PCOS?

Question

I have been reading up on pcos and i think ive freaked myself out. I have never had an irregular period. I was on BC for probably 8ish years, got off in august and have continued to have regular periods. I had a chemical pregnancy last month at 4 weeks and my period was only a week late. A little heavier but same 5 days cycle. Recently ive noticed an increase in dandruff and i believe some hair thinning at my temples. My husband says no but i see it. I was researching pcos and it says that these could be symptoms however the main one is irregular periods. Could my prenatal vitamins cause the other symptoms or am i just crazy? Ttc for 4 months with a chemical pregnany. Now in the fertile window so im really hoping its this month. Thanksss!

Answer

PCOS is a complex disorder and what you have doesn't sound like it. It's irregular or absent periods,  at least ten cysts on each ovary, high testosterone levels that lead to high pilosity, no ovulation, skin problems, and so on. You can't diagnose PCOS based on one single symptom,but rather a mix of them. It's usually a vaginal ultrasound for proof of cysts and blood work for several hormones.

I know,because I have PCOS, diagnosed seven years ago. Been trying to get pregnant for three years,pumping myself with pills to get my ovulation going or taking birth control to clear my ovaries of cysts during the breaks. I got lucky and I'm 14 weeks along now. Hope it helps set your kind at ease. :)

Answer

There are many physical characteristics that define PCOS, the thinning hair is only one of them. I have it, and I don't believe dandruff is one of them.

Carrying your weight mostly on your stomach and places close to it.

Extra hairy, in lots of places, (arms, legs, chest. Ect.)

If you've tested positive for pre-diabetes or diabetes.

Darkening of the skin of the neck.

Difficulty losing weight, no matter how hard you try it just doesn't happen.

Also, if it is believed you have PCOS, your doctor might schedule an ultrasound. Usually, PCOS women have cystic ovaries or "String of pearls" on their ovaries which are easy to see most of the time.

Long story short, if you don't have any of these other symptoms, you most likely don't have PCOS. However, if you're still concerned see your doctor about it.