It's definitely genetic

[simplyn2deep]

Went to the Ob-GYN today.

It was very eye-opening and I'm glad I asked my regular dr to make the appt for me to see the Ob.

There is a very high possibility that I have PCOS.

There is an equally high possibility that my mom had it as well as my sister and my niece could have it as well.

Why?

Irregular or no periods.
Weight issues
Increase/decrease in hair

and other medical issues.

But before that.

The Ob said that the hormone levels that my regular dr said were "okay" are in fact higher than normal. She asked me about some other problems and I confirmed that I had been dealing with them for years and they are another "symptom" of PCOS.

So I've been prescribed 2 weeks of progesterone and on Feb 23 I'll have a biopsy for more testing.

So, those other sympotoms I mentioned:

Irregular or no periods: my mom said she was regular every month, bleeding for 3 or 4 days and by the 5th day she was done. then after she had me at 37/38, she no longer had her period. My sister said she was always irregular and started menopause in her 40s. My niece is also irregular but when she has it, it's for a long time (sister's words, I need to ask my niece)

Weight issues: My sister looks bigger than she is, but that's because of her large chest. My niece and are are both noticably bigger. We are the healthier eaters in the family but can't lose weight. My mom was big and also has a large chest. She's only recently lost weight because she drastically changed her eating habits when she moved 5 yrs ago. I am big, morbidedly obese, but it doesn't look it at all. Today when I got on the scale, I was 302 lbs, but I carry it very well.

Increase/decrease of hair: I have an increase of hair on my chin. It's not full on beard or anything, but a couple times a month I have to pluck hairs because they're noticable. My niece and sister's hairline are bad. It looks like they've worn hairstyles that pulled at their edges, but that's not the case...so I guess it's like a recceding hairline that really noticable.

So yeah. There's all of that.

Tomorrow I have a phone appt with a therapist at 2pm, then on the 20th I have a follow-up phone appt with the main dr. to discuss today's appt as well as tomorrow's therapy and how things went with the ultrasound and ophthalmologist last week.

I am so glad I have health insurance, even if it the basic one from the state.

Comments

[cmk418]

PCOS is somewhat common. I check all the boxes you ticked- irregular periods, weight issues, excess hair, as well as breakouts (whee). Didn't go the hormone route. I'm over 50 so don't have to worry about having kids, but if that's in your future there's probably some other things you'll need to do.

I did, however, have a biopsy after an ultrasound seemed a little abnormal. (Mom had a real nasty bout with endometrial cancer- she's fine now- but it had me worried). The one bit of advice I can tell you is to take painkillers about 30 minutes before your appointment time. My doc said "take them because some cramping will occur". "Some cramping" was an understatement- it'll feel like your uterus is fighting all comers. It doesn't last long, but in the moment, ow.

I hope it turns out well for you.

[simplyn2deep.livejournal.com]

PCOS is somewhat common.

I saw that when I was doing more research. The little infographic said it was common in girls/women ages 14-59 or something like that.

I go back and forth on whether I want to have biological children or not and my OB said I have about 7 years left but I don't want to be 45 having my first child. If that's how/when it happens, then so be it...it's just not something I'm aiming for.

The one bit of advice I can tell you is to take painkillers about 30 minutes before your appointment time.

This is interesting. You're the second person who has told me there would be some pain. The ob said "a little pain" and she said nothing about taking painkillers before.

I can handle pain, but I don't want to try to handle any from down there. Thankfully I have 650mg acetaminophen. I'll be sure to take that before.

[sharpiesgal.livejournal.com]

I'm glad things are looking up medically.

[simplyn2deep.livejournal.com]

Thank you. I'm glad that when I changed doctors, I found one that was open to taking my concerns seriously and that she welcomed me wanting second opinions.