Anyone ever heard of PCOS???

[lizmolik]

I was wondering if anyone here has PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) and how it effects you?

[mood4amelody]

What do the initials stand for, Liz? Just the acronym isn't striking any cords for me tonight. :confused:

[wbarker]

I was wondering if anyone here has PCOS and how it effects you?

I have a friend who has it, and I know it is challenging, but she is taking shots or a prescription for it. Sorry I don't know much more about it! I know she and her husband are trying to conceive, and they are having a hard time because of it - but with help from the doctors, their chances are much better!

[momsangel]

What are the symptoms of PCOS?
Women with PCOS may have some of the following symptoms:

No menstrual period, infrequent menses and/or irregular bleeding
Infrequent or absent ovulation
Increased levels of male hormones
Infertility
Cystic ovaries
Enlarged ovaries
Chronic pelvic pain
Obesity or weight gain
Insulin resistance, overproduction of insulin and diabetes
Abnormal lipid levels
High blood pressure
Excess body hair
Baldness or thinning hair
Acne/oily skin/seborrhea
Back to Top

Why do some people call it polycystic ovarian disease and others call it polycystic ovary syndrome?
The terms polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and polycystic ovarian disease (PCOD) are commonly used interchangeably. We prefer to use the term polycystic ovary syndrome because it more accurately reflects the complex signs, symptoms and nature of this condition, namely that of a "syndrome." Syndrome is the favored term because it alludes to the varied signs and symptoms but does not imply a precise cause of the condition - as for PCOS the exact cause has yet to be determined. This definition is in contrast to that of a "disease," which commonly implies a specific cause for the condition.

[momsangel]

are the effects of PCOS?
Although PCOS can cause difficulty getting pregnant, its effects go far beyond fertility. A few good examples of these far-reaching effects include hirsutism (hair growth), insulin resistance, heart disease risk factors and even uterine cancer. This list is far from complete, but we can review these few examples here in order to give you some idea of the importance of seeking treatment for PCOS long before you desire pregnancy.

Hirsutism is the excess growth of coarse dark hair in a predominantly male pattern. Women affected by PCOS commonly experience hirsutism due to increased levels of the male hormones called androgens. The longer a women with PCOS goes untreated the more severe her hirsutism will become.

Insulin resistance is a condition common to PCOS in which the tissues of the body become less responsive to the hormone insulin. If left untreated, the body may become so unresponsive to insulin that it develops a type of diabetes. If diagnosed appropriately, there are treatments available that can prevent the progression to diabetes.

Heart disease risk factors are more common in women with PCOS. Women affected by PCOS are frequently overweight, have increased levels of androgens and may have insulin resistance, elevated cholesterol and high blood pressure. With proper attention these risk factors can be treated; however, if left untreated they can increase the woman's risk of heart disease.

One final example of the far-reaching effects of PCOS, beyond that of fertility, is the rare complication of uterine cancer. Women with PCOS can often go great lengths of time without a menstrual period. When this occurs the inside lining of their uterus, called the endometrium, is exposed to the hormone estrogen for long periods of time without a break. This can lead to a condition of disorganized cell growth within the endometrium. If left untreated this disorganized cell growth can develop into cancer of the uterus. With appropriate medical treatment this can be prevented in almost all cases. Having said this, it is very important that we stress that it is not the period itself that prevents endometrial cancer. Rather, it is exposure of the uterine lining to the hormone progesterone - which is commonly lacking in women with PCOS. Appropriate treatment to prevent uterine cancer will include a progesterone-like medication.



Hope this helps some

[lizmolik]

What do the initials stand for, Liz? Just the acronym isn't striking any cords for me tonight. :confused:

I changed it for ya! Sorry about that!

[mood4amelody]

I changed it for ya! Sorry about that!

Thanks, Liz!! Still, I wouldn't have been any help. If it weren't for Mary, I'd still be in the dark. Thanks, Mary!!! That was really great of you! :)

[bvanpeltsw]

My DR thought I had PCOS last year, but the only symptom I have is missed periods. I had to go through an ultrasound and that came back negative for ovarian cysts.

