Probably two years ago, the PA came back into the room and told me that I was insulin resistant, more than likely had PCOS, and needed to see a fertility specialist immediately if I "ever planned on having children."

She said she'd noticed all the physical "markers" and tried to explain things to me but I was sort of in a daze. I felt like I was too young for such a harsh reality. Fertility specialist at 26 years old?? Immediately? I knew I wouldn't even be in a relationship for a few years...so I put it off...

Here I am... 28, still no relationship, increasingly odd symptoms seemingly related to fluctuating hormones. I don't have health insurance now (finishing grad school) but should by the summer and I'm ready to deal with this stuff.

Is it too late? Was she presumptuous to be so forward? Was I an idiot to not seek treatment a few years ago? I've read a little bit about it and I don't have anything severe in this moment...nothing disfiguring but lots of the inconvenient/embarrassing other stuff.

What should I do now? When I choose a new doctor this summer, do I tell them what the PA told me or let them figure things out in their own time if it's an issue? I'm very afraid that when I do go...they'll tell me I'm just fat and won't listen to anything else until I lose the weight.

Last question, I read that weight loss can ease the sx of PCOS. Is this true?

Thanks in advance, sorry for the long posting, I'm new here and really trying to maximize the time I have to spend here today. Take care and be well.

I've just been diagnosed so I can't answer most of your questions but it's not too late (I'm 29 & I have not been given any indication that it's too late - & don't tell me if it is 'cause I just won't hear it!!!!)

When you find a new doctor you need to forthright about this for your own health. If you find someone who just says your fat (terrible word!) than find someone else who will treat you with the respect you deserve. Why start back at the beginning if you have already been diagnosed?

and only recently did I get things under control.

Let me assure you - I have 2 children, the oldest conceived with fertility meds and the youngest (who I had when I was 41!)conceived with Metformin alone.
So yes it can be done and no your time isn't running out.

Dr's have found that keping your insulin levels in check seems to alleviate most of the symptoms. Find a good endocrinologist (I had a few who just told me to lose weight - one even told me if I lost the weight the PCOS would be gone - HAH I was diagnosed at 15 when I weighed 125 lbs!) who will work with you on controlling the insulin. Get on Metformin! Losing weight will help but until your insulin is under control you may regain that weight pretty quickly (I speak from experience)!

Take care,
Fran

Wait until you have insurance. Then, you'll want to go for a yearly physical. Let the Dr know that another Dr mentioned that you might have PCOS. Tell the new Dr that you are not worried about the fertility side of things right now, but rather the health side of things. PCOS isn't just a fertility problem, it's a health issue. You should have a complete blood work up. Testosterone, cholesterol, FSH, LH and insulin. Finally, one of the most common standard of treatments for a woman not ttc is to put her on the pill. There are other ways to treat it - mainly involving diet and exercise (and some would add in metformin).

Thanks so much guys. Sorry that I was slow to respond...was out of town for a while. I do appreciate your help! It's a lot to process. Be well.