[pisces_ girl]

Hello Ladies!

I have been dealing with an absent period and hirsutism for the past 10ish years. I have never been diagnosed with PCOS, but with those 2 symptoms I feel like I probably have it. These 2 symptoms are the only 2 that I have that match the PCOS symptoms. While on the HCG diet, I had a period, ovulated and am now 9w1d pregnat!!! Woo Hoo!!!!

Ok, now I am paranoid, that if I indeed do have PCOS are my chances for m/c higher? And if so, when does m/c typically happen with PCOS? Still 1st trimester? I had 1st u/s at 8w and hb 167 and Doctor said everything looked great, and when I mentioned PCOS he didn't engage in the conversation.

I will call him first thing on Monday, but wanted to know what any thoughts are?

Thanks!!

[scubagirl80]

Congrats on your pregnancy! I agree that your symptoms could be signs of pcos. Of course, there is no definite way to tell without tests. I would bring it up to your doctor again.

As far as pcos and m/c goes, unfortunately we do have a higher rate of m/c than your average woman. However, this does not mean that you will definitely m/c!!! Many women with undiagnosed pcos have 1,2,3 children without even realizing they have the syndrome. This is really a syndrome that effects women completely differently. The fact that you are 9 weeks pregnant already and things are going well is an extremely good sign! However, you still may want to talk to your doctor about the concerns. And if s/he does not listen, make them listen. Being on a medication called Metformin can lower m/c rates in pcos women quite substantially (to pretty much the same rate as women w/o pcos). I don't know if they can start you on Met while pregnant or not, because most women I know start prior to pregnancy...but it's definitely worth having that talk. But again-to restate-having pcos does not guarantee a m/c. Have your doctors checked your progesterone levels at all? Many women with pcos also have problems with too low progesterone. Even if you aren't diagnosed yet, you still might want them to check that level.

Congrats again on your pregnancy

p.s. If you do have pcos, try to stay off the web. Like anything else, the web gives you all sorts of info, including worse case scenarios. I find it especially helpful to avoid doing research on the web during pregnancy and getting my info straight from doctors.

[pisces_ girl]

Apparently pregnant brain can not spell pregnant today..
Thanks scubagirl!! I will talk to my Doc Monday morning and see about running some hormone levels. Also, I agree about staying off of the computer, I am freaking myself out!

[WoodysWife2005]

The unfortunate thing about what she told you is that many OB's are not knowledgeable about PCOS- therefore, they won't speak about it. Many of them think it's a bogus illness and will not accept that there are all of these common symptoms which is what will classify you as PCOS. I actually went to an RE (reproductive endocrinologist) and he did an ultrasound and because I did not have cysts at that particular time said I did not have PCOS. I went to a normal endo and she listened to all that I said, ran a full blood scan on me, found out that my testosterone levels were high, my progesterone levels were low, I was low on Vitamin D 3 and said though I did not have the cysts, I had enough symptoms to classify me as PCOS. I found out this after having a miscarriage in '07 and not understanding why and then gained 13 pounds in like 2 months after the miscarriage by doing nothing different. With my hormone levels all whacked out, it can truly change you entire body make up. Again- I would talk to an endo before an OB. Unless you can find an OB that is familiar with PCOS, understands it and above all believes it exists. Otherwise, he will take you off Metformin regardless and you really may actually need it. I learned all this by reading (online) various medical studies, other women's personal experiences since 1995 and not giving up till I learned more from a Dr. that actually got it.- My endo. She is amazing. The reproductive endo is a retard.

[scubagirl80]

She has a good point....a lot of ob's don't know what the heck they are talking about. I also go to an endocrinologist. She put me on Met way before it was even standard practice. You may want to look into that...

[MamaAnna]

Congrats! You aren't necessarily at a heightened risk of miscarriage, it depends on what your specific hormone problems are. Certain variances can heighten the risk of miscarriage while others are completely safe and they can balance out during pregnancy. Since things are going well so far and you're nearly in the second trimester try to just relax and enjoy it. Even if you are at heightened risk at this point it has already decreased considerably. You can see an endocrinologist or reproductive endocrinologist if it will bring you some comfort, but your insurance may not cover it.