Response to reader
Published:Wednesday | November 30, 2011 | 12:00 AM
by Monique Rainford, HER HEALTH
- Polycystic ovary syndrome
Good-day,
I was diagnosed with hirsutism (hair growth on chin, upper lip, breasts, abdomen and back). I was also told that I have small cysts and small fibroids. I have irregular periods, was overweight and hypertensive. I have lost 30lbs and my blood pressure medication was reduced; however, I have been on the Diane 35 for over a year now and sometimes I don't have a period, and when I do, I feel a lot of pain, nausea and it is very thick and dark (resembles mud). Can you please tell me what to do because I try to follow a low-fat and carbohydrate diet but my belly is big and I am now weighing 156 lbs. I really need your help.
Depressed
Dear Reader,
I am sorry to hear your frustration because you have clearly made significant efforts at weight loss and you deserve to be congratulated. The symptoms you describe may be due to a condition known as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Women with PCOS may have irregular periods, signs of excess androgen such as hirsutism or acne, and an ultrasound may show polycystic ovaries. All of these criteria do not need to be met for the diagnosis to be confirmed, but other conditions that can cause similar symptoms have to be excluded.
The majority of women with PCOS are overweight or obese but, unfortunately, obesity can worsen the effects of this condition. PCOS increases a woman's risk of a number of complications, including pregnancy-associated and non-pregnancy-associated diabetes and hypertension, other cardiovascular disease and endometrial cancer. She may also be more likely to have depression.
Oral contraceptive
You mentioned that you are on the combined oral contraceptive pill Diane 35. The pill is the recommended treatment for women with PCOS who have irregular menses. However, there is not enough research in the area to determine which particular brand of the pill is best. Therefore, if some of the side effects you are having on this particular brand are bothersome, you may try another brand.
You mentioned your weight and not your height.
A body mass index (BMI) is the measure used to determine if someone is at a healthy weight. However, both height and weight are needed to determine someone's BMI. If you know your height, there are several Internet sites that can help you to calculate your BMI. This can guide you on whether or not you are still overweight. Nevertheless, I would recommend that you continue to eat low-fat foods, vegetables and exercise regularly to help reduce the size of your belly.
Finally, you signed your letter with depressed and this is concerning. I recommend that you discuss all your concerns with your doctor, including the fact that you are depressed.
Dr Monique Rainford is a consulting obstetrician and gynaecologist; email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.