Im 20 years old, and have over 20 cysts on my ovaries.....Help :(

Im 20 years old. Ever since the first time I got my period, I had extremely severe cramps...sometimes so bad, that I threw up.
It kept me home from school EVERY month I had this for at least the first two days. It gets so bad that it leaves me in tears.

My husband is in the military which means I have to go to a military hospital (Reynolds Army Hospital - the worst hospital i EVER went to). I told one of my doctors how bad my periods are - she prescribed me anaprox (which really doesnt do anything) and flexeril to ease the pain - and she decided to do an ultrasound. Even though they found over 20 small cysts on my ovaries, she said to come back for a check up in SIX MONTHS! My parents are furious, and so am I.

I dont know what to do. My mom had a hysterectomy / endometriosis / a cyst that was a size of a grapefruit that they had to do emergency surgery on.   So I would think that the doctor should be doing more to see if these cysts are dangerous since it runs in my family.

Should I be this concerned or just go back in 6 months? What could this be?

[PPhelps]

I lived off of anaprox one day a month for a long time. Til the Dr. did a laporscopic surgery. I had endometerosis. The painful periods could be because of this. Have you ever been tested for PCOS Polycystic ovarian syndrome? In my opinion yes six months is a long wait. Usually it's 2-3 months for a follow up, and that is with only 1 or 2 cysts. If you have that many I'd suggest a second opinion. I don't know how military insurance goes, (hopefully Raven will be along she might know more regarding that) but if your finacially able too go to a gyn/onc for another opinion.

[MickeyVicki]

It does seem likely that you have PCOS.  There is a website devoted to PCOS; I think the site is SoulCysters or something similar to that name.   Look for it.  The site has more information on the condition, and might help to start you in the best direction for better care.

[blwms]

I would suggest contacting the insurance company and finding out how to get a referrel to a gynecologist.  I used to work for a Dr's office, so I know that military insurance pretty much works like an HMO, you can get a referral to see a specialist, it might take a minute but don't get discouraged.