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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 22 of 22. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by All Done on March 5, 2004, at 10:18:08
Does anyone here have Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome? I was diagnosed a few years ago when I was experiencing infertility problems. I know a common symptoms are depression and weight gain (lovely, right?)
My ob/gyn seems hesitant to discuss this with me in any depth and I know there are medications that might help with my symptoms. I'm just wondering if I should push him harder on it.
Any thoughts?
(Here's a quiz I found that might be helpful if you think you might be dealing with it. http://www.pcosupport.org/support/quiz.php)
Posted by gardenergirl on March 5, 2004, at 10:37:31
In reply to Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, posted by All Done on March 5, 2004, at 10:18:08
I do not have it, but I was tested for it, as I have had irregular periods my whole life, depression, and weight gain. I'm sorry you have to deal with it. Definitely push your doc. There is medication for it. I'm sorry I don't know more, but I do remember my doc calming my fears when we talked about it by reassuring me that there was treatment.
Good luck,
gg
Posted by Penny on March 5, 2004, at 10:57:50
In reply to Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, posted by All Done on March 5, 2004, at 10:18:08
I don't have it, but my best friend does. As with anything, the best thing you can do is to find a competent doc who will explain things and work to find a treatment that suits you. My friend takes birth control pills, minus the sugar pills, and then about every 3 months, she'll stop them and have a period. She also has endometriosis, which has spread throughout her abdominal region. She's had two surgeries in about the past 2-3 years to remove cysts from her left ovary and fibroid masses from her uterus. Still, her ob/gyn, who has done both of her surgeries, is optimistic about her chances to have a baby when she's ready (though she's been told that she may need a little extra help, and she's been told that her chances will definitely decrease the longer she waits). She's got a doc appointment coming up soon, and is afraid that her ob/gyn is going to recommend removal of her left ovary, as it's the one that gets more of the cysts.
Anyway, other than the bc pills, she takes painkillers as needed and she has taken an antidepressant, but that's about it. But, she's doing pretty well, fortunately. It's been a frustrating struggle (she's nearly 28 and was dxed a number of years ago), but I think she's dealt with it well. But, she has a great ob/gyn.
(((All Done)))
P
Posted by All Done on March 5, 2004, at 13:51:40
In reply to Re: Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, posted by gardenergirl on March 5, 2004, at 10:37:31
Thanks, gg! I wish you didn't experience the symptoms. They can be a bear sometimes.
I will talk to my doctor about it some more. I've heard, though, that the medication (glucophage?) has some pretty lousy side effects. I guess I'll just have to see if they outweigh the benefits.
Posted by All Done on March 5, 2004, at 14:08:04
In reply to Re: Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome » All Done, posted by Penny on March 5, 2004, at 10:57:50
Penny,
I'm going to *make* my doctor talk to me about it some more. I really do like and trust him, but I haven't exactly spelled out for him how the symptoms bother me, so maybe it's time I do. I'm on bc as well, but he never mentioned not taking the sugar pills. I'll have to ask him about that.
I wish your friend the best. Fertility treatments are pretty stressful on their own, but to be battling depression at the same time is, well, it's just really hard. Hopefully, if she has to go through it, she will get a payoff just as special as our little miracle.
Thanks for the post and the hug!
We're missing you around here, but do what's best for you and take care of yourself.
(((Penny)))
All Done
Posted by Rach on March 5, 2004, at 23:40:23
In reply to Re: Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome » Penny, posted by All Done on March 5, 2004, at 14:08:04
I've been diagnosed as borderline - because my left side is Polycystic but my right wasn't.
I just take the pill as normal. I'm very lucky, I haven't had too many of the symptoms. I'm sorry you're having a hard time of things, but talking to your doctor and getting the best information should help. All the best.
Rach
Posted by All Done on March 5, 2004, at 23:53:36
In reply to Re: Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, posted by Rach on March 5, 2004, at 23:40:23
Thanks for your post and the support, Rach. I am going to talk to my doctor, but it helps to know I'm not alone.
