PCOS/Insulin Resistance SupportSupport for us with any of the following: Insulin Resistance, Syndrome X, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, or other endocrine disorders.
Hey there Noodles and all...Question about PCOS vs. Diabetes
Noodles...
I was taking Metformin, Decadrone (for skin) and Spironolactone...also Lotrisome, a topical skin treatment. Anyway, I stopped taking them about 8 months ago because I wanted to see what happens when I'm off of them. I'm finding that I'm still regular and my skin is not too bad...but it's the high testosterone that is getting to me.
Well, I looked up these drugs on Walgreens.com again to re-read the descriptions. Well, they all talk about diabetes/high blood sugar and they didn't before, they just mentioned being cortico-steroids and helping with insulin problems, etc. I don't have high blood sugar last I knew...can you explain the differences between type 2 Diabetes and PCOS...? This is sorta freaking me out.
I was taking Metformin, Decadrone (for skin) and Spironolactone...also Lotrisome, a topical skin treatment. Anyway, I stopped taking them about 8 months ago because I wanted to see what happens when I'm off of them. I'm finding that I'm still regular and my skin is not too bad...but it's the high testosterone that is getting to me.
Well, I looked up these drugs on Walgreens.com again to re-read the descriptions. Well, they all talk about diabetes/high blood sugar and they didn't before, they just mentioned being cortico-steroids and helping with insulin problems, etc. I don't have high blood sugar last I knew...can you explain the differences between type 2 Diabetes and PCOS...? This is sorta freaking me out.
Thanks!
Hi Girlie!!
Metformin is just the generic form of Glucophage. It is used to treat type 2 Diabetes, but is sometimes also used to treat the Insulin Resistance that PCOS might cause. PCOS and Type 2 Diabetes aren't the same thing. PCOS will cause the ovaries to go hormonally wacky and then in return it sends messages to the pancreas and then the pancreas doesnt make as much insulin as it should and then that is where you get the Insulin Resistance /type 2 Symptoms. This is what happened to me. It's hard for me to explain it all but I understand what I am saying. Does that make sense?? I still have to correct Drs. and nurses that I am NOT a diabetic... I am on metformin for PCOS. (they had a ball with this when I was in the E/R and when I did my pre-op stuff for my eye surgery next Monday... Oh you are a diabetic?! noooooo... just have polycystic ovaries is all. ) heheehehehe...I get the funniest looks!!!
Here are some articles that might explain it better.
PCOS does get confusing at times. I think Walgreens.com changed the wording of the uses of the medicines and I was caught off guard.
I stopped taking all the meds a few months before my wedding in November because I just wanted to see what it would be like without. My endocrinologist diagnosed the PCOS after a CAT scan showing that nothing was wrong with my adrenals. I'm a bit skeptical though because I have never been to a gyno in my life...and you'd think a gyno would diagnose this type of syndrome, someone who has "seen" it all instead of just a guess by an endo. I'm sure it is PCOS, but I want to hear it from a gyn...so after asking around, I was referred to a Dr...my pharmacist (who happens to live a street over from me!) was diagnosed with PCOS after having kids and her gyn is very informed about the syndrome...so I'm going to him next week. I am at the point where I want to get back on meds and figure out the whole deal with fertility and such. If I can't have children, I just want to know now before I really start to get my hopes up.
My father is diabetic and being overweight and diabetes runs on his side of the family so I know I have a high risk...now I want to take control of it all. Fortunately, my sugar and cholesterol is low for now so I'm okay. It just bothers me because I know the moment I say "metformin" and all to docs, they will assume I'm diabetic. My insurance company also started sending me a monthly diabetes newsletter...probably just because they notice me going to the endocrinologist. Hmm.
Anyway, sorry for such a long post but I guess I thought I'd vent a bit too! I'll let you know how the gyn turns out! I just hate taking meds...I refused to take the BCP that the doc prescribed and fortunately, my periods have come regularly...it's just the "other stuff" that is bothering me...
Girlie: I know what you mean about the medical people. Very few of them know what PCOS is, and some of them, even some doctors, don't believe it to be a true syndrome or disease condition. I had one female gyno who told me to my face that PCOS did not exist, that there was bound to be variation in fertility between women, and some were just "naturally" sterile while others were "superfertile." She completely dismissed all evidence of any other symptoms, and dissed me when I mentioned heart disease. This was only 8 years ago.
Many times I have had to educate a medical professional about PCOS, doctors and especially nurses. They just have no clue at all. And there really isn't much data at all on non-fertility issues of PCOS, because there isn't much money in it. In fact I've had 3 or 4 gynos try to get me on either fertility drugs or B.C., they didn't care which, just to get the insurance money flowing. The last one I went to wanted me on HRT even though I had no real difficulty with menopause, I'm having regular periods, and I do not have endometriosis and have never had any signs of that condition. This was just before the Women's Health Initiative blew the whistle on the HRT studies.
Never forget that medicine is a business like any other, and most doctors are mainly concerned with the bottom line. There are very few saints in the field, just ordinary people trying to make a living. Question everything they tell you, and don't hesititate to get a second opinion-- NOT someone recommended by the 1st doctor, that will be his best golfing buddy. I'm sorry to have sound so cynical, but the reality is, IMO, you have to defend yourself, and insist on the best care.
Just my two cents, the endo IMO is actually the best person for diagnosing PCOS because that is their area of speciality. It is the endrocrine system and all of its intricacies that is problematic for PCOS - hormone related which falls in the land of the endo. Quite a complex field of study. Gynies can certainly assist and are also knowledgeable and can diagnose and treat and certainly are the specialists with the fertility issues. Where I live, we have both specialists work together rather in isolation to benefit the patient. What an awesome concept. Rather than compartimentalizing people with one person looking at your uterus and the other testing your blood for hormones, they put their heads together and try and do what is best for the whole person. I have seen both specialists separately and then requested collaboration and that worked for me. I think it is a more humane way of dealing with people. At any rate, regarding having a family - don't despair yet. I have two lovely children despite PCOS. It took a little while to get them, I had a couple of losses and the pregnancies were a little bit tricky but it is possible. You will find the support you need and your pharmacist friend's gynie will hopefully provide you with some answers that you need. Good luck! Keep us posted...
Hi there and thanks for your wisdom! You know what it is..I don't like my endo...he's so short with words, quick and intimidating. I wanted to check with an ob/gyn and confirm and go from there. I may end up getting another endo instead of this one. He scares me but he's supposed to be good!
I think it's awesome that your doctors collaborate. I honestly don't think that most doctors are in it for truly helping patients to the best of their ability.
I will keep you posted! And thanks for sharing that you have two kids! My hubs and I talk about children, but then he gets discouraged and says things like..."well, I'm sure you can't have kids anyway..." I think the PCOS talk just scares him into having faith and hope in the situation.
Thanks and I'll be back! PS, I have a cousin whose name is Jernaya. Close!
Aww! I am sorry you are feeling so uncomfortable with your specialist. You know, I have worked with these guys for years and what I can tell you is that some of these folks are so intellectually wise that they are socially ******ed. It is not you - it is them. If you can remember that, it may make it easier for you. If, however, you are feeling so threatened it is probably wise for you to find someone you feel more comfortable with and that you can talk to. I am very assertive when it comes to my healthcare and I demand respect. I refuse to allow anyone to demean me or render me a portion of my body (ie a uterus, an ovary, a heart, etc). I am a complete person and expect to be treated like one. To empower yourself, remember that you know you best. These specialists are in business because of you and should be honored that you have chosen to be referred to them. List your questions, look them in the eye and demand respect. Treat them the same as you would anyone you meet because they are no different than you and I, they just have a job to do and some knowledge that you need. They are sons/daughters/moms/dads, etc. And, many are jacka**es despite it all. They are the same as the people who pump your gas, pack your groceries, teach your children, work on our highways, govern the country, counsel you during sad times, serve the country, greet you at WalMart, etc. etc. We are all the same - born the same, die the same and no one is better than anyone else. Can you tell I get passionate about this? No one should ever be made to feel threatened or intimidated when discussing something as personal as their health. I wish you well and I will send you all my good wishes. You are so wise to search out all the information you can. I look forward to hearing how you make out. I hope your next visit with this specialist, if you have one, goes much better. Just remember, you are the best judge of you. Good luck!
Hi there and thanks for your wisdom! You know what it is..I don't like my endo...he's so short with words, quick and intimidating. I wanted to check with an ob/gyn and confirm and go from there. I may end up getting another endo instead of this one. He scares me but he's supposed to be good!
Hi Girlie!
If you go to www.about.com and type in Thyroid, it will take you to Mary Shoman's thyroid forum. In that forum, you can choose an area called "Top
Doc's". There you will find some of the best and kindest doctors from all around the country, many of them are endrocronologist's. There's certainly no need to put up with a doctor who's a jerk!
Julie
Hey there Noodles and all...Question about PCOS vs. Diabetes
I still have to correct Drs. and nurses that I am NOT a diabetic... I am on metformin for PCOS. (they had a ball with this when I was in the E/R and when I did my pre-op stuff for my eye surgery next Monday... Oh you are a diabetic?! noooooo... just have polycystic ovaries is all. ) heheehehehe...I get the funniest looks!!! 
Hey Jenaya
