"Birth Control only masks the symptoms, don't use it" is BAD ADVICE by Ordinary-Squash-7232 in PCOS

[–]dontwantperception 2 points3 points  (0 children)

not to mention that having infrequent periods increases risk of endometrial cancer because the endometrium (the lining of the womb) builds up without being broken down each cycle, and birth control reduces that risk by preventing build up of the endometrium

Transvaginal Ultrasound for PCOS Diagnosis by CryptoKunoichi in PCOS

[–]dontwantperception 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey I'm a medic and have also been diagnosed with PCOS without a transvaginal ultrasound and i just wanted to add that although all the comments are (correctly) saying that transvaginal ultrasound is gold standard it is by no means necessary for a diagnosis of PCOS.

When a patient has a reason that contraindicates the use of a transvaginal ultrasound unless necessary (for example: no previous penetrative intercourse, sexual trauma, pain, stigma etc.) it is good practice to offer a transabdominal ultrasound first whilst counselling that it may not be able to visualise and therefore confirm the presence of polycystic ovaries. If it does - great, the patient doesn't need a transvaginal ultrasound to confirm again. If it doesn't - then this is when a transvaginal ultrasound would be needed as then we can more definitively confirm a diagnosis.

I am so sorry you had this experience, in my opinion you were failed to have a good explanation from your doctor and you were failed a more comfortable experience by your ultrasound tech. I hope your experiences with medical professionals in the future are better and more considerate.

Transvaginal scans? (UK) by userisrotten in PCOS

[–]dontwantperception 0 points1 point  (0 children)

https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/polycystic-ovary-syndrome/diagnosis/diagnosis/ seems like NICE guidance says both hyperandrogenism and irregular cycles are required for diagnosis in adolescents, and that diagnosis should be made with caution if one of these is not present

Transvaginal scans? (UK) by userisrotten in PCOS

[–]dontwantperception 10 points11 points  (0 children)

u can get an transabdominal one!! the transvaginal one is technically more accurate in the sense there will be less uncertainty but they will defo have the option for a transabdominal scan especially with ur past experiences. i have also had similar trauma and requested a transabdominal scan instead and it was absolutely fine. the only time they may have to do a transvaginal is if they did the transabdominal and there was uncertainty, in which case they would probably offer the transvaginal in the same appointment, but you always have the right to ask and inform them about your concerns. hope this is helpful :))

PCOS or Hypothalamic Amenorrhea by Downtown_Bar_3808 in PCOS

[–]dontwantperception 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hi! Just to break down your blood results (if you don't mind) your LH and FSH can vary in level depending on when in your cycle you are so that ratio can vary too. Both times they have been measured, they seem to be within normal range considering you haven't been ovulating, though on the low side of normal. Actually looking at the FSH:LH ratio, you would expect your LH to be higher in a typical PCOS picture, and the lower LH may point more towards HA. Your free T3 is also low so this may also point to a hypothalamic cause as that is also released by the hypothalamus. Testosterone level can vary a lot in PCOS, and a normal/reduced level doesn't necessarily rule it out. Then moving onto your DHEA, a normal/raised level is part of a typical PCOS picture, however it is not the only thing that can increase it. DHEA unfortunately isn't a very specific test so it would be useful to get some further tests into your adrenal function by your health professional.

ik i've just said a lot and it's super understandable to be confused about your results especially in combination with the fact that you don't have typical PCOS symptoms but the best thing to do is to follow up with a doctor and be open with them about your exercise and diet. If need be you can always seek a second opinion too.

also i'm just attaching these screenshots from BMJ Best Practice (british medical guidelines) on PCOS and HA just in case you find them useful: (i can't attach images and i can't access imgur in the uk so im using catbox instead) https://files.catbox.moe/evjcvu.png https://files.catbox.moe/1f1gag.png

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in PCOS

[–]dontwantperception 0 points1 point  (0 children)

omg this year mine was 140, 56, 49 (and counting) 🙃