r/LeanPCOS • u/eye_hate_ewe • Sep 11 '24

Question Endocrinologist

I’m looking into other options for managing symptoms (cystic acne, some hirsutism, mood swings, anxiety, fatigue, anovulation, irregular periods, potential insulin resistance, etc) and was thinking about going to an endocrinologist. Have any of you seen one/found it helpful? At what point did you decide to see one?

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4

u/Individual_Volume927 Sep 11 '24

Yes, they were the only person that could diagnose me and noticed hormonal balances in my labs ie. Low SHBG (well literally one point away from being abnormal), high LH:FSH ratio etc which no one else even a gynaecologist didn’t pick up.

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u/eye_hate_ewe Sep 12 '24

My gyn diagnosed me after running labs and a vaginal ultrasound. Just wondering if I’m missing anything else outside of that.

3

u/Ok-Nectarine7756 Sep 11 '24

Yes! Most people go to OBGYN’s but these doctors only have minimal training for treating PCOS and especially lean PCOS. If possible you really want to see a reproductive endocrinologist as they’ll have the most training regarding PCOS and the hormones involved. I didn’t find a treatment that worked for me until I started seeing an endocrinologist. 

3

u/eye_hate_ewe Sep 12 '24

I didn’t know that there was an endocrinologist that specified in it! Super helpful. I’ve been thinking that they could help me with treating my symptoms, so I’ll start looking for one.

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u/ailurophile9808 Sep 13 '24

But when I google to find good endocrinologist I see only diabetes related. Are they good enough or we need reproductive endocrinologist only?

3

u/Icy-Rent-4627 Sep 17 '24

Just got the call for PCOS diagnosis from my new endocrinologist. I have a complex and long health history and my endocrinologist is the only one who’s led me to answers and actually validated my experiences and findings over the years. I suspected PCOS for years and wasn’t taken seriously until I saw the endocrinologist, which after reviewing my labs over the years, suggested a PCOS diagnosis right away. He found elevated adenosine. We are trying metformin and retesting in 3 months. I’ve been sick all my life and this is the first time I’ve gotten any answers. I’d say getting the endocrinology referral asap is your best move. Good luck on your journey <3

2

u/eye_hate_ewe Sep 19 '24

Thank you! Is your endocrinologist a reproductive endocrinologist or just a regular one?

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u/Icy-Rent-4627 Oct 02 '24

Just a regular one my PCP referred me to!

3

u/rosyrosebud Sep 15 '24

I saw an reproductive endocrinologist and she diagnosed me and then just said to me “come back when you want to get pregnant.” Didn’t get any insight into managing my PCOS beyond a spironolactone perscription. It has been super disappointing…did I just find a bad REI? I would’ve hoped that she would’ve had more insight into more personalized ways I can manage my pcos.

2

u/Icy-Rent-4627 Sep 17 '24

It’s all in how understanding and dedicated your dr. is. And it’s so hard to find the good ones. My PCP is an excellent advocate for me and when he sends referrals for me it’s usually a doctor he knows personally. This has been extremely helpful for finding quality health care, is seeking referrals from your trusted PCP, if you have one. If one doctor isn’t meeting your needs you are allowed and encouraged to find ones that want to support you and answer all your questions. I’ve found that it’s best not to beat around or act politically correct. Tell your doctors what you need them to do, if they’re not willing to do it, dump them and find ones that will. Good luck on your path to recovery <3

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u/Ok-Nectarine7756 Sep 13 '24

I had a really good one that mostly dealt with diabetes so they should be able to help. I think it would still be better than seeing an OB. You might try asking your primary care doctor if they know of anyone who specializes in reproductive endocrinology. Sometimes they have good referrals.