I researched it a lot when the DR told me about it. The DR told me that it might make it more difficult for me to ever have kids. I was just really overwhelmed by everything that I read.

[momsangel]

Thanks, Liz!! Still, I wouldn't have been any help. If it weren't for Mary, I'd still be in the dark. Thanks, Mary!!! That was really great of you! :)

Just trying to be helpful,hope it was!

[mood4amelody]

Just trying to be helpful,hope it was!

HUGS!!!! You bet it was!! :)

[gatito]

I HOPE THIS INFO HELP YA !!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pcos

[laf76]

My sister (deceased) had PCOS. She had the weight gain, facial hair that had to be waxed, her body seemed to "bulk up" with muscle. She had to go on birth control pills just to have periods. They were awful periods. She was always made fun of for her weight. She did not have diabetes but had to take medicine for having insulin resistance. Her body did not process her insulin correctly. She did not die from PCOS. She died after a botched gastric bypass surgery at age 32 (2004).

[GeorgiaMom]

My sister (deceased) had PCOS. She had the weight gain, facial hair that had to be waxed, her body seemed to "bulk up" with muscle. She had to go on birth control pills just to have periods. They were awful periods. She was always made fun of for her weight. She did not have diabetes but had to take medicine for having insulin resistance. Her body did not process her insulin correctly. She did not die from PCOS. She died after a botched gastric bypass surgery at age 32 (2004).

That is so sad. It sounds like your sister definitely had a lot to contend with in the short time she was here. I just hope that she was having the gastric bypass for herself and not as a result of other people's insensitive remarks about something it seems she had no control over. And hopefully the doctor who botched the surgery is forced to own up to his mistakes.

[mood4amelody]

My sister (deceased) had PCOS. She had the weight gain, facial hair that had to be waxed, her body seemed to "bulk up" with muscle. She had to go on birth control pills just to have periods. They were awful periods. She was always made fun of for her weight. She did not have diabetes but had to take medicine for having insulin resistance. Her body did not process her insulin correctly. She did not die from PCOS. She died after a botched gastric bypass surgery at age 32 (2004).

HUGS!! :( I'm sorry.

[laf76]

That is so sad. It sounds like your sister definitely had a lot to contend with in the short time she was here. I just hope that she was having the gastric bypass for herself and not as a result of other people's insensitive remarks about something it seems she had no control over. And hopefully the doctor who botched the surgery is forced to own up to his mistakes.

No. Around these areas, a high-up doctor at a hospital can pay off lawyers not to take the case. Happens all the time.

[MandMnmbr3]

I was wondering if anyone here has PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) and how it effects you?

Liz our daughter Theresa who will be 22 tomorrow has POCS. She has suffered with it for almost 5 years. She takes prescription Motrin for it when her pain gets really bad. She was told she may have trouble conceiving when she marries and tries to get pregnant, and she might have to be put on Clomid. She said if that was the case, she'd adopt.

She goes for a few months and doesn't have any problems then she will have a really bad cycle where she is literally in bed for a full day.

[MandMnmbr3]

My sister (deceased) had PCOS. She had the weight gain, facial hair that had to be waxed, her body seemed to "bulk up" with muscle. She had to go on birth control pills just to have periods. They were awful periods. She was always made fun of for her weight. She did not have diabetes but had to take medicine for having insulin resistance. Her body did not process her insulin correctly. She did not die from PCOS. She died after a botched gastric bypass surgery at age 32 (2004).

So sorry to hear about your sister.

[StaceyD]

I have PCOS. I have extremely irregular periods, will have trouble conceiving when the time comes, gain weight like crazy, extra hair...ugh! But you do not neccesarily have to have the cysts on your ovaries to have PCOS.

[mood4amelody]

No. Around these areas, a high-up doctor at a hospital can pay off lawyers not to take the case. Happens all the time.

