[KarenW]

Hi everyone!

I am a newbie to this forum, but not 3FC. I have struggled with my weight since puberty! I have also struggled with my cycle since then too.

I have been irregular all my life. I could have one month of 28 days on the dot then the next one would be 3 months later! Or anything in between!

In 1995 I discovered I have endometriosis. At that time I had a laporoscopy with laser treatments and then 3 months of Depo Lupron shots (Oh fun! --- NOT!) then became pregnant with my first child 2 months after that last shot. I was fine until 2000. then the endo came back with a vengance. after 3 years of trying to get doctors to take my symptoms seriously and to stop putting me on hormones (I have strong headaches with all hormones since my last child was born in 1998) I finally found one! He believes I am a STRONG candidate for PCOS. I have been complaining for YEARS about my Adult Acne, the extra facial hair on my chin and face, but everyone would say it was genetics. (I am Italian) 2 weeks ago, I saw him and he will be running blood work and doing an ultrasound next week. Then on the 23rd I have another laporoscopy.

In a way, I hope he does find teh PCOS because then I can deal with what is going on. Its that waiting to see and not getting answers that bothers me! In the mean time I am reading everything I can get my hands on about PCOS. The more I read, the more I know I have been suffering from it since puberty. And to be honest.. I think my mom has too!

I am looking forward to meeting all of you and learning from you.

[looosingit]

Hi Karen,

You and I have pretty much the reverse diagnosis with PCOS and endometriosis. My current doctor diagnosed my PCOS and suspects that I might have endometriosis as well (I have been experiencing some VERY painful periods!). I may have to ask you some questions about the endo later!

I have been treated for PCOS for 2 years and am currently taking metformin. I have found it to be quite helpful with weight loss and regulating my period. One note: not everybody with PCOS actually form cysts, so you may not see any on the ultrasound, but could still have PCOS. It has been my understanding that the blood tests are a better way to diagnose PCOS. You may wish to ask your doctor if you are also insulin resistant (I think that this is part of what they call Syndrome X - which is part of PCOS). Insulin resistance can effect your weight. You may find that if you treat the insulin resistance and stick to a lower carbohydrate diet, you will have an easier time loosing weight. I gather that your doctor should be able to determine if you are insulin resistant based on a blood test.

Good luck with the orthoscopic surgery on the 23rd. I hope that it helps to significantly alleviate some of your endo symptoms.

Kris
261-188-155

[KarenW]

Hi Kris!

Thanks for the reply! If you have questions about Endo.. just ask away. Somedays I think I have tried everything short of a hystorectomy!

I'll ask about the insulin resistance. I have been wondering about that as well.

What exactly is Metformin? I havent come across that yet in my research. Is it a precription drug?

thanks again!