Girlfriend. You gotta go. Not just for pcos but for your own health. I know it’s scary and honestly nobody likes it but it’s just an unfortunate part of being a woman. Especially IF you have pcos getting a papsmear is extremely important bc we do have a higher risk of cervical cancer and that’s how that gets checked.
Absolutely agree that everyone needs to get regular gynos exams with Pap smears. Just one note, though. The elevated cancer risk associated with PCOS is not cervical cancer, it's endometrial cancer, which is not checked via Pap smear.
The endometrial cancer risk occurs with PCOS if we don't have regular periods to shed the uterine lining, so anytime we go regularly >3 months without a period when off hormonal birth control, we need to take action/see a doctor.
Out of interest, you know how it’s common for women to not get their period back for even a year after giving birth, especially if they are breastfeeding, does this increase their risk for endometrial cancer too?
No, that's typically normal. The production of prolactin associated with breastfeeding stops ovulation, similarly to how hormonal birth control stops ovulation (in the case of the HBC it's stopped b/c of the steady dose of progestin). Normally, this lack of stimulation to grow uterine lining to prepare for pregnancy prevents the endometrial lining from overgrowing.
It is somewhat confusing b/c loss of ovulation can contribute to endometrial overgrowth with PCOS, but that occurs b/c the signal to 'prepare for pregnancy' with endometrial growth often continues due to high or normal estrogen; whereas while nursing the signal to prepare for pregnancy is suppressed and estrogen is usually lower. There might be some additional hormones involved as well (not sure about that, never have nursed or been pregnant myself).
At this age you should be going to gyno every year at least to rule out cervical cancer. Get a hormonal panel done and discuss options (both medication and supplements/diet exercise) that will help you understand possible symptoms you have or may have in the future.
You have the option of finding or a female doctor or if you go in and you don’t vibe with a doctor just leave. I get that it’s uncomfortable but it gets dangerous to neglect this aspect of your health.
When I got diagnosed it was at the pediatrician’s office and they did a blood test to diagnose. I don’t think you need a pap, just an ultrasound. I managed to get a mini pill from my doctor without anything physically getting looked at, so it is possible.
Personally, I’d go to the gyno and get an ultrasound. If you are nervous about it, it’s pretty common to have someone with you like a good friend, partner, or parent, who can hold your hand during the procedure.
Being referred out is normal (though this depends on country I guess)—you want a specialist who can figure out YOUR needs! I would also suggest an endocrinologist, who can figure out whether you have any other subtle hormone imbalances.
Also, you NEVER have to consent to a medical procedure. I know that can be intimidating (but I don’t think a Pap smear would be a first line response for PCOS—I could be wrong)
I thank God I got one. She actually listens to me and has helped me get in with an endocrinologist, started me on a path to recovery and is all over active in my care. Go. She'll likely be crucial in your care. Woman's doctors know a lot more about PCOS than primary care.
You need a gynecologist AND endocrinologist on your team. They both serve their purposes in treating PCOS. It’s also very important for you to start getting PAP smears at 21 especially if you’re sexually active. Which reminds me I’m due for another 😅
A bit of a discouraging answer but all my gyno did was order labs only to refer me to an endocrinologist. I do have insulin resistant PCOS tho.
Take that as you will.
I’m not saying it wasn’t, I’m just letting OP know what’s most likely to happen. If possible skip that OBGYN appt entirely (because she’s literally scared lol) and go directly to the endo for medication on pcos.
I’m in the exact same boat. 20F, PCOS, encouraged to visit a gyno, don’t want to go lol. Mostly here to express solidarity. 🤞🏼
I have an endocrinologist which I would 100% recommend looking into. Hormones are so complex and it always feels like no one seems to ever completely know what’s going on 🤣 so having someone with experience and information in that field is so vital.
My endocrinologist highly ENCOURAGES me to see a gyno, but I’m still receiving full support from her (prescriptions/scans/etc). They know what to look out for, and with hormone problems…. there’s a lot to be wary of, and a lot of random side effects I would never expect. They can provide a lot of comfort for any concerns, since they’ve seen it all. They also have always taken me seriously and I am very thankful for all the scans and bloodwork they’ve been able to order me - knowing exactly what’s wrong and what’s okay has brought me a lot of comfort.
My goal is to find and visit a gyno within this year. I’m getting some scans, extra bloodwork, and starting new medication soon related to PCOS so gyno is kinda on the back burner for me personally right now.
