I just wanted to pass on some information that I have learned in the last year. I feel it's important to share it here, because docs tend to misdiagnose another disease as PCOS.

I was diagnosed this year with Cushings Disease. It is a rare condition, but rare *I* think because docs don't like to diagnose it, not because it isn't out there. It mimics a LOT of symptoms of PCOS. And if docs don't do the right tests, they will miss it and/or misdiagnose it.

Now I'm not saying this to scare anyone, just to inform you. Infertility and miscarriage are huge with Cushings. I wish docs would test anyone who they THINK has PCOS for this disease. You need to see an endocrinologist to get this diagnosis. You need to have your cortisol and ACTH levels checked - both via blood and by urine. And just because some tests come up "normal" doesn't mean they are. There's something called "cyclical cushings" which means the symptoms cycle from highs to lows. You may test in a low period and get normal blood/urine tests. It's trying to find that "high" that's hard. Most docs don't know that though. You have to be your own advocate.

If anyone has any questions about this, think they have any of the signs or symptoms please talk to your doctor. If they won't listen - find another one. And feel free to pm me if you want more information or have other questions.

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I wanted to bump this up for any new people reading this board. I just recently had pituitary surgery to remove the tumor causing Cushings. I can already see and feel the differences. While I was dx with PCOS first and probably will always have it, the Cushings made it worse.

You make sure to get copies of all your labs. Don't go by one test alone to diagnose you or NOT diagnose you. Challenge the doctors because they do NOT always know it all. PCOS is easy enough for them to diagnose and then be done with you. Do not give up.

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