could i be havin polycycstic ovarian syndrome?

Question

im 25 n have been havin irregular menses since puberty.but now it has gotten worse.i had my menses thrice in march n in april for 2 weeks.and i have been gaining weight.
my LH,FSH n prolactin levels r norm.there are no cysts and no tumors in hypothalamus or pituitary.
i think i may b havin PCOS but cant confirm till i get back 2 my country to run a full checkup.
im a medical student n i thght perhaps estrogen-progesteron contraceptives might help.but im afraid it will make me gain more weight n worsen my symptoms.pls help....thnx

Answer 1

Yes it is possible that it could be PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome). But other hormone imbalances such as Cushings' Disease, non-classic adrenal hyperplasia (just learned about this thru a health related program on tv a few weeks ago) and thyroid problems can have irregular periods be symptoms of them.

One of the things they will check for to see if you have PCOS is your testosterone levels. If they are high it can indicate PCOS or non-classic adrenal hyperplasia.

I would recommend that you see an endocrinologist for the evaluation when you get back to your home country if they offer that service there.

To learn even more about Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome please check out: http://www.pcosupport.org

Answer 2

Hi,
Pl. find here with the detailed information about PCOS.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a disorder in which many benign cysts form on the ovaries under a thick, white covering. It is most common in women under 30 years old.

The ovaries are glands located on either side of the uterus (womb) in a woman's lower abdomen. The ovaries produce the female hormones oestrogen and progesterone. Before menopause, they also produce eggs.

Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that result from ovulation cycles. Many ovarian cysts go away without treatment. The most common cysts are just enlargements of normal egg follicles.



The symptoms may include:
irregular menstrual periods, particularly long cycles

very light or very heavy bleeding during your period

infertility

more hair on the face, chest, and lower abdomen

obesity

acne
Many young women with polycystic ovaries start having menstrual periods at a normal age. After a year or two of regular menstruation, the periods become quite irregular and, then, infrequent. Obesity and excessive body hair are symptoms in about 50% of the cases.

Treatment depends on how severe the symptoms are and whether the lady wishes to get pregnant.

If one is not trying to get pregnant the doctor may prescribe birth control pills. With hormones or birth control pills menstrual cycles become regular and one may have less abnormal hair growth. This treatment will also reduce the risk of developing endometrial hyperplasia, a condition that can become uterine cancer.

If pregnancy is desired the doctor may prescribe fertility drugs. In rare cases the doctor may surgically remove or destroy a wedge of ovarian tissue. This usually results in regular menstrual cycles for a while, or it may cure the problem. Electrolysis to remove excess body or facial hair may be recommended. If the patient is obese, a weight control programme might be needed.

Look PCOB can be diagnosed and confirmed after the records a detailed medical history and asks for some these of these tests and examinations :
a physical examination

blood tests to check hormone levels

an ultrasound scan

Answer 3

If you're still having your period, even if it is irregular, don't worry about it. If you stop having it all together then at the very least take the pill to encourage a withdrawl bleed. If you just want to take the pill to regulate your cycle, go for it. Normally PCOS is characterized by a lack of period more than several in one month.

Some PCOSers believe the pill caused it, personally I believe the pill disguised it as normal.

If the weight gain is due to PCOS, the pill really isn't going to make any difference.

Answer 4

if you have that, you will have menstrual irregularities and hirsutism, obesity, do you see hirsutism on yourself now?

and LH:FSH ration should be bigger than 2:1,

it is caused by excessive LH and reduced fsh, but yours is normal

so you don't have this disease, it could be caused by some other problems