Hi,
I know that I need to go see a doctor for an accurate diagnosis. I have many of the PCOS symptoms: apple-shaped obesity, hirsutism under my chin, adult acne and HS in my underarms. I am not on any prescription meds and my periods have always been regular. Are abnormal periods the most important indicator of PCOS? Could I have another disorder that causes similar symptoms?
TIA,
Pennie

Sounds like PCOS to me. It could be somthing else, but with that list of problems, I'd ask about PCOS first.

Of course, as you said, you'll have to verify with a doctor, but it sounds like it to me. I have the diagnosis, all the symptoms, and cysts on my ovaries, but my blood tests don't reflect PCOS. Go figure. It's all these variants that make it so difficult to treat.

Good luck to you.

Have your doctor check for Cushing's Syndrome aka Cushing's Disease:
http://health.nytimes.com/health/gui.../overview.html
Symptoms include:
Abdomen that sticks out and thin arms and legs (central obesity)
Acne or skin infections
Collection of fat on the back of the neck (buffalo hump)
Depression
Diabetes
Easy bruising
Excessive facial hair growth in females
Headache
Impotence
Increased urination
Moon face (round, red, and full)
Osteoporosis
Purple stretch marks on the abdomen, thighs, and breasts
Stopping of menstruation
Weakness
Weight gain

Worth having a look, no?

Kira

Hi,

You do not need to have ALL the symptoms of PCOS to have it. I do not have the acne and all of a sudden, for the last 6 months or so, my period has been regular, like clockwork (knock on wood) for the 1st time EVER in my entire life! So I'd say most likely you do have it, I am no dr so like you said, best to verify it with a dr, because some of the symptoms can be the same as others.......

Good Luck!

my periods were always regular until I was 40 and everything went nuts - didn't know I had pcos till after my hysterectomy - the doc said the puzzle pieces finally fit - my ovaries were a mess
can't count how many invasive procedures I endured in an attempt to see my ovaries before that, bleck
oh yeah, I have 4 kids too - a real miracle

kt

I have had regular periods my whole life, since I first started having them. I have all the other symptoms of PCOS, and I have a confirmed diagnosis with a blood test. That just goes to show that we all experience a different combination of symptoms. I recommend you check it out, because I can tell you that, now that I am seeing results from treatment (after 2 long years), it is all worth it because I feel better about myself and I'm healthier. Good luck!

I have regular periods and have PCOS.