PCOS??

[aliengirl]

Hi y’all,

Something weird happened to me that hasn’t happened to me in like a couple of years. My period only lasted two days? I don’t know why or how. Maybe it’s because I’m stressed asf, but if I’m being honest I’m always stressed. I usually have regular periods and they last around five days.

I’ve also had some amount of suspicion that I might have PCOS which would totally uproot my life right now and I really would not like this to be the case. I don’t show any symptoms except for being hairy. The problem is that I don't know how hairy you have to be to have PCOS and like every woman on this planet shaves so how am I even supposed to have a reference as to what is “normal” hairy!! Also I’m brown sooooo… like it could just be genetics. But this period thing is feeding into this concern. I guess I have no other choice but to wait for next month and see if I have a regular cycle.

Also I’m not pregnant cuz no coitus

I have horrible anxiety when it comes to going to the doctors office and I literally cry EVERY SINGLE TIME so I don’t even know where I would start if I wanted to ask my doctor about this

[Latha]

Hi there, Aliengirl!

First thing, here is our resource on PCOS, in case you'd like to read it.

On its own, I wouldn't say having an unusually short period once is a cause for concern. Your body isn't a machine, so there is bound to be some variation from time to time, even when we can't point to a specific cause. If that is the main worry you have, I think it would be alright for you to wait a few months to see how your cycle looks. It could very well sort itself out.

But, I see you do have another reason for thinking about PCOS. I understand why you are confused about hirsutism--I've asked myself these same questions about hair and beauty standards and race when it comes to evaluating how much hair is a sign that something might not be right.

Usually, my suggestion here would be to see a doctor. There is technically a method for measuring hair growth that doctors may use to diagnose hirsutism, and they should (ideally) factor ethnicity/race into their evaluation. They could also run tests to determine whether your androgen levels are high--that is what they are actually looking for with this symptom. Their examination would tell you what is happening for sure where we can only guess.

However, I know you've mentioned that this idea is very anxiety inducing for you. Would it be alright if I asked why that is the case? Do you feel like a diagnosis of PCOS would uproot your life because you'd have to visit a doctor more often, or is it something else?

[aliengirl]

Hi Latha

An invasive procedure which happened when I was like 4 or something gave me I guess what is some form of trauma. Unfortunately, I can’t switch doctors until I’m 18 (for reference I’ve had this doc since I was fresh out of the oven). Really it’s any medical-sterile setting that triggers my tears I guess.

A diagnosis would uproot my life cuz I really don’t want a beard rn. Like I just don’t need that in my life. A mustache… maybe.

Okay I’m kidding hehehe, on a serious note I just currently have a shittttt ton of stressors and the last thing I need is one more!!! I haven’t had any major health problems since Jan of last year soooo yeah this would pretty much fuck up everything I’ve rebuilt for me to be somewhat functional and okay.

[Latha]

Hi Aliengirl,

That does seem like medical trauma--I'm sorry to hear it. Given that, and that you've just recovered from the health problems you had last year, I see how this would feel anxiety-inducing.

Could you say a little about why you can't switch doctors? I believe it is your right to see a different practitioner if you want to--another primary care doctor/pediatrician, or a specialist. I'd hope that you would be able to do so if it would make you feel more comfortable during medical appointments. Do you think your parents support you with this?

Would it help to hear that, if you did have PCOS, it wouldn't have to be an emergency, or something you would need to drop everything else to take care of? So far, your possible symptoms are just one short period, and your body hair. Long term, it is good to make sure a condition like PCOS is managed, but if you are not experiencing anything that demands immediate attention, anything that is hurting your quality of life, you can wait a little to follow up on this and take it at your own pace.

[aliengirl]

Hi again,

Well I tried my best to express this to my mom, but she say’s it’ll only be possible when I turn 18 which is when I can be a patient under her doctor. There aren’t many pediatricians practicing here and basically all of them don’t have any space to take on new patients. I also fear that I may just have an overall aversion to medical-related spaces now. And no, I can’t see a therapist right now.

I like the sound of taking this at my own pace. Life is so hard right now. At least I have spring break!

[Latha]

Hi Aliengirl! I'm glad you like the idea of taking things at your own pace, and I hope your spring break will be relaxing and fun!

It's unfortunate that the other doctors are not available to take new patients, though. Let us know if you'd like to talk about your aversion to medical spaces--maybe we can come up with strategies that would make a consultation for PCOS or a gynecological appointment easier to handle.