what’s going on with my hormones?

[CeriseRibbon]

a few months ago I asked my GP to add PCOS to blood tests she’d ordered anyway as I had the following symptoms:

• really bloody hard to lose weight despite sticking to 1200-1500 Cals a day (well below my TDEE)
• hair getting greasy much quicker than it used to
• leg hair thicker and darker than usual
• bad spots on my chin and neck and back (that antibiotics have slightly improved but not at all fully)
• I have another health condition that makes PCOS much more likely to occur

my testosterone came back fine so I thought ‘well I mustn’t have PCOS then’. Since then, 4 out of my last 5 periods have lasted 3-4 days and have been lighter than usual. They’re usually moderately heavy and last around 6 days. I’m not on any contraception.

does this sound like PCOS, or something else hormone related? and is the testosterone test the only way to diagnose these things?

thanks

Oh I’m in my late 30s if that’s relevant, never been pregnant

hopeful bump!

I’m thinking peri menopause. Do you know how old your mum was when she started ?

thanks for your reply! she was early 40s…

What makes you think early menopause? Rather than something else hormone related? Thanks!

I was diagnosed with pcos but didn’t present with the symptoms you have although I know they are conmen. My periods were non existent and I have excess hair. Anyway it was only diagnosed with a scan as blood test came back fine.

Hard to lose weight and periods changing.
Funnily enough I’ve noticed spots on my shoulders when I’ve never had them there before, and I was never particularly spotty as a teen.

that’s interesting thank you. Do you mind me asking if it was hard to get tests etc? And also if there’s any treatment you were given?

yes I had beautiful skin in my teens and 20s!

I think the only reason I was given the scan was because I hadn’t had a period for over a year. I wasn’t really offered any treatment but told the pill would help. Thankfully by periods became more regular and I was told I could get help when trying for a baby. I managed to fall pregnant natural.

I wouldn't have guessed PCOS based on your periods. Most people I know including myself get absent periods, go months without them, and then really heavy once they arrive.
Some of the other symptoms could be, but it's probably unlikely if testosterone levels were fine.
Did you have your thyroid checked?

It was checked a few months before and was fine apparently. I wondered if my periods were going that way IYSWIM. They’re getting lighter and shorter. Thanks for your reply