[BabyBrownEyes]

I have an appointment with my Doctor tomorrow and I want to discuss the tests for PCOS.

What are some things I should ask her or bring up?

Years ago I was told that I could develop it, but aparently nobody took it seriously and so now I have to remind my doctor in hopes that she doesn't think I'm just paranoid. I don't think she's like this, but I'm suprised that she never did anything after I continuosly told her I was having no periods.

So give me some helpful pointers!!

[fatburner77]

Hi Sheila! I had been diagnosed with PCOS at age 16 when I noticed excessive facial hair and acne that was worse than most. Interestingly, my periods had always been normal but my dermatologist was concerned about the hair growth and recent weight gain, and within one visit to the gynocologist's I had been properly diagnosed via an ultrasound that detected the cysts. I was put on birth control pills and the situation reversed itself within 6 months or so. That was 14 years ago, and I've been cyst-free ever since.
So, have you noticed either the facial hair or the acne? I know through this forum people have probably listed out their symptoms in previous posts, but these are the two that affected me most, besides the weight gain. I simply don't understand why your physician wasn't concerned about your lack of periods, especially for such a young woman (I get the impression you're young, right?). Was she maybe concluding that your period was irregular or nonexistent due to your weight? BTW, is today's appointment with the gynocologist, or just the general practitioner/family doc?
I guess additionally, it's important to discuss your fertility with her, since I recall reading in a previous post that you've not been using any bc method for over a year and you haven't gotten pregnant. Now, this may be because you haven't had sex during your fertile time, etc., but it could be bc you're not ovulating, and thus there is no egg waiting to be fertilized. Stress to her that you'd like to get moving on things now to get your cycle back into working order because at some point, you'd like to have a family.
That's all I can think of at the moment, but I hope you have a worthwhile doctor's visit!

[jennylou]

You should ask for a complete blood panel - TSH, LH/FSH, cholesterol, testosterone, etc in addition to an ultrasound. All of those together will be a great tool in diagnosing you with PCOS if you have it.

IMO, it's important to get to the root of the reason why your periods are irregulat, particularly if you consistently go more than 90 days without a period. Your body needs to shed any lining in the uterus at least that often, otherwise, you are at increased risk for endometrial cancer later on.

[BabyBrownEyes]

thanks guys. I am 22, and at 13 I had an ultrasound which showed cysts. This is why I am concerned.

I don't have any other symptoms other than being overweight, but I've been chubby my whole life. I was told by a doctor, not my doctor now, that the lack of periods was from my excessive weight and to lose some weight. I always hated hearing that from doctors and it just made me eat more. My appointment tomorrow is with my primary care physician. I could probably see the gyn that I saw when I was younger. But I think my primary doctor could do the blood test to check for other things. Do you know if I need to fast for any of those tests? I would like to go in prepared tomorrow and if she says "well, you need to fast" then I'll say "already did!!". Anyways.

*crosses fingers* I hope tomorrow goes well.

[settie]

I have never had to deal with PCOS but I've had many other health issues that I had to go to different specialists for. The one thing I would recommend is to write a list of EVERYTHING you want to know and things you want your doctor to know about your condition. Go down the list and check things off when you're satisfied with the answers. Be sure you check ALL of your concerns before you leave the office.

The first few times I did this I felt a bit embarassed but then I realized - I see this person once every three, six months. This is the only time I get to ask questions.

My doctors now joke about it when I come into their office. Okay, where's the list.

Good luck!