New member w/ Questions + PCOS

If you haven't had your blood sugar checked yet, you might have your doctor look for insulin resistance. I have had PCOS for years and my understanding is that they have finally figured out some stuff only in the last three or four years. They are now treating PCOS (they never treated mine - just said oh, you have PCOS) with glucophage or generic metformin. Had I got on the metformin sooner, I might have staved off the diabetes I got hit with two months after surgery. The PCOS isn't really and ovarian disease as much as the ovaries are affected by the disease. My docs explanation. So removing the ovaries changes the balance of hormones, and insulin being a hormone produced by the liver?? , it might affect your symptoms but will not erase them. The hair on my chin is worse than ever since my LAVH, BSO in July 05. Did anyone else who has PCOS have the discoloration of large skin sections? I had them with both pregnancies. They have a name, but I cannot recall it. Good luck to you.

Actually, I think one of the first things my dr. checked was my insulin -she mentioned the Metformin - but it came back in the normal range, I guess, because she said I didn't need it. Years ago I was on Glucophage/Metformin and Spironolactone with a different dr., an endocrinologist, too; I didn't stay on either very long because I didn't think the dr. was paying attention to all he should have been in monitoring it, and I also broke out in hives from taking the Spironolactone. Now, later, I wonder if it was something I ate that caused the hives. Just one more example, I guess, of how he wasn't paying attention. And if my current dr. said I didn't need it now, then did I back then???
It's quite difficult to monitor/treat this PCOS.
Casey

PCOS is very difficult for Dr's to treat, because it doesn't affect each woman the same way. They still don't know what causes it, but they are thinking that it may start with the pituitary gland, which sends out the signal chemicals for the hormones. Insulin is made in the pancreas, androgens are made in the adrenal glands.

Jmbob, have you had your androgen levels checked?

s,
Kay

Hello,
I had my surgery when I was 51 and wish I would have had it done years ago. It's been a new lease on life for me.

The HRT (estrogen patch estradiol) works well for me and if up to me hope my doctor continues to prescribe it to me for a long, long time.

I know alot of older women who have had hysterectomies and are in their 80's. So many of us are having hysterectomies it's almost seeming like it's the norm now. How insane is that?

I have not gained weight, have lost. I'm able to be much more physically active now so have been walking every day for over 2 years now.

I think just the physical activity, watching diet and weight, not smoking, will definitely help with cardio. There are so many conflicting reports about hrt and heart health that I'm just taking the approach of having to do all you can to keep yourself healthy.

My surgery was a very positive outcome. Good luck.

Hi Casey,

I'm sorry, I missed your question about the hormone creams earlier. I use a bio-identical bi-estrogen cream and a separate progesterone cream. They are compounded by a pharmacist. Here is some information about compounded hormones: Estrogen Choices: Compounded Estrogens and another link for :How to Find a Compounding Pharmacy

Hope this helps.

S,
Kay