Hi all,

I wanted to just put this out there and see if anyone else has a similar issue. I saw a doctor for my ongoing TMJ issues (myofascial pain, similar to fibromyalgia but in a specific area, happens to be my jaw). The specialist told me that there is a large group of women my age who have unexplained TMJ issues like my own, and they also have fertility issues. I have PCOS and endometriosis, so that's no surprise to me. I was startled by the fact that they are often comorbid with TMJ disorders, however. Anyone else have this or similar? I'm trying to find the medical journal article which sites this, but there's a lot of search terms possible so I'm having a little difficulty. The specialist I saw, by the way, is one of the best in my state, and he is extremely knowledgeable.

I have tmj but none of the other issues.I just wanted to add last year I was fitted with a night guard.It changed my life,all the jaw pain headaches neck issues vanished.

I too have TMJ and PCOS. I have yet to be diagnosed with endometriosis, but I do not have an OBGYN Doctor... or any doctor for that matter. My previous physician did believe I suffered from endo, but the insurance I had at the time (and this part makes me mad because I use to pay a lot for company insurance) denied anymore ultra sounds and testing.

Hi Fitb40, I have a rather extreme case. Myofascial pain is different from run-of-the-mill TMJ, and I have had surgery and botox injections into my jaw muscles for treatment. I am waiting to have another surgery (arthroscopy) since the benefits are only temporary. I have worn a mouth guard 24 hours a day for several months now, only taking it out to eat. It helps a little bit with the damage to my teeth, and the pain is worse without it. I have broken one tooth and chipped several more from my grinding. I am seeing a top doctor at the University of Michigan for my treatment. Of course, I am certain that most cases won't be as severe as mine, but my specialist did say that fertility problems often go hand in hand with this issue.

Hi Shyheather, it took me 14 years after my symptoms started before I was diagnosed with endometriosis, because I finally have a job with health insurance. They cannot diagnose it via any scan or ultrasound, they just use that to rule out anything else before they do surgery, since they are obviously less invasive. They have to do laparoscopic surgery and actually see the endometriosis in your body to give you an official diagnosis. Because of this, a lot of doctors will help you if you suspect you have endometriosis and you don't have insurance, as far as pain management and birth control pills go. I would explore that option, as I saw a few doctors when I was without insurance who helped me manage my symptoms without an official diagnosis.

I have PCOS, insulin resistance and TMJ. The last two were recently diagnosed. I wonder if there is a connection. I certainly wouldn't have made one...

What kind of doctor do you see for TMJ? I thought I had a severe earache and saw an Ear, Nose & Throat guy who told me I had no infection, but should see my dentist. I really didn't feel the dentist is the guy to see, but he did fit me with a night guard that has helped -- not that it has prevented damage I've done to my molars. Ugh!

I clench my teeth in my sleep - really tightly. They say it's caused by stress -- got a lot of that! But, I'd really like to see a doctor who specialized in TMJ - even though it's not covered AT ALL by my insurance. Sigh...

PS I also have insulin resistance, and probably PCOS. I never would've put it all together, either!

I have TMJ too and I have a night guard. I never associated it with PCOS.

I would love to know more on this link.

I see Dr. Aronovich at the University of Michigan. He is an oral surgeon, dentist, and specializes in craniofacial surgery. Here is a link to his credentials: http://surgery.med.umich.edu/maxillo...saronovi.shtml

He is the only doctor I saw who didn't tell me to stop working and go to a pain management clinic and go on disability (which may still be in my future, but I'm not ready to give up yet!). I also see Dr. Ashman at the same clinic, who fitted me with an orthopedic jaw repositioning bite splint, which helps align my jaw correctly as well as protect my teeth from further damage. These doctors are top notch, and they have significantly improved my quality of life.

I also had to have an independent medical evaluation for my employer, which was done by a different doctor in Warren, MI. He is the one who told me the fertility issues are related to TMJ, and he told me to say hi to his college classmates I was seeing at the U of M, so I know he's just as good. He's extremely empathetic and caring, and I cried after I walked out of his office because I was so touched by his caring demeanor. Anyway, this doctor's name was Dr. Buchheister. Here is his website: http://warren-dentist.com/staff/dr-john-buchheister/

I hope this helps!