Dr. Shaikh Sadaf
Endocrinology
The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.
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Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
After my first child, I was diagnosed with endometriosis and developed painful periods and cramps. I underwent several laparoscopic removals, but endometriosis had developed on my bladder and bowel and could not be removed. After my second child, the pain became so severe that I had a partial hysterectomy with my ovaries intact. During my hysterectomy, they also found adenomyosis, which caused my uterus to weigh eight pounds. Life was good for a year until I had an ovarian torsion. My left ovary was removed, but my right one remained. All biopsies came back cancer free. However, within four months of ovary removal, I experienced extreme weight gain, acne, mental fog, and joint pain. My gynecologist did an estrogen blood draw and ultrasound. The FSH (follicular stimulating hormone) was 17.1 IU/mL, and the estradiol level was 115 pg/mL. The ultrasound showed several large cysts on my remaining ovary. The doctor has put me on a BCP (birth control pill) and Taytulla, which has helped with the acne and joint pain. However, I am deeply disturbed by the weight gain as I have always been a small lady with 5’2 feet height and 115 to 120 pounds weight. I am now weighing 160 pounds after gaining 10 lbs per month. Restricting my calories to 1200 and exercising has not made a dent in my weight continues to increase. I had a history of thyroid problems and suffered from dry skin, hair falling out in clumps, and extreme fatigue. My current thyroid test reports are normal. During my teenage, I took Ortho tri-cyclen (Ethinyl Estradiol and Norgestimate) to control menstrual cramps. What is causing this weight gain? How to stop gaining weight? Could it be PCOS? Insulin resistance? Lack of Progesterone? Someone recommended a low-carbohydrate diet. Please help.
Thank you.
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
I have read the query, and I can understand your concern.
.
You have many factors contributing to your weight gain. Your ovary was removed, and the other ovary has PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome). Both of these cause insulin resistance leading to weight gain. Besides, you are on oral contraceptives, they also cause weight gain. It is a good thing that your thyroid gland is functioning properly. Do not stress over these things, as they are beyond your control. You cannot do anything about them. I suggest the following measures:
Try to eat healthy with five to seven servings of fruits and vegetables.
Count your calories daily.
Work out by walking for at least 45 to 60 minutes daily to lose weight. If you want to maintain the same weight, then 30 minutes of walk will help with weight maintenance and not loss.
Drink eight to ten glasses of water.
Sleep for seven to eight hours daily. Lack of sleep also contributes to weight gain.
Avoid drinking alcohol.
Stressing overweight will only cause you to lose interest and give up anything you are doing currently.
I hope this will help you.
Thank you.
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Endocrinology
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