PCOS

I went for my first visit with a fertility specialist today. I was thrilled because as soon as I sat down in his office, he seemed to have taken the time to read my chart and review my lab work beforehand. This was a first—a visit where I didn’t have to repeat and re-explain everything I’d already written down in my surveys and already talked through with my previous doctors. I mean, this is why I have Kaiser right? So everything is centralized and in my chart. Yet time after time, I’m having to repeat information from previous visits like a broken record.

Well this time was different. He was already informed, totally smart, and funny. The guy was cracking me up and spent more than an hour talking through my history, doing an ultrasound, and coming up with a sound plan. I love this guy!

Looks like I have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) which is a common endocrine disorder. It was evident from my ultrasound. He pointed out abnormally small-sized follicles which aggregate because I don’t ovulate. Normally, for women who ovulate, the follicle grows as the egg matures, then the follicle eventually bursts. Instead, I have a bunch of midget follicles hanging out in my ovaries. Woohoo, partay!

Women with PCOS have elevated levels of masculine hormones which can result in acne and obesity. Maybe this all explains why I had severe acne as a teenager and also have the propensity to balloon in weight. After visiting with the doctor, I went to the lab for a series of blood tests, including my testosterone levels. Maybe that’ll explain why I’m such a bitch! They collected at least seven vials of blood. That’s the most I’ve ever had taken from me and I must say I felt a bit queasy afterwards.

I’m so relieved that my problem is identifiable. Back on Provera tomorrow for 10 days to force a period.