Diagnosis: PCOS (repost)

a repost from a previous blog

So I went to see my doctor for the second time since the operation and she immediately reported to me the results of my blood tests. Guess what... no diabetes, but, it showed a high level of insulin, one sure sign of a Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome or PCOS. Dr. Sua-Lao said that this is better. She even said that she's glad when they find that the insulin level is high because at least, they know immediately how to treat this instead of blood tests showing normal results. Then, they would have to probe further to distinguish what the problem is.
According to Wiki:

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common female endocrine disorders affecting approximately 5%-10% of women of reproductive age (12–45 years old) and is thought to be one of the leading causes of female infertility.

From Women's Health I found the following symptoms of PCOS:

• Infertility CHECK
  
• Infrequent, absent, and/or irregular menstrual periods CHECK
• Hirsutism (HER-suh-tiz-um) — increased hair growth on the face, chest, stomach, back, thumbs, or toes CHECK
• Cysts on the ovaries CHECK
• Acne, oily skin, or dandruff CHECK
• Weight gain or obesity, usually with extra weight around the waist CHECK
• Male-pattern baldness or thinning hair fortunately, I dont have this, but I do have this constant battle with falling hair
• Patches of skin on the neck, arms, breasts, or thighs that are thick and dark brown or black
• Skin tags — excess flaps of skin in the armpits or neck area
• Pelvic pain CHECK
• Anxiety or depression CHECK (if mood swings count)
  
• Sleep apnea — when breathing stops for short periods of time while asleep

I have more than 50% of the symptoms of PCOS. Looking at the brighter side, it's also good to find out that there is a reason why I can't seem to outgrow my acne, why I cant seem to distinguish my waist line and most of all, why I have irregular periods. At least now I can say, "a, PCOS kasi ako e" hehehe.

Dr. Sua-Lao commended that I have lost some weight since the operation and said that I should continue watching my weight in order for us to control my insulin level. She explained that since my body is insulin-resistant, the tendency is to produce more insulin. This also signals to the brain that my body is not healthy for fertilization of an egg, therefore, I don't ovulate.

I am excited to finally have a reason to exercise and stay healthy. I can feel that this will really motivate me. For now, I can just watch what I eat since I am still not allowed to do heavy physical stuff.