Are these symptoms related?
Question
I have just turned 42. I am having strange symptoms and my family doctor tells me it’s genetic.
Facial hair (never had this before), now getting laser therapy for that.
Excessive weight gain (have always been 145 now 163 and growing approx. 2 to 3 lbs a month although I REALLY don’t eat much at all at this point). I walk 3 to 4 times a week as well.
Morning sweats
Oily skin on my face
Funny brown freckles appearing on my legs the size of a pea but dry skin on my legs only.
I am feeling like I am ovulating only 11 or 12 days from the start of my last period.
Dry mouth.
Extremely tired….sleeping 9 or 10 hours a night and waking up tired??
What is going on with my body, it is out of control…..please help I’m feeling depressed and ugly!!!
Wendy
Answer
Last Updated: July 24, 2013
Many of the symptoms you describe could be reflective of a condition called Polycystic Ovarian Disease. PCOD is a condition characterized by hormonal dysfunction in many different body systems. This dysfunction results in an excess production of male hormones (resulting in facial hair, oily skin, etc.); insulin resistance and diabetes (which can present with fatigue, excessive urination, dry mouth…); ovulatory defects (which can result in long irregular menstrual cycles, anovulation, and infertility); weight gain; and others. There is no cure, but the symptoms you describe can be treated. You should certainly be monitored for the development of diabetes. Diet and exercise are very important also. PCOD can run in families. Other possible cause for the symptoms you describe include abnormal production of male hormones from other causes, as well as low thyroid conditions. In any case, you need a thorough evaluation by your regular doctor, and a detailed discussion of your treatment strategy, and a plan for follow-up. Good luck.
Dr. John Gisla
Dr. John Gisla
Answered By:
John Gisla, MD
Dr. John Gisla, Board Certified by the American Academy of Family Physicians, pracitces in the Sacramento Region.
