PCOS: Update

On Monday of this week I went in for blood work.  I am a big sissy, it is not something that I can't hide.  I don't like needles, I don't think that anyone really says that they do, however I remember a time when I was a small child, I was overly emotional during a Dr's visit and I was literally screaming when this mean old lady (bitch of a nurse) leaned down and whispered in my ear, "If you don't hold still this needle will get stuck and I'll have to get another to get this one out."  Um, do you really think that is going to help me sit still?  Talk about a panic attack...  I have gotten a lot better since then.  I am still freaked out.  I still want someone to go with me.  I no longer throw a fit, and I have stopped crying from the moment I walk into the appointment until I leave.

Anyways:
Monday I went in for blood work.  The nurse said that results would be back in a week.  I was surprised when I got a call from Dr. M on Tuesday morning.  Dr. M is very sweet, she has a british accent, I could listen to her talk all day.  I LOVE british accents!!!  Dr. M said that my results were normal, according to my blood I don't have PCOS...  Okay then what do I do next?  I'm still not pregnant.  Dr. M says that she doesn't like to just give medication.  That she believes that I am young and healthy and that she wants to rule out everything before she just gives me medication.  So, Dr. M suggests ANOTHER blood test to check progestin levels. 

So on the 14th, I have to go in a get my blood checked again.  Because all these tests are about timing.  One test has to be conducted on the 3rd day of "my time," and another test has to be conducted on the 21st day of "my cycle."  Now, depending on this test will determine what the next plan of action is.  

Honestly I am hoping that it is my progestin levels, the pills that come along with those are not as harsh on my body.  They don't cause multiple babies.  The side effects are not that bad.  

Pregnancy

Progesterone, a natural hormone that the body makes during pregnancy, has not caused problems. In fact, it is sometimes used in women to treat a certain type of infertility and to aid in egg donor or infertility procedures.


Other progestins have not been studied in pregnant women. Be sure to tell your doctor if you become pregnant while using any of the progestins. It is best to use some kind of birth control method while you are receiving progestins in high doses. High doses of progestins are not recommended for use during pregnancy since there have been some reports that they may cause birth defects in the genitals (sex organs) of a male fetus. Also, some of these progestins may cause male-like changes in a female fetus and female-like changes in a male fetus, but these problems usually can be reversed. Low doses of progestins, such as those doses used for contraception, have not caused major problems when used accidentally during pregnancy.

Side Effects

Drug information provided by: Micromedex

Along with their needed effects, progestins used in high doses sometimes cause some unwanted effects such as blood clots, heart attacks, and strokes, or problems of the liver and eyes. Although these effects are rare, some of them can be very serious and cause death. It is not clear if these problems are due to the progestin. They may be caused by the disease or condition for which progestins are being used.

The following side effects may be caused by blood clots. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they need immediate medical attention.

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Rare

1. Symptoms of blood clotting problems, usually severe or sudden, such as:
2. headache or migraine
3. loss of or change in speech, coordination, or vision
4. numbness of or pain in chest, arm, or leg
5. unexplained shortness of breath

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

1. Changes in vaginal bleeding (increased amounts of menstrual bleeding occurring at regular monthly periods, lighter vaginal bleeding between menstrual periods, heavier vaginal bleeding between regular monthly periods, or stopping of menstrual periods)
2. symptoms of blood sugar problems (dry mouth, frequent urination, loss of appetite, or unusual thirst)

Less common

1. Mental depression
2. skin rash
3. unexpected or increased flow of breast milk

Rare

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

1. Abdominal pain or cramping
2. bloating or swelling of ankles or feet
3. blood pressure increase (mild)
4. dizziness
5. drowsiness (progesterone only)
6. headache (mild)
7. mood changes
8. nervousness
9. pain or irritation at place of injection site
10. swelling of face, ankles, or feet
11. unusual or rapid weight gain

Less common

1. Acne
2. breast pain or tenderness
3. brown spots on exposed skin, possibly long-lasting
4. hot flashes
5. loss or gain of body, facial, or scalp hair
6. loss of sexual desire
7. trouble in sleeping

Not all of the side effects listed above have been reported for each of these medicines, but they have been reported for at least one of them. All of the progestins are similar, so any of the above side effects may occur with any of these medicines.

On another note, it's an answer.  And I think that I could live with this one.  Once again I ask for prayers.  I ask for friendship.  I also ask that you not ask me if I'm pregnant.  I promise that if you ask I won't get upset, but I don't want to answer.  I'm not struggling, I'm just waiting on answers!