Well i am new to this board here but have been a part of March 07 for a while now.
Well here is a bit of a background ever since having my son i have never felt quite myself so at first i wrote it off as being my hormones getting back to normal, then i rode it off to breastfeeding, then my IUD, had the IUD removed and after a few more months of feeling not myself i began to do some research and came across alot of information on hormonal imbalances and such! So i called my OB's office and made an appt, had all types of bloodwork drawn and they called me today saying that i had PCOS! Man i am quite upset over it, i was hoping it wasn't since it is a bit more serious than just a hormonal imbalance. I am nervous about this and my future. I know i should just take it easy but i can help but think about it.
I am not going in until Aug. 1st and will find out more then but i am also a bit excited about getting an answer!
The doctor said my hormones weren't too out of control, but the biggest concern were my insulin levels.
So what should i expect at my next appt? What kind of treatment?

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Hi, and welcome! I'm sorry about your diagnosis, but I have to say, a diagnosis of PCOS is one of the most benign diagnosis to get . . . it is easily treatable, people with PCOS can and do get pregnant all the time, and if you receive proper long-term treatment, you can alleviate any possible side effects to your health in the long term.

The first line of defense is usually metformin. You definitely want to be on this medicine - all the time, not just when ttc. It is what helps keep your hormones in check and prevent long-term health problems. I've been on metformin now for almost 10 years. I'm staying on it through my pregnancy (it reduces the risk of miscarriage and gestational diabetes), and will keep taking it while breastfeeding.

If metformin alone doesn't work (and I'm guessing if you went this long without really awful symptoms/problems causing you to go to a dr you have a relatively mild case, which is a good thing!) then Clomid is usually the next step. About 30% of women can get pregnant after just starting metformin. Something like 65% of women will get pregnant on Clomid alone. Some women just won't ovulate even on Clomid, but most will. And I believe the percentage goes up with a Clomid/Metformin combination. Those are pretty good odds with very little intervention!

Try not to stress about PCOS. No one wants to hear that something is "wrong" but it really is the most common problem, and I know tons of women (including me!) who are pregnant with PCOS. I think PCOS never upset me because I got the diagnosis when I was 12, and I was always told it would be no problem to have a family if I just got a little help. I actually ovulate really well the first few months off of bcps, too, so sometimes people will go on the pill for a few months, then go off and try for a few months with only metformin, and that can really make a big difference.

Good luck! Hang in there . . . PCOS is not a death sentence to the fertilty journey, but it may mean you have to treat it!

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Oh - metformin can be a bit tough on your stomach. The key is starting slow . . . just 500 mg/day for 1-2 weeks until you adjust, then add the next 500 mg and wait another 1-2 weeks then add the last 500 mg/day until you adjust. If you start slowly and ease in to full dose, you will get used to it! The other thing to consider is taking the metformin XR version . . . it only needs to be taken 1x/day and has fewer side effects. I switched to that about 5 years ago.

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I'm sorry to hear about your diangoses of PCOS, it's hard to handle at first and can be very frustrating. I was diagnosed with PCOS 15 years ago. I personally do not have an insulin problem, so I can't really help you there. But talk to your doctor to see what they think is best for you for what you are wanting.

Metformin is not always the answer, but in your case it'll probably help. You can find lots of information on taking Metformin for PCOS and a good place to start is at:

Metformin for PCOS: Discover the Benefits and Side Effects of Glucophage.

Metformin (Glucophage) for polycystic ovary syndrome

Good Luck!

Hey, I didn't see this until now! I was diagnosed w/ PCOS in April 2008, so am relatively new to it as well. I was extremely upset about it when I first found out, but after hearing how many other women have it and live with it and are able to treat it, I've felt better. You're appointment will probably tell you a lot of the things TKeys told you and things you can research on the internet. I'm on metformin, and feel much better on it--better than i've felt in a long time!! Good luck and post back if you have more PCOS questions--someone will know the answer.

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I'd also like to be a resource if needed. I was a regular on this board when we were TTC two years ago. The women I met here were a huge support for me. We were all able to have healthy babies. I wanted to check in here just to remind you all that it is possible. Our son is now 8 mo. old. He's the baby I thought we'd never have. Hang in there and educate yourselves. My experience was that I was often educating the doc's about pcos (that was until I saw a RE). Good luck and feel free to ask/say anything on your mind.

Debbie

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Debbie
ttc #1 since 1/2006
Dx PCOS: 7/2006
Metformin 1500mg
January 2007: Clomid 50 mg + =
November 5, 2007 Andrew was born!