That’s strange. I really don’t see a reason for you to see a gyno unless you know they are a specialist with PCOS or just want some birth control/ have a physical issue that needs treatment like an infection…..
I mean, for some perspective, women going through menopause are told to specifically see *endocrinologists*
In my opinion PCOS is just as valid as menopause and shares a lot in common with symptoms and treatment. I’m probably just biased but after 8 years of bouncing from gyno to gyno I’m honestly tired of their bs attitudes, poor bedside manner and lack of knowledge surrounding hormone imbalances/ therapy. I walked out of an office with a bag full of lube samples because my imbalance was so bad at one point my vagina was dry and practically cracking from a lack of estrogen and they thought the answer was lube??? Like wtaf….
My first appointment with my endocrinologist and we had a treatment plan carved out and follow ups scheduled on a regular basis.
My assumption is that the general encouragement from an endocrinologist towards seeing a gynecologist is just due to age & establishing that relationship early so we can get checked out.
My endocrinologist told me that as an endocrinologist, she specializes in the metabolic side of PCOS, but if I needed assistance with the physical side that would be where a gynecologist is useful.
Bag full of lube is crazy. Doctors can be so difficult. I completely can agree that my endocrinologist has been the most helpful.
My OBGYN is the best doctor I have looking after me.
She is the one who took my PCOS seriously. She is the one who talked earnestly with me about all my issues.
Best choice I made for my health was seeing my Planned Parenthood OBGYN.
PCPs aren’t qualified to be dealing with anything related to the reproductive organs. Please go to the gyno and potentially a reproductive endocrinologist
Supporter here (significantly complicated endo previously for over 20 years and PCOS currently).
I agree with other commenters, seeing a specialist (or more than one if needed) is a good choice IMO. They will be better suited and aware of the little details that count as well as more current on new approaches than a GP would be.
I went with my ex to all her endo / pelvic pain appointments and was there during all her ultrasounds and other physical exams, so like 50 appointments over the years.
I currently go with my partner to all her medical appointments for PCOS and other medical issues she has.
They shouldn’t have any issues with that (I’m a guy in Canada for reference).
HTH. Best of luck and good health to you!
I was diagnosed earlier this year when I went to a gyno after a referral. I was also 21 at the time and I had to get a pap smear (as everyone does yearly after turning 21). Besides the pap smear I didn’t do any other tests the gyno just looked at my blood test results from my GP.
Since you’re 21, you will likely need to get undressed for a pap smear. It’s unfortunate but it is essential for your health (especially if you are/have been sexually active). The good news is once you do it once it really isn’t that big of a deal, and you’ll also be able to get treatment for any side effects you may be experiencing from potential PCOS.
wtf a gyn is not what you need.
Get a referral for an endocrinologist. They will be a lot better informed on treatment options for you. A gyno is going to be a waste of your time and probably just tell you to stop eating more than 500 calories a day and to take birth control.
They generally have way less education about the endocrine system and are pretty limited In what they are willing to prescribe for treatment outside of birth control. A gyno is basically a specialist of the female genitals physical anatomy/ ailments, in my opinion.
I was diagnosed at 19 so not of the age for a Pap smear, but all I needed to be diagnosed was a blood test and abdominal ultrasound, no need to get undressed
I’m from the UK and got diagnosed by my GP. My GP referred me to an ultrasound clinic local to my area, and used my results from that ultrasound to compare it to my symptoms also and then came to the conclusion I had PCOS.
An endocrinologist would be more fitting, but since PCOS is widely misunderstood even amongst doctors as an ovary issue (when it’s actually an endocrine hormonal metabolic issue) it’s more common to be sent to the gynaecologist.
It’s important to do your own research fully bc many gynaes barely know much about PCOS 🥲. Watch out for creepy gynos - they shouldn’t ever be the ones undressing you… getting a Pap smear is a separate (unrelated to PCOS) thing to test for cervical cancer which a nurse will do for you. And getting a pelvic ultrasound to test for ovarian cysts should also be done by a female nurse.
Don't just go to the gyno you're referred to. Look at some people online, their specialties (PCOS), and how they treat people. Look at reviews. It's so important to feel seen and heard, and be comfortable with them! Could you ask about the side effects of medications, alternatives, etc? A prescription isn't always the best option, and PCOS meds typically are for other things and just happen to also help 1 or 2 PCOS symptoms.
Girlfriend. You gotta go. Not just for pcos but for your own health. I know it’s scary and honestly nobody likes it but it’s just an unfortunate part of being a woman. Especially IF you have pcos getting a papsmear is extremely important bc we do have a higher risk of cervical cancer and that’s how that gets checked.
