Confused

[Rook]

I have a bit of something bothering me, as of a few hours ago.

I've had several tests done, to see if I have PCOS, and I have most of the symptoms. My mother has it, and my doctors said that there was a higher chance that I would be diagnosed with it as well. I went in for an ultrasound,
but the results showed that there were no cysts on my ovaries.

Is it possible to have all the other symptoms of PCOS, but not have cysts?

My mother wants to take me to see a gynecologist, but I'm terrified of someone examining me.

I have an appointment to see my regular doctor soon for other things. Should I bring it up with her, and ask what she thinks?

[FrumWithPCOS]

Yes, it's possible to have PCOS without cysts. They didn't even check me for cysts when I was diagnosed, because I have the hormonal symptoms.

I'll tell you the truth. When I first had a gyno-type test done, I was terrified. My regular doctor tried to do it for me, and she just could not get me to relax enough. She said that she could easily do the exam, but that it would be unnecessarily upsetting for me, and she didn't want to do that. Instead, she sent me to my gyno to get it done. She said that the gyno is more experienced, so it would be easier for me. I went to my gyno, and although it was uncomfortable, it was SO much better than it had been at my regular doctor. Not painful at all. When she finished, I actually said "Wait, that's it??"

I know the fear of going to the gyno. Been there, done that. And it makes sense to be nervous, especially if you've never been there before. But because it's their job, and they know exactly what they're doing, it can actually make things a lot easier...

Just my two cents.

[Rook]

Well, I've been before, when I was much younger, because of early symptoms of PCOS, and I just wondered if I'd be able to bring it up with my doctor about possibly having it, but not having cysts formed. Partially to make my mother cease her insisting of making me have tests done, and several different doctors not being able to exactly say that something is wrong, because they don't have all the results my mother wants to be sated.

[CathyB]

Rook - The cysts will come and go during your cycles so they aren't always there. It may not be necessary to see a gyno but and endo may be a better choice they are usually more familliar with PCOS. Or since your mother has it her doctor would make sense. I'm sorry you feel uncomfortable about it.

I personally have no shame at one of my exams they asked me if the trainy could sit in during the consultation and would leave during the actual exam well she didn't leave and they were like oh look at this as i'm lying on my back with my feet and stirrups. It was a little embarassing to say the least but it was fine because i choked with them and asked how the show was under the circus tent...

I find everything goes much better if you relax a little. The doctors do want to help most of the time and if your more relaxed they can usually help you better.

[sweetsunshine72]

In spite of it's name, you don't have to have the cysts in order to have PCOS. That's only one of many symptoms you can get. The other thing to keep in mind (and this may help your Mom, too) is that most often, PCOS is caused by Insulin Resistance. Insulin is a "master hormone" that is used to allow sugar from the blood to go into the cells for energy, and with IR, your cells become resistant to the insulin (think of a slow drain in your kitchen). To compensate, your body starts making more and more insulin, which affects your other hormone levels, too. The IR is also responsible for the weight gain/difficulty losing weight that most of us experience, too.

Take a good look at the FAQ's at the top of the board. It has some good info about IR, PCOS, and how to manage them.

Good luck!!! 8)