PSA: PCOS explanation

So, I figured that I should share what PCOS is and how it effects people. I am going to be taking from a few websites, which I will share at the end.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder among women of reproductive age. PCOS is the most common endocrine disorder of women, affecting as many as 1 in 10. While there is no cure for PCOS, the symptoms of PCOS can be managed with proper treatment.

Symptoms include:

•     Acne.
• Weight gain and trouble losing weight. 
• Extra hair on the face and body. Often women get thicker and darker facial hair and more hair on the chest, belly, and back.
• Thinning hair on the scalp. 
• Irregular periods. Often women with PCOS have fewer than nine periods a year. Some women have no periods. Others have very heavy bleeding.(and cycles without ovulation)
• Fertility problems. Many women who have PCOS have trouble getting pregnant (infertility).
• Depression.

  To be diagnosed PCOS, see your doctor if you think you have any of these symptoms. They will do a blood test and look for elevated hormone levels. They may do a internal ultrasound to check for ovarian cysts.
Reproductive Problems:

• Infertility.This happens when the ovaries are not releasing an egg every month.
• Repeat miscarriages. The cause for this is not known. These miscarriages may be linked to high insulin levels, delayed ovulation, or other problems such as the quality of the egg or how the egg attaches to the uterus. Some studies suggest the rate of miscarriage for PCOS is 45%.
• Gestational diabetes during pregnancy. This risk is greater in women with PCOS than in women who ovulate regularly.
• Precancer of the uterine lining (endometrial hyperplasia).

• Uterine (endometrial) cancer. Risk during the reproductive years is 3 times greater in women with PCOS than in women who ovulate monthly.

Long Term Complications: obesity, high blood cholesterol, diabetes and high blood pressure.

Treatments: This may include birth control to control hormones or other fertility drugs to induce ovulation. A big thing is to loss weight if you are overweight, they say if you lose weight it may help make your levels regulate.

I don't want to overwhelm anyone, but this is just a little about PCOS. 

Resources:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/polycystic-ovary-syndrome/DS00423
http://www.soulcysters.com/index.html
http://women.webmd.com/tc/polycystic-ovary-syndrome-pcos-topic-overview

Apt. Update

So, I am my annual exam/make a plan appointment. The exam went well especially since I was really nervous about having the NP do my pap. She goes to my church and we "know" each other. But it went much better than expected. She talked through the whole thing and made it a lot less awkward. I really like her and will probably stay with her until she can't do anymore and I have to go to a fertility specialist, if it gets that far. I really want her as my midwife because I have only heard good things about her.
It has been 7 months since I started trying and about 2 months since my diagnosis of PCOS and being put on Metformin. She is putting me on Extended Release Metformin, as I am still getting sick. We discussed my plan. She asked about being put on Clomid and I said I definitely want Dear Hubby to get a Sperm Analysis before Clomid. So, she is having DH do a SA. She also wants to do a HSG in December. An HSG is when they put dye through the fallopian tubes to make sure the tubes are not blocked. I am really nervous about having a HSG done. I heard how much it hurts and it makes me nervous. But, she said they need to rule everything out. Then in January we start Clomid. I don't mind waiting until January, as I really want to see if Metformin will help at all. I am excited/nervous about starting Clomid. I really want a baby, but to only be able to do 6 cycles, puts pressure on.