Any advice appreciated-Endocrinologist or a Gynecologist?

[CaliCollegeGrl]

Okay basically I have two questions-

What does it sound like I have?

Should I go to an Endocrinologist or a Gynecologist?

Here is a little bit about me:

So my periods have always been horrible.

When I was around 15 I would skip periods. Once I remember up to 8 or 9 months of skipping. When I got them, I had severe cramps and very heavy periods. They could last over a month. Well, I went to a gynecologist. The doctor was extremely rude and uncaring, made me cry. He gave me a pamphlet on PCOS and said I probably had it. He told me I would probably be unable to have children, told me I was overweight, etc. After that, I was tested. I had many blood tests, an ultrasound, etc. I was never diagnosed with PCOS, however.

That is the last time I have been to the doctos. Had family emergencies/financial hardships and had no health insurance.

Now, I am 22 and in college. I have a lot of PCOS symptoms. I DO NOT have any health insurance and do not know what to do.

Again, I have not been diagnosed with this, but I feel I might have it. While I have the symptoms, I must make note, however, that I no longer skip periods. Instead, I am never off my period. This might not sound believable, but it is true. For two years now, I have been constantly on my period. There are days when it lightens. And it will actually stop for a few days here and there, randomly. I do not know what to do. I am tired of feeling so ill.

So, I am going to call around to different places asking about payment plans and such. Since this is money I don't have, I want to make sure I go to the right place. Should I go to an Endocrinologist or a Gynecologist?

Thank you, any help is greatly appreciated!

[NurseHouse]

How bad are the symptoms of PCOS?  How much facial hair growth?  At what age did you reach puberty?

You need to see both a gyno and an endo.  A gyn can examine you and possibly do a d&C to stop the bleeding.  However, this isn't common with pcos, so an endo can check your adrenal glands, your pituitary gland, and maybe even your hypothalamus.

I do believe you, and understand the look docs give you when they don't.  Your story sounds much like mine but I never went a year,  because I fight to take care of it before it gets there.  I'm currently on the 12th week of my period now and fighting the doctors to fix me.

Have you been on birth control?  Are you currently taking any medications?

[amygo]

Your college probably has an insurance plan, and that might help. It might even be something you can cover with student loans. My college had a health plan as a req for enrollment.

On who to go to, try finding a general practice doc that can be your home base. Find someone you like who will take whatever insurance or payment plan you have (insurance will probably be a lot cheaper in the end if you have problems at all - it has been for me). Then, your doc can send you to specialists if need be. General practice doctors can do pelvic exams, and that's probably a good place for you to get started. They'll tell you where to go, and will generally be cheaper than a specialist too.

Do some basic research on PCOS and menstrual cycles and make a list of your symptoms and of questions to ask doctors before your appointments. It will help you take control over the appointment and you won't forget what you went in for.

Be prepared to talk about birth control as a basic first option for getting you regulated.

[EMT2]

I would go to a Gynecologist, because they are going to have to examine you, which is something that an Endo. can't do.  You need to get on something that will regulate your menses.