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Integrative Fertility (Expert Forum)
Normal Blood Tests, but symptomatic
Answered by
John H. Kim, M.D. - Women's Health, Gynecology, Acupuncture, Integrative Medicine, REI, Mind/Body Medicine, ReproductiveMedicine, IntegrativeFertility, Herbal Medicine, infertility, menopause
John H. Kim, M.D.
Los Altos - CA
This forum is for questions and support regarding an integrative approach to healing that combines the best practices in complementary and conventional medicine. Topics include: Acupuncture, Herbal Therapy, Mind/Body Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fertility, Stress and Fertility, Body Weight and Fertility, Environmental Contaminants and Fertility, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, Recurrent Pregnancy Loss, Fibroids, Endometriosis, Hormone Imbalances, Menopause.
Normal Blood Tests, but symptomatic
by WS75, Dec 26, 2007 05:13PM
I have the classic symptoms of PCOS, except that a few years ago, I went up several cup sizes and I now have a slightly cloudy discharge from both breasts when pressed. It is easier to express the discharge when my nipples turn a purple color, but it isn't quite spontaneous.
I had multiple blood tests for androgens, prolactin, cortisol, etc. All came back normal, though I didn't see my numbers. I also had an abdominal CT scan which came back normal as well.
At first, I was told something was wrong, but my regular doctor couldn't figure it out. I saw an endocrinologist, who after ruling out Cushing's said my problem wasn't an endocrine problem.
My regular doctor didn't know what to do from there, and I'm a little at a loss. I find it a little hard to believe that all of the symptoms are idiopathic. At the same time, my doctor said that whatever is causing all of this there isn't a test.
I had multiple blood tests for androgens, prolactin, cortisol, etc. All came back normal, though I didn't see my numbers. I also had an abdominal CT scan which came back normal as well.
At first, I was told something was wrong, but my regular doctor couldn't figure it out. I saw an endocrinologist, who after ruling out Cushing's said my problem wasn't an endocrine problem.
My regular doctor didn't know what to do from there, and I'm a little at a loss. I find it a little hard to believe that all of the symptoms are idiopathic. At the same time, my doctor said that whatever is causing all of this there isn't a test.
Doctor's Answer
by John H. Kim, M.D., Jan 03, 2008 01:52PM
, Jan 03, 2008 01:52PM
To: WS75
You should see an reproductive endocrinologist again because if you have not had recent blood tests including a 2hr glucose tolerance test with a 75 gram glucose challenge, I would recommend it.
The following is information from my website:
PCOS can affect 5% of all women and common symptoms include irregular menstrual cycles, increased growth of hair on the body, loss of hair on the head, acne, and weight gain. Based on the 2003 ESHRE/ASRM sponsored Consensus Workshop Group, PCOS is diagnosed in women who meet two of the three following criteria: ovarian dysfunction (not ovulating regularly), hyperandrogenism (increased male type hormones on lab testing or clinically increased hair growth), or polycystic ovaries on ultrasound (ovaries which show multiple small cysts on ultrasound). PCOS is a common cause of infertility and puts women at an increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. There is also increased risk of insulin resistance, hypertension, and abnormalities of cholesterol and triglycerides in women with PCOS. Due to these risks, we advise our patients with PCOS to have the complete metabolic assessment with complete lipid panel testing and a two hour glucose tolerance
I would suggest that you see a reproductive endocrinologist who specializes in treating women with PCOS.
The following is information from my website:
PCOS can affect 5% of all women and common symptoms include irregular menstrual cycles, increased growth of hair on the body, loss of hair on the head, acne, and weight gain. Based on the 2003 ESHRE/ASRM sponsored Consensus Workshop Group, PCOS is diagnosed in women who meet two of the three following criteria: ovarian dysfunction (not ovulating regularly), hyperandrogenism (increased male type hormones on lab testing or clinically increased hair growth), or polycystic ovaries on ultrasound (ovaries which show multiple small cysts on ultrasound). PCOS is a common cause of infertility and puts women at an increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. There is also increased risk of insulin resistance, hypertension, and abnormalities of cholesterol and triglycerides in women with PCOS. Due to these risks, we advise our patients with PCOS to have the complete metabolic assessment with complete lipid panel testing and a two hour glucose tolerance
I would suggest that you see a reproductive endocrinologist who specializes in treating women with PCOS.