Take care,
All Done
Posted by noa on March 6, 2004, at 19:39:18
In reply to Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, posted by All Done on March 5, 2004, at 10:18:08
I have signs of it but the tests did not fully support the diagnosis. Long history of irregular menstrual periods, depression, overweight, body hair, and now, acne.
My gyno put me on bc pills because she said there is research showing this could help with some of the symptoms. I am also on glucophage.
Acutally, I took a holiday from the bc pills and I think that I ovulated. I was surprise and said to myself, I didn't know I could do that, or that I could do that anymore! LOL. It may be ovulation, but probably with a dud ovum. Sigh. Haven't actually tried to get pregnant, so I don't know for sure about the infertility.
I also have hypothyroidism.
Posted by noa on March 6, 2004, at 19:41:11
In reply to Re: Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome » gardenergirl, posted by All Done on March 5, 2004, at 13:51:40
I haven't had any SEs from glucophage. Except that when I exercise, the weight comes off pretty nicely. Now, if I can only get myself to exercise again.
Posted by gardenergirl on March 6, 2004, at 21:48:23
In reply to Re: Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome » All Done, posted by noa on March 6, 2004, at 19:39:18
Noa,
Since I have been off bc, I think I have been ovulating, too. Not every month, mind you, but way more often than before. At least I think so. I am having more regular periods, finally, at 37. Sometimes skip or go up to 45 days, but much more often than 2-3 times per year as in the past.Are you on glucophage due to PCO? Or are you diabetic?
gg
Posted by noa on March 7, 2004, at 12:20:09
In reply to Re: Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, posted by gardenergirl on March 6, 2004, at 21:48:23
>Are you on glucophage due to PCO? Or are you diabetic?
It's because of the insulin resistance. Some call it "pre-diabetic". Blood sugar numbers a little above normal, but not in diabetic range. This is one of the things that seems to travel in the PCO syndrome package, I think.
Posted by All Done on March 7, 2004, at 22:03:27
In reply to Re: Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome » All Done, posted by noa on March 6, 2004, at 19:39:18
> I have signs of it but the tests did not fully support the diagnosis. Long history of irregular menstrual periods, depression, overweight, body hair, and now, acne.
It seems to me that there are quite a few women with all of the symptoms but no dx of PCOS. I guess it might not be tested for that often, though.
> Acutally, I took a holiday from the bc pills and I think that I ovulated. I was surprise and said to myself, I didn't know I could do that, or that I could do that anymore! LOL. It may be ovulation, but probably with a dud ovum. Sigh. Haven't actually tried to get pregnant, so I don't know for sure about the infertility.
Interestingly enough, I had been off of bc for a couple of years. Rather recently, I was noticing I was pretty regular and I wondered if I might be ovulating. That's when I decided to get back on bc since I'm not trying to get pregnant. Oddly, the new prescription my doctor gave me has caused some side effects that I'd never experienced on any other bc pill. I did some research and I'm going to give it a couple months for my body to adjust before I ask for something different, if I need to.
Posted by All Done on March 7, 2004, at 22:05:46
In reply to Re: Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome » All Done, posted by noa on March 6, 2004, at 19:41:11
> I haven't had any SEs from glucophage. Except that when I exercise, the weight comes off pretty nicely. Now, if I can only get myself to exercise again.
noa,Thanks for your posts! That's encouraging to hear about the glucophage. I'd heard some people have difficulty with it, but I like your side effect :).
And great job on getting to the gym! I hope you will see the pounds just melt away!
Take care,
All Done
Posted by Fallen4myT on March 9, 2004, at 0:14:22
In reply to Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, posted by All Done on March 5, 2004, at 10:18:08
All, I had it and it was found years ago I saw an endocrinologist and he gave me low dose steriods...did an ultasound a while later and gone so he said..so best to see an endo IMO.
