Questions to Ask (from podcast) Pt 1.

So today we are going to do a part one of two on “What Questions To Ask With PCOS” today we are going over the general health questions for PCOS. 

Of course, I need to preface that I am NOT a doctor, dietitian or nutritionist. Information shared on this page is done so from my own research. If you have any questions on what you see on this page, please discuss with your health professional team. These questions are generic questions that should be brought up with your healthcare professional or team to make sure that you are being provided with the best possible care. 

Your doctor or healthcare professional/team should know the answers to, or be willing to find the answers. Keeping in mind that not all healthcare professionals are trained on every diagnosis, that doesn’t mean that they shouldn’t be willing to learn when they have a patient present with that diagnosis.

In Part One we will go over the more generic questions and questions that pertain to your overall health.

First of all, What is PCOS? Well, it is a complex endocrine system/ metabolic syndrome, that effects multiple systems in your body. PCOS can not be cured, however with the right maintenance for your body (such as lifestyle changes, exercise, and if needed supplements or medications), the symptoms can be subdued and maintained. 

So what are the best questions to ask regarding your general well being with PCOS? Again, it’s okay if your doctor doesn’t have the answer, as long as your doctor is willing to find the answer and get back to you with it. Or be willing to refer you to a specialist, such as an endocrinologist, to get you the answers you need. If your doctor isn't willing to find the answers for you, you may want to consider a second opinion and finding a new doctor or team to help treat you if at all possible. 

Although a lot of these questions can be answered online, it's best to have answers from your healthcare team, knowing that they are aware of your health and what needs to be done it vital to your overall health. 

• How is PCOS diagnosed? 
• What symptom do I have that diagnosed me with PCOS?
• Do you have experience and expertise in PCOS?  
• Should I see a specialist doctor (e.g. endocrinologist, gynecologist, dermatologist) and if so what kind?  
• Should I see a dietitian or nutritionist?  
• Should I see a psychologist or psychiatrist?  
• Will I need to go to a fertility clinic?
• Do I need any regular tests or checks (eg bloodwork or scans of the ovaries) because I have PCOS?
• What are polycystic cysts and do I have them on my ovaries?
• If I have polycystic ovaries, does that mean I have PCOS?
• If I do not have poly cystic ovaries can I still have PCOS?
• Is there a difference in having cystic ovaries and having PCOS?
• Can PCOS be inherited (run in families)? 
• Do polycystic ovaries need to be treated?  
• I have a particular symptom that worries me, is it related to PCOS?  
• Does PCOS cause pain?  
• What is hyperandrogenism (high levels of ‘male-type hormones’) and how does it affect PCOS? 
• How does stress affect hormones?

• What is the best treatment for my acne?  
• What is the best treatment for my excess hair?  
• What is the best treatment for my hair loss?  
• Are there over-the-counter treatment options for my hair or skin problems?  
• Is there medication for my hair/skin problems/ how well does this medication work?  

• Is PCOS linked to anxiety, depression or other mental health disorders I need to be aware of? 
• How do I know if I have depression or anxiety? 
• Are there effective treatment options for depression and anxiety? 
• Where can I get more information and support about emotional wellbeing?

• Does PCOS affect sleep? 
• How does PCOS affect sex and relationships? 
• What other health conditions can occur with PCOS? 
• Is PCOS linked to cancer? 
• Is PCOS linked to diabetes? 
• Is PCOS linked to high cholesterol? 
• Is PCOS linked to heart disease? 
• Is PCOS linked to stroke? 
• Is PCOS linked to high blood pressure? 
• What is insulin resistance?
• What is pre-diabetes? 
• How do I get tested for IR, prediabetes, diabetes and what do the test results mean?
• What medication is best for my PCOS?
• What are the side effects of this medication? 
• Why is this medication a good option or not a good option for me?  

• Where can I get more information about PCOS? 
• Is it possible to lead a normal life with PCOS?
• What can I do to prevent long term complications due to PCOS? 
• What regular checks should I have with my PCOS?
• What can happen if I don’t manage my PCOS? 

Again, it's okay if your doctor or team doesn't have the answers right away to all these questions, as long as they are willing to research and get back to you with the answers. It's impossible for a doctor to know everything about every condition, so don't be surprised if your doctor can't answer all these questions. Again, as long as the doctor is willing to do the research and learn and follow up with you on the answers, you are in good hands. If not, please consider, if possible, finding a new doctor or team.