Kate, it's a bit of a long story. So bear with me.
I kept going to the doctors from the age of about 13 with very very bad facial hair and missed periods. They just kept saying it was because I was mediterranean, and that the periods would settle down.
They never took me seriously, perhaps because I'm quite a positive person, and didn't display symptoms of depression or anxiety over it. Eventually, when I was 19 the GP gave me a prescription for some blood tests to be taken when my next period came. Well, It didn't come, and I went to live in France for 6 months.
While I was there, my breasts because really sore and lumpy and I went to the GP there about them. He asked me 101 questions and sent me for a full set of blood tests. I think he knew by looking at me that I had a hormone problem. I had my breasts and my ovaries scanned and when we got the results he sent me to a good endocrinologist in Paris.
Almost £1000 of blood tests later, (you pay upfront in France, then get 75% reimbursed) and a good look at my body. Pattern of hair, clitoris, weight distribution. I was diagonsed with CAH and told that it would be very difficult to have children, and that I wouldn't have them without special treatment.
They gave me an anti-androgen and a topical oestrogen gel. It worked like a dream. It was the best treatment for me.
I came to England, was referred to a local endocrinologist who told me that they only give anti-androgens to men with high libido's not to women. Took me off it, and put me on Dexamethasone. It was disastrous, and the rest I've already mentioned in previous posts.
I hope this answers your question.
love Gizzie
