[18F] Concerns about PCOS due to persistent weight issues

Patient Description

An 18-year-old female has been experiencing persistent weight gain for several years, which is not responsive to dietary changes, including eating only one meal a day. She has not identified any methods that alleviate or manage these weight changes. She also suffers from migraines and takes ibuprofen or Advil at a dose of 2 tablets of 800 milligrams as needed. She has been on Adderall 30 milligrams daily since middle school for ADHD. The patient has a second cousin with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), raising concerns about her own symptoms. However, she reports no changes in her menstrual cycle, no excessive hair growth, no skin changes, or hair thinning, which are commonly associated with PCOS. The patient has no known allergies, pre-existing conditions, or chronic illnesses, and she is not taking any other medications, supplements, or herbal remedies.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on your symptoms, the following conditions could be possible:

  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): This condition is characterized by hormonal imbalances that can lead to irregular periods, difficulty losing weight, and sometimes migraines. However, you have not reported other common symptoms such as excessive hair growth or acne.

    • Diagnosis typically involves blood tests to check hormone levels and an ultrasound to look for cysts on the ovaries.
    • Treatment often involves lifestyle changes like diet and exercise, and sometimes medication to manage symptoms or regulate the menstrual cycle.
  • Side effects of Adderall: This medication can sometimes cause headaches and changes in appetite or weight. However, it would be unusual for these side effects to persist for years without changes in dosage or frequency of use.

    • If you suspect this is the cause, you should discuss with your doctor. They may recommend adjusting your dose or trying a different medication.
  • Other hormonal imbalances: Conditions like hypothyroidism can cause difficulty losing weight and irregular periods. However, these conditions typically also cause other symptoms like fatigue, cold intolerance, and constipation.

    • Diagnosis typically involves blood tests to check hormone levels.
    • Treatment involves medication to correct the hormone imbalance.

What you can do

  1. Schedule an appointment with your doctor to discuss your symptoms. They can order the necessary tests to determine the cause of your symptoms.
  2. Keep a record of your symptoms, including when they occur, their severity, and any potential triggers. This can help your doctor in making a diagnosis.
  3. Continue to eat a balanced diet and get regular exercise. Even if it doesn't lead to weight loss, it can help manage other symptoms and improve your overall health.

What you should look out for

  • If your headaches become more frequent or severe
  • If you develop new symptoms, such as excessive hair growth, acne, or fatigue
  • If your periods become more irregular or stop altogether

Remember, I'm an AI and not a doctor. You should seek care from a real health professional to receive a formal diagnosis and treatment.

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1 yr ago

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People Also Ask


Can Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) occur without the common symptoms like irregular periods or excessive hair growth?

Yes, PCOS can present with a variety of symptoms, and not all individuals will experience the same ones. Some may have weight gain and hormonal imbalances without the more classic symptoms like irregular periods or excessive hair growth. A healthcare provider can perform tests to confirm a diagnosis.


Could long-term use of Adderall affect weight and cause persistent headaches?

Adderall can cause changes in appetite and headaches, but these side effects typically do not persist for years without changes in dosage. If you suspect Adderall is affecting your weight or causing headaches, consult your doctor to discuss possible adjustments or alternatives.


What are the signs of hormonal imbalances other than PCOS that could lead to weight gain?

Other hormonal imbalances, such as hypothyroidism, can cause weight gain. Symptoms of hypothyroidism include fatigue, cold intolerance, and constipation. Blood tests can help diagnose these conditions by checking hormone levels.


How can I differentiate between migraines caused by medication and those caused by other factors?

Migraines can be triggered by various factors, including medication, stress, diet, and hormonal changes. Keeping a detailed record of your headaches, including timing, severity, and potential triggers, can help your doctor determine the cause and suggest appropriate treatment.


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