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  |  Women's Health  |  Reproductive Health  |  Signs of PCOS
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Signs of PCOS

by Dr Sarah Brewer

question
I'm 23 years old and have been having problems with my periods for about a year. I used to be pretty regular, but that's no longer the case - I now having a period every six to ten weeks.

At first I thought it was the stress from my final year at university, but I've finished now and my periods still haven't gone back to normal.

I have also put on a lot of weight. I've gone from a size 10 to a size 14 and, despite my joining a gym two months ago, I haven't lost a pound. The weight gain has been so sudden that I've started getting stretch marks. I've always been quite small, so I do think that this sudden weight gain is connected to my irregular period pattern.

Also, I don't know if this is in any way connected, but my hair has been falling out, and I've got hair on my stomach and between my breasts. Pregnancy is out of the question since I'm still a virgin.

answer
It is important to seek medical advice as the changes you have noted suggest you may have a hormone imbalance, such as polycystic ovary syndrome. This is associated with irregular or missed periods, weight gain, increased body hair and sometimes acne. It can be treated, but you need to see your doctor for blood tests to confirm the diagnosis. Don't put it off - there's nothing to be embarrassed about.
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