Endocrine Problems

[EmmyJN]

My doctor thinks I have ovarian cysts or something.

I'm 16, female.

I have stomach pain, inability to lose weight, no period, lower back pain, and fainting spells. My blood levels are all weird and the doctor wants me to see the adolescent health specialist at the local children's hospital.

I'm kind of worried because the doctor told me it can lead to cancers and other things.

Can someone give me more information?

[PhoebesMom0520]

It completely depends on what type of cysts you may have. Have they done CT of your abdomen and pelvis, or an abdominal or transvaginal ultrasound? Possibly what he is talking about, with the cancer, is that some ovarian cysts are cancerous. It is a lot less common for it to be cancer tho. If they have done the CT or ultrasounds, how big is the cyst(s)? Are they fluid-filled, or do they show some type of debris, or septation? To give any more clear answers, we would need more information. I can tell you though, that to assess the cancer risk, is as simple as a little blood work. Called a CA-125. Its a cancer marker... Get a little more information, there are lots of us who have had (or even still have) ovarian cysts... (And good luck, with whatever it actually ends up being!)

[sukkar]

It sounds like your doctor was talking about Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. Also called PCOS or PCOD. You have the symptoms. I advise you to follow up with all appointments and push for FREQUENT thyroid testing. These are the things I wish someone would have told me when I was 16 and had these symptoms. You do not actually have to have cysts on the ovaries for the diagnosis, but the transvaginal ultrasound is a good way to rule out cysts, fibroids and endometriosis (you are at greater risk of these when you are not having periods). If it is suggested you start on metformin (Glucophage) ask for other options as you will be stuck on it forever if you start. I didn't know the right questions to ask until I became a nurse (no internet when I was 16), but you can check the Mayo clinic website and WebMD.com for reliable information and discussion of different tests.

[EmmyJN]

Okay, and thank you both for responding :)

I'm just floored this happened. I'm not sexually active, I'm a virgin. I don't know what could be causing this and it kind of freaked me out.

I haven't had any tests done yet. I literally just found out last night from my doctor over the phone. He just told me what it is, what it could be and could cause, and what we need to do next (which is seeing another doctor). It was my GI who ran the tests that found the hormone thing, and he's the one who called. I have to wait until Monday to call the clinic at the hospital and set appointments.

I'll keep you posted on whats going on. Thanks again for the help.

~ Em