PCOS

Is this PCOS?

A couple years ago I was having a lot of stomach pains and I found out the cause was an ovarian cyst. I had them on and off for about a year, then absolutely none for the next year. They are starting up again. I get ovarian cyst pain almost everyday now, and I can feel at least one burst everyday.  My period is sort of screwy too.  When I first got it, it was kind of on track, then it was regular. Now it is irregular. A week before I left for vacation I had it. I left for vacation and and came back, and I got it again. It's only been about 15 days since my last period. And it is on the heavier side.  So is this pcos? I feel like I have more ovarian cysts, and could the cause of more than one ovarian cyst at a time make my period irregular? I am going to get a physical today and will ask the doctor. But any help or comments would really help me. Thanks.

[Cosmogal]

It could be. Your doctor should be familiar with PCOS but if not I would see an endocrinologist for further treatment. You would probably have other symptoms such as hair loss, excessive hair growth elswhere such as arms, chin, insulin resistance (Endo will test that), acne, infertitity, excess testesterone, and weight gain. I used to get cysts alot and they were painful. My periods were also very irregular. Good luck and let us know!
Paula

[alchris]

I agree with above poster you would have all those symptoms if it were PCOS to get a definete diagnosis

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

It’s probably a good idea to see a gynecologist or your family doctor if you have an unpredictable cycle, especially if you have been menstruating for a few years. An irregular menstrual cycle may be caused by a variety of factors, one of which is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). In this condition the body produces androgens, which are male hormones, in much higher levels than normal. Symptoms of PCOS include thinning hair on the head with hair growth on the face, excessive acne, and weight gain or obesity. If you have suffered from symptoms like this in addition to having an irregular menstrual cycle, you should see a doctor. Standard treatment of PCOS may include a combination of medications.

Other causes of irregular menstruation can include low thyroid — an imbalance of hormones produced by the endocrine system. Malnutrition, especially those resulting from eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia, are also culprits of irregularity. Sometimes high performance athletes have their periods stop completely, which is called amenorrhea. Doctors may not always be able to determine a specific cause, but they are likely to investigate the matter with a full gynecological exam. An ultrasound of the pelvic region and blood tests may also be required.

In most cases, chronic irregular menstrual cycle is treated with birth control pills. Women trying to get pregnant will need to look to alternative solutions. Changing diet or lowering stress can sometimes help regulate the menstrual cycle. Additionally, women who are trying to get pregnant may use fertility drugs to stimulate ovulation.

Sexually active women should always view a single irregular menstrual cycle as a potential indicator of pregnancy. If you have been sexually active in the last couple of months, it’s important to take a pregnancy test to see if it has caused a very light period or a period’s failure to manifest. Some women, unaware of being pregnant early on, may get a period several weeks late that actually represents a miscarriage.

Let us know if you need any further information.

Regards.