Ovarian cysts, or women with PCOS? Anyone with advice?
Hi ladies 
I’m wondering if I possibly have ovarian cysts/PCOS. My periods are typically pretty regular, they just vary by a couple days each month. Normally it’s either every 24, 26, or 28 days. I would say every now and then I have an off cycle, maybe 3-4 times a year, where I have a longer cycle. My periods are typically extremely heavy with terrible cramping, lasting 5-7 days.
I use a fertility monitor that is always 100% accurate as far as detecting ovulation. Last month it detected my O day, and then I didn’t start my period when I should have. It was 2 wks late, and I have a 12 day luteal phase. I was having horrible throbbing pain in my left ovary, and now I am still having the pains on CD 12. It’s not ovulation pain, it’s much more severe. I’m starting to think I have a cyst or PCOS. I’m not overweight, but if I let myself I can gain weight pretty quickly. I’m possibly 5 pounds heavier than what I should be. I’m not noticing any extra facial hair, and I know not everyone has that symptom. I know everyone’s symptoms are different, but the thing making me wonder is the TERRIBLE pain.
Does it sound like a cyst, or PCOS to you ladies? I have an appointment with my OBGYN on Thursday, and I am just petrified to go. I’m eager to get to the bottom of it, and know it’s in my best interest to go, but I’m just so worried and terrified. Any advice or personal experience? I’d love for you all to share Thanks ladies, and all the baby dust in the world for all of us TTC!
I’m not pregnant. I finally got my period after being 2 wks late, and currently in a new cycle.
Oh I’m keeping the appointment for sure! I’m just petrified that it’s going to be someting that affects my fertility. We been TTC for 9 months, and I’ve had 1 miscarriage. I know we gets cysts each cycle, I’m all too familiar with the way our reproductive system works, lol. I probably know too much for my own good!
Thanks Dr. Phil You always give the best encouragement!
It’s possible you have PCOS. Not every woman with PCOS has the same symptoms. Many women aren’t overweight, don’t have hirsutism and do have cycles. The only way to know whether you have it is to have the testing done (hormone panel and an ultrasound). We also don’t necessarily respond to the same treatments either. Some women are able to ovulate and conceive using clomid (low level fertility drug), others need it in combination with metformin (for insulin resistance) and some of us need the aid of a reproductive endocrinologist. The fact that you cycle is a good sign, that you at least ovulate on your own, I think it’s just a matter of when it happens and working to make sure you get the opportunity to take advantage of it. The best way to go into this is to take your time, see what the testing reveals and go from there. PCOS and other fertility issues can be frustrating because it can be a long process, but conception isn’t impossible or unlikely with the right treatment. I’ve conceived two pregnancies with fertility treatment (I had to see an RE) and am currently pregnant with a natural (and surprising) conception. So, no need to get nervous, it’ll all work out in the end. Good luck.
It could be a tubal pregnancy… Go see a doctor asap if the pain persists.
What you are describing sounds the same as when i had a cyst. I was 17 when i had it and it ruptured as i just thought i was having bad period pain. Just get it checked out asap its the easiest thing to do and it will put your mind at rest.
First, please realize that every woman has cysts. Cysts form and go away every month. Some get larger than others. So, having a cyst does not mean you have PCOS. If you ovulate normally and have a regular cycle, it isn’t likely that you have PCOS. However, you could have a cyst. Cysts normally go away on their own, but it’s good that you are going to get it checked out anyway. You should always see the doctor when you have concerns!
You shouldn’t be terrified to go to the OBGYN. They will probably give you the standard yearly exam, and do an ultrasound to see if you have a cyst. If PCOS is suspected, they will probably just do a blood test. It’s very painless. If you have a cyst, and you’re in horrible pain, the cyst might have ruptured. If it did, then it should be gone and the pain will subside in about a week. That’s what happened to me anyway!
well i had an ovarian syst and my period was way off and like i had the worst terrible pains like the kind you have to leave school and come home and cry and put pillows on your stomach and if you dont fall asleep the pain wont go away. well if thats the type of pain you have then i suggest you get it removed vbecuase it will complicate your life like you wont be able to do a lot of things like running carrying heavy things it s really a problem. i got mine removed the same instance i found out i had it. i had to rest about 3 weeks and no more pain. i have no idea about the other ones but theyll prob. do an ultrasound to find out what the problem is. dont be scared its not bad at all. like i was 14 when i had mine removed
Hi, I know I’m not a lady, but please do go to your appointment. My wife had the same sort of pain and had two grapefruit size cyst, one on each ovary. When they found them by ultrasound, the rushed her to operation. Should she have waited a few days more, she could have died.
If this is the case, which I hope it isn’t, there may be a chance that you can still have kids. In our case she still has 1/3 of an ovary left and it still ovulates.
Best of luck and go to your appointment, you’ll be fine.
The good thing is PCOS is not a fertility death sentence. Just cutting a few things out of your diet and dropping a few pounds is very helpful. Even if your not big(which you are not) a small amount of weight loss can keep things in check. I don’t think you have PCOS but if you do you will manage. I have endometriosis and a problems with cysts on my ovaries and I was able to get my BFP. Don’t lose hope because everything will work out.
Thank you for your help!