Posted by All Done on March 9, 2004, at 9:30:30
In reply to Re: Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome » All Done, posted by Fallen4myT on March 9, 2004, at 0:14:22
> All, I had it and it was found years ago I saw an endocrinologist and he gave me low dose steriods...did an ultasound a while later and gone so he said..so best to see an endo IMO.
Thanks for the advice, Fallen. I'll mention it when I talk to my ob/gyn. And I'm glad to hear they were able to help you!
Posted by noa on March 9, 2004, at 17:41:37
In reply to Re: Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome » Fallen4myT, posted by All Done on March 9, 2004, at 9:30:30
I actually was tested for PCOS several times. First by a Gyn and later by my endo. Both said inconclusive, essentially. I have symptoms but some of the hormone numbers don't add up. I forget which--it's been a while.
Posted by CareBear04 on March 10, 2004, at 20:15:16
In reply to Re: Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, posted by noa on March 9, 2004, at 17:41:37
I'm so glad I found this post! It's very interesting to read about other people's experiences. A few weeks ago, my OB/GYN ran some blood tests and told me that they indicate that I might have PCOS. The only time I'd ever heard of it was when I took Depakote and was told that it can cause PCOS in young women. I have irregular periods, but otherwise, I don't seem to meet the criteria at all. If anything, I thought the irregularity of my periods was due to not weighing enough or not having the right % of body fat.
Anyway, my doctor says that PCOS can be treated, usually with birth control pills. Unfortunately, birth control in the past has messed with my moods, so my OB/GYN made me get a note from my pdoc saying that it's ok, which I thought was sort of unnecessary and insulting. It's been over a month, and I haven't been able to start birth control because I have to be cleared by a hematologist for possible blood disorders.
So I'm wondering... is it possible for psychiatric medications to mess with hormone levels? I know Depakote can. Right now, I'm on six medications, and my periods have definitely been more irregular since I started meds. I've thought about asking my shrink, but I'm a little embarrassed to talk about it with him.
Thanks for the input!!!
CB
Posted by Fallen4myT on March 10, 2004, at 20:43:16
In reply to Re: Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, posted by CareBear04 on March 10, 2004, at 20:15:16
Yes they can and an Endocrinologist is always the one to see on hormones and stuff...I know ONLY the endos know that most anti-psychotics mess with a womans hormons big time and you can lactate..see an endo I dont come on this area a lot but please all study on google what an Endocrinologist does and you would be surprised at what seems like emotions is hormons and all
Posted by noa on March 11, 2004, at 18:53:42
In reply to Re: Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome » CareBear04, posted by Fallen4myT on March 10, 2004, at 20:43:16
Yes, many psych. drugs affect hormones, some more than others, and some more directly, while other more indirectly.
Posted by All Done on March 12, 2004, at 11:49:04
In reply to Re: Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, posted by CareBear04 on March 10, 2004, at 20:15:16
CareBear,
Sorry I didn’t post to you sooner. I don’t frequent the Health board much (but I probably should have paid more attention once I posted to it, huh?) I’m glad the others responded to you, as I don’t know that I would have been able to answer your specific question, anyway. It is helpful to know that psych drugs can affect hormones, though. I’ll keep that in mind when I’m talking to my pdoc and OB/GYN.
As for being embarrassed talking to your shrink (or any of your docs, for that matter) about it, try not to be. I know it’s hard, but the more information they have, the better they will be able to help you. It might help them to understand which one of the medications you’re taking is causing the irregular periods and then they can figure out how to counteract the side effect.
Take care,
All Done
Posted by All Done on March 12, 2004, at 11:50:29
In reply to Re: Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome » CareBear04, posted by Fallen4myT on March 10, 2004, at 20:43:16
Posted by All Done on March 12, 2004, at 11:51:00
In reply to Re: Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, posted by noa on March 11, 2004, at 18:53:42
This is the end of the thread.
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