Hi all,

I was diagnosed with PCOS by a gynechologist when I was 16, and the only treatment that he ever wanted to give me was birth control. I eventually gave up on seeing him when I went to college because he wasn't helping, so I've been without treatment for several years. A couple of years ago I was diagnosed with Congestive Heart Failure, so I didn't want to take birth control because of the added risks. Now I want to be able to treat my PCOS, but I'm not sure what kind of doctor I should try to find. Just a gynechologist? A endocrinologist? Who would be most helpful in trying to regulate the PCOS? Thanks for your help!

An endocrinologist will at least have more training in heart failure (it's a subspecialty of Internal Medicine), which I think would be important in managing those two conditions at the same time. But probably having a strong and fully current interest in PCOS management is more important than the underlying specialty.

Endocrinologist is who you want to see for the PCOS but you will probably need an endo AND a cardiologist to be safe!

Oh yes, I in no way meant to imply no cardiologist. Just that an endocrinologist will better understand the impact of your heart disease (and it's treatment) upon your PCOS and its treatment, and vice versa. They have each completed a three year general Internal Medicine residency, including diseases in each other's specialty, before going on to subspecialize.

Thanks, all! I already have a cardiologist whom I see every six months, but now that my heart problems are being treated, I'd like to manage the PCOS as well. I'm just a little discouraged that the nearest endocrinologist is in a city about an hour and a half from where I live. I'm sure that being so inconveniently far away will make it more difficult to treat me.

I see an endoc.

I'd start there, but explore your family practices too. Some GP's can be pretty knowledgeable. Maybe then you can spread the endoc visits out and see the GP in between?

A.

My family doctor diagnosed me ... but also sent me to see a specialist to get a second opinion. I am very happy with how my regular doctor has handled trying to find options that will work for me ( I can not take birth control pills either ) so she is doing everyhing in her power to continue to search for more natural solutions. I have another appt with the specialist in a few weeks ... but I just advise you to keep trying different doctors til you are happy with one that is willing to work with you. I'm sure many of us on this board will admit to the fact that sometimes doctors are a little oblivious to this condition and don't diagnose it right away or brush it off.

Also, your primary doctor might be willing to handle most follow-up care after an initial consultation with an endo if he/she gives good recommendations.

Just wanted to add I got lucky and my gyno has been the one I've seen for years on my pcos, she has been very good... So there are some out there... the reproductive doc we saw before my ds was a pcos "specialist" but told me out and out that I was too fat and helping me would be akin to malpractice. she told me metformin and southbeach might end up allowing pregnancy so I should use alternate bc - uh yeah I didn't and we ended up with ds

I also am being treated by OB/GYN. He has tons of experience treating women with PCOS though, and I have had good results with him. I'm hoping by watching what I eat it will control the symptoms. This month I had no cysts on my ovaries, and that is the first time that has happened. So I'm thinking losing weight is good for PCOS.