QuestionHi
This is more a question about hormones than fertility.
I am 27 and up to a few months ago I have always had a skinny waist, big breasts, big bum and have always been quite hairy on my arms and legs with a few hairs on my chin and face. A few months ago I got ill with a virus and was unwell for a while and after this I noticed a massive increase of fat around my waist. My breasts are the same or smaller but I have love handles and stomach flab I never have had before. My hairiness has also increased a bit and my skin is sagging a little bit more. I feel like this might be hormonal but what could have changed so suddenly? My period is still regular and my diet and stress levels haven't changed.
Any insight would be really appreciated
Thanks
Mel
AnswerHello Melanie from the U.K.
The combination of increased belly fat and facial hair certainly indicates that there could be a hormonal disorder occurring. Since you have normal menstrual cycles, that rules out an ovarian source. The adrenals would be the next endocrine structure to check. Increased facial hair is called "hirsuitism." I would recommend that you go see an endocrinologist for an evaluation before things get worst.
Good Luck,
Dr. Edward J. Ramirez, M.D., FACOG
Executive Medical Director
The Fertility and Gynecology Center
Monterey Bay IVF Program
www.montereybayivf.com
info@montereybayivf.com
Monterey, California, U.S.A.
for additional information check out my blog at http://womenshealthandfertility.blogspot.com check me out on twitter with me at @montereybayivf and facebook @montereybayivf. Skype and internet comprehensive consultations now available via my website for those who want a more extensive evaluation that this site can accommodate. I also now provide an Email Concierge Advisory Service with a 1 year subscription for patients that want easy access to me to answer questions along their journey (women's health, infertility, pregnancy). Contact me at ejrmd@montereybayivf.com if you are interested in continuous access to me.
