PCOS - Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

C-Marie

I have PCOS....let me say it again because I still don't believe it myself...I have PCOS!

PCOS is also known as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome or Disease.

The symptoms of PCOS may include, but are by no means limited to:

  • Irregular or absent periods (long, short, lacking or never-ending)

  • Numerous cysts on the ovaries in many, but not all, cases (just because it says Cysts in the title, doesn't mean you have em!)

  • High blood pressure

  • Acne

  • Elevated insulin levels, Insulin Resistance, or Diabetes

  • Infertility

  • Excess hair on the face and body

  • Thinning of the scalp hair

  • Weight Problems or obesity that is centered around your mid section (you can also be thin and have PCOS)

Now...this may not sound like a big deal...but what if I told you that untreated you may never get pregnant?

That's reality for me right now and I'm hating it. I was diagnosed in November after having extremely long periods or months and months without a period. The other things like my belly fat and such I just contributed to "life" until I was diagnosed. Who ever thought having acne or thinnish hair was the symptoms of a disease?

You can get past all the other things, but when you aren't having regular cycles and may not be ovulating...your options of getting pregnant are out the window. No ovulation = no pregnancy.

Never fear, however, because there are treatments and medications for PCOS!

When trying to conceive with PCOS it may be as simple as losing 5-10lbs...surprisingly enough, this small amount of weight can do WONDERS for your body and your cycles.

Medications like Metformin can help you lose that weight you NEVER could lose by controlling your Insulin Resistance and may ever help you avoid ever becoming Diabetic.

Another medication like Clomid can help you Ovulate so you can get pregnant, if your body just won't co-operate.


Step 1: Visit your doctor if you think you have PCOS, and don't take no for an answer if they tell you its not real or you don't have it. Get a referral to an OBGYN or Endocrinologist if you aren't getting the answers you need, heck you might even ask for one anyone since you'll need an OB when you get pregnant! :)

Step 2: Get a Papsmear and then vaginal ultrasound to check for cysts and bloodwork to check your hormone levels. Hypo and Hyperthyroidism goes along with PCOS, so have that checked too!

Step 3: If your periods aren't starting, ask about a medication called Provera or Birth Control pills to jump start them, same if your periods don't stop by themselves or are extremely heavy/painful/clotty.

The best thing I ever did for myself once I was diagnosed was get a book called Taking Charge of Your Fertility , started carefully charting my cycles at www.fertilityfriend.com and joined a community of women with PCOS at www.soulcysters.net

Good luck and happy baby making!!!!!