A bit of a request for information and stuff....

[autumnluv143]

 Ok, I've only started to be aware of this in the last 2 years, but I wanted to watch it before I made some sort of recordable observations on it. I've posted before about having PCOS, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, and the various problems that come with it. As an overview: PCOS is basically a hormonal disease that causes irregular ovulation and screwed up levels and balances of testosterone:estrogen. I was diagnosed with it when I was around 15. My first period was at 16 and was induced by hormones. Apparently, I seem to have more of an imbalance than most women I've come across with PCOS. What's next is behind a cut because there are just some people who won't want to read the observations I've made.

I started noticing, pre-k, that when in situations where there was a highly charged environment, both emotionally and sexually, I would start to bleed as if it were the 2nd day of a normal flow period. Very strange. I don't think I am ovulating, because there is never the normal egg sack when I have ovulated in the past. I believe that my body is shedding the lining of my uterus in these situations. This has happened during sex with people, just being at the club, even after highly sexually charged conversations that resulted in nothing but me masturbating. 

Now, granted, I really don't know much about how a normal ovulation/period goes because I can't say that I've ever had one. I'm still basically an adolescent when it comes to experience in that area. I've had the accumulative total of a 14 year old girl. The first time I noticed this happening, it was during sex when I was particularly into it. There was a more emotional state of mind involved and it would end looking like someone stabbed me in the cervix with a knife, instead of a cock. Graphic, I know. I'm sorry. It happened a few times over a course of 6 years before it started happening more regularly. My ex-boyfriend recently regaled the story to me of our first time together. He was wearing a nice shirt and looked down when we were done and there was blood on it (he couldn't figure out why I had blocked that particular incident from my memory). I chalked the first 10 times things like this happened to sudden periods. It wasn't completely unusual because, as I've never had unassisted regular ones, they could, literally, show up at any time. 

I guess what I would love to know is whether or not this is case-specific, common in PCOS patients, a cause for concern...etc. Even better, does anyone (that would actually read this) have any good reference sites where I could find some information? Confusion = Not happy.

Comments

[msda999.livejournal.com]

The whys and hows of PCOS have changed dramatically over the past few years due to extensive research studies. It is now known to be metabolic, rather than hormonal. A skewed insulin metabolism wreaks havoc with steroid hormones, resulting in infertility, obesity, hirsutism, blah blah blah. All those lovely things that make our lives just peachy!
All that being said, I highly recommend evaluation by an ENDOCRINOLOGIST, rather than a gynecologist. Current treatment of PCOS in women desiring fertility is with metformin, a medication used to treat Type 2 diabetes (common in PCOS patients, by the way, and directly related to the obesity). Metformin helps the body utilize the insulin naturally created by the pancreas. Better utilization of insulin=more efficient production and utilization of steroid hormones and all of that leads to fertility. For women who don't care about fertility, the benefits of metformin are seen in limiting the potential ill effects of long-term inefficient insulin metabolism (Type 2 diabetes, obesity, and screwy hormones)
There is a site devoted to PCOS but I've got the url on my PC at work. I'll email it to you tomorrow. I'm sorry I can't give you any information about the condition you're describing here. I never experienced anything like that in my 25-year history with PCOS.

[autumnluv.livejournal.com]

The GP I have now is the one who first diagnosed me when I was 15. I went to see him recently and he put me on metformin. I know I need to see an Endo but it's a matter of affording it, especially now that I'm getting ready to give up my job/health insurance. I am worried about fertility as I would like to have a child before it's too late. I think I'm slowly coming to the realization that I may not and that's an entire other depression issue to deal with...lol.

As far as this particular issue, why does it not surprise me that I would come up with some thing or infliction that no one has seen or heard of? When I was 12/13-ish, my kidneys started to bleed spontaneously. There is some name for the condition, but they could usually find a reason why kidneys started to bleed. They never did with me. And it went on for a few months. When I was 13, I had horrifyingly painful abdominal cramps that they never could find a reason for. I still get those and I think I've chalked it up to to occasional cyst burst. Not a fun feeling, but I'm tired of ending up on the ER because of the pain and them not finding anything. All of this crap and I am SO not a hypochondriac. I suppose it really just wouldn't surprise me if the endo I finally do go see looks at me with that "This child is misinformed and is trying to diagnose herself...poor thing" look and dismisses that this problem is a concern for me. *shrugs*

Thank you, L for answering what you could. I really appreciate it.

[lady-alethea.livejournal.com]

Ditto to everything she said. And while I have had my share of odd, weird, rare menses, I rarely experience them with stress. Or at least not in a manner that makes me believe stress is the trigger.

The only thing I disagree with is minor: I absolutely agree that a good endocrinologist is a must, I think an endo who will work well with a good gynecologist is even more important... My endo told me (and this has been echoed by the best of my many gynos) that treating PCOS is a triple threat approach: You treat the endocrine issues (I am on Byetta, one of the drugs in the metformin family), and the hormonal issues (I don't want to get pregnant, ever, so moderating my fertility or continued lack thereof, is very important... as is ensuring that you are being hyper-vigilant over the increased risks of ovarian and uterine cancer from lack of ovulation/menses) and if you have a good endo, they will refer you to a nutritionist. Three approaches: metabolism, hormones, diet.

BTW, Ms. L, I'd like that link, if you don't mind. I have several, but I'm always looking to add.

[msda999.livejournal.com]

Goofy me. I was on my laptop and forgot a KEY word! The sentence SHOULD read, "...an endocrinologist, rather than JUST a gynecologist."
However, if fertility or the lack thereof is NOT an issue, an endocrinologist would be my doctor of choice for managing PCOS. In the best of both worlds, a GYN/endocrinologist! They actually do exist, and are usually involved with fertility clinics and infertility treatment.

[autumnluv.livejournal.com]

For me, they aren't about stress so much as they are about particularly hormonal or emotional events. Being at the club is as big one. Sex with a new person/boyfriend. Even when I've masturbated with fervor over an emotional fantasy. Bizarre.

The metabolism is on it's way. I've been on birth control before but I hate the idea of it. All this time I've had sex and I haven't ended up pregnant yet. As much as I want a baby, I don't want to risk that one egg that may decide to fertilize. That sounds horrible, but seeing as my problem is so severe, I don't think I'm going to get pregnant, at all, without hormonal help.

Diet, I'm trying. The PCOS is a double-threat to my being overweight. It's also hereditary. Obesity runs in my family pretty heavily. I'm more healthy than any of the fat women in my family before. That's saying something for me, at least. But I am trying. Maintain first, then start to drop. That's my goal.

Thanks hunny.

[violetonly.livejournal.com]

Sweetie, This diagnosis ruled my life for 20+ years and in the end took my fertility away.
I truly believed that I had finally kicked its fanny to the curb, and thought that my one remaining ovary was working just fine and cyst free. However, certain symptoms are recurring and I'll be looking for a endo in my network after the first of the year.

[autumnluv.livejournal.com]

I'm sorry darlin. I hope you find a great one. If you do, let me know. I love you muchly.

[violetonly.livejournal.com]

I have learned a lot and we can talk on sunday.