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What exactly does a pediatric endocrinologist do?
Okay, so I have an appoinment with a pediatric endocrinologist and I'm nervous because I don't no what they'll do. I'm a 15 year old female, virgin, and I'm going to get tested for PCOS. My main concern is an internal exam, do they do those or is just blood work and tests?
I am old now - so you are asking me to remember a lot. LOL... I also did not see an endo until later - when I should have seen one earlier - but I am a member of an organization that has endos talk to us and some of them are pediatric endos.
That being said, every endo is slightly different - some may talk to you first in the office then look at you, some may do the opposite. The examination is pretty much like the GP visit but they do look at some different things - they will ask more about your breasts and they will touch there more looking for discharge. As I was lactating at the time, that was a bit uncomfortable for a lot of reasons, and you can talk about that. A nurse will be in the room if the doctor is male. There has never ever been an intenal exam at the endo's office.
At the gyne, even when I was not active, there was an examination, but I cannot remember about the internal one to be honest - it was long ago. They take a history, talk to you before and after (sometimes just one or the other) and may or may not do the internal exam. Talk to your doctor. In any case, it goes very quickly.
That being said, every endo is slightly different - some may talk to you first in the office then look at you, some may do the opposite. The examination is pretty much like the GP visit but they do look at some different things - they will ask more about your breasts and they will touch there more looking for discharge. As I was lactating at the time, that was a bit uncomfortable for a lot of reasons, and you can talk about that. A nurse will be in the room if the doctor is male. There has never ever been an intenal exam at the endo's office.
At the gyne, even when I was not active, there was an examination, but I cannot remember about the internal one to be honest - it was long ago. They take a history, talk to you before and after (sometimes just one or the other) and may or may not do the internal exam. Talk to your doctor. In any case, it goes very quickly.
It would be great if you could post what exactly happened at your endo visit. I'm 16 and haven't had my period in a year, also a virgin. I'm looking into a appt. with a pediatric endo and also am concerned with an internal exam. Also, have you had a gyno visit? Hope all goes well! :)
He should ask a lot of questions. There will be blood work too, and some of it you may do there, some later.
I have been to endos for years, and the internal exam has never occured - usually that is just for the gynecologist so he will just read the reports.
I was diagnosed with PCOS but I also had other issues with my thyroid, adrenals, pituitary etc. Sometimes when they find one thing they stop and attribute all symptoms to it, but there may be other things going on, lets hope that is not the case with you.
I have been to endos for years, and the internal exam has never occured - usually that is just for the gynecologist so he will just read the reports.
I was diagnosed with PCOS but I also had other issues with my thyroid, adrenals, pituitary etc. Sometimes when they find one thing they stop and attribute all symptoms to it, but there may be other things going on, lets hope that is not the case with you.
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