I think get bloodwork results via the mail is one of the most impersonal decisions doctors make. I realize, they will (rarely) do that with bad results. But it still feels so impersonal.
Got my bloodwork back, a quick rundown:
HCG Preg - Negative (No babies!)
DHEA-Sulfate Serum: 221 (Normal, range is [18-391])
17-OH Progesterone: 57
Sex Hormone Binding Globulin: 11 (Low, range is [30-135])
Testosterone Total: 27 (Normal, range [11-59])
Testosterone Free: 7.0 (Normal, range [0.8-7.4])
Prolactin: 8.4 (Normal, no range given)
Then she did a comprehensive metabolic panel which all came out with normal ranges.
At the end she wrote,
"Allison - All lab tests normal - you have PCOS. Please start the birth control pills."
Not the nicest way to receive her official diagnosis. But, at least I got the results, and didn't have to call and hassle anyone. She wrote "OK" next to the one low lab value, and when I googled it, (trusty wikipedia!) it said -
Conditions with low SHBG include polycystic ovary syndrome, diabetes, and hypothyroidism
However on another page I read it said nothing of PCOS and said,
Decreases in SHBG are seen with obesity, hypothyroidism, androgen use, and Cushing’s disease.
The stats I read said that "SHBG" is low in about 50% of PCOS cases. Which seems to be match up with what she was saying. My DHEA levels were normal. So I'm not really sure why they popped up higher on the previous blood work.
Discouraging news on the front of wanting to have kids someday and it also being a predictor for insulin resistance.
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Post-Endo Appt.
I've been meaning to write an entry in here, but haven't had much motivation.
The endocrinologist was nice and thorough. She went through all of my records, did a complete exam careful not to skip over anything. She sorted through all my bloodwork and recent lab tests. She doesn't think I present with Cushing's (And she was familiar with it) and she thinks I much more mimic the signs of PCOS. The PCOS indicators I have are the missing periods, weight gain, and the small cyst observed on my right ovary four years ago.
Since July I have lost around 10-12 pounds just from monitoring my food, but not even really making a lot of food choice changes (Just more portion sizes) She wants me to see a nutritionist, and monitor my diet and find some exercise I feel comfortable. She also put me back on birth control, hoping that will stabilize out my hormones. I get the blood work back she did next week sometime, then I'll start the birth control. If that all goes okay, then we'll do another check in appointment in 4 months. If I'm not dropping the weight and my symptoms are worsening, that I guess I'll decide which step to take next then.
So that's the update.
The endocrinologist was nice and thorough. She went through all of my records, did a complete exam careful not to skip over anything. She sorted through all my bloodwork and recent lab tests. She doesn't think I present with Cushing's (And she was familiar with it) and she thinks I much more mimic the signs of PCOS. The PCOS indicators I have are the missing periods, weight gain, and the small cyst observed on my right ovary four years ago.
Since July I have lost around 10-12 pounds just from monitoring my food, but not even really making a lot of food choice changes (Just more portion sizes) She wants me to see a nutritionist, and monitor my diet and find some exercise I feel comfortable. She also put me back on birth control, hoping that will stabilize out my hormones. I get the blood work back she did next week sometime, then I'll start the birth control. If that all goes okay, then we'll do another check in appointment in 4 months. If I'm not dropping the weight and my symptoms are worsening, that I guess I'll decide which step to take next then.
So that's the update.
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