I feel so awful for you! I know that when you are legally and ethically in the right, and the system just doesn't help or protect you in the way it's supposed to be obligated to do, you feel so horribly violated and vulnerable, and everything just seems so futile. HUGS!!! Too many times, we have to just settle for the satisfaction of knowing that someone is really gonna burn in Hell for what they did or didn't do when they had the chance to act. It's not much, but I guess in this life, that's all we're gonna get. Your sis must have been a really great person for God to have to bring her back early and get her out of this really messed up world & into His arms.

Also, thanks for speaking up. That must have been really difficult to share with all of us, and I so think you're awesomely brave!!

[rebate queen]

I feel so awful for you! I know that when you are legally and ethically in the right, and the system just doesn't help or protect you in the way it's supposed to be obligated to do, you feel so horribly violated and vulnerable, and everything just seems so futile. HUGS!!! Too many times, we have to just settle for the satisfaction of knowing that someone is really gonna burn in Hell for what they did or didn't do when they had the chance to act. It's not much, but I guess in this life, that's all we're gonna get. Your sis must have been a really great person for God to have to bring her back early and get her out of this really messed up world & into His arms.

Also, thanks for speaking up. That must have been really difficult to share with all of us, and I so think you're awesomely brave!!
How nicely said Lynne!! I know so many people that you should speak for!!!!:)

[lizmolik]

Okay, I left on my trip for court, and didnt even get a chance to get back with anyone on the subject...so sorry! The reason why I asked if anyone knew anything about it, is because after I had my baby, my gynocologist diagnosed me with this...I struggled to know what was wrong with me my whole life, and finally figured out what it was...They told me when I had my first gyno appt. when I was 17 that I would not be able to have kids...I was like why and they talked about my hormones being screwed up and all of that...Well, Thinking I would never have kids I NEVER went on birth control...When I was 20 years old, I thought I had some personaly problems (that I cannot discuss on here), and I went to another gyno, and they said that by taking birth control I would regulate my periods...So I did! I took them for about 3 months and saw no change, and then stopped 3 months later, I found out I was prego...The pills got me prego!!! I was actually Happy cause I was told I would not be able to have kids...well anyways...After my son was born I talked to my gyno about the problems I was still having...and had, had since before I got prego, and was diagnosed with PCOS...I have facial hair, mood swings, irregular periods, rapid weight gain, and everything along with it...I was wondering how everyone deals with all of these problems...The hair thing is getting to be more and more everyday, I find hair everywhere it shouldn't be, and cant get it to go away...any suggestions??? What about the mood swings...how do you deal with them...is there any meds that you take to deal with it? Is there a weight solution to regulate your diet...I have a crummy gyno, and she dont tell too much to me, so I am going to ask all of you for help, I hope that is okay! TIA! :)

[StaceyD]

I am currently having laser hair removal done on my face because I was so embarrased about it. But I know alot of women with PCOS that shave or wax the hair regularly.

[lizmolik]

I am currently having laser hair removal done on my face because I was so embarrased about it. But I know alot of women with PCOS that shave or wax the hair regularly.

How much does it cost for the face hair removal surgery...mine is not bad, but it gets old tweezing...lol! I would like to just not deal with it...I would like to save up a little money for it, but have never checked the cost of it!

[VanillaBean]

Liz it costs and sometimes you need more than one treatment to keep it gone

[lizmolik]

Liz it costs and sometimes you need more than one treatment to keep it gone

I know it will cost a lot, but I am hoping one day, I might be able to get it done...It is really hard to deal with this...I can deal with a lot of the other things...but when you have this, there is nothing that works...I have to use tweasers all the time, and it is so painful... I have tried hair remover from the store, and that dont work at all for it...It is just so embarrasing, and I cant help it, I wonder what other routes I could go??? I am not shaving it, that is for sure...lol! :)

[VanillaBean]

I tweeze- Daniel does it for me- hes so sweet- and loves me even though I have black hair on my chin and jaws

[VanillaBean]

We should talk hun--sometime- I know this is rough for you...I can sympathize

[lizmolik]

I tweeze- Daniel does it for me- hes so sweet- and loves me even though I have black hair on my chin and jaws

LOL, My fiancee' is the same way, I will ask him...Baby, did I miss a spot, or does it look okay?? He just tells me the truth, so I know he has to love me! We have suck sweet fiancee's hunh? :)

[VanillaBean]

the best ever... Daniel will see me trying to get one and say- "um- my job- let me do it"...cus he can see them better than me......

[lizmolik]

the best ever... Daniel will see me trying to get one and say- "um- my job- let me do it"...cus he can see them better than me......

LOL! He loves ya! You cant beat that...it is the little things in life that let you know that someone cares for ya! I always shave my fiancee's head...he is balding and always shaves it, so I do that for him, so he dont miss spots, so I try to return the favor...lol!

[VanillaBean]

omg so do I!!!!! lol- too cute- and I prefer him shaved...looks very s e x y

[lizmolik]

omg so do I!!!!! lol- too cute- and I prefer him shaved...looks very s e x y

LOL, cant resist a man with a bald head...I always have had a thing for that...I think that is what attracted him to me! I like it when it is first shaved, it is so smooth...lol...Okay, I wont go further...lol :)

[VanillaBean]

Daniel shaved his last night..he likes for me to put lotion on it for him...I swear he starts drooling lol..ok now I need to stop

[lizmolik]

Daniel shaved his last night..he likes for me to put lotion on it for him...I swear he starts drooling lol..ok now I need to stop

LOL! Yup! I hear ya! :)

[jenniferlm]

Pcos can be complicated. I'm 36 years old and I was just diagnosed with pcos last year however I have had most of the symptoms for as long as i can remember. I would tell my gynecologist numerous times about how I had facial hair,acne,irregular periods,weight gain issues, mood swings etc...and all they would want to do was to put me on birth control to regulate the symptoms I was having and not do any tests to see what the real problem was. Last year i went to an endocrinologist to get treated for osteoporosis and after asking me just a few questions she asked me if I had ever been diagnosed with pcos. She did a simple hormone panel on me which consisted of a blood test and my hormone levels came back out of whack with a ratio of 3 to 1 which means I have pcos. What ****es me off is that I should've had the test years ago. Gynocologists are not good at diagnosing pcos or treating it.If they acknowledge it at all...they only want to put a bandaid on it by treating the symptoms with birth control instead of treating the underlying cause.The endocrinologist informed me about a few things and i also have learned a few things. 1. You do not have to have cysts on your ovaries to have the diagnosis of pcos.The diagnosis is based on your hormone levels and if they are not only too high or too low but what their ratio is to each other. I do not have cysts on my ovaries but I do have pcos as indicated by my labs. 2. Pcos is almost always caused by an insulin resistance issue.That doesn't mean that you have diabetes, just that your body is not processing insulin well and you are at a greater risk for developing diabetes later on. 3. You can be thin and still have pcos and pcos symptoms.I was diagnosed after I lost 135 pounds and was maintaining a healthy weight. You can conceive if you have pcos. I have been blessed with a 13 year old daughter. My endocrinologist immediately started me on diabetes medicine (even though i currently do not have diabetes) to treat the pcos. She also started me on a medication that lowers testosterone and helps regulate hormones. After only 3 months she redid the hormone panel and my hormones levels had already improved.My periods became regular,my mood improved, acne improved and the best thing was that the facial hair decreased dramatically. The point of this post is that if you have or think you have pcos please see and get treated by an endocrinologist as they are the best ones qualified to treat this and you don't have to suffer from the symptoms.

[StaceyD]

How much does it cost for the face hair removal surgery...mine is not bad, but it gets old tweezing...lol! I would like to just not deal with it...I would like to save up a little money for it, but have never checked the cost of it!

It cost me about $1500 for 7 treatments.

[lizmolik]

It cost me about $1500 for 7 treatments.

OMG...I would have to save for years the rate I am going...Do they really work???

[VanillaBean]

It cost me about $1500 for 7 treatments.



OMG :eek: - think I will stick to letting my honey tweeze me! Makes him feel needed and I get them gone.....:)