Posted by on March 16, 19100 at 22:33:59:
In Reply to: Question for MD re: Lab tests and Meds posted by Lisa L on March 14, 19100 at 14:58:19:
It sounds like you have had a good, comprehensive workup, although, I am not convinced of the utility of salivary cortisol. DHEAS is produced by the adrenal glands and is elevated in ~ 50% of women with PCOS. It isn't terribly useful as it is rare that anyone has levels high enough to change the medical treatment of the patient (exception: women trying to conceive may benefit from medications to lower DHEAS levels). Androstenedione can be from the ovary, adrenal gland or peripheral tissues and is therefore rarely ordered. All the other tests you have had are right on target. As for the medications, glucophage and metformin are the same drug and are used in patients with evidence of insulin resistance. Rezulin is toxic to the liver and is used with caution. Best of luck!!!
I read the LHJ article and promptly made an appointment with an Endocrinologist. This wonderful doctor made me feel so much better. She ran the following lab tests...Free & Total Testosterone, Fasting Insulin, Glucose, and Lipid Panel. DHEA-Sulfate, Androstenedione, Prolactin, and salivary cortisol levels. I'm a Med Tech and I know what all these tests are and how they relate...EXCEPT for the DHEA-sulfate and the Androstenedione. Could one of the MD's clue me in. I haven't had my follow up visit yet and want to be prepared. Also what Meds are currently used to treat? (rezulin, glucophage, metformin, estrostep??) I would like to look in the PDR before my visit. My labs all seem to fit PCOS... elevate testosterone, and insulin levels etc. Thank you. I'm looking forward to the on-line chat session.