Hormonal problems? maybe PCOS?

blackcherry2002 · 09-27-2008, 01:13 AM

Ok so I'm wondering if I have enough to go into a doctor and ask about getting tested for PCOS. I do have diabetes in my family so I just want to make sure all my hormone levels are alright. I have very greasy hair and skin, acne, excess hair growth(facial and body), my periods (before BC) were always every 28 days but lasted a full seven days and they were pretty heavy and then sometimes they'd be really light. I'm not sure what they are now since I'm BC and all (will this affect if they need to do a blood test or can they take that into account?) I don't have darkening of the skin really though I do have a few random skin tags which I read can be common. I also have anxiety and depression problems. I'm currently Mood Disorder NOS because they aren't sure yet what I have but I have mood swings...and obviously I have weight problems. And I was just diagnosed with hypothyroidism as well earlier this year.

This sound like enough to warrent a hormone blood test? I tried asking my general doc about testing to make sure my acne wasn't hormonal, and he brushed it off and said "You might think that, but that's usually not the case" So...yeah...i would try and see a gyno or some other doc...

slim-n-tn · 09-27-2008, 11:55 AM

PCOS is not usually diagnosed with a blood test. They will also have to do an ultrasound to see if you have cysts on your ovaries. The cysts are what causes the hormone levels to be off balance. Check with your GYN if your regular doctor isn't taking your issues seriously enough.

Sunwyse · 10-04-2008, 09:22 AM

I've had PCOS since I was 13 (41 now) and diagnosed at 22. Never had a cyst once. Hormones have always been spot on and have been told my ovaries (by ultrasounds) are pristine.

What I do have is really irregular periods. Usually about 3 a year, can be one after the other or 2 consecutive and then 1 9 months later. Never a set pattern. I have excessive body hair and am overweight. I also have oily hair and skin, but never put that down to PCOS. I had chronic constipation for years, but again never put that down to PCOS. That was simply because I at the wrong foods, never drank water and never exercised.

If you think you might have PCOS go for a test. All I was required to do was an insulin test to see if I had diabetes or not, as women with PCOS are prone to getting diabetes.

L12 · 10-04-2008, 09:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slim-n-tn

PCOS is not usually diagnosed with a blood test. They will also have to do an ultrasound to see if you have cysts on your ovaries. The cysts are what causes the hormone levels to be off balance. Check with your GYN if your regular doctor isn't taking your issues seriously enough.

That's not entirely true. Women can be diagnosed with the syndrome without having cysts on their ovaries, and there a few specific hormone levels associated with PCOS that should be checked with blood tests. High LH/FSH ratios, DHEA, and testosterone levels are typical with PCOS, as well as insulin resistance. A visit with a gynecologist and/or endocrinologist would be helpful for you if your regular doctor won't address your problem.

smsmithart · 10-04-2008, 10:56 AM

Go to a endocrinologist..