I have known for a while that there was something wrong with my body but I was always too scared to go to a doctor about it. I have always been very self concious of my body, I have been overweight pretty much my whole life and that seemed to keep me from visiting the doctor. When I started to lose my hair I knew I had to go. I have just about every symptom of PCOS overwieght, excessive hair (EVERYWHERE), hair loss (on my head), acne, irregular menstrual cycles, etc. I had been researching what these symptoms may mean and finally came to the conclusion that it has to be PCOS. I went to the doctor and she had me get a ultra sound and blood work done so she can diagnose me. I was wondering if there were any other tests I would have to go through in order to be completely diagnosed. I do not know anyone who has PCOS so i have no idea what to expect. SHould I see a specialist? I am also very nervous to have any sort of pelvic exam ( I have never even had a pap smear) because I have excessive hair growth down by my lady bits and a large clitoris, and find these to be very embarassing. If you could give me any sort of things to be expceted I would be very greatful. Like I said I don't know of anyone with this condition and it is an embarassing topic for me to talk about with anyone that I do know. My mom passed away when I was 2 and I definitely do not want to talk about it with my father!

Oh Melissa,

First off, good for you for going to the doctor! As someone who avoided doctors like the plague for years and years because I was scared of what they would think about my weight and my body, I want you to know that once you start going it really is okay even the dreaded pelvic exam. I told my doctor that I was really afraid of the pelvic and she asked me why. I said that I was really embarrassed. She said everyone feels that way even her and no matter what I was embarrassed about, doctors have already seen it and more. So don't worry about your lady bits! It was over in less than 2 minutes. The pelvic exam isn't necessary for the PCOS diagnosis, but it's important for you to have annually as a woman to make sure you stay healthy.

I also have PCOS and your doctor can diagnose you based on your tests and your symptoms. You deserve to be taken care of so I think it's fantastic that you are tackling this. As someone who waited years too long, the worry of wondering what's wrong with you to cause the symptoms is WAY worse that the couple of minutes of embarrassment you might feel getting examined. Please try not to stress out anymore. Everything is going to be okay.

While you do need a good overall exam, just an fyi, I didn't get naked for my diagnosis at all. Of course I went in because I had gained 20 pounds in under two weeks, and had all the other symptoms so maybe that was a dead give away. Anyway, we'd love to hear how things went. Good luck!!!

I don't think you'll need to get nekked or anything, because if there are hormonal problems blood work will check that out. You might wanna make sure that your MD has checked your testosterone levels, too, sometimes they forget. Put this into perspective too -- MDs have pretty much seen everything under the sun so what you have while scary to you is probably pretty run of the mill for them. And they won't remember your "lady bits" after you leave either cause there are tons of lady bits for them to see every single day. While you might be mortified, keep in mind that you aren't that different from what they see every day so it isn't weird for them.

Good for you for going, you deserve to be healthy! No need to be embarrassed about it, like everyone else has said, they have seen it all and then some! Remember that some symptoms of PCOS are treatable with medications, etc. and a diagnosis is the first step! Pat on the back to you for going, let us know how things are going!

You should not need a vaginal exam for diagnosis, but it is a good idea for all women to have them regularly. Once you are diagnosed maybe your regular doc can refer you to a gyno that deals with a lot of PCOS patients. Trust me, most of us have some serious amounts of hair in that area and a doc that is used to us would not think anything of it (not that other docs necessarily would). If you are diagnosed PCOS you will probably be given meds and told to try to lower your carb intake. The most common med is metformin, but there is a new one called januvia and there is also a combo med of those 2 called janumet. It is pretty new and not all docs are familiar with it yet, so mention it to the doc. You will be ok - read, learn, and fight!