[squishy1]

Hi guys!
For a while now I've suspected that I might have PCOS. I started doing research when my irregular periods started to worry me. The symptoms I have that go along with PCOS are occasional irregular periods, heavy periods, hair loss, the brown patches of skin on nape of neck and underarms, overweight, fatigue, and mild hirsutism. I figure I should go to an endocrinologist, but I'm really scared. Doctors have always terrified me. If I absolutely *must* go, I like to be mentally prepared and know what it is that they're going to be doing.

So, what do the endocrinologists do when you go to get checked out?

Any replies would be greatly, greatly appreciated.

[Jenaya]

Good for you for considering going to the Specialist. Take a support person with you to help you feel safer and more comfortable. Each specialist is different in what they do. Maybe speak with your family physician and ask for some insight (explaining your fear at the same time). You will feel far better going and knowing what you are dealing with than silently dealing with the concerns you have raised and wondering what they are.

Keep us posted on how you are doing. Hugs to you...

[Chaps]

My regular gynecologist diagnosed mine and it was actually quite simple. I was going for my yearly exam when I started noticing weird symptoms, and they suspected it before even looking at me. He put me on Yasmin, and it's been great. Many of my symptoms have gone away, especially excess hair.

Good luck to you, whichever doctor you choose. Try to make yourself believe that they are there to help you and make you as comfortable as possible. I think the idea of bringing a support person is also a marvelous idea.

[itsjustme]

You can get diagnosed by a regular gynecologist. I just got my diagnosis last week after dealing with all the symptons since I was 13 (I'm 22 now) The doctor always put me on birth control pills as a teen just to regulare my periods. It wasnt until this year when I went off the pill to start TTC, that I finally got a diagnosed. I also switched doctors. They first started with blood work to check my hormone levels. Then I went back and did a gluclose tolerance test (it was 2 hours) where they drew my blood 4 times after I drank the gluclose solution. This test revealed that I have insulin resistance. Im going to start taking Metformin (which they said will also help me lose weight) but have to have another blood test done before I can begin the medication. Hope I help answer some of your questions. I get the idea (correct me if Im wrong) that most dr's will put you on BCP, unless you are TTC. They think BCP are a cure-all for PCOS.

[Rizeninme]

Go see the Endocrinologist!

I was originally diagnosed by my family doctor (I'm a military spouse, so it was actually a PA at an Army clinic) who really didn't know anything about PCOS. He handed me a photocopied brochure and a prescription for glucophage and sent me on my way. Ok, now what???

I then went to my gynocologist for infertility issues, who gave me an ultrasound, a D&C, and told me I didn't have PCOS because I didn't have any cysts on my ovaries. Told me I was just overweight and gave me a prescription for Xenical (didn't want it, didn't take the pills, never went back to him)

Then I went to an Endocrinologist who was SO amazing. She sat with me for an hour and explained everything. She ordered a bunch of bloodwork, including a fasting glucose tolerance test, and then when the results were in she explained that I DID have PCOS and why. She was so helpful in her recommendations- diet low in sugar and bad carbs, exercise, exercise, exercise! She didn't make me feel like a hopeless, fat loser who just needed to go on a diet. She understood me and my symptoms and my frustrations.

Unfortunately, that was in NY and we are now in TX, so I am no longer seeing her. But I am really glad I did, and I recommend to anyone with PCOS or thinks that they might, to see an Endo. That's what their specialty is- dealing with glands and hormones. They know their stuff. There are many that specialize in the treatment of PCOS, so do your research, especially if you live in a big city- you should be able to find one.

[NVLADY]

Hi

I am back after 4 years when I first visited this place and lacked the motivation to really lose weight.

I am 42 and I am married to a military man for 18 years. He is literally my earth angel and I am so fortunate that he is home safe.

However I know all to well about deployment stress he was gone over 65% of our marriage until we changed bases. That's right 1PCS in 20 years hard to believe huh?

I went through early menopause at the age of 35 (right about when my former corporate life slowed down) and we were thinking about kids.

Until recently I was one of the girls that could carry extra weight and people would say oh your not fat! Well 35 pounds later and I am fat! Even though my DH loves a little junk in the trunk (wink) I have finally reached the point where enough is enough!

I had my first mammogram today boy was that fun! I felt so fat and self conscious.

On top of all of this I have been self employed for 10 years (can we say eat while waiting for the contracts to be signed)

I am now starting a company with 4 other partners and OMG accountability in business is new to me

I mean clients are easy compared to a board and investors! Yikes

Any ways I am a very spiritual person and I love to read , and (oh yes work)

If you think we could be good buddies please contact me ..... this is what I am doing

belly dancing
stress relief exercises through out the day (one of those big balls love them)
cross trainer at least 30 minutes a day
and my old army exercises (some recovering the last leg of a frozen shoulder)

hmmmm and drinking lots of water and yes cutting back on alcohol. I love wine and all the rest in moderation most of the time (just being honest)

Well I hope to hear from someone

OH YES VERY IMPORTANT I do much better via the phone or skype than typing I am an audio driven person (hope you understand that)