Can PCOS/PMOS or Cushing's Syndrome cause stretch marks in women?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 24-year-old female with a height of 5 feet 4 inches and a weight of 147.71 pounds. I have thin white stretch marks on my stomach, arms, legs, and thighs. I have a history of rapid weight gain, around 44.09 pounds in one year, four to five years back, owing to a sedentary lifestyle.

I had a thyroid test, and it was normal. I have also been diagnosed with PCOS/PMOS. Could it be possible that I have Cushing's syndrome, or are the stretch marks because of the rapid weight gain? I had taken OCPs and Inositol for irregular periods for three months.

Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and understand your concern.

Actually, these stretch marks are due to rapid weight gain caused by PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome)/PMOS (polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome). It does not indicate Cushing’s syndrome. In Cushing’s syndrome, usually, stretch marks are seen on the abdomen only, and the abdomen size increases. But in PCOS/PMOS, body weight increases in all parts of the body, and stretch marks are seen due to weight gain.

So to treat PCOS/PMOS, you should do regular exercise. Check your thyroid hormone levels as well. Hypothyroidism can lead to weight gain.

Have you checked your thyroid before?
Can you attach a picture of stretch marks?

I will check and prescribe you medicine accordingly.

I hope this answers your query.

Please let me know if I can assist you further.

Thank you.