Pregnancy cause of weight gain?
Question
I am concerned that I could be pregnant. In the last 2 months I have gained approximately 12 pounds, however I am having regular periods. I just went to the doctor and had a urine pregnancy test done, and the results were negative. (I also had a thyroid test done, due to the weight gain. It came back normal.) I’m 5’4″ and have always been around 115 pounds, and for my weight to jump like this is unusual. Granted I recently turned 29 and it could be my metabolism slowing down, but the weight is primarily in my abdominal area and I have had nausea and tenderness. Could I still be pregnant? (or I am just in denial about getting older)
Andreana
Answer
Last Updated: July 7, 2013
You are not pregnant. In the face of “regular periods”, pregnancy is impossible. The onset of a normal menstrual period means that your uterus has sloughed its inner lining, and without this, maintenace of a pregnancy is impossible. In addition, a urine pregnancy test should be very accurate in detecting a pregnancy at the time of a missed period.
There are many reasons that a woman could begin to gain weight, even over a relatively short period of time. Some of these have a hormonal foundation (such as weight gain associated with thyroid dysfunction or Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome–P.C.O.D.–,or even a less common condition such as Cushing’s disease). Your doctor could detect signs of these through examination and lab testing.
Did your mother or any sisters gain weight about this time? If so, this may suggest a genetic predisposition or condition (such as P.C.O.D.).
Chronic stress can play a role. Stress can cause you to eat more of the wrong types of foods; and stress hormones (such as cortisol) can contribute to weight gain.
Has your life-style changed? Have you gone back to school or changed jobs–perhaps to something more sedantary? In general, weight gain is a function of the balance between the calories coming in (i.e. how much and the types of foods you are eating), and the calories going out (i.e. the type, frequency, and duration of activity/exercise). As your body changes and your liestyle evolves, it may become necessary for you to modify your dietary and exercise habits.
Dr. John Gisla
There are many reasons that a woman could begin to gain weight, even over a relatively short period of time. Some of these have a hormonal foundation (such as weight gain associated with thyroid dysfunction or Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome–P.C.O.D.–,or even a less common condition such as Cushing’s disease). Your doctor could detect signs of these through examination and lab testing.
Did your mother or any sisters gain weight about this time? If so, this may suggest a genetic predisposition or condition (such as P.C.O.D.).
Chronic stress can play a role. Stress can cause you to eat more of the wrong types of foods; and stress hormones (such as cortisol) can contribute to weight gain.
Has your life-style changed? Have you gone back to school or changed jobs–perhaps to something more sedantary? In general, weight gain is a function of the balance between the calories coming in (i.e. how much and the types of foods you are eating), and the calories going out (i.e. the type, frequency, and duration of activity/exercise). As your body changes and your liestyle evolves, it may become necessary for you to modify your dietary and exercise habits.
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.
