I'm 36. Over the last 2 years my cycles have increased from 4 weeks to 7 weeks and are somewhat irregular. I have no obvious signs of ovulating most cycles like I have in the past. I have debilitating cramps also. Other changes I've had in the last few years also are...headaches, gained 20 pounds over the last 2 years despite no change in diet or activity level, increasing fatigue, eczema on 50% of my torso, hair has become dry, brittle, breaks and falls out much more than usual, have has corse facial hair growth on my chin and neck. I feel like my hormone levels are dropping and asked my gyn about testing my levels. She said there was no point, it wouldn't show anything unless she tested me daily for 28 days and even then probably wouldn't show anything. She said my ONLY options were birth control or pain pills and just deal with the irregularity & heavy bleeding. I know there has to be more options out there. HELP! I have a family history of heart disease and do not want to go on birth control.
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Q: Age 36, irregular periods & multiple other changes. Options?
I'm not a doctor but I was wondering if you would consult with an endocrinologist who deals with hormone production from various glands, too little or too much, among other things? Just to get an idea, first whether they agree with your gynecologist, and second whether they have any way to help you.
It might be worth a try. At least, give you a second opinion from a doctor who works in that area. I mean, there could be more one thing causing your symptoms too, but right now, I''d want to verify the information given and see if there are other options than what you've got so far.
You can also read this article by Merely Me about PCOS, due to some of them symptoms you describe. What You Need to Know About Polycystic Syndrome.
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Make that, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.