Girlie: I know what you mean about the medical people. Very few of them know what PCOS is, and some of them, even some doctors, don't believe it to be a true syndrome or disease condition. I had one female gyno who told me to my face that PCOS did not exist, that there was bound to be variation in fertility between women, and some were just "naturally" sterile while others were "superfertile." She completely dismissed all evidence of any other symptoms, and dissed me when I mentioned heart disease. This was only 8 years ago.

Many times I have had to educate a medical professional about PCOS, doctors and especially nurses. They just have no clue at all. And there really isn't much data at all on non-fertility issues of PCOS, because there isn't much money in it. In fact I've had 3 or 4 gynos try to get me on either fertility drugs or B.C., they didn't care which, just to get the insurance money flowing. The last one I went to wanted me on HRT even though I had no real difficulty with menopause, I'm having regular periods, and I do not have endometriosis and have never had any signs of that condition. This was just before the Women's Health Initiative blew the whistle on the HRT studies.

Never forget that medicine is a business like any other, and most doctors are mainly concerned with the bottom line. There are very few saints in the field, just ordinary people trying to make a living. Question everything they tell you, and don't hesititate to get a second opinion-- NOT someone recommended by the 1st doctor, that will be his best golfing buddy. I'm sorry to have sound so cynical, but the reality is, IMO, you have to defend yourself, and insist on the best care.

Just my two cents, the endo IMO is actually the best person for diagnosing PCOS because that is their area of speciality. It is the endrocrine system and all of its intricacies that is problematic for PCOS - hormone related which falls in the land of the endo. Quite a complex field of study. Gynies can certainly assist and are also knowledgeable and can diagnose and treat and certainly are the specialists with the fertility issues. Where I live, we have both specialists work together rather in isolation to benefit the patient. What an awesome concept. Rather than compartimentalizing people with one person looking at your uterus and the other testing your blood for hormones, they put their heads together and try and do what is best for the whole person. I have seen both specialists separately and then requested collaboration and that worked for me. I think it is a more humane way of dealing with people. At any rate, regarding having a family - don't despair yet. I have two lovely children despite PCOS. It took a little while to get them, I had a couple of losses and the pregnancies were a little bit tricky but it is possible. You will find the support you need and your pharmacist friend's gynie will hopefully provide you with some answers that you need. Good luck! Keep us posted...

Jenaya

Hello Girlie,

Aww! I am sorry you are feeling so uncomfortable with your specialist. You know, I have worked with these guys for years and what I can tell you is that some of these folks are so intellectually wise that they are socially ******ed. It is not you - it is them. If you can remember that, it may make it easier for you. If, however, you are feeling so threatened it is probably wise for you to find someone you feel more comfortable with and that you can talk to. I am very assertive when it comes to my healthcare and I demand respect. I refuse to allow anyone to demean me or render me a portion of my body (ie a uterus, an ovary, a heart, etc). I am a complete person and expect to be treated like one. To empower yourself, remember that you know you best. These specialists are in business because of you and should be honored that you have chosen to be referred to them. List your questions, look them in the eye and demand respect. Treat them the same as you would anyone you meet because they are no different than you and I, they just have a job to do and some knowledge that you need. They are sons/daughters/moms/dads, etc. And, many are jacka**es despite it all. They are the same as the people who pump your gas, pack your groceries, teach your children, work on our highways, govern the country, counsel you during sad times, serve the country, greet you at WalMart, etc. etc. We are all the same - born the same, die the same and no one is better than anyone else. Can you tell I get passionate about this? No one should ever be made to feel threatened or intimidated when discussing something as personal as their health. I wish you well and I will send you all my good wishes. You are so wise to search out all the information you can. I look forward to hearing how you make out. I hope your next visit with this specialist, if you have one, goes much better. Just remember, you are the best judge of you. Good luck!

Jenaya

Hi Girlie!

If you go to www.about.com and type in Thyroid, it will take you to Mary Shoman's thyroid forum. In that forum, you can choose an area called "Top
Doc's". There you will find some of the best and kindest doctors from all around the country, many of them are endrocronologist's. There's certainly no need to put up with a doctor who's a jerk!
Julie