PCOS can be described as:
The syndrome acquired its most widely used name due to the common sign on ultrasound examination of multiple (poly) ovarian cysts. These "cysts" are actually immature follicles, not cysts ("polyfollicular ovary syndrome" would have been a better name). The follicles have developed from primordial follicles, but the development has stopped ("arrested") at an early antral stage due to the disturbed ovarian function. The follicles may be oriented along the ovarian periphery, appearing as a 'string of pearls' on ultrasound examination. The condition was first described in 1935 by Dr. Stein and Dr. Leventhal, hence its original name of Stein-Leventhal syndrome.
PCOS is characterized by a complex set of symptoms, and the cause cannot be determined for all patients. However, research to date suggests that insulin resistance could be a leading cause. PCOS may also have a genetic predisposition, and further research into this possibility is taking place. No specific gene has been identified, and it is thought that many genes could contribute to the development of PCOS.
A majority of patients with PCOS have insulin resistance . Their elevated insulin levels contribute to or cause the abnormalities seen in the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis that lead to PCOS.
Also, hyperinsulinemia increases GnRH pulse frequency, LH over FSH dominance, increased ovarian androgen production, decreased follicular maturation, and decreased SHBG binding; all these steps lead to the development of PCOS. Insulin resistance is a common finding among patients of normal weight as well as those overweight patients.
I was immediately started on a insulin inhibitor called Met.formin. This medicine basically helps to regulate my insulin, and if I eat any sugars (natural or artificial) or anything high in carbs, it is passed through my digestive tract. I also cannot have any alcohol as this medicine can be lethal (due to lactic acidosis). I was told that I should have a normal cycle in about 2 months and possible pregnancy in about 4 months. I was shocked when after one month on the medication, I had restored cycles! I continued to have normal cycles (I'll be it long @ 39 days) for December and January. February I had to trigger my cycle as it mysteriously has disappeared again. (You can see all this in the right nav bar).The few people we have shared this information with have asked how it was that we got pregnant with Em. My initial response is that she is a miracle! We really were very fortunate to get pregnant with her as quickly as we did! PCOS is a syndrome that you have always had, and becomes prominent later in life. People with PCOS have the best chance of getting pregnant within the first two months off of BC. Our pregnancy with Emily happens to have fallen in that time line. The PCOS is likely the reason why we had such an "interesting" pregnancy. I have already had a consult with a high risk doctor, if we are able to get pregnant again. With proper observation and medication, I should have a much less "interesting" pregnancy.
One of my best friends has been going through a infertility journey for quite some time now. I have watched her go through many ups and downs and twists and turns. She has been through far more than my mind can even understand. Her strength and positive attitude are absolutely amazing! It is so nice to have someone who I can ask questions to. That is the other reason why I wanted to do this blog. My friend and I have been observing others situations/outcomes by reading their blogs, and I want people to be able to use my blog as a resource if they wish and it is also a documentation of my journey.
I am hoping the journey will be short, and that this blog can be but a memory. We continue to pray for the Lord's direction and ask that you do the same.
Love Mel
