PCOS is a metabolic and hormonal condition. It is diagnosed through blood testing, not ultrasound. You don't actually have to have cysts on your ovaries to have PCOS.
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PCOS is a metabolic and hormonal condition. It is diagnosed through blood testing, not ultrasound. You don't actually have to have cysts on your ovaries to have PCOS.
The sonographer can't actually diagnose for you as they are only doing the testing ... You really need the dr to look at ALL the data and work out what's going on.
Hmm this is interesting then. My fs said I have pcos because of my ultrasound and irregular periods and hence lack of ovulation. My hormones had come back fine. How confusing.
Anyway I have digressed from Tashie! Sorry!
Definitely don't have PCOS then, because blood tests said no. I didn't have an u/s until my HyCoSy I think anyway, and blood testing was wayyy before that.:
My FS told me that I have PCOS. But the only symptoms I have are very irregular cycles, light AF and bloating. I have no physical symptoms and I don't think I have insulin resistance. (FS never ordered tests for it because he didn't suspect)
Plus all my blood tests came back relatively normal.
Tashie, can't add anything more than what all the other ladies have already said :)
To have PCOS - the syndrome - you must have excess androgens in your blood. The excess androgens cause things like hirsutism and acne, male pattern balding, etc. You do not have to have insulin resistance, although many women with PCOS do. The person to speak to about PCOS is an endocrinologist.
N2L, do you know if having crazy amounts of follicles (20+) on each ovary is select to PCOS sufferers? Or can you have lots of follies and not have it?
Yes you can Tasha. It's only when you have the hormonal and metabolic issues that it is pcos.
Polycystic ovaries are different. (polycystic means, literally, lots of cysts).
Oh ok. Do you think that FS throw the word pcos around a bit more than it should? On my first visit to the FS he sent me home with a PCOS booklet. Or maybe to them it's more like pco/pcos it's all the same :dunno:
Honestly I wouldnt like to say Tash. I am guessing your FS did blood tests and is going by them.
They are very distinct things though.
Here is a link to a PCOS Association booklet which may be helpful. Page 4 explains the difference.
http://main.posaa.asn.au/files/DrEden_Chapter_1.pdf
Thanks :)
Very helpful resource N2L. Thanks for that.
Thank you all guys =] an yes as I know that it is great to get advice I'm so thankful
And Lenny yes I know I will be talking to my GP =] I just wanted to get some advice before my appointment on Monday =]
My sister has PCOS and she needed IVF that's why I was asking =]