Do you think I have PCOS?

[Gabe]

I'm not asking for medical advice; just people's opinions. I have no insurance right now, so. . .not going to do a whole lot of anything about it anyway.

Here are the facts:

1.) My periods are pretty darn regular. I missed one maybe two years ago for some odd reason that had nothing to do with fun. That was at my high weight. Other than that, well, I can tell you the day, and they'll be there within 24 hours.

2.) I am quite heavy. I was quite heavier. I haven't found losing weight particularly difficult (well, staying on plan is sometimes difficult, but on plan, the pounds come off easily, and it's not as though I'm having mad sugar cravings or something).

3.) Blood sugar tests haven't ever been off.

4.) However, I do have annoying hairs on my face. Upper lip, some fine downy dark hair. On chin, sometimes some scratchy hairs. And one on my nose, which is just bizarre. My mom and grandma get them, too, but they're both post-menopause. I'm not even 30 yet.

5.) My hair's been thinning. Though I've only noticed it since I've been on-plan, so that could be due to weight loss.

So. . .yeah. Think. I don't really know what I should be looking for, and. . .yeah. I'm mildly worried and kind of obsessing about it. Especially #5.

[Rana]

I don't know if you have PCOS or not, but you also have symptoms that might be associated with low thyroid function. The thinning hair is a sign of it.

As for the extra hair here and there on your face, that can also be genetic, it's not an exclusively PCOS thing. PCOS is a combination of symptoms, but some of those can only be found through medical tests like blood/ultrasounds. If you do get the money or the insurance, I hope you follow up through to find out if there is anything wrong with you, health wise.

I really hope not!

[mammasita]

Definitely hard to say without seeing a doctor but I realize that's your dilemma right now.

I was diagnosed with PCOS when I was 23ish (dont remember exactly, but it was early 20's) and was told I would need medical intervention if I wanted to have kids. I had a healthy boy without any medical assistance when I was 25.

For me, I've dealt with / am dealing with the following:

Facial hair - upper lip and some stray chin hairs occasionally.
Overweight - been overweight since I hit puberty pretty much
Periods - started out VERY irregular skipping months at a time but have since regulated with the help of birth control

[carter]

I am pretty much the bearded lady. I am not talking about a few hairs here and there. If I don't do something about it I grow thick, dark hairs all over my face and under my chin. Every time I go to the doctor she is so alarmed by the facial hair that she grills me about the other symptoms of PCOS. I don't have any other symptoms, but once she ordered the blood tests anyhow because the facial hair is so extreme. And the blood tests show no signs of PCOS.

I don't know much about PCOS but it's my understanding that irregular periods are the sine qua non of PCOS - if you don't have that symptom, chances are you don't have PCOS. Facial hair is just one of those things that some women have. Thinning hair can come with weight loss too, especially if you are following a very low-fat plan. So while you should do your due diligence (and find a way to get yourself to a doctor, because a doctor can answer these questions much more effectively than the interwebs), you should not obsess over the idea that you have PCOS.

[astrophe]

Hair and thinning-- could be genetic, could be thyroid, could be PCOS... who knows?

PCOS people come in at least 5 types. You may be one who can cycle regularly.

But since you cannot go to the doc right now, probably best to just read about it and get familiar so when you are able to go you have your questions lined up.

GL!

A.