Does PCOS cause delayed periods, and weight gain?

Question

Hello,

I am a 32-year-old woman and I did not get my period for the last three months. I am not pregnant too. There is too much acne developing over my face and too much hair growth in my chin area. I have put on weight too. Are these symptoms due to any hormonal disorders? Can these symptoms be controlled with any lifestyle modifications? And how to regularize my periods? Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

I can understand your concern. According to your medical history, you have PCOD (polycystic ovarian disease). PCOD (polycystic ovarian disease) is a medical condition in which the woman's ovaries produce immature or partially mature eggs in large numbers and over time these become cysts in ovaries. Due to this ovaries become large and secrete large amounts of male hormones (androgens) causing infertility, irregular menstrual cycles, abnormal hair growth, and abnormal weight gain. PCOD can be controlled by diet and lifestyle modifications.

Signs and symptoms of PCOD include:

1. Irregular menstruation (Oligomenorrhea).

2. Skipped or absence of menstruation (Amenorrhea).

3. Heavy menstrual bleeding (Menorrhagia).

4. Excessive Hair growth (face, body - including on back, belly, and chest).

4. Acne (face, chest, and upper back).

5. Weight gain.

6. Hair loss (hair on the scalp gets thinner and falls out).

7. Skin darkening (Neck, in the groin, and under the breasts).

The Probable cause of this disease is hormonal change.

Investigations to be done:

1. Pelvic examination.

2. Blood tests - Hormone levels, lipid profile, and GTT (glucose tolerance test).

3. Imaging test - Ultrasonography.

Differential diagnosis:

PCOD, PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome), and other hormonal imbalances.

Probable diagnosis:

PCOD.

Treatment plan:

1 Hormonal treatment- Medroxyprogesterone regulates the menstrual cycle.

2 Ovulation-inducing drugs.

3 Drugs for acne and skin pigmentation.

4 Infertility treatments (if you want to get pregnant). In cases where patients have not responded to hormonal therapy, a laparoscopic procedure known as ovarian drilling can be performed to destroy androgen.

5 Maintaining healthy body weight, limiting carbohydrates (low-carb diet) and regular exercise can help.