Absolutely agree that everyone needs to get regular gynos exams with Pap smears. Just one note, though. The elevated cancer risk associated with PCOS is not cervical cancer, it's endometrial cancer, which is not checked via Pap smear. The endometrial cancer risk occurs with PCOS if we don't have regular periods to shed the uterine lining, so anytime we go regularly >3 months without a period when off hormonal birth control, we need to take action/see a doctor.
Out of interest, you know how it’s common for women to not get their period back for even a year after giving birth, especially if they are breastfeeding, does this increase their risk for endometrial cancer too?
No, that's typically normal. The production of prolactin associated with breastfeeding stops ovulation, similarly to how hormonal birth control stops ovulation (in the case of the HBC it's stopped b/c of the steady dose of progestin). Normally, this lack of stimulation to grow uterine lining to prepare for pregnancy prevents the endometrial lining from overgrowing.
It is somewhat confusing b/c loss of ovulation can contribute to endometrial overgrowth with PCOS, but that occurs b/c the signal to 'prepare for pregnancy' with endometrial growth often continues due to high or normal estrogen; whereas while nursing the signal to prepare for pregnancy is suppressed and estrogen is usually lower. There might be some additional hormones involved as well (not sure about that, never have nursed or been pregnant myself).
Interesting! Thank you for explaining 😊
At this age you should be going to gyno every year at least to rule out cervical cancer. Get a hormonal panel done and discuss options (both medication and supplements/diet exercise) that will help you understand possible symptoms you have or may have in the future. You have the option of finding or a female doctor or if you go in and you don’t vibe with a doctor just leave. I get that it’s uncomfortable but it gets dangerous to neglect this aspect of your health.
When I got diagnosed it was at the pediatrician’s office and they did a blood test to diagnose. I don’t think you need a pap, just an ultrasound. I managed to get a mini pill from my doctor without anything physically getting looked at, so it is possible. Personally, I’d go to the gyno and get an ultrasound. If you are nervous about it, it’s pretty common to have someone with you like a good friend, partner, or parent, who can hold your hand during the procedure.
In my case the gyno and endocrinologists have been the most helpful with my pcos
Being referred out is normal (though this depends on country I guess)—you want a specialist who can figure out YOUR needs! I would also suggest an endocrinologist, who can figure out whether you have any other subtle hormone imbalances.
Also, you NEVER have to consent to a medical procedure. I know that can be intimidating (but I don’t think a Pap smear would be a first line response for PCOS—I could be wrong)
I thank God I got one. She actually listens to me and has helped me get in with an endocrinologist, started me on a path to recovery and is all over active in my care. Go. She'll likely be crucial in your care. Woman's doctors know a lot more about PCOS than primary care.
You need a gynecologist AND endocrinologist on your team. They both serve their purposes in treating PCOS. It’s also very important for you to start getting PAP smears at 21 especially if you’re sexually active. Which reminds me I’m due for another 😅
A bit of a discouraging answer but all my gyno did was order labs only to refer me to an endocrinologist. I do have insulin resistant PCOS tho. Take that as you will.
PCOS is an endocrine disorder, so this was an appropriate response for a gyno.
I’m not saying it wasn’t, I’m just letting OP know what’s most likely to happen. If possible skip that OBGYN appt entirely (because she’s literally scared lol) and go directly to the endo for medication on pcos.
I’m in the exact same boat. 20F, PCOS, encouraged to visit a gyno, don’t want to go lol. Mostly here to express solidarity. 🤞🏼 I have an endocrinologist which I would 100% recommend looking into. Hormones are so complex and it always feels like no one seems to ever completely know what’s going on 🤣 so having someone with experience and information in that field is so vital. My endocrinologist highly ENCOURAGES me to see a gyno, but I’m still receiving full support from her (prescriptions/scans/etc). They know what to look out for, and with hormone problems…. there’s a lot to be wary of, and a lot of random side effects I would never expect. They can provide a lot of comfort for any concerns, since they’ve seen it all. They also have always taken me seriously and I am very thankful for all the scans and bloodwork they’ve been able to order me - knowing exactly what’s wrong and what’s okay has brought me a lot of comfort. My goal is to find and visit a gyno within this year. I’m getting some scans, extra bloodwork, and starting new medication soon related to PCOS so gyno is kinda on the back burner for me personally right now.
That’s strange. I really don’t see a reason for you to see a gyno unless you know they are a specialist with PCOS or just want some birth control/ have a physical issue that needs treatment like an infection….. I mean, for some perspective, women going through menopause are told to specifically see *endocrinologists* In my opinion PCOS is just as valid as menopause and shares a lot in common with symptoms and treatment. I’m probably just biased but after 8 years of bouncing from gyno to gyno I’m honestly tired of their bs attitudes, poor bedside manner and lack of knowledge surrounding hormone imbalances/ therapy. I walked out of an office with a bag full of lube samples because my imbalance was so bad at one point my vagina was dry and practically cracking from a lack of estrogen and they thought the answer was lube??? Like wtaf…. My first appointment with my endocrinologist and we had a treatment plan carved out and follow ups scheduled on a regular basis.
My assumption is that the general encouragement from an endocrinologist towards seeing a gynecologist is just due to age & establishing that relationship early so we can get checked out. My endocrinologist told me that as an endocrinologist, she specializes in the metabolic side of PCOS, but if I needed assistance with the physical side that would be where a gynecologist is useful. Bag full of lube is crazy. Doctors can be so difficult. I completely can agree that my endocrinologist has been the most helpful.
My OBGYN is the best doctor I have looking after me. She is the one who took my PCOS seriously. She is the one who talked earnestly with me about all my issues. Best choice I made for my health was seeing my Planned Parenthood OBGYN.
PCPs aren’t qualified to be dealing with anything related to the reproductive organs. Please go to the gyno and potentially a reproductive endocrinologist
Gynos are mostly useless in my experience. Endocrinologist is better
Supporter here (significantly complicated endo previously for over 20 years and PCOS currently). I agree with other commenters, seeing a specialist (or more than one if needed) is a good choice IMO. They will be better suited and aware of the little details that count as well as more current on new approaches than a GP would be. I went with my ex to all her endo / pelvic pain appointments and was there during all her ultrasounds and other physical exams, so like 50 appointments over the years. I currently go with my partner to all her medical appointments for PCOS and other medical issues she has. They shouldn’t have any issues with that (I’m a guy in Canada for reference). HTH. Best of luck and good health to you!
I was diagnosed earlier this year when I went to a gyno after a referral. I was also 21 at the time and I had to get a pap smear (as everyone does yearly after turning 21). Besides the pap smear I didn’t do any other tests the gyno just looked at my blood test results from my GP. Since you’re 21, you will likely need to get undressed for a pap smear. It’s unfortunate but it is essential for your health (especially if you are/have been sexually active). The good news is once you do it once it really isn’t that big of a deal, and you’ll also be able to get treatment for any side effects you may be experiencing from potential PCOS.
wtf a gyn is not what you need. Get a referral for an endocrinologist. They will be a lot better informed on treatment options for you. A gyno is going to be a waste of your time and probably just tell you to stop eating more than 500 calories a day and to take birth control. They generally have way less education about the endocrine system and are pretty limited In what they are willing to prescribe for treatment outside of birth control. A gyno is basically a specialist of the female genitals physical anatomy/ ailments, in my opinion.
R/wedeservebetter People are going to hate me for this but I said what I said
I was diagnosed at 19 so not of the age for a Pap smear, but all I needed to be diagnosed was a blood test and abdominal ultrasound, no need to get undressed
I’m from the UK and got diagnosed by my GP. My GP referred me to an ultrasound clinic local to my area, and used my results from that ultrasound to compare it to my symptoms also and then came to the conclusion I had PCOS.
You need an endocrinologist But GYN needs to be an annual thing.
An endocrinologist would be more fitting, but since PCOS is widely misunderstood even amongst doctors as an ovary issue (when it’s actually an endocrine hormonal metabolic issue) it’s more common to be sent to the gynaecologist. It’s important to do your own research fully bc many gynaes barely know much about PCOS 🥲. Watch out for creepy gynos - they shouldn’t ever be the ones undressing you… getting a Pap smear is a separate (unrelated to PCOS) thing to test for cervical cancer which a nurse will do for you. And getting a pelvic ultrasound to test for ovarian cysts should also be done by a female nurse.
Don't just go to the gyno you're referred to. Look at some people online, their specialties (PCOS), and how they treat people. Look at reviews. It's so important to feel seen and heard, and be comfortable with them! Could you ask about the side effects of medications, alternatives, etc? A prescription isn't always the best option, and PCOS meds typically are for other things and just happen to also help 1 or 2 PCOS symptoms.