Update: Almost two months after this post was written, I found out I was pregnant! I am due late June, 2015.
Before I really get into it, I thought I’d give you a little background about myself to paint a better picture for you. I am in my early 30’s, I am a wife, a mother to a 7 year old. My husband and I love the idea of expanding our family and giving our daughter a sibling. We have loved the idea for the past 4+ years but we have not had much luck achieving that. Initially that was the goal I was striving for but now, my goal has changed, it has shifted. It has become a goal to get myself healthy so I can live a wonderful, long and healthy life. If we have another child, that would be a dream come true but if I can be honest, I’m past the dreaming stage, my hopes are dwindling and I am facing a harsh reality here that it could very well not be a possibility for us. I have come to accept what I have, what I cannot change and just try my best to be healthy, get healthier and do what I can. If it happens, it happens. If it doesn’t… I guess it just doesn’t. That’s about as easy as it can be at this point. It’s a process that I’ve learned does not come easy.
So, let’s begin.
I wasn’t always so concerned with my health and six months ago, I had no idea anything was even wrong with me internally. I would go about my business, living life as I normally would and have no idea that the PCOS I would be diagnosed with would have been the cause to many problems I had been facing.
As for the problems, there were a few. Some of the main concerns were my irregular cycles, trouble conceiving after 4 years.
The first OBGYN that I saw actually told me that I’m fine. She had a few concerns but nothing that required a follow up appointment so I went about my business. Many months later, still concerned with my irregular cycles, I decided to contact another OBGYN. I suppose I just wasn’t comfortable with the first one. My second appointment was filled with many tests but the outcome was this: need to eat better, exercise and see them again in a few months. I was told that I didn’t have PCOS just by her looking at me so I thought, hmmm okay and went about my business. Only this time, I was cautiously optimistic.
It wasn’t until a few months later that I realized I had a lot of the symptoms of PCOS and I couldn’t shake the feeling that I could very well have it. This was my gut instinct kicking into high gear. I wasn’t experiencing any acne, hair growth or any of those symptoms. I was more concerned with the high triglycerides, irregular cycles, problems conceiving, problems carrying full-term and a few more symptoms that really stood out to me.
Armed with a load of information, I decided to see a Reproductive Endocrinologist (RE). I was nervous, I knew it would cost a lot but I was willing to find out what was going on with my health. My RE has done a load of tests, from blood work to glucose, progesterone levels, insulin levels, genetic screening, prolactin, cortisol, you name it, I’ve been tested for it in the last 2 months. A lot of my tests came back fine but there were a few concerns: low progesterone and high insulin levels. Guess what else? I had PCOS. Most definitely. This was the root of a lot of my problems. I couldn’t shake that feeling of wow, what if I didn’t get a second or third opinion? My issues could have gone untreated and who knows what would have happened.
I found out about my insulin and progesterone levels today. Next steps, make an appointment next week to figure out what to do. Will you join me on this journey?
PCOS Confessions is a new series on Modern Day Moms that is wildly honest, full of a little too much info and a whole lot of personal experiences. Recently diagnosed with PCOS, I’m on a mission to learn more about it and share my experiences with others. Read all of the confessions here.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine system disorder among women of reproductive age. PCOS has many signs things you or your doctor can see or measure and symptoms things that you notice or feel. Every woman with PCOS may be affected a little differently. (s)
12 COMMENTS
Winnie
10 years agoI found out I have PCOS a few weeks ago too… The diagnosis answered a lot of questions about the various symptoms I’ve had for years. Thanks for sharing your walk with PCOS, I feel less lonely now…
Modern Day Moms
10 years ago AUTHORI am so glad you stopped by! Thanks for leaving a comment. I’m sorry to hear about your issues with PCOS. Hopefully you are getting better. Did they do anything to treat? As mentioned below, I’ll be sharing a lot more throughout my journey, I hope you come back and chat with me <3
Jenn
10 years agoI have PCOS also, I had to see a reproductive specialist to get pregnant with both sons. My OBGYN put me on a birth control pill for now, since I’m not trying to conceive. It’s amazing and it’s called Minestrin 24 FE. They also had me on a god awful pill called Metformin, which gives you insane stomach issues but your body eventually gets used to it. Metformin helps with keeping your insulin levels down. PCOS sucks, big time. I know what you’re going through. I also was misdiagnosed multiple times before finding my current Obgyn. Hang in there! Xo
Modern Day Moms
10 years ago AUTHORThey want to start me on Metformin and progesterone next week to help regulate everything. Since we are TTC, I think they decided to skip the BC pills. I’m nervous but also now this might be what I need to fix some of the ongoing issues I have. Stay tuned, I’ll be sharing more and I hope you come back and chat with me. It’s nice to not feel alone.
Amanda A
10 years agoJessica, you are a strong woman with a great support team. You WILL overcome this!
Modern Day Moms
10 years ago AUTHORThank you so much, sweet friend.
Jessi
10 years agoI have PCOS. We tried for two years to give our twins a sibling. 7 months ago I started taking Metformin. Yes, it will give you the runs and make you spend way more time in the bathroom than you’re used to. But I was pregnant the second month!!!! For anyone who has tried for an extended time to get pregnant, a little tummy trouble is worth the outcome. Good luck!
Modern Day Moms
10 years ago AUTHORWow, that’s amazing to hear! I start Metformin next week along with progesterone. I’m nervous and hope that it really balances everything out.
TeahEugenia
10 years agoI’m borderline PCOS. I didn’t find out until after having 7 pregnancies and only 2 live births (2 miscarriages this year). Many doctors only saw low progesterone as an issue and another doctor didn’t even acknowledge that. I decided to see the head of the practice I go to and he ran tests where he found out I tested positive for a gene that predisposes you to miscarriages: either Factor 5 or Antiphospholipid, I can’t remember. Either way, it’s been a long journey and we’re TTC number 3 before I have to get a hysterectomy for uterine prolapse. I’m on Metformin ER now after a HORRIBLE stomach encounter with IR and I’m hoping and praying for the best in my pregnancy next go round. I’ll check back with this blog because I need to connect with others too, as I don’t have many of the symptoms associated with PCOS. I wish everyone well!
Modern Day Moms
10 years ago AUTHORWow! Sounds like you’ve been through a lot. I wish you all the best. It sounds like the DR you are at is finally helping you with your issues. I didn’t have a lot of the symptoms either at first and that is what made it go untreated and unnoticed for so long. I am excited for this series. It seems there are a lot of women out there going through this. Thanks for stopping by!
jackie
10 years agoStay strong! I had some cysts on my ovaries but it was not PCOS. I know they are painful and when mine burst it hurt so bad. I will pray for you and your family!
Modern Day Moms
10 years ago AUTHORThank you, Jackie! I appreciate it.