe it, such as a sperm test and a hycosy where they check ur fallopian tubes....good luck xx

 

[tommyg]

You have certainly got me thinking.

How do I attempt to purswade my doc that he should refer me for testing before I waste time?

Does it run in families?
I know that is an odd question but my mum is an only daughter and tried for a year to have me, neither of my grans sisters had a family. I know my sister had treatment for her first but that is almost 11 years ago and I'd guess that the treatments are better / diffrent from what they were then, her second was a lovely surprize when she was on the waiting list for treatment again.I can do know that my cycle isn't as bad as hers, she reguarly goes 6 months with out AF.

 

[aiwah]

I'd say just come out straight with your doc and say that you're ttc (maybe exaggerate how long you've been trying for if you can? ) and say that you have concerns because of your irregular periods. Emphasise your age and see if he/she can refer you for tests.

Not sure if PCO runs in families - when I first told my mum about my situation, she said that her sister had really irregular periods as well, but she still managed to have three kids without any issues. Dunno what that was supposed to prove.

Good luck!!

 

[misskat29]

The docs think i have PCOS

basically, i had a mc in oct and was told af should arrive 6 weeks later. it didn't, so i visited the docs. i have irregular cycles from 20 to 50 days in length and explained this to the doc. so they did blood tests on me and sent me for a scan

blood tests showed high prolactin and high testosterone levels - doc wants to re do bloods as they arent sure if they are high from mc.

aslo results from scan showed several small cysts on both ovaries.

i have no other symptoms other than irrgular cycles.

second blood test is thursday so i need to wait the results of that and see what they plan to do with me.

i do at least know i that ovulate - just not sure when and how often.

 

[tommyg]

I think I'll get this month go and may be give the Dr a call next month.

Something else that has come to my mind, about 4 years ago I went through a period of about 9 or 10 months without AF. I wasn't worried about it for a while then I though I should get it checked out but between me putting on appointment and actually seeing the Docs I had a very light bleed. They did various blood and hormone tests and concluded everything was ok. Just my overies had shut down for an unexplained reason. Then I had a proper period about 2 weeks later.

Has anybody else been told their overis have shut down for no reason?
Would /should they have picked up PCOS then?

 

[Carrie29]

Hi Tommyg

I have only just been dg'd with PCOS after an ultrasound. I was on the pill though and before that i had regular cycles, since coming off the pill last year in June i've only had 2 AF's hence the ultrasound. I 've been into the doc's in the past for various reasons, such as fainting, fast pulse and anxiety for no reason and they never thought to send me for tests for PCOS until now with the irregular cycles. I am otherwise very fit and healthy and a normal weight. So i am starting to think the other symptoms i had over the years were related as insulin can have that affect.

So i would ask the doctor to send you for an ultrasound to rule it out completly!.

Good luck x

 

[Carrie29]

Also my blood tests for blood sugar, thyroid etc all came back normal, just the LH, FSH one that was weird as LH was 3 times higher than FSH.. a sign of pcos.

 

[tommyg]

I have got an appointment with my GP tomorrow so will see what she says.
Currently having AF after a 7 week cycle.

 

[fitzy79]

I have got an appointment with my GP tomorrow so will see what she says.
Currently having AF after a 7 week cycle.

Tommyg,
Don't let the doc fob you off with wait and see...etc!! I've just had PCOS confirmed with pelvic ultrasound and my only signs were irregular cycles (ranging from 6 weeks to 10 months). I have always been like this but BCP made me forget about it for past 4 yrs. When I came off in May I decided to let nature take it's course up until Christmas. Only got 2 periods so went to doc at beginning of January and asked to be referred. She did say that usually one would have to be trying for 12 months but I tole her that, given my history, I didn't think another 5 months would bring a change in my situation. So, here I am, PCOS confirmed(which had suspected all along) and taking Provera to bring on bleed so can start Cycle 1 of Clomid.

You need to be Proactive.....no one else will do it for you!!

Good luck hun and will look forward to hearing how you get on

 

[tommyg]

At the very least I want her to make sure that I am ovulating I do fear that she will try the "wait and see" approach but I just feel if I am not 100% sure that I am ovulating that is a complete waste of time that I simply don't have.

 

[Jennifer8]

Hi tommyg,

I have PCOS, i went to my GP as my periods were lasting longer (5 weeks) and my cylce was anywhere from 21 says to 36 days. I had an ultrasound scan and blood tests done and was told it was polycystic ovaries. I was put on clomid and metformin and have just finished my 2nd dose. Hoping it will work this month.

Good luck to all!
xx

 

[tommyg]

Hi

Just been to the Docs she has agreed to do blood tests to find out if I am ovuating.
She said to get them done about a week before I think my next period is due! I am not sure how I am best to work that out other than going by PMS symptoms.

But at least she didn't completely dismiss